Four-star linebacker Andrew Hines III was impressed with the environment of Neyland Stadium Saturday night. Tennessee was among one of the first schools to offer the 6-foot-1 and 215-pound ESPN300 prospect from Woodward Academy in Atlanta, GA in June 2021.
“Tennessee was great, the energy was great,” Hines said. “The fans were very live… Energy and stuff around Tennessee is almost another level.”
Hines was impressed with the defensive performance the Volunteers had Saturday night. Tennessee held Akron to just 276 yards, giving up six points. Particularly, Tennessee’s linebacker play caught Hines’ eye.
“The defense didn’t allow a touchdown, but they allowed two field goals,” Hines said. “I’m not mad at that. That’s just going to happen off of field position and placement. The defense looked really good, the linebackers [flew] hard to the ball.”
Defensive coordinator Tim Banks and linebacker coach Brian Jean-Mary have been recruiting Hines since his freshman year, both of whom are coaches he would enjoy playing for.
“Coach Mary, Coach Banks, they coach very well,” Hines said.” Great defensive coaches, I’d love playing for them. My communication with them and connection with them is very great [sic]. They offered me my freshman year, so I’ve been talking to them for a minute. So it’s always great going to Tennessee.”
Hines is keeping his options open, with planned visits to Michigan and Auburn scheduled right now. We can expect to see a top 10 school from Hines by the end of the year.
“Every school has been great,” Hines said. “Ohio State is another one, they were good. Clemson, I’ve gone there three times. UCF, those coaches are all cool. I haven’t had a bad visit.”
Hines will definitely be a name to follow for Tennessee fans as we enter the 2024 recruiting cycle. Tennessee could always use depth on the defensive side of the football, especially in the gauntlet of the SEC.
