Kivon Bennett DT Fort Lauderdale, FL 6’3″ 255 (4-star) Committed 6/19/16 Josh Ward’s Take: Bennett was a standout at St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the nation’s premiere high school football programs. He was named the team’s MVP in its matchup in the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series in December. Bennett is a key member for…… MORE
Deandre Johnson DE Miami, FL 6’3″ 234 (3-star) Committed 12/11/16 (Early E) Josh Ward’s Take: Johnson is already on campus and could help Tennessee as a rotation player on Tennessee’s defensive line in 2017. Rivals.com National Scouting Director Mike Farrell named Johnson a “sleeper” in the class during a recent interview on WNML. … MORE
Shawn ShamburgerDB Moultrie, GA 5’11” 185 (3-star) Committed 11/4/16 Josh Ward’s Take: Shamburger transferred high schools before his senior season and greatly improved his status as a prospect when he was able to face stronger competition. Shamburger could prove to be a “sleeper” in the class who will have an opportunity to make an impact at cornerback.…… MORE
Will McBride QB League City, TX 6’2″ 200 (3-star) Committed 12/12/16 (Early E) Josh Ward’s Take: Tennessee needed to land someone like McBride, who was able to enroll in school in January. The depth chart for Tennessee could be up in the air in 2017, which made McBride’s ability to go through spring practice vital. Height…… MORE
Matthew Butler DE Garner, NC 6’4″ 265 (3-star) Committed 12/20/16 Josh Ward’s Take: Tennessee spent a lot of time during the recruiting process pursuing Butler, who could develop into a defensive tackle at the college level. He’s a physical lineman who performed well at the Shrine Bowl following his senior season.…… MORE
Riley Locklear OL Huntington, WV 6’5″ 285 (4-star) Committed 7/8/16 (Early E) Josh Ward’s Take: Locklear enrolled at Tennessee in January and arrives as one of the top players from West Virginia. Locklear, who had a strong senior season, will likely be a redshirt candidate in 2017 with the opportunity to play a big role in…… MORE
Trey Smith OL Jackson, TN 6’5″ 305 (4-star) Committed 12/5/16 (Early E) *#1 overall player on ESPN, 5-star on 247Sports Composite Josh Ward’s Take: “Smith is the top player in Tennessee’s class. Smith, who’s ranked as the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect by ESPN, will push for playing time during spring practice. He could…… MORE
