Breaking: Tennessee beats Kentucky for 4-star EDGE Joshua Josephs

Late in the summer, the buzz behind the scenes had Michigan as the favorite for On3 Consensus four-star Joshua Josephs.

That was true. And the Wolverines finished third for the no. 7 EDGE in the On3 rankings.

But this came down to two SEC programs, Kentucky and Tennessee.

“It was close, and this was a tough decision, but I am committed to Tennessee,” Josephs. “Tennessee got involved in March, they started applying pressure right away, and they showed me they wanted me.

“It took me time to get to know them, to warm up to them, and over time, I just felt Tennessee was the best school for me.”

Over the last couple of months, the race between the Wildcats and Vols went back and forth. The more Josephs thought about it though, he figured out Knoxville is where he wants to be.

“Both schools had great plans for me and I like coaches at Kentucky and Tennessee, but it just felt right with Tennessee.

“From their game-plan for me, to what they are building, how they have recruited me, and just what I can do there overall, put Tennessee at the top.

“The future there is bright for me at Tennessee. I really believe that.”

Josephs sees Heupel and Tennessee doing big things

Josh Heupel has exceeded expectations of most in year one at Tennessee. He has the Vols with a 6-5 record, he beat a couple of ranked teams, and Josephs feels his future school is on the right track.

“This season has been great and big things are coming,” Josephs said. “They need more depth, and it is coming, but the offense is scary.

“It is very explosive, it can score a lot of points, and I like what coach Heupel is building.”

Josephs is commitment no. 15 for the Vols and he is ready to help the staff add more.

“We have some big things happening in recruiting. I am talking to some players, and I don’t want to say names, but there is more coming.

“Some top recruits will be picking Tennessee. I am already working on them.”

The recruitment for Josephs is over

Recruiting was not easy for Josephs to handle the last six months. He was close to committing a couple of different times, going back to the summer.

His final four consisted of Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, and UCF before committing to the Vols. It might look easy to some, but it wasn’t for Josephs.

“It was so stressful,” Josephs said. “I was stressed, my mom was confused about the schools, and it was not easy.

“Michigan was definitely on top June and July, then Kentucky and Tennessee really went to battle starting early in September. I was leaning to both of them at different times before making my decision.

“Tennessee pulled away the last few weeks and I am so relieved to be committed.”

He gave Tennessee the news Sunday, November 17. Linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary received the call.

“I told coach BJ about my decision, then he released it to all the coaches, and everyone was hyped-up about it.

“I thought about the decision every day, it had me stressed, so to be committed, I think everyone is happy about it.”

Josephs is not only excited about the team he gets to be a part of, and the coaches he gets to play for, but what lies ahead of him both on and off the field in Knoxville.

“I am most excited about the overall future at Tennessee. From the fans to the experience in college, to the life every day, to playing on game-day… It is exciting to think about what is coming.

“I feel great about my decision and I have no doubts about it being at Tennessee.”

The commitment of Josephs moves Tennessee up from No. 24 to No. 20 class in the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings.