Tennessee leads for several prospects following 865 Live Recruiting Extravaganza
Tennessee had a few of their top targets on campus over the weekend for their 865 Live recruiting extravaganza, where top targets get a chance to hang out with Josh Heupel and his staff in a laid-back recruiting setting.
News, notes and buzz coming out of the weekend.
Vols still lead for top target
Lyons (Ga.) Toombs County On300 safety Lagonza Hayward was one of the prospects head coach Josh Heupel and his staff were very excited to see again.
The Vols are the On3 RPM favorite for Hayward and nothing has changed with the pulse of his process.
Hayward maintained Tennessee is the one to beat.
“It was a great environment for me to bond and chill with other recruits,” Hayward said. “It was very fun and competitive and some learning experiences.”
Hayward will be back for his official visit the weekend of June 21 following trips to USC and Florida in the weekends prior.
The On3 Industry tabs Hayward as the nation’s No. 12 safety and No. 111 prospect overall. On3 slots him at No. 7 and No. 82 respectively.
Tennessee leads for another DB
Columbia (SC) Heathwood Hall Episcopal touted cornerback Onis Konanbanny says Tennessee is now his leader among a group that also includes Florida State, North Carolina, Penn State and LSU.
“It was incredible,” Konanbanny said. “It was fun.”
The Vols were one of the initial programs to pursue the 6-foot-2, 170-pound Konanbanny.
“Tennessee was like my first SEC school to offer me,” Konanbanny said. “We’ve been building a great relationship since then.”
Konanbanny says the fit in the secondary really excites me.
“How they say they’re going to use me at corner,” Konanbanny said. “Playing nickel. That’s a great fit for me. I just want to be versatile.
“Right now they’re in the lead. I really like them.”
LSU is looking like the biggest challenger to Tennessee heading into the officials.
In-state targets high on potential future in Knoxville
Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School running back Shekai Mills-Knight has Tennessee in his lead group alongside the likes of Miami, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and Ohio State.
“Was welcoming,” Mills-Knight said. “They’re like a big family. The whole staff was welcoming and fun, competitive too. Environment was exciting. Got to meet a lot of big-time players and it excites me knowing I may end up playing with such a strong group.
“I feel like the resources there compared to other schools are unmatched.”
Brentwood (Tenn.) Ravenwood uber-athletic defensive back Donovan Starr has seen Tennessee ramp things up in their courtship.
“It was good,” Starr said. “We did a ton of fun activities and got to talk to Coach Heup and Coach Nez a lot also. Overall great environment and they showed tons of love. The coaching staff and fan base excite me the most about Tennessee.
“Tennessee has come around later on in the process but they are a great program and produces great talent.”
Dandridge (Tenn.) Jefferson County On300 offensive lineman Nic Moore is another that Tennessee is starting to emerge as perhaps the one to beat for.
More elites on campus
The On3 Industry’s No. 1 ranked offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. was back in Knoxville for a third time this calendar year. He was last on campus for the spring game. Tennessee is in terrific position heading into the final round of official visits as they battle Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama and South Carolina. The official visit will be June 14.
Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson On300 edge Jared Smith made it over to Tennessee and he’ll also be back on June 14.
“It was good,” Smith said. “It was a great visit getting around all the recruits, getting around the coaches and having fun.”
Several things stand out about the Vols for Smith who the On3 Industry ranks as the country’s No. 4 edge rusher and No. 37 player overall.
“Just the relationship with Coach Gardner and Coach Heup, them constantly putting d-linemen in the league,” Smith said. “I think the future is bright with James Pearce.”
Vols commits return
Tennessee currently has 10 commitments in the 2025 class and many of them were back.
“The 865 Live event was electric,” Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton cornerback commit Dylan Lewis said. “The energy from the coaching staff was incredible. It’s always great to see that kind of support and it really shows how much this program cares about the program.
“What excites me most about the future with the Vols is the direction the program is heading under Coach Heupel. His vision and the way he connects with the players is something special. The talent we’re bringing in, combined with the development and culture he’s building , makes me confident that we’re building something great here. Looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds.”
Lewis added he likes where Tennessee stands with Sanders and Hayward moving forward.
The post Tennessee leads for several prospects following 865 Live Recruiting Extravaganza appeared first on On3.
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