One of Tennessee’s top targets for the 2019 recruiting cycle may be trending toward the program at the perfect time for Jeremy Pruitt and company.

After taking over on Rocky Top last December, Pruitt’s Tennessee staff has been frequent visitors to Harding University in Charlotte for one reason, arguably the nation’s best athlete hails from the school. Quavaris Crouch, who was rated as a five-star for much of the season but is currently rated as a four-star after dealing with injuries during his senior season, has now returned the favor and showed up in Knoxville for the biggest recruiting weekend of the year for the Vols.

Keep in mind, this is an unofficial visit, so Tennessee did not pay Crouch’s transportation to Knoxville.

If you were unaware, Wednesday is the start of the early signing period. The 72-hour period will run until Friday before ending. During this period, high school prospects can sign with their school of choice. If they waive that right, they can still sign during the traditional National Signing Day in February.

Tennessee is currently hosting the vast majority of its commitments this weekend, along with the likes of Crouch, five-star offensive lineman Darnell Wright, four-star running backs Noah Cain and Eric Gray as well as U.S. Army All-American receiver Jaylen Ellis.

The biggest surprise of that list is Crouch, who many assumed was destined to sign with Clemson but now may be eyeing a different shade of orange. Tennessee’s coaching staff visited Crouch leading up to this weekend, perhaps in an effort to get him on campus one final time before the early signing day. If indeed that was the case, the move worked as North Carolina’s top prospect made his way to Knoxville for the weekend.

Crouch and Ellis both plan on making their final decision during the 2019 U.S. Army All-American Game with live commitments on NBC.

Crouch was excited to share the news, as he posted several videos of himself visiting Tennessee on his Instagram account:

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Crouch could play running back or outside linebacker/defensive end in college and while Tennessee would likely allow him to play either position, Crouch has said he plans to play defense at the next level. 247Sports Composite Rankings list Crouch as the No. 39 overall prospect in the nation.

With his final choice down to Clemson, Michigan, and Tennessee, the Vols have to like where they are following the final weekend leading up to the early signing period. Considering Pruitt’s defense is desperate to add pass rushing help, Crouch could be the final piece that takes Tennessee’s class from good to great — along with potential additions of Eric Gray and Darnell Wright.