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