DeSean Bishop was added to the 2023 Tennessee football recruiting class on the first day of the early signing period. The three-star running back from Knoxville was the second running back in the Vols’ class after Khalifa Keith. 

Here are five things to know about Bishop.

Where Bishop ranks 

Bishop is a three-star prospect across the board. He measures out at 5-foot-10 and 196-pounds. 

247Sports ranks Bishop as the No. 102 running back in his class and the No. 49 prospect from Tennessee. 

ON3 holds Bishop as the No. 45 running back and the No. 16 prospect from Tennessee. 

Rivals puts Bishop as the No. 41 prospect from Tennessee. 

Decision to choose Tennessee football

Bishop originally committed to Coastal Carolina, but a coaching change led to him backing off that pledge. 

With his decision down to Appalachian State and Tennessee football, Bishop chose the Vols. He was extended a scholarship offer from Tennessee in June 2021. 

Bishop held offers from Purdue and Tulane, among others. 

The numbers 

Bishop was a workhorse for Karns High School in Knoxville. He led the Beavers to back-to-back playoff appearances in Tennessee’s 5A classification, as well as Karns’ first second-round playoff appearance in history. 

During his junior year, Bishop finished just about 100 yards off of Jalen Hurd’s single-season rushing yard record. Bishop finished with 3,179 yards and 34 touchdowns on 441 carries. He also had 248 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 19 catches. 

Bishop finished his high school career with over 8,000 all-purpose yards. His high school dominance earned him Tennessee 5A Mr. Football in 2021 and 2022. 

Why Tennessee football

Josh Heupel and Jerry Mack stayed in contact with Bishop even after he committed to Coastal Carolina. Their perseverance paid off in the end with a commitment. 

“Our bond, me and coach Mack and Heupel, has been tight, even when I was committed to Coastal,” Bishop told Off The Hook Sports. “(Tennessee) is home for me. They gave me that home feeling.”

Versatility 

Bishop did it all for Karns High School, and he expects to become a utility guy for Tennessee football. 

As a Beaver, Bishop played the traditional running back role, he split out in the slot, and he even took some snaps in the wildcat. He also returned punts and kicks for Karns. 

As a Vol, Bishop hopes to be whatever Heupel and Mack need. 

“I’m going to be a hard worker,” Bishop said. “I’m going to do whatever they want me to do. I got a good chance of seeing the field early by enrolling early, maybe even getting a few touches next season.

“I’m definitely going to be diverse. You can split me out wide, I can run it out of the backfield. I see myself fitting really well in that offense.”