Deion Sanders taking over as an FBS head coach may not affect Tennessee football directly, but it surely could affect the Vols in recruiting.
Ryan Wingo, a five-star wide receiver from St. Louis University High School in St. Louis, Mo., has been taking several visits throughout January. The Vols target’s next stop is Colorado.
He also took a trip to College Station, Texas, since attending Tennessee’s first junior day on Jan. 14.
Wingo didn’t have much to say before his trip to Colorado.
“I’ve never been there, so I’m just going to soak it all in,” Wingo told ON3. “Nothing needs to happen; I just want to have a good time and enjoy myself. I’ve just got to see it.”
Wingo’s trip to Knoxville earlier this month was his third time visiting Tennessee football. The Vols got in early with Wingo, extending him a scholarship offer in March 2022.
The early offer and mutual interest has Wingo trending towards becoming a Vol. Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports gave Wingo a crystal ball prediction to Tennessee.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound receiver finished his junior year with 41 catches for 785 yards and 13 total touchdowns. He also made his impact felt on special teams, averaging 30.5 yards per punt return and 23.9 yards per kick return.
Wingo is also a speedster on the track. He clocked in a 10.55-second 100-meter dash and a 21.31-second 200-meter dash.
Allen Trieu of 247Sports evaluated Wingo, and he thinks he could project as a first-round draft pick. His play compares most to Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Wingo ranks as the No. 3 receiver in his class and the No. 14 prospect nationally. A summer commitment is expected from Wingo, and he will be a prospect to watch as the 2024 cycle begins to pick up.
Heupel should have a good chance with him given his Missouri ties. He was the Mizzou Tigers’ offensive coordinator in 2016 and 2017. However, Tennessee football will still have to beat out Prime Time to win him.
