3 underrated players in Tennessee's 2024 recruiting class that could play big roles for the Vols
The Tennessee Vols' 2024 recruiting class is headlined by names like Jordan Ross, Mike Matthews, and Boo Carter — extremely talented players that have NFL potential. But for the Vols' 2024 class to truly be great, they'll need some of their lower-rated prospects to develop into key players (this isn't unique to UT, schools like […]
The Tennessee Vols' 2024 recruiting class is headlined by names like Jordan Ross, Mike Matthews, and Boo Carter — extremely talented players that have NFL potential.
But for the Vols' 2024 class to truly be great, they'll need some of their lower-rated prospects to develop into key players (this isn't unique to UT, schools like Alabama and Georgia, with players like Jaeden Roberts and Ladd McConkey, also rely on lower-rated players in key roles).
Fortunately for the Vols, they have a few "hidden gems" in this signing class that could end up playing key roles for Tennessee in the future.
Marcus Goree Jr — 3-star CB (Chattanooga,TN)
Marcus Goree Jr is Boo Carter's less heralded high school teammate, though I'm not sure that should be the case. Sure, Carter is an elite talent who is underrated in his own right (how is he not a five-star?), but Goree is everything you could want in a cornerback. The 6-foot-1 athlete has ideal length and speed to play cornerback in the SEC. He's also extremely physical in the run game. Goree could probably get on the field quicker as a safety, but if he can develop into a cover cornerback, he could be one of the biggest steals of the 2024 class. Once he adds some weight to his frame, he'll have the look of an NFL cornerback.
Gage Ginter — 3-star OL (Fort Collins, CO)
Gage Ginther was the No. 1 player in the state of Colorado and a player that Deion Sanders badly wanted. Ginther has the look of an SEC offensive tackle. He's extremely athletic (he also played baseball and ran track in high school) and he thinks his competitiveness is his best attribute.
“I’m a dog," said Ginther to The Athletic earlier this year. “I have a mean streak, like a flip that I switch on and off. I’m nice off the field, really nice. But when I’m on the field, I’m mean. Like, really mean and aggressive. So I think that’s my biggest strength.”
The biggest reason Ginther wasn't rated higher is because of the competition he played against in Colorado. Otherwise, he has the potential to be a starting SEC offensive lineman.
Jamal Wallace — 3-star DL (Kansas City, MO)
Jamal Wallace, a junior college transfer, was a late addition for the Vols. But while he's the lowest rated player in Tennessee's 2024 recruiting class, he could end up being a massive steal. Tennessee thinks they're getting a versatile defensive lineman in Wallace who can play on the outside on early downs and move inside on obvious pass rushing downs. Wallace already has impressive size. And since he's a juco transfer, he could make an impact as soon as this fall.
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