Just last month, Tennessee wrapped up a second consecutive top-10 recruiting class, finishing in the top five of all the major recruiting service rankings. While Vols fans expect big things on the field in 2015, it’s time for the coaching staff to start to look ahead to the 2016 class.

After hauling in some big stars in the last two recruiting cycles, who is Tennessee looking at for 2016? We take a look at some of the Vols’ top targets.

  • Nigel Warrior, S, four-star, Atlanta — The Volunteers have a major need at safety in the next recruiting class with Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil both graduation. Warrior, the No. 6 safety in the class, is a player Butch Jones and his staff have targeted for several years already. Warrior’s father played for Tennessee, so the Vols have an in there, but they’ll have to fend off several SEC elites to land Warrior.
  • Daniel Bituli, OLB, four-star, Nashville — The top propsect in Tennessee would be a big get for Jones and his defense. Bituli has recently said Ole Miss is his top choice, but Tennessee will have a chance to swipe him away from their border rival. The No. 9 OLB in the country already has good size at 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, and his explosiveness leads some to believe he could be a pass rushing force.
  • Joejuan Williams, CB, four-star, Nashville — The Vols would love to keep one of the best players in Tennessee close to home next year. A big cornerback, listed at 6-foot-2 and close to 200 pounds already, Williams could end up playing either corner or safety once he hits the college ranks. The Vols will have serious competition from a slew of SEC West schools, including LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss.
  • Derrick Brown, DT, five-star, Buford, Ga. — Tennessee beefed up big time along the defensive line, but that won’t stop them from chasing the top player in Georgia and one of the top 20 players in the nation. At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Brown has good footwork and an ability to move around the line. He already has an offer in hand from Tennessee, as well as several other major national programs.
  • Mecole Hardman, ATH, four-star, Elberton, Ga. — A high school cornerback, Hardman is one of the top athlete prospects in the nation. At 5-foot-11, he has good enough size to play receiver, which is what the Vols are recruiting him to play. Hardman has visited Knoxville several times over the last year, and has consistently referred to Tennessee as one of his favorites.