Josh Heupel is locking down Tennessee’s borders and made a big statement in luring one of the Tri-star State’s top prospects to Tennessee football, Caleb Herring. 

Here are the five things to know about the EDGE from Murfreesboro.

Where Herring ranks

Herring ranks as a four-star prospect across the board. He measures out at 6-foot-5.5 and 206-pounds. 

247Sports ranks Herring as the No. 1 prospect from Tennessee and the No. 15 EDGE in his class. 

ON3 puts Herring as the No. 1 prospect from Tennessee and the No. 10 EDGE in his class. 

Rivals puts Herring as the No. 2 prospect from Tennessee and the No. 5 EDGE. 

Decision to choose Tennessee football

Herring’s brother, Elijah Herring, is a linebacker for Tennessee football. The decision for Caleb Herring was a no-brainer. 

Herring committed to the Vols in April. He was extended a scholarship offer in January 2020. He chose Tennessee football over Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Texas A&M, among others. 

The numbers 

Herring was a three-year starter for Riverdale High School. In his senior season, he finished with 79 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Over his three years, he finished with 200 tackles, 56 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and three interceptions. 

Driven by Faith 

Throughout his recruitment, and when times got tough in life, Herring turned to his faith for strength. Herring lives by his faith, keeps a positive outlook on life, and remains humble despite his list of accolades. 

“He will not allow negativity to be spoken,” said Herring’s mother, Tiffany Herring told The Tennessean. “He will sternly snap you back into positivity really quickly. 

“The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Caleb is that he is faith filled. He believes that with God’s guidance, he can conquer anything. He is also humble. Through all the football noise he has managed to walk humbly.”

Scouting report 

Cooper Patagna of 247Sports projects Herring could turn into a day-two draft pick. 

“Flashes a good first step off the line of scrimmage, can play a little high at times but compensates with speed and quickness at the point of attack. Shows the ability to bend the edge and displays excellent burst to close ability. Leans heavily on his speed rush ability off the edge, will need to develop the ability to utilize his hands and play through his frame at the next level. Appears to have adequate play strength, more geared to play the pass than anchor the run. Displays good athleticism to play off-ball if needed in certain situations. Can drop in coverage and play sideline to sideline, another added dimension to his game.”

Projects as a 3-4 OLB with the ability to give you some drop and off-ball ability at the next level. Projects as a high-level multi-year starter at a Power Five program with the ability to develop into an all-conference player. Will add value on multiple special teams units.”