New Tennessee Vols defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is doing his part to help bring an important recruit to Rocky Top.

2027 four-star linebacker Kenneth Simon II, the son of former Vols linebacker Kevin Simon, is one of Tennessee’s top recruiting targets.

Simon, 6-foot-2/190 pounds from Brentwood, TN, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 11 linebacker in the nation and the No. 8 player in the state of Tennessee.

How Jim Knowles is helping in the recruiting battle for Kenneth Simon

Simon included Tennessee in his top four on Monday, along with Ole Miss, Alabama, and Texas A&M.

On3’s Steve Wiltfong, however, believes this battle is mostly between Tennessee and Alabama.

“The Crimson Tide are in the top two, perhaps even running No. 1 for four-star linebacker Kenneth Simon,” wrote Wiltfong this week.

On3’s Chad Simmons noted on Tuesday that Knowles has already made a strong impression on Simon.

“Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has made a strong impression on Simon,” wrote Simmons. “The scheme fits his skill set, and the two have spent significant time together breaking things down. Linebackers coach William Inge has also played a key role, with sources noting that the family is comfortable with him. Simon and Tennessee remain high on each other’s boards as things currently stand.”

Simmons also noted that his intel suggests that Tennessee “holds a slight edge” in the battle for Simon.

Simon told On3 that he plans to visit each of his top schools one or two more times before making his decision.

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