Recruiting analyst says Tennessee Vols are 'closing the gap' with 5-star DL Walter Nolen
The Tennessee Vols' biggest remaining 2022 recruiting target is easily five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolen. Nolen, 6-foot-5/300 lbs, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 1 player in Tennessee and the No. 2 overall player in the 2022 recruiting class. The talented recruit, who played in the shadows of Neyland Stadium this past […]
The Tennessee Vols' biggest remaining 2022 recruiting target is easily five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolen.
Nolen, 6-foot-5/300 lbs, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 1 player in Tennessee and the No. 2 overall player in the 2022 recruiting class.
The talented recruit, who played in the shadows of Neyland Stadium this past season at Powell High School, committed to Texas A&M in early November. Nolen has remained solid to the Aggies, but the Vols haven't stopped their pursuit.
Earlier this week, Nolen told WATE that he's "possibly" open to going to Tennessee.
Rivals national recruiting analyst Adam Friedman listed Nolen this week as a recruit who could potentially flip during the early signing period.
"Nolen's recruitment has been a roller coaster and his abrupt commitment to Texas A&M in early November caught some by surprise, even though the Aggies had been the rumored leader," said Friedman. "Tennessee has ground to make up, but the Vols are closing the gap."
I'd be surprised if the Vols landed Nolen during the early signing period, but like Friedman mentioned, this recruiting battle has been a roller coaster. Anything is possible when it comes to Nolen.
In fact, I don't necessarily think this battle will be over when he signs next week. We've seen players get released from their national letter of intent shortly after signing (remember the Zach Evans saga with Georgia a couple of years ago). It wouldn't shock me if something similar ends up happening with Nolen at some point.
Landing Nolen would obviously be massive for the Volunteers, but it's not the end of the world if they don't get him, either. Josh Heupel and his staff are doing a nice job of putting the finishing touches on UT's 2022 recruiting class. Nolen would be nice, but the Vols have a good shot at landing a top 10-15 class even without him.
Tennessee currently has the No. 17 recruiting class in the nation.
Featured image via Rivals.com
