Tennessee Vols are officially a football program that can't be ignored
It's been clear since the Tennessee Vols' six game winning streak at the end of the 2019 season that the program is on the rise under Jeremy Pruitt. But Sunday afternoon gave us the biggest indication yet that Tennessee is on the verge of being a team to be reckoned with. 2021 five-star defensive end […]
It's been clear since the Tennessee Vols' six game winning streak at the end of the 2019 season that the program is on the rise under Jeremy Pruitt.
But Sunday afternoon gave us the biggest indication yet that Tennessee is on the verge of being a team to be reckoned with.
2021 five-star defensive end Dylan Brooks committed to the Vols on Sunday, giving Tennessee their 11th commit. The Vols' 2021 recruiting class is now ranked No. 13 in the nation and No. 3 in the SEC.
Brooks, 6-foot-5/220 lbs from Roanoke, AL, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 1 player in the state of Alabama and the No. 1 weak side defensive end in the nation. He's also rated as the No. 18 overall player in the 2021 recruiting class.
The Alabama native told AL.com earlier this month that he liked Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Tennessee the most. But he said he wasn't planning on committing until the early signing period in December. Brooks said, however, that his commitment could be moved up if "something strikes me".
Here's what Brooks told AL.com that he likes about Tennessee:
“Most of the staff is from Alabama. All of them are like good dudes. I might could play there a little earlier than some other places. I also like Knoxville a lot and have some family there.”
Just a few weeks ago, Rivals suggested that LSU was the program most likely to land Brooks.
Landing a player like Brooks over Alabama, Auburn and LSU is incredible accomplishment by Jeremy Pruitt and Tennessee. Not only will Brooks be an important pass rusher for the Vols, he'll also make UT a much more attractive option for undecided recruits.
Players trust Pruitt and his staff. They trust that Pruitt wants the best for them as people and football players. And they trust that Pruitt can develop them and get them to the NFL.
The Vols are building something special on Rocky Top. It's only a matter of time before Tennessee is back in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta.
Featured image via Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports/247Sports
