KNOXVILLE – With the arrival of national signing day, the highest drama for Tennessee appears to involve the cornerback positions and a pair of linebackers with plenty of suitors.
First-year Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt signed 14 players during December’s early signing period, but some of the final spots in the recruiting class still appeared unsettled heading into today.
Tennessee’s highest-rated unsigned commitment, linebacker JJ Peterson, has been strongly pursued by Alabama in recent days. Peterson’s high school coach at Colquitt County (Ga.) High School, Rush Propst, told AL.com, “I think it’s a dead heat right now, 50-50” between the Volunteers and the Crimson Tide.
However, the Vols also have worked their way into the mix with another highly regarded linebacker from southern Georgia: Quay Walker, who has committed to Alabama. Both Walker and Peterson are considered to be among the nation’s top 50 prospects, according to 247Sports.
Their decisions could make the difference in whether Tennessee’s first signing class under Pruitt is considered a resounding success or merely a salvage job after a coaching transition.
Tennessee’s pursuit of several highly regarded cornerbacks presents another variable that could affect the final ranking of the recruiting class. Late-blooming Brainerd High School defensive back Joseph Norwood appeared to be on the cusp of receiving a scholarship offer from the Vols after a weekend visit. However, the Tennessee coaches made it clear that they were waiting to see what happens with their pursuit of several of the nation’s top cornerback prospects before offering another scholarship.
Three-star prospect Brandon Davis is the only committed cornerback in Tennessee’s class right now as it tries to replace the four primary cornerbacks from its 2017 roster.
Pruitt is scheduled to meet with media at 4 p.m. to discuss the day’s yields before attending a signing day celebration event at the Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville during the evening. Pruitt will continue the celebration tour with appearances Thursday in Memphis and Nashville.
How much there is to celebrate is still to be determined.
Combine invitees
Four former Tennessee football players have been invited to the NFL combine in early March. John Kelly, Rashaan Gaulden, Khalil McKenzie and Trevor Daniel will each have a chance to work out for NFL scouts at the annual event, according to NFL.com.
Three of the four are juniors – Kelly, Gaulden and McKenzie – leaving school early to play professionally.
Kelly was the Vols’ leading rusher in 2017 while Gaulden was the team’s most consistent defensive back. McKenzie had 35 tackles and two sacks from his defensive tackle position.
Daniel ended his Tennessee career as the school’s all-time leader in yards per punt (45.9). He is one of seven punters who have been invited to the combine, according to NFL.com.
Contact David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DavidWCobb and on Facebook at facebook.com/volsupdate.