The wait is almost over for fans pining for a commitment from Tyree Weathersby. The defensive lineman will announce his decision on Friday.
Weathersby, a three-star prospect from New Manchester High School in Douglasville, Ga., announced on Twitter that he would share his public pledge on Friday at 7 p.m.
Weathersby said he was down to four schools: Kentucky, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Here are four things to know about the 6-foot-4, 251-pound prospect and his recruitment:
Tennessee is thought to be the leader
Those that have closely covered Weathersby, including Ryan Callahan of 247 Sports, predict that he will end up at Tennessee. The move would make plenty of sense. Tennessee needs help on defense as soon as possible.
Weathersby could play immediately next fall after he signs as a part of the 2023 class. Simply put: The Vols need Weathersby and he knows it. Weathersby said as much after his official visit last weekend.
Tennessee has momentum
After being fairly dormant since April, the Vols picked up two commitments this week following Tennessee’s huge recruiting weekend last weekend. That is significant for a couple of reasons.
First, commitments tend to happen in bunches. Second, with Tennessee’s roster spots filling up, the Vols have more leverage to push for a public decision sooner rather than later. Tennessee has plenty of scholarship offers to extend, but with 13 commitments and likely some silent pledges in play, there isn’t a ton of room for prospects that wouldn’t be considered elite, like Weathersby.
Rodney Garner is the key for the Vols
Weathersby has developed a strong relationship with Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner. That’s good for the Vols. Garner has been one of the fiercest recruiters in the SEC for more than two decades. Having Garner in the fight can only benefit Tennessee.
Garner and Tennessee offered Weathersby a scholarship months ago and have done all that would be expected to land him. The due diligence has been done, as would be expected in a Garner’ recruitment.
There is a plan in place at Tennessee for Weathersby
Tennessee, per Weathersby’s previous comments, is slated to play defensive end for the Vols. At 251 pounds, that seems about right. Theoretically, Weathersby could add weight and play inside at defensive tackle, especially in obvious passing situations.
However, Weathersby has said he’s slated to play strongside defensive end, which means Tennessee thinks he can be an anchor against the run. Players that accept that role, as opposed to just rushing the passer, can be hard to come by.
Here is Weathersby’s highlight tape from his junior season:
