Tennessee’s latest commitment is proof of one thing: the Vols are placing a priority on in-state prospects, especially in the mid-state area. However, they’re also being a bit picky.
The Vols received a commitment from defensive lineman Ethan Utley, the four-star prospect from Ensworth High School in Nashville, on Wednesday to bolster their 2025 class, which now consists of seven members and is ranked as the No. 10 class in the nation and fifth best in the SEC.
Utley, who is 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, is the second elite prospect committed to Tennessee from the Nashville region, joining five-star quarterback commitment George MacIntyre from Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy. MacIntyre has openly said he’ll be recruiting for the Vols at any given opportunity.
The Vols also have a commitment from Joakim Dodson, a three-star receiver from Collierville, Tenn. Dodson can certainly help the Vols in the Memphis area, but Nashville already seems locked down – and that’s a good thing.
There are certainly more highly-rated, mid-state prospects that could fall in line and commit to the Vols after Utley’s announcement. Here are the top four prospects to watch that the Vols are chasing from the mid-state area:
1. Tarrion Grant
This cornerback from Siegel High School in Murfreesboro has been committed to Purdue since January, but other schools have come calling on the four-star prospect since then, including Alabama and Texas A&M. If the Vols want to get involved in this battle for the 6-foot-3, 175-pound, four-star cornerback, there’s probably room in the race. Grant is the No. 2 prospect in the state.
2. Chauncey Gooden
At 6-4 and 320 pounds, Gooden reportedly has scholarship offers from several schools. However, his recruitment will start to heat up once he goes through the summer camp circuit and is able to showcase his footwork. Clemson, Auburn and Arkansas are thought to be early “big name” suitors in the running for the four-star prospect from Lipscomb Acad., in Nashville, Tenn. Gooden is ranked the sixth-best prospect in Tennessee.
3. C.J. Jimcoily
Jimcoily is rated the No. 11 prospect in the state of Tennessee. His recruitment is just starting to pick up speed with a scholarship offer from California. For now, the 6-2, 190-pound prospect from Lipscomb Acad., in Nashville, Tenn., looks ripe for the picking.
