Vols Finish Top 5 Class

For many months now, there was a question surrounding the University of Tennessee’s recruiting class, “Can they finish with a top 5 class (nationally)?” Well the answer is an astounding… yes.

Not only did Butch Jones and company finish the day with a top 5 recruiting class, but for most of the day on National Signing Day, it appeared that they would haul in a top 3 class nationally. As it was, Tennessee would haul in 4 five-star recruits, their most in any one recruiting class since 2007, and more than the last 4 recruiting classes (’11, ’12, ’13, ’14) combined.

Tennessee’s class finished at #5 Nationally (Rivals), but maybe more importantly finished 2nd in the SEC, behind only Alabama. Highlighted by Kahlil McKenzie , 5-star defensive tackle, meet team 119:

 

Drew Richmond- 5-Star- Offensive Tackle

Memphis, TN

6’5”-323lbs

Richmond decommitted from Ole Miss on the day before NSD. Signed with Vols on NSD.

Kyle Phillips– 5-Star- Defensive End

Nashville, TN

6’3”- 259lbs

Committed to UT during the Army All-American game. Chose Vols over LSU,Florida, and Florida State

Kahlil Mckenzie-5-Star-Defensive Tackle

Concord, CA

6’4”-340lbs

The biggest recruiter, besides Coach Jones, McKenzie is one of the main reasons for this great class. Chose Tennessee over Alabama, Florida, and Ohio State.

Alvin Kamara-5-Star- Running Back

Hutchison, KS

5’11”-200lbs

Kamara, the 2nd 5 star RB in as many years, played one season for Alabama before transferring to Hutchison Community College. Chose the Vols over ,SEC east rival, Georgia.

Preston Williams-4-Star- Wide Receiver

Hampton, GA

6’3”-186lbs

Rated a 5-Star on some recruiting sites, Williams is a home run guy for “Wide Receiver U”. Chose Tennessee over Auburn.

Shy Tuttle-4-Star- Defensive Tackle

Lexington, NC

6’2”- 308lbs

Tuttle, a high motor guy that is expected to give the Vols reps in 2015, chose the Tennessee over NC State, Florida State, and South Carolina.

Quart’e Sapp-4-Star-Outside Linebacker

Alpharetta, GA

6’1”- 197lbs

Sapp is a “freakish” athlete who just happens to play outside backer. Participated in the slam dunk contest at Arby’s Classic in Bristol while Jefferson County was there. Chose Vols over Miami (FL)

Zach Stewart-4-Star- Offensive Lineman

Coalfield, TN

6’4”- 320lbs

Committed to Vols for nearly 22 months, Tennessee was a no brainer for Stewart who dreamed of this since 4th grade. Chose Vols over Vanderbilt.

Darrell Taylor-4-Star- Defensive End

Hopewell, VA

6’4”- 220lbs

Chose Vols over Notre Dame, Florida, and Virginia Tech.

Darrin Kirkland Jr.-4-Star- Linebacker

Indianapolis, IN

6’1”- 233lbs

Chose Volunteers over Michigan and Oklahoma

Jack Jones-4-Star- Offensive Lineman

Murfreesboro, TN

6’4”- 300lbs

Another recruiter for the Vols as well, chose the Vols over Alabama and Georgia

Jauan Jennings-4-Star- Quarterback

Murfreesboro, TN

6’4”- 180lbs

Regarded by many as an “athlete playing quarterback”, Jennings proved his worth during his senior season at Blackman (HS) and was heavily recruited. He picked the Vols over Auburn, Alabama, Ohio State, and Mississippi State.

Quinten Dormady-4-star- Quarterback

Boerne, TX

6’4”- 210lbs

The injury bug was the only thing keeping Dormady from being a 5-Star recruit. Chose the Vols over Oklahoma State and Alabama.

Andrew Butcher-4-Star- Defensive End

Alpharetta, GA

6’2”- 250lbs

Highly touted defensive lineman who picked the Vols over Alabama, Stanford, and Wisconsin.

Venzell Boulware-4-Star- Offensive Lineman

Fairburn, GA

6’3”- 295lbs

Really the only player that the Tennessee staff was worried about possibly flipping to Ohio State.

Sheriron Jones-4-Star- Quarterback

Moreno Valley, CA

6’3”- 190lbs

Really a surprise considering the Vols already had 2 quarterback’s in this class, Jones decommitted from Florida after Muschamp was fired.

Justin Martin-4-Star- Cornerback

Miami, OK

6’2”- 192lbs

The 2nd of two JUCO signing’s in this class, Martin chose Tennessee over Auburn, Florida, and Georgia.

Micah Abernathy– 3-Star- Defensive Back

Norcross, GA

6’1”- 181lbs

Stephen Griffin-3-Star- Defensive Back

Charlotte, NC

6’3”-190lbs

Chance Hall-3-Star- Offensive Lineman

Roanoke, VA

6’4”- 290lbs

John Kelly-3-Star-Athlete/Running Back

Oak Park, MI

5’10”- 191lbs

The old saying ‘speed kills’ applies to John Kelly, maybe the fastest guy in this class for the Vols

Darrell Miller-3-Star- Defensive Back

Cedar Hill, TX

5’10”- 171lbs

Kyle Oliver-3-Star- Tight End

Murfreesboro, TN

6’4”- 226lbs

Great size, could be crucial in both the running game and passing game.

Quay Picou-3-Star- Defensive End

Buford, GA

6’3”- 260lbs

Regarded by many to be the most underrated prospect on Tennessee’s board.

Austin Smith-3-star- Outside Linebacker

Buford, GA

6’3”- 220lbs

High School teammate of Quay Picou

Tommy Townsend-3-Star- Kicker

Orlando, FL

6’1”- 175lbs

Rated the #1 kicker in the country.

Riley Lovingood-2-Star- Offensive Lineman

Hendersonville, TN

6’1”- 240lbs

Brought in to be a long snapper. Attended the same high school as Jalen Hurd.

Volunteering to Blue Shirt to save spots in this class

Jocquez Bruce-3-Star- Athlete

Knoxville, TN

5’10”- 168lbs

From Jefferson County rival South-Doyle High School, will most likely play defensive back in college.

Vincent Perry-3-Star-Athlete

Nashville, TN

5’10”- 175lbs

Source: Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports