Tennessee Football Recruits Enrolled for the Current School Year
As the 2024-2025 academic year unfolds, college football programs nationwide are welcoming new recruits to their rosters. Among these are talented athletes from Tennessee, a state renowned for producing top-tier football talent. This article provides an in-depth look at the football recruits from Tennessee who have officially enrolled for the current school year, highlighting their high school accomplishments, college choices, and potential impact on their respective teams.
1. Caleb Herring – Defensive End
High School: Riverdale High School (Murfreesboro, TN)
College: University of Tennessee
Caleb Herring, a dominant force on the defensive line, stood out during his high school career at Riverdale High School. Rated as a four-star prospect, Herring is celebrated for his quick first step and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism. He chose to stay in-state, committing to the University of Tennessee, where his defensive prowess is expected to bolster the Volunteers’ pass rush.
2. Nathan Robinson – Linebacker
High School: Greenbrier High School (Greenbrier, TN)
College: University of Tennessee
Nathan Robinson emerged as one of the top linebackers in the state. At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Robinson has the versatility to play as a pass-rusher or a run-stopping linebacker. Known for his high football IQ and leadership skills, Robinson turned down offers from other SEC schools to join the University of Tennessee. His physicality and football instincts will make him a valuable asset to the Volunteers’ defense.
3. Chandavian Bradley – Edge Rusher
High School: Platte County High School (Kansas City, MO; transferred to Tennessee for senior year)
College: University of Tennessee
Although originally from Missouri, Chandavian Bradley played his senior year in Tennessee, making a significant impact. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Bradley is known for his speed and ability to disrupt offenses. Rated as a top-10 edge rusher nationally, Bradley committed to Tennessee to play under head coach Josh Heupel. His athleticism and upside have Volunteer fans excited about the future.
4. Arion Carter – Linebacker
High School: Smyrna High School (Smyrna, TN)
College: University of Alabama
Arion Carter’s senior year was nothing short of remarkable. As a linebacker at Smyrna High School, Carter earned accolades for his tackling ability and sideline-to-sideline coverage. He was ranked as a four-star recruit and one of the top players in Tennessee. Carter’s commitment to the University of Alabama was a significant win for the Crimson Tide, as they continue to recruit heavily in Tennessee.
5. Shamar Porter – Wide Receiver
High School: Ensworth High School (Nashville, TN)
College: Kentucky
Shamar Porter is a dynamic wide receiver who shined at Ensworth High School. Known for his precise route running and reliable hands, Porter consistently produced big plays throughout his high school career. The 6-foot-3 receiver committed to the University of Kentucky, where he is expected to contribute early in their passing game.
6. Rico Walker – Tight End
High School: Maryville High School (Maryville, TN)
College: North Carolina
Rico Walker, a four-star recruit, made waves at Maryville High School as a versatile athlete capable of playing tight end and linebacker. At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Walker brings a unique blend of size and athleticism to the Tar Heels’ offense. His ability to stretch the field and block effectively makes him a dual-threat at the position.
7. Daniel Calhoun – Offensive Tackle
High School: Centennial High School (Franklin, TN)
College: Georgia
Daniel Calhoun is a towering offensive tackle who dominated at Centennial High School. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Calhoun’s size and strength make him an imposing figure on the offensive line. Ranked as a top-five offensive tackle nationally, Calhoun committed to the University of Georgia, where he is expected to protect future Bulldog quarterbacks.
8. Jaylen Thompson – Cornerback
High School: Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, TN)
College: Michigan State
Jaylen Thompson made a name for himself as a lockdown cornerback at Brentwood Academy. Known for his ability to cover elite wide receivers and force turnovers, Thompson was a highly sought-after recruit. Standing at 6-foot and 175 pounds, he brings athleticism and competitiveness to the Spartans’ secondary.
9. Justin Jefferson – Wide Receiver
High School: Bartlett High School (Bartlett, TN)
College: Ole Miss
Justin Jefferson, a speedy wide receiver, excelled at Bartlett High School with his big-play ability. At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Jefferson has the agility and quickness to thrive in the SEC. His decision to commit to Ole Miss was influenced by their pass-heavy offense, where he expects to flourish.
10. Ethan Davis – Tight End
High School: Collierville High School (Collierville, TN)
College: University of Tennessee
Ethan Davis, a standout tight end, earned his reputation at Collierville High School as a red-zone threat. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Davis possesses the size and athleticism to create mismatches against defenders. His decision to join the University of Tennessee adds depth to their tight end room.
11. Jeremiah Telander – Linebacker
High School: Baylor School (Chattanooga, TN)
College: University of Tennessee
Jeremiah Telander, a three-star linebacker, showcased his skills at the Baylor School. Known for his tackling and leadership, Telander’s work ethic stood out during the recruiting process. His commitment to the University of Tennessee ensures the Volunteers have a reliable player to strengthen their linebacker corps.
12. John Slaughter – Safety
High School: Southaven High School (Southaven, MS; transferred to Tennessee for senior year)
College: University of Tennessee
John Slaughter, a versatile safety, made his mark in Tennessee after transferring from Mississippi. Known for his hard-hitting style and coverage skills, Slaughter earned a three-star rating. He committed to the University of Tennessee, where his physicality and football IQ will benefit their secondary.
13. Luke Brown – Offensive Guard
High School: Henry County High School (Paris, TN)
College: Auburn University
Luke Brown, a powerful offensive guard, dominated at Henry County High School with his physicality in the trenches. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Brown brings size and strength to Auburn’s offensive line. He is expected to contribute early in his college career.
The Growing Impact of Tennessee Football Recruits
Tennessee’s football talent has been increasingly recognized on the national stage, with recruits committing to powerhouse programs across the country. These athletes represent the best of Tennessee high school football and showcase the state’s ability to develop players ready for collegiate success. Whether staying in-state or heading to other conferences, these recruits are poised to make an immediate impact in college football.
As the season progresses, these young athletes will face the challenges of transitioning to the college game while carrying the pride of Tennessee football on their shoulders. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see how they adapt and contribute to their respective teams, building on the rich football tradition of the Volunteer State.