How the Tennessee Vols football team got a lot better on Tuesday
The Tennessee Vols' football program got a lot better on Tuesday morning. That's because the Vols landed a commitment from four-star edge rusher Caleb Herring on Tuesday. Herring, 6-foot-5/206 lbs from Murfreesboro, TN (Riverdale), is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 6 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state […]
The Tennessee Vols' football program got a lot better on Tuesday morning.
That's because the Vols landed a commitment from four-star edge rusher Caleb Herring on Tuesday.
Herring, 6-foot-5/206 lbs from Murfreesboro, TN (Riverdale), is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 6 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state of Tennessee.
Here's the scouting report on Herring from 247Sports:
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.
This is absolutely massive for the Vols.
Tennessee has added some key players on the offensive side of the ball like five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. That's obviously hugely important for the Volunteers. But if Tennessee is going to compete with Alabama and Georgia, they have to be elite on the defensive side of the ball as well.
The Vols are going to win their fair share of games because they outscored the other team. But there will be weeks where Tennessee has to grind it out and win a game 20-13.
Herring is the type of player that can come up with a key sack in the fourth quarter of an SEC game. And that's just as important as having a star quarterback who can lead a game-winning drive.
The fact that Herring is the top player in the state is also a great sign for the Vols moving forward. Keeping elite talent from leaving the state is a key ingredient to success for Tennessee. And it certainly appears that Josh Heupel is doing his part there.
Featured image via Tennessee Athletic Communications
