Intel: Tennessee adds two top targets to class, battling for more coveted recruits

Tennessee is building recruiting momentum with landing several top targets over the last few days.

The latest to jump in the fold were blue-chip linebacker TJ White and his Jackson (Miss.) Academy teammate in four-star Dereon Albert.

White and Albert add to a flurry of commits for Josh Heupel and the Vols that also includes electric four-star receiver Legend Bey, four-star edge Kedric Golston II and in-state defensive back Zaydyn Anderson.

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound White is the nation’s No. 5 linebacker and has all the traits to be all-SEC on the next level. He racked up 102 tackles, including 21 stops for loss and 11 sacks as a junior. The sideline-to-sideline thumper and three-sport athlete (basketball and track) defended four passes and forced two fumbles. 

The 6-foot-1, 305-pound Albert has lived in the opponent’s backfield over his first three varsity campaigns, registering 61.5 stops for loss and 22 sacks over that span. He creates havoc around the line of scrimmage and deflected seven passes as well.

Under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, Tennessee has fielded some of the best units in the country and White and Albert can help maintain the standard.

Tennessee is up to 15 commits in the class with in-state cornerback Jamyan Theodore also expected to jump in soon.

Who could be next? Rivals has the latest buzz and intel.

5-star RB Savion Hiter is the top player on the board

Rivals’ No. 1 running back, five-star Savion Hiter, has his final four of Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State and Tennessee, but for a long time we’ve felt this is coming down to the Wolverines and Vols. Michigan has always been a front-runner, but no program has gained more ground this year in the recruitment than Tennessee. 

The Vols’ push continues with Hiter and the dialogue remains consistent.

Athlete recruits with a keen eye on Tennessee

During the spring and now summer, Ogden (Utah) Fremont athlete Salesi Moa has had Tennessee among his leaders. Over the weekend it looked like the Vols were in the top two with Utah. Michigan and Michigan State continue to battle as well. Moa’s older brother plays for the Spartans so the family certainly isn’t against anyone spreading their wings. Tennessee is pushing the opportunity to be a difference-maker as a wide receiver and defensive back, and the plan is very enticing.

Tennessee and Vanderbilt make up the top two for The Webb School (Tenn.) athlete Joel Wyatt. My prediction remains on the Vols as Wyatt continues to work through things regarding his process.

Tennessee working to get a coveted LB home

Tennessee has been the assumed leader for much of the process for Marietta (Ga.) Kell four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse. Texas is challenging down the stretch. A decision is likely not too far off and the Vols are going to have to battle to hold off the Longhorns.

Rouse is the No. 7 linebacker and No. 100 prospect overall.

More UT quick hitters

Offensive line remains a point of emphasis and four-star offensive tackle JB Shabazz is in regular contact. The Vols have made up a lot of ground with another four-star in Kamari Blair as they battle South Carolina. Five-star Darius Gray isn’t expected to make a decision anytime soon. The Vols are still working to get in the lead group.

Tennessee is not going to stop recruiting four-star edge rushers Tristian Givens and Hezekiah Harris, who are committed to Texas A&M and Auburn, respectively.

The Vols remain the favorite for in-state receiver Javonte Smith and defensive lineman Darryl Rivers. I have joined Rivals’ Chad Simmons in predicting Rivers to UT.