It is announcement day for another Tennessee Football target. Four-star cornerback Cai Bates is set to choose his college around 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-1.5 and 180-pounder will choose between LSU, Tennessee and Alabama. All three schools received official visits from Bates.
“Coach (Josh) Heupel, all the coaches, the opportunity to come in and play early,” Bates told 247Sports on what stood out about the Vols. “The overall tradition of the program is really great. They definitely opened my eyes a lot when I took that official visit.”
Bates’ official visit to Tennessee was his second time in Knoxville. He holds over 43 scholarship offers, and was extended an offer from the Vols in March, the same day as his unofficial trip to Knoxville.
Out of Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, Bates ranks as the No. 107 prospect nationally by 247Sports Composite. He also ranks as the No. 11 cornerback and the No. 15 prospect out of the state of Florida.
Down the stretch, it seems Bates is leaning toward LSU. A crystal ball was placed but quickly removed, that predicted Bates would head to Baton Rouge. The Vols’ class currently ranks at No. 10 nationally, but would certainly move inside the top 10 with a commitment from Bates.
247Sports’ director of scouting Andrew Ivens evaluated Bates. Ivens is high on the cornerback.
“A pass catcher turned pass defender with plenty of developmental upside given length and tentacle-like arms. Started prep career off playing wide receiver before being thrust into action at cornerback midway through junior season. Found success right away in coverage, totaling four interceptions and seven pass break ups in just two games,” he wrote in his scouting report.
“Still figuring things out from a technical standpoint, but has no issues tracking the football and putting himself in position to make a play at the catch point. Lack of verified speed markers is not ideal in an era where perimeter defenders are constantly challenged vertically, but does have a basketball background and natural bounce shows up on tape. Must keep evolving and take to coaching, but should be viewed as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Five level. Will need to get better as an open-field tackler if he’s going to make a real difference in run support or even get a look at safety, but has some of what’s required to thrive in a defensive scheme that wants to press often. NFL scouts will likely be drawn to his size one day.”
