Decision day is approaching for class of 2025 three-star wide receiver Joakim Dodson. Tennessee football is trending for his talents.
Missouri, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech and Indiana round out the rest of Dodson’s top choices.
The schools that I feel like were showing the most love, schools that I feel like made me a priority personally,” Dodson said. “And that was pretty much it. Show love and told me I’m a priority and I felt that way. So, that’s what made me narrow it down.”
The 6-foot-2, 178-pound receiver out of Collierville High School in Collierville, Tennessee, finished his junior season 52 receptions for 1,012 total yards and 10 total touchdowns. He was also a First Team 6A Region 8 selection as well as a TSWA 6A All-state.
Dodson’s most recent visit came in Knoxville for Tennessee’s junior day. It was another step for Dodson to build relationships with the Vols’ staff.
“My relationship with the staff is like amazing,” Dodson said. “Coach Heupel came up to see me twice in the December and January contact period and we’re always talking, but my relationship with the staff is like second to none. Like we’ve been building even before I had an offer, like kind of as soon as they got in at Tennessee, like I was up there camping and stuff and they had communication with my dad at the time before they could really communicate with me. So our relationship is absolutely amazing.
“It’s just amazing. The relationships are what stands out and just the culture that they have and the place when you go up there it’s second and none like you really can’t even describe. It’s just a special feeling when you go in the building on a regular visit or even a camp. It’s just the energy they bring is contagious.”
Part of the draw to Tennessee for Dodson is the explosive offense. As a receiver, he likely projects in the slot in college based on his play in high school. He is used to running a spread offense from high school.
At the recent junior day, Dodson spent time going deep into the Vols’ offense.
“I was meeting with Coach Halzle and he kind of just laid it all out,” Dodson said. “And I think the most, the offense and teams are gonna play in a lot of grass with vertical shots. Just getting the balls of their play makers is big for them and like that speaks my language person nice receiver because you want to be able to make plays in grass. “You want to be able to show guys your speed, make a play and you also want to be able to be a vertical threat and make those big time catches down the field. Their offense, I feel like it’s really near a match with my game. I loved every aspect of it.”
Dodson expects to make his commitment on Saturday, Feb. 10.
