Tennessee Volunteers: 2024 commit breakdown
Tennessee is once again looking to finish with a top-15 recruiting class under Josh Heupel.
As of Dec. 14, Tennessee currently has 19 commitments, 10 of whom are projected to play on the offensive side of the ball, while nine are expected to play defense.
The Volunteers’ class checks in at No. 13 in the nation and No. 8 in the SEC, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking.
Tennessee Class Breakdown
Tennessee’s class consists of one five-stars, 12 four-stars and six three-star prospects. The lone five-stars committed to the Vols is Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews. Birmingham (Ala.) Vestavia Hills four-star EDGE Jordan Ross flanks as the other top-100 prospect in the class.
Six additional top-200 recruits are committed to Heupel and Tennessee: Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger, Aiken (S.C.) Strom Thurmond four-star WR Braylon Staley, Chattanooga (Tenn.) Bradley Central four-star athlete Boo Carter, Nashville Lipscomb Academy four-star cornerback Kaleb Beasley, Sugar Land (Texas) Fort Bend Christian four-star offensive tackle Bennett Warren and Salem (Va.) four-star running back Peyton Lewis.
Four-star and five-star prospects are rated as ‘blue-chip’ prospects — Tennessee’s class sits at No. 6 nationally in blue-chip percentage at 68.42%. The average distance of a Tennessee recruit’s hometown to Knoxville is 330.8 miles and 32% of the class hails from the state of Tennessee.
Top Commit: WR Mike Matthews
The 6-foot-0.5, 180-pound Matthews is the highest-ranked overall and offensive commitment for the Volunteers this cycle, ranking as the nation’s No. 22 overall prospect and No. 6 wide receiver. He pledged to the Vols on July 19.
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:
“Two-way playmaker with high-end athleticism, length and coordination who has blossomed into one of the better receiver prospects in the 2024 cycle. Measured at 6-foot-0.5, and close to 190 pounds prior to his senior season. Has a big frame and very good length for the position with a 32.75-inch arm and 9.75-inch hand. Lines up at both receiver and safety for Parkview High. Pairs that length with advanced coordination to result in a considerable catch radius. Has shown the ability to win in contested situations on Friday nights and in 7-on-7 settings. Makes difficult catches and adjusts to poorly thrown balls. Has the burst and speed to separate on vertical routes.
…A bouncy athlete who doubles as a standout basketball player in high school and on the AAU circuit. Had a number of big games against top competition as a junior. Caught 48 passes for 1,030 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2022. Throws down impressive dunks on the hardwood. Still developing as a route-runner, given he was more of an athlete and safety prospect early on in his high school career. Had some concentration drops as a junior. Upside for the position is high given his overall skill package and room for continued development.”
Top Defense Commit: EDGE Jordan Ross
The 6-foot-4.5, 215-pound Ross is the highest-ranked pledge for the Volunteers on the defensive side, checking in as the No. 34 overall prospect and the No. 5 EDGE. He committed to Tennessee on Aug. 21 and has since gained five-star status.
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him:
“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.”