On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 7, Tennessee EDGE signee Jordan Ross
On3 has released its final recruiting ranking for the 2024 class after the completion of the high school football season and all-star competitions. Birmingham (Ala.) Vestavia Hills five-star EDGE and Tennessee signee Jordan Ross is the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2024 On300.
The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 32 five-star players, up from 21 in the penultimate update in November. Of those 32 prospects, 29 are signed to college programs, with three still yet to make their decisions official.
This final update comes after the end of the high school playoffs and postseason All-American games, where top prospects across the country faced off in a week of practices and ended with nationally televised games.
The 6-foot-4.5, 215-pound Ross committed to the Volunteers on Aug. 21, choosing them over Alabama, Florida and Texas.
“At different times, I did have Florida up there and Texas was high too. After the official visit to Tennessee is when Tennessee moved ahead of those two schools,” Ross told On3. “It was that family feeling there that made a big difference for me. “Coach Heupel, Coach Harbin and Coach Ekeler made me feel at home. They took me around, we hung out at the lake and that feeling was different for me. That is what pushed Tennessee to the top.”
Ross’ relationships with Josh Heupel and the Vols’ staff were big in his decision. Outside linebacker coach Mike Ekeler and defensive line coach Rodney Garner also helped lead Tennessee’s push for the blue-chipper.
“Coach Heupel has been very involved with me,” Ross said. “We have talked for a long time. He was in contact with me a lot and that meant a lot to me. Usually it is a position coach that recruits guys, so Coach Heupel recruiting me so hard made a big impact on me. He showed me I was important and I really go to know him.”
Jordan Ross Scouting Summary
On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about Ross as a prospect:
“Athletic EDGE prospect with the physical ability to develop into a dangerous pass rusher. Measured in 6-foot-4.5, 215 pounds with a 33.5-inch arm prior to his senior season. Registers as a top athlete in the combine setting. Lines up all over the field for his high school. Works on the edge and as an off-ball linebacker at times. Makes most of his plays as a pursuit defender, using his athleticism and range to track down plays from sideline-to-sideline. Has palpable burst and play speed. Needs to improve his technical skill as a pass rusher and increase his play strength, base and anchor. Flashes his athleticism as a basketball player. Younger for the cycle with a May birthday.”