First commit of the Jeremy Pruitt era: All-American Alontae Taylor picks Tennessee over Georgia
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During his introductory Tennessee press conference, Jeremy Pruitt proclaimed the program’s rise would start in recruiting. Less than a week later, Pruitt has landed his first commitment for the Vols in Under Armour All-American receiver Alontae Taylor. Taylor is expected to sign during the early signing period next week and enroll early at Tennessee.
Ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 5 overall recruit from Tennessee by 247Sports, Taylor is now the Vols’ highest-ranked offensive commitment. He was a longtime Tennessee commit under Butch Jones, but following the team’s struggles this season, he opened up his recruitment and gave Georgia, Louisville and Wake Forest a chance to sway him to their side.
Taylor ended his recruitment once and for all Wednesday with the following post:
https://twitter.com/TaeTaylor6/status/940970869920280579
The 6-foot, 184-pound Manchester, Tenn., native could play both sides of the ball at the next level but will arrive at Tennessee expecting to play receiver for a team desperate for explosive playmakers. Not only has Taylor been invited to the Under Armour All-American Game, he was also a participant in Nike’s The Opening Finals last summer.
Tennessee now has 12 total commitments for the 2018 recruiting cycle following Taylor’s pledge. His commitment bumps UT’s class from the No. 39 spot to No. 32 in the nation.
Taylor’s senior season highlight showcases his playmaking ability in all three phases of the game and at multiple positions, including at receiver, defensive back, quarterback and returner:
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
