4-star LB Edwin Spillman sets commitment date, names top two schools

Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy four-star linebacker Edwin Spillman announced a top six of  Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee and UAB in April. Now that list is down to two.

Spillman will pick between Ohio State and Tennessee with a commitment date of July 21.

“My relationship with the coaches at each school is what it comes down to,” Spillman told On3. “I’ve known the coaches since I was a freshman. Both Ohio State and Tennessee have loved me and wanted to get me as both a player and a young man.

“I’ve been drawn to those two since the beginning and why I want to put my focus into them.”

One of Spillman’s first offers following his freshman year was from Tennessee. A few months later he attended a camp at Ohio State and picked up an offer from the Buckeyes.

Spillman’s visited Columbus four or five times since then and says he falls in love with the school more with each trip.

“The coaches they have up there are great people, great coaches and they want to see their players succeed,” said Spillman, the No. 278 player in the 2024 class. “They love to compete and push each other which what I like. The brand also really stands out.

“If you go and watch Ohio State, everyone knows they’re a great football school and producing top players.”

Tennessee has a familiar feel for Spillman

Spillmay may hold the Buckeyes in high-regard but the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) currently has Tennessee as the team to beat in his recruitment. He’s visited Knoxville several times already and has some personal ties tie the Vols.

One of Spillman’s teammates and best friends in four-star cornerback Kaleb Beasley is currently committed to the Volunteers. Edwin’s older brother Nate will be a freshman at Tennessee in the fall.

Spillman says that having his older brother there helps Tennessee’s cause a lot but he’s going to make the decision that fits him best. He has a great relationship with the Vols coaching staff and appreciates the message they have for him about coming to Knoxville and making a name for himself.

“Their message is also that if I want to come, make a name for myself and be able to play, UT is the spot,” Spillman said. “They really want me. The defensive coaches and the linebackers coach have a track record of sending players to the NFL.

“They showed that to me last weekend. It was surreal to see that but really awesome.”