Coveted 2026 4-star defensive recruit says the Tennessee Vols are now his leader
A coveted 2026 four-star defensive lineman says the Tennessee Vols are now leading his recruitment. 2026 four-star defensive lineman Dereon Albert visited Tennessee this past weekend and the Vols are now the team to beat for the talented recruit. "They're No. 1," said Albert to Rivals.com after his official visit to Knoxville. "I love it here. […]
A coveted 2026 four-star defensive lineman says the Tennessee Vols are now leading his recruitment.
2026 four-star defensive lineman Dereon Albert visited Tennessee this past weekend and the Vols are now the team to beat for the talented recruit.
"They're No. 1," said Albert to Rivals.com after his official visit to Knoxville. "I love it here. The people, the coaches, the place…it's all love there and it's beautiful."
Albert, 6-foot-2/305 lbs from Jackson, Ms., is rated in 247Sports' rankings as the No. 28 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 8 player in the state of Mississippi. He's also rated as the No. 184 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
Scouting report via 247Sports: 3-4 interior defensive lineman that shows the ability to win with a bevy of different pass rush options at the point of attack, including twitch, athleticism and power. Estimated at a shade under 6-foot-2 and just north of 300-pounds, Albert’s unique blend of athletic traits and stout frame makes him a difficult assignment for opposing offensive linemen on a down-to-down basis. Although he has a tendency to play a tad high off the line of scrimmage, the Magnolia State native demonstrates impressive first step quickness in addition to active hands that help him create consistent leverage and overcompensate against bigger and girthier blockers. The Jackson Academy standout also exhibits excellent pad level, using his compact and powerful frame to his advantage, showing the ability to unlock and explode out of his hips to help him create persistent penetration in the run game. Projects as a high level impact starter at the Power Four level that possesses the size, physical tools and technical refinement to add immediate dividends to his program on Saturdays.
North Carolina and Mississippi State are also in the mix for Albert.
The Mississippi native is expected to announce his commitment on July 1.
