One of the Tennessee Vols' biggest recruiting pitches isn't just what a player can do on the field, but also what a player can do off the field.

Specifically what they can do after they are done playing at Tennessee (though the new NIL rules have placed greater importance on what players can do while they're at UT).

When a player signs with the Vols, it's not just a four-year commitment. It's a lifetime commitment to the Power T and Knoxville.

Over the years, we've seen plenty of former Vol players make their home in Knoxville after their football careers were over.

Former UT quarterback Erik Ainge is an Oregon native who settled in Knoxville after his NFL career was finished. Former Vol wide receiver Jayson Swain is another player from outside of Tennessee (Swain is from Alabama) who has made his home in Knoxville.

These are just a couple of the many examples.

Junior running back Tiyon Evans could be another UT player that ends up sticking around in Knoxville after his playing days are done.

Evans, a four-star running back who was rated as the No. 1 JuCo running back in the country, is entering his first season with the Vols.

The South Carolina native, who didn't visit Tennessee in person before signing, met with reporters on Monday and he was quick to express his love for Knoxville.

“I did commit off of a virtual tour. But when I finally got out here, I fell in love with it," said Evans.

"I love Knoxville," added Evans. "I already told everybody I’m planning on raising my family out here, for real.”

Evans has been in Knoxville for just a few months and he already wants to make it his permanent home.

If that's not a great selling point for a program, I don't know what is.

I know not every player is concerned about their post-playing days. But there are plenty of players who are absolutely thinking about their long-term plans. And they're taking things like this into consideration.

And even if a player doesn't plan on staying in Knoxville long-term, they at least need to love the city if they're going to commit.

Based on Evans' comments, it sounds like loving Knoxville is easy.

Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services/Amy Smotherman Burgess/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services