CB Jamyan Theodore committed to Tennessee over Wisconsin for many reasons

Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School cornerback Jamyan Theodore picked up an offer from Tennessee in April and the Vols immediately became the team to beat. Louisville was in the mix. Wisconsin pushed hard on their official visit late in June, but Tennessee and held off the Cardinals and the Badgers for his commitment.

He chose the Vols for many reasons.

“One of the biggest things I love about Tennessee is definitely the fan base,” Theodore told Rivals. “They are heavily involved in the football team and root for them. Along with the fans, I love the culture there with all the alumni. They have a great group of alumni and that speaks about the culture they have there.

“The coaches are amazing as well. I love what they have done in the past and how they develop kids. They have a great way of thinking about the game and that’s something I want to surround myself around. The competitiveness is something I was to be a part of too. I’ll be going against some of the best every day, therefore I will only get better. It is a great group of people around you every day.”

The more he got around Knoxville, the more he knew where he wanted to be.

“Definitely after spending some time off campus, I felt the need to go back there, and I envisioned myself playing and spending time there. I prayed on it a lot, and God answered my prayers.

“I loved Tennessee from the first time I went up there in the spring, and every time I went, I always had the same feeling. That’s when I knew it was home.”

Theodore has strong relationships with the Tennessee coaches

Around two dozen schools offered Theodore. Josh Heupel spent time on the road earlier this year and Theodore was one of the in-state prospects he saw. Along with the head coach, Willie Martinez and Earnest Thomas III were two coaches deeply involved in this recruitment.

“I would definitely say coach Nez or coach ET are coaches I have great relationships with,” Theodore said. “Both of them are the main DB coaches that I talk to and I love the way they think. I think they are hardcore dudes who will be able to coach me up. They will stay on me, but at the same time, they know when to have fun. They are what I need to get better and remind me of my high school DB coach. Both of them have been through the process themselves, so they will be able to relate to the way I feel.”

The 6-foot, 165-pound three-star has visited Knoxville three times. He was the spring game, then he returned for 865 Live in May and he was on his official visit in June. The coaching staff was very consistent.

“Each time, they made me feel like a priority. I talked to all the coaches a lot and they made sure to hold meetings with me and we talked about a lot. I’m very grateful for the way they treated me through the recruitment process, but I know once I step on campus in January, it will be all business and straight to work.”

Playing for Heupel excited Theodore

Heupel is heavily involved in recruiting. The head coach develops relationships with his players and the new commit appreciates that side of the coach he will be going to battle for in the SEC.

“I like the way that coach Heupel is involved with everyone,” Theodore said. “He got along very well with my parents and that made me comfortable. He is big on family and after being on campus for some time, I can see that he takes it very seriously. I like his personality and the way he thinks about football. He’s also a great competitor and that’s what I want in a head coach.”