Ad Disclosure
Can Butch Jones clean house in the Volunteer State for the Class of 2016’s top prospects?
He’s on the right track according to most recruiting analysts.
After signing the top three in-state players in last year’s class headlined by five-star DE Kyle Phillips, Tennessee is looking to reload with at least four four-star talents on defense in its own backyard next February including Daniel Bituli, a top linebacker target.
Only one of the state’s Top 10 players is currently verbally committed to the Vols and that’s 6-foot-6, 277-pound tackle Ryan Johnson. Johnson committed in July, but Alabama has remained in contact.
Early projections indicate Tennessee will land at least six in-state four-stars.
The Vols are trending for pro-style passer Tylin Oden who hasn’t listed a favorite, moreso now following Austin Kendall’s recent decommitment.
| Player | Rating | Position | 247 Sports Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Daniel Bituli | 4-star | OLB | Tennessee |
| 2. Emmit Gooden | 4-star | DE | Tennessee |
| 3. Joejuan Williams | 4-star | CB | Tennessee |
| 4. Donte Vaughn | 4-star | CB | Tennessee |
| 5. Bryce Matthews | 4-star | OT | Texas A&M |
| 6. Ryan Johnson | 4-star | OT | Tennessee* |
| 7. Nygel Edmonds | 4-star | CB | N/A |
| 8. Tylin Oden | 4-star | Pro-QB | Tennessee |
| 9. Dillon Mitchell | 3-star | WR | Oregon* |
| 10. Gabe Angel | 3-star | TE | Ole Miss* |
*Already committed.
