Jeremy Pruitt and his coaching staff pulled off a major coup during the final day of the early signing period by landing the signature of elite North Carolina prospect Quavaris Crouch over Clemson and Michigan.

Despite being one of Tennessee’s top targets for over a year, Crouch’s recruitment certainly had its ups and downs for the Vols, as Pruitt’s program went from the perceived favorite, to nearly being out of the running during the fall to finally swooping in late and gaining momentum leading up to the early signing period.

In the end, the recruit rated No. 1 in the nation by Rivals entering the fall will indeed wind up on Rocky Top. But before arriving in Knoxville, Crouch will finish out his high school career in the 2019 U.S. Army All-American Game from San Antonio. Crouch missed the majority of his senior season due to a hip injury, so his performance during the week of practice and ultimately the game this weekend will be among the major storylines to watch from the game.

Formerly a running back, Crouch will play linebacker for the Vols. Following his signing, Pruitt noted that Crouch can play any of the four linebacker spots in the Tennessee defense. Crouch will be an early enrollee and arrive on Rocky Top in the coming weeks for winter conditioning and spring practice.

The bond between Crouch and Pruitt appears to be a tight one already, as Tennessee’s star defensive signee was willing to show off his impression of his future head coach during his week down in San Antonio.

Check out video of Crouch’s Pruitt impersonation below, courtesy of 247Sports: