One of the biggest questions about Josh Heupel when he became the Tennessee Vols head coach a year ago was whether or not he could effectively recruit in the SEC.

Heupel didn't exactly tear up the recruiting trail at UCF.

After a full recruiting cycle, however, it appears that the questions about Heupel's recruiting abilities have been put to rest.

Tennessee finished the 2022 recruiting cycle with the No. 12 ranked recruiting class per Rivals (247Sports and On3 have UT with the No. 16 ranked class).

That's not where the Vols need to be to compete for an SEC East division title, but it's a great finish for a program that just 12 months ago was on life support thanks to the untimely firing of Jeremy Pruitt and a troublesome NCAA investigation.

247Sports national recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins believes Heupel exceeded expectations on the recruiting trail in 2022.

"You said exceeded expectations on the field, they’ve done the same thing on the recruiting trail," said Ivins (via 247Sports).

"I really like a lot of the takes they have," added Ivins. "I think they’re going to have some impact players. They made some inroads in the state of Georgia, which isn’t easy to do. That is SEC country. It’s not like they’re going to different parts of the country to get players. I think it’s been impressive what Coach Heupel has done, and his staff. I’m a fan. I think there is gonna be a ton of talent in Knoxville for years to come if they can keep this up.”

247Sports director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong agreed with Ivins' take.

"I think they did a really nice job in Georgia," said Wiltfong. "For the Georgia Bulldogs, Kirby Smart can’t take them all. They’re gonna be defined by the guys that they take, but there’s some really good players in that state that are now gonna have to play against the University of Georgia."

"I think Tennessee did a good job of going into that state and landing those guys. Tyre West, a former Georgia commit. Addison Nichols, a coveted offensive lineman that chose Tennessee over Georgia, USC, and Ohio State."

The Vols have a long way to go. It's cliché, but Heupel truly is laying the foundation at Tennessee these first couple of years.

Fortunately for Vols fans, they don't have to hear the "foundation" talk while suffering through losing seasons. Heupel's 7-6 record in his first year points to significant future success for the Volunteers.

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