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KJ McClain talks Tennessee commitment

On3 imageby: Austin Price06/11/25AustinPriceless
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New Jersey safety KJ McClain was in Knoxville last weekend for his official visit and was set to go to Michigan State this weekend. That ended on Wednesday when he committed to Tennessee. He detailed his decision with Volquest ahead of his announcement.

“I chose Tennessee because it’s a great place to be and I felt really comfortable,” McClain said. “I saw that Coach (Heupel) really cares for you his guys.”

He sat down with the staff last weekend and got a feel for how they would use him in Knoxville. He will be a safety here and is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m a versatile player and I can play the post, a half, or I can come down and play the slot,” McClain said. “So they see me as a player that they can plug in anywhere and play.”

He spent a lot of time with defensive coordinator Tim Banks. He really enjoys his laid-back personality and demeanor.

“Coach Banks is a really good person,” McClain said. “I enjoyed the conversations we’ve had involving football and non football, I like how he’s a defensive master mind and he wants guys to go out there and play.”

And then there is long time veteran defensive back coach, Willie Martinez. He likes what he brings to the table in terms of experience.

“Coach Nez is a great guy and I’ve also had great conversations with him too,” McClain said. “He’s always checking up on me and that’s what makes me comfortable going here.”

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel left an impression on both he and his family. They love the culture that Heupel is instilling every year in Knoxville.

“I like that Coach Heupel cares about his guys, and I know that because you ask guys on the team and they said nothing but great things bout him,” McClain said. “I also like that he was always around on my visit. You saw him everywhere and he was always around the family’s/recruits and that’s important to me because I’m a family guy.”

Having his family along for the trip, really put things over the top. They are really bought into Rocky Top.

“It was big for sure,” McClain said. “My dad played college football so he’s knows more than anybody what’s best for me. Overall the family is really excited this is where they wanted me to be and I’m happy that I made this decision.”

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