Tennessee Vols land elite 5-star recruit
The Tennessee Vols joined the 2024 five-star party on Wednesday. 2024 five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews announced his commitment to Tennessee on Wednesday, choosing the Vols over Clemson, Georgia, and USC. Matthews, 6-foot-1/180 lbs from Lilburn, GA, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 4 wide receiver in the nation and the No. […]
The Tennessee Vols joined the 2024 five-star party on Wednesday.
2024 five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews announced his commitment to Tennessee on Wednesday, choosing the Vols over Clemson, Georgia, and USC.
Matthews, 6-foot-1/180 lbs from Lilburn, GA, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 4 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 3 player in the state of Georgia. He's also rated as the No. 13 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class.
The Georgia native is the first five-star recruit that Tennessee has landed during the 2024 recruiting cycle (per 247Sports' composite rankings).
"When I was on my official visit, I just had a feeling it was different over there," said Matthews after committing to the Vols.
Scouting report via 247Sports: A talented two-way athlete that some colleges view as a wide receiver long-term while others think he’s a future all-conference safety. Followed breakout sophomore season up with a monster junior campaign on offense as he averaged 21.5 yards per catch, totaling 1,030 yards and nine touchdowns through the air in the Peach State’s highest-classification. At one point reported a basketball offer from Mississippi State, and it’s pretty easy to see why as he’s extremely coordinated in almost everything he does and is always putting himself in position to make a play. Long-speed at point was a bit of a question mark, but tested exceptionally well spring before 12th grade year, clocking one of the fastest 40-yard dash times at a loaded camp outside of Atlanta. Tape also backs up the number as he’s constantly pulling away from defenders and creating separation on deeper routes. On the other side of the ball, has flashed the ability to quickly close gaps and get to the catch point while playing more of a center-field role. Must eventually pick a position, but should be viewed as one of the top overall talents in the 2024 cycle given how he moves out on the perimeter. NFL upside if he can keep progressing.
Matthews is a game changer at wide receiver who should thrive in Tennessee's offense under Josh Heupel. He can stretch the field vertically or he can make defenders miss in the open field. The talented recruit could also play on the defensive side of the ball at the next level, but he'll be a wide receiver for the Vols.
Tennessee now has 17 players committed to its 2024 recruiting class.
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Featured image via Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
