Tennessee Vols four-star commit in jeopardy of flipping as North Carolina emerges as top contender
Donelson Christian Academy (Tenn.) tight end Carson Sneed has been committed to Tennessee for almost a year now. But, all of a sudden this commitment could be losing some strength as a threat on the recruiting trail has emerged.On Thursday, Rivals’ recruiting analysts Sam Spiegelman, Chad Simmons, and Steve Wiltfong all entered flip picks for […]
Donelson Christian Academy (Tenn.) tight end Carson Sneed has been committed to Tennessee for almost a year now. But, all of a sudden this commitment could be losing some strength as a threat on the recruiting trail has emerged.
On Thursday, Rivals’ recruiting analysts Sam Spiegelman, Chad Simmons, and Steve Wiltfong all entered flip picks for the 6-foot-6, 245 pound prospect to flip to the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Sneeds’ older brother, Dayton Sneed, recently left Knoxville for Chapel Hill so there’s a family connection at the ACC program. The Bill Belichick Effect could also be in play here.
Carson Sneed was initially drawn to UNC because of the future hall of fame coach.
Then he took his official visit in the spring and the attention quickly turned to legitimate interest.
“I had a great first impression of him. He’s got his goals set for his new teams and I like the fact that he expects nothing less of what he did in New England — which is to win and win a lot,” Sneed told Rivals after sitting down with Belichick this spring.
“I loved getting to meet the new staff and be around so much NFL-level knowledge,” he continued. “I’m definitely high on them … I think it could be a great place to completely evolve my game to get me ready for the NFL.”
North Carolina has been on a bit of a heater as of late. Belichick’s staff have added the likes of four-stars Carnell Warren and Calvin Thomas. The Heels have also secured a verbal commitment from one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class, Travis Burgess.
Obviously this recruitment is far from over, though.
Sneed being from nearby Nashville, Tenn., I expect Tennessee to keep recruiting him if he in fact flips. The Volunteers have talented group of recruiters on staff and are not shy when it comes to playing in the NIL game.
Another program to keep an eye on is Ole Miss. At one point earlier this summer, the Rebels were trending as a program who could be a pest for Tennessee down the stretch. But, Ole Miss snagged a commitment from four-star tight end J.C. Anderson so Lane Kiffin and Co. could be set at the position.
Finally, the Florida Gators are not out of this one either. Billy Napier and his staff have done a great job keeping him warm. Russ Callaway has stayed in consistent contact with Sneed and will hope to pull off the flip whether it’s from an SEC opponent or UNC.
247Sports’ director of scouting, Andrew Ivins, is a big fan of Carson Sneed’s game.
“Throwback in-line tight end prospect that has actually received some valuable snaps at offensive tackle while also doubling as a front-seven defender. Size has not been third-party verified, but is believed to be over 6-foot-5 with the room to eventually carry 260 pounds or more. Rather effective at this stage as an attached blocker and should only get better at sealing off run lanes with improved technique and further physical development. Hasn’t proven to be a real vertical threat in the passing game, but can slip out of the backfield and find soft spots in zone coverage, especially down in the red zone. Should be viewed as a potential asset in an offense that’s heavy on the two and three tight end sets. Could thrive in a sniffer role.”
