2027 4-star DL Kadin Fife commits to Tennessee: 'Rocky Top is the place to be'

Kadin Fife didn’t expect to commit this early, but the 2027 four-star defensive lineman out of Somerville (Ga.) Chattooga said everything eventually pointed him toward Tennessee. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound standout chose the Vols over Auburn, Georgia Tech, and Texas A&M.

“I have gone back and forth a little, but Tennessee has been high on my list for a long time,” Fife told Rivals. “Tennessee offered me in March and they have been very consistent. They kept in contact with me, they made me feel important, and I felt like a priority for Tennessee.”

A major part of that connection came from head coach Josh Heupel.

“Coach Heupel reached out a lot. He was always calling me. We talked a lot, and him recruiting me like he did made me feel special. He’s a great guy, very understanding, and he coaches hard. He recruits well and he has Tennessee winning.”

A game-day visit for Tennessee–Georgia pushed the Vols toward the top for the No. 167 prospect in the Rivals300.

“That visit was great,” Fife said. “The fans at Tennessee are the loudest in college football. It’s always a great atmosphere. It’s different up there and exciting to think about playing in front of fans like Tennessee’s at Neyland Stadium.”

Another key factor was defensive line coach Rodney Garner.

“Rodney Garner is a great coach — very smart and he pushes his players hard. He’s different on the field than off the field. He knows how to flip that switch. Coach G makes his players dogs. He sees a lot in me, and we have a good relationship.”

In the end, it was the combination of relationships, development, and fit that sold Fife on Tennessee.

“I love Tennessee’s fans. They are so loyal,” he said. “The coaching staff is great, they’re great people, and they’re doing a great job. It’s an overall great program and they produce defensive linemen. Relationships matter a lot to me, and I have the best ones with Tennessee.”

Even though he didn’t expect to decide this early, once everything aligned, the choice became clear.

“I really didn’t think I would commit this early,” Fife said. “But Tennessee is the best place. Rocky Top is the place to be. I just knew it.”