KNOXVILLE – Tennessee added a fourth offensive lineman to its 2019 recruiting class Wednesday when an in-state prospect chose the Volunteers over Arkansas, Louisville and others.
Melvin McBride, a three-star guard from Whitehaven High School in Memphis, announced his decision on Twitter, referring to himself as “100% Committed to the University of Tennessee.”
The 6-foot-2, 300-pound McBride became the 20th commitment of Tennessee’s 2019 recruiting class. Verbal commitments are nonbinding, and players will first have the opportunity to sign in December.
Congrats @mjmballin on committing to University of Tennessee! You have been a pleasure to work with. Looking forward to a great season at Whitehaven High & success in Knoxville! @WhitehavenTiger @npasports1 @CoachTBarr @NatlPlaymkrsAca https://t.co/iyugw7zZMp
— NPA Sports (@BuckFitz) August 22, 2018
McBride’s commitment continues an early trend in first-year coach Jeremy Pruitt’s recruiting: pursuing linemen and defensive backs. Twelve of the Vols’ 20 commitments are projected to be either linemen or tight ends in college, while five are projected to play defensive back.
With only a few open slots left in the recruiting class, Tennessee has yet to secure a commitment from a running back and has just one wide receiver committed.
Tennessee’s recruiting class ascended to No. 10 in the country and sixth in the Southeastern Conference in the immediate aftermath of McBride’s commitment, according to the 247Sports.com team rankings.
Rivals ranked the class eighth nationally and fifth in the SEC on Wednesday.
Kirkland still limited
Redshirt junior linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr., who missed all of last season with a knee injury, continues to be limited during the periods of practice open to media. Kirkland rode a stationary bike with a brace on his right knee early during practice Wednesday. He did not participate in Tennessee’s scrimmage this past weekend.
The longer Darrin Kirkland Jr. is limited and the more apparent it becomes that J.J. Peterson will be a non-factor this season, the more Tennessee has to hope that sophomore LB Will Ignont has taken a big step forward under the new staff.
— David Cobb (@DavidWCobb) August 22, 2018
Redshirt junior offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy, who appears to be on track to start at center, also worked through conditioning drills with the training staff Wednesday while other offensive linemen went through drills. Sophomore offensive linemen Marcus Tatum and redshirt sophomore Kenneth George Jr. also worked with the training staff.
Redshirt junior Jauan Jennings, who has been limited in some recent practices, participated in wide receiver drills Wednesday, though he appeared to be operating at less than full speed.
Special guests
A scout from the New York Jets roamed the sideline Wednesday and watched linebackers during the open period of practice. Athletic director Phillip Fulmer also watched practice along with a few guests. Among them was Charlie Anderson, the program booster for whom the Anderson Training Center on campus is named.
Contact David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DavidWCobb and on Facebook at facebook.com/volsupdate.