Tennessee Vols are fighting Clemson for key recruit
The Tennessee Vols lost a commitment from four-star wide receiver JJ Harrell earlier this week, but they're in the mix for several other top 2024 wide receivers. One of the wide receivers the Vols are targeting is five-star Mike Matthews. Matthews, 6-foot-1/180 lbs from Lilburn, GA, is ranked in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. […]
The Tennessee Vols lost a commitment from four-star wide receiver JJ Harrell earlier this week, but they're in the mix for several other top 2024 wide receivers.
One of the wide receivers the Vols are targeting is five-star Mike Matthews.
Matthews, 6-foot-1/180 lbs from Lilburn, GA, is ranked in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 7 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 3 player in the state of Georgia.
Here's the scouting report on Matthews:
From 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.
The Vols appear to be the leader for Matthews, but this recruiting battle is far from over.
Matthews recently told Rivals.com that Tennessee kind of has the edge in his recruitment, though he acknowledged that Clemson could be a place he "calls home".
From Rivals.com: When asked if Tennessee had the edge in Matthews’ recruitment, the five-star said “yes and no,” meaning that the Volunteers have definitely impressed him a ton but he’s going through all his official visits before making a final decision. And Clemson definitely impressed the Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview standout. He said the Tigers are “truly different” and that Clemson “could be a place that I can call home.” From the coaches and how they handle things on and off field, it made a big impression on Matthews over the weekend.
Tennessee has scored several big on-field wins over Clemson in recent months (the Orange Bowl and the recent baseball regional at Clemson), but this would be a major off-the-field win for the Vols. Matthews is an elite player that could thrive in Josh Heupel's high-powered offense. This is a battle Tennessee needs to win.
Featured image via Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
