Tennessee’s 2020 recruiting class just added another big piece on Wednesday as one of the fastest defensive back prospects on the east coast has pledged to join Jeremy Pruitt’s program.

The latest recruit to pledge his services to the Tennessee program is Washington, DC native Mordecai McDaniel of St. John’s College High School. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back ranks as a three-star recruit and the No. 33 safety prospect in the nation by 247Sports Composite Rankings. McDaniel picked Tennessee over finalist Florida and Penn State.

To give you an idea of McDaniel’s speed, the Maryland product is expected to run track for Tennessee, in addition to his duties on the football field in Pruitt’s program. While he may not see the field as a defender immediately upon his arrival on Rocky Top, there’s no doubt McDaniel should play on special team as a freshman while he battles his way up the depth chart during his collegiate career.

Also worth noting for Tennessee fans, McDaniel is currently a teammate of five-star receiver Rakim Jarrett, who is committed to LSU but remains on Tennessee’s radar as a key target in a receiving corps set to lose four seniors next offseason.

Following this news, Tennessee is up to 15 total commitments for the 2020 recruiting cycle. The Volunteer class ranks No. 22 nationally with McDaniel joining the fold, with Tennessee jumping Kentucky with this news.

Tennessee’s 2020 Recruiting Class

[table “” not found /]

To get an idea of what McDaniel could potentially bring to Rocky Top, check out his junior season highlight reel with St. John’s College High School. His speed on the field will definitely jump out at you.