Tennessee football got some good news on Sunday morning, picking up a commitment from a 2025 tight end. Four-star prospect Jack VanDorselaer announced he was choosing Tennessee.
The tight end also held offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Texas A&M, LSU and Georgia. He was extended a scholarship offer from Tennessee last January.
VanDorselaer ranks as the No. 251 prospect overall and the No. 11 tight end in the 2025 class by 247Sports Composite. He also ranks as the No. 42 prospect from Texas, hailing from Southlake Carroll High School.
VanDorselaer is a great start to the 2025 class for Tennessee after the 2024 class brought in no tight ends. After the 2023 season, tight end is a clear priority for Tennessee.
A look at the TE room
Alec Abeln’s group had one of the most productive seasons from the tight end position in recent Tennessee memory. It was orchestrated by veterans Jacob Warren and McCallan Castles. Both of those players, however, are out of eligibility.
That leaves Tennessee’s tight end room with upcoming sophomores Ethan Davis and Emmanuel Okoye. Okoye is still learning how to play football, hailing from overseas. He also was walking around with a cast on his wrist following the Vols’ season finale.
Davis is a pass-catching tight end who shined in the Orange and White game. His connection with Nico Iamaleava was evident in the game, where Davis also suffered a broken collarbone.
Both tight ends could use some help with a veteran addition to the room.
Staes became the main target in the portal for Tennessee after the Vols stopped pursuing Justin Joly. Joly has since committed to NC State.
In two seasons at UConn, Joly caught 76 passes for 828 yards and four touchdowns. This year was his best year by production, hauling in 56 passes for 578 yards and two touchdowns. When he played against Tennessee in November, Joly had eight receptions for 89 yards. He was considered a wide receiver out of high school.
Tight end likely mains a priority for Tennessee.
