Vols HC Josh Heupel gives his take on the importance of in-state recruiting
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel spoke to 247Sports this week about the importance of in-state recruiting
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel spoke with 247Sports this week about a variety of topics, including in-state recruiting.
The Vols signed seven players from Tennessee during the 2023 recruiting cycle.
UT also added kicker Charles Campbell, a Jackson, TN native, to the roster via the transfer portal (Campbell previously played at Indiana).
247Sports' Emily Proud asked Heupel this week about balancing in-state recruiting with out-of-state recruiting.
Heupel made it clear that in-state recruiting is extremely important for the Vols.
"I think it's really important for us that that we recruit our footprint extremely well," said Heupel. "That's in the state all the way here on the east side of the state to the west side over to the Memphis Area. Obviously, the mid-state has a ton of talent. We've been able to be consistent in our communication, and develop relationships with the guys that have boots on the ground there in those areas. And had an opportunity to really do a great job of evaluating prospects and being transparent and honest with them. "
"They see the culture, the energy we have inside of our building," added Heupel. "That's true of our footprint here in Tennessee — within a four or five hour drive around here. And certainly our brand had attracted talent from around the entire country, too. Once you get people here to Knoxville, they see what a special place this is. The university, this city, the state really bleeds orange. There's so much excitement that surrounds our athletic department…our fan base is second to none as far as their passion. And recruits feel that, whether they're local or out on the coast, they can feel the energy from our fan base."
There's no doubt that Heupel places a big importance on in-state recruiting. But he's really just looking for the best fit. Heupel is going to sign the best players that fit Tennessee's culture. Obviously, a lot of players are going to come from inside the state, but plenty will come from outside the state, too.
If two recruits are similar, the Vols will probably prioritize the player from Tennessee. But if there's a big gap in talent, the Vols will likely go with whichever recruit is the better player. If that's the out-of-state player, then that's who the Vols will prioritize.
And that's undoubtedly the right approach from Heupel and Tennessee.
