Tennessee football made national headlines when Daevin Hobbs decided to commit to the Vols. The defensive lineman strengthens a Tennessee defense that needs it.
Here are five things to know about the linebacker from Concord, N.C., out of Jay M. Robinson High School.
Where Hobbs ranks
Hobbs is rated as a top-100 prospect nationally across the board. He measures out at 6-foot-4 and 277-pounds.
247Sports has Hobbs as the No. 1 prospect from North Carolina, and the No. 3 defensive lineman in his class.
ON3 ranks Hobbs as the No. 2 prospect from North Carolina and the No. 3 defensive lineman.
Rivals puts Hobbs as the No. 1 prospect from North Carolina and the No. 6 defensive lineman.
Decision to choose Tennessee football
Hobbs added to Tennessee’s 2023 class later in the cycle, committing to the Vols on Nov. 25. He was extended a scholarship offer from Tennessee football in June.
Hobbs took official visits to Auburn, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.
Near the end, it seemed Hobbs may be leaning towards Georgia or in-state North Carolina, but he ultimately chose the Vols.
The numbers
Hobbs was a staple in Jay M. Robinson’s defense, consistently leading the school to the 2A North Carolina state playoffs.
He finished his junior year with 39 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and a forced fumble. Hobbs caused chaos for opposing offenses.
Why Tennessee football?
Tennessee football was like home for Hobbs. Josh Heupel and his staff helped make the decision easy for the defensive lineman.
“I just felt at home when I was there compared to the other schools,” Hobbs told ON3. “I feel like I can shine the most at Tennessee, and develop my game to a higher level.”
Scouting report
Hobbs is very projectable at the next level and can have an impact for Tennessee football as early as next season. He plays like Rashan Gary, according to Brain Dohn of 247Sports.
“Has verified size with multi-sport profile with productivity in football and basketball,” Dohn writes. “Plays significant snaps on offense and defense. Has 80-plus inch wing span. Quick-twitched high-level athlete. Had 20 1/2 tackles for loss as junior. Averaged 14.7 points per game in basketball for Class 2A state champion. Gets off line quickly as edge rusher or playing as 5- or 7-technique. Shows burst at snap and closing speed near ball carrier. Possesses excellent body control, which shines as a pass-catching tight end. Has upper body strength to disengage. Understands how to use hands to keep offensive linemen off him. Change of direction a plus given size. Foot quickness and explosion also evident on basketball court. Can chase down plays on back side. Shows some ability to stack and shed but has to continue to work on anchoring when teams run at him. Has to continue to develop in the lower body. Increased lower body flexibility will aid in chance of direction, and ability to win leverage battles at point of attack. Relies heavily on speed and athleticism so much continue to develop technique and move sets. Can play early at Top 20 program. Has mid-round NFL draft potential.”
