Tennessee Vols are reportedly the 'team to beat' for elite 2024 5-star recruit
The Tennessee Vols are one of the programs that 2024 five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri included in his top 10 earlier this week. Nwaneri, 6-foot-5/250 lbs from Lees Summit, MO, is ranked in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 4 overall player in the 2024 recruiting […]
The Tennessee Vols are one of the programs that 2024 five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri included in his top 10 earlier this week.
Nwaneri, 6-foot-5/250 lbs from Lees Summit, MO, is ranked in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 4 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class.
The talented defensive lineman is expected to make a decision before his senior season begins this fall.
On3's Chad Simmons reported on Saturday that a source close to the situation feels that Tennessee is leading in the battle for Nwaneri.
"Tennessee is now the team to beat. Williams loves it there," said the source to Simmons.
The Oklahoma Sooners are the other program that's considered a frontrunner for Nwaneri (his high school coach played with Josh Heupel at Oklahoma…so there are some connections with OU and UT).
Nwaneri is the type of game-changing defensive lineman that the Vols desperately need. If Tennessee wants to compete with Georgia in the SEC, they absolutely have to land players like Nwaneri that can help the Vols win in the trenches against the Bulldogs.
Scouting report for Williams Nwaneri via 247Sports: Has verified size, length and testing data that is impressive for a player of his build and age. Rare change of direction and agility numbers at his size. Was a good young prospect as a freshman and sophomore but showed big developmental strides on the field as a junior. Quickness off the ball and foot speed in pursuit were improved and those qualities of his are at a high national level. Used his hands better and when combined with his physical gifts, makes him very tough to block. Does not let offensive linemen get clean punches off on him and is able to turn himself and get skinny to help with that. Can shade inside or play on the EDGE and is going to be able to project to any defensive scheme. Based on his size, strongside end or 3-4 defensive end are where we project him although he is rare enough athlete that he can be edge pass-rusher at his size. If the development we saw between sophomore and junior year continues, he is an elite national prospect who will be an impact college player and early draft choice.
Tennessee currently has 11 players committed to its 2024 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 9 in the nation.
