JUCO D-Lineman Sentimore Commits to Volunteers

In what was considered a “National Signing Day” of sorts for many college football progarms, today marked the last day for Junior College Early Enrolees to fax their Letters of Intent to their respected schools. Thus this proves why today had a National Signing Day feel. For the Tennessee Vols this meant that coveted Junior College Defensive Lineman Darrington Sentimore decided today to join Big Orange Nation.

Darrington Sentimore was a University of Alabama commitment out of high school and after his Freshmen season in Tuscolusa he was firmly entretched in the Tide’s Defensive Line rotation. However, after being suspended by Coach Nick Saban indefinitely, Sentimore transfered to Gulf Coast Community College. After a standout season this past year where Darrington totaled 39 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and 7 sacks, Sentimore has become a hot commodity and his services were wanted by UT, Alabama, LSU, Texas, Miami, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State just to name a few. Rated a 4-star prospect out of high school, Sentimore was ranked the 13th best defensive tackle in the country coming out of high school and looks to be on a vengeance to prove just that. Darrington will have two years of eligibility remaining and looks to be steady contributor for the Vols next season after the loss of graduating DT Malik Jackson.

Translation: Sentimore is a stud for the UT and was a big get. The line of scrimmage wins and loses football games and addressing this position first and foremost with an impact player was a big move by Derek Dooley. Sentimore has a lot of versatility like Malik Jackson did these past few seasons for the Vols, but unlike Malik, Darrington did not start out as a Defensive End and over the years has developed into his frame at D-Tackle while keeping a vast majority of his speed. His biggest asset after looking at his film and results from camps is his pass rush ability and overall speed. He clocked a 4.6 40 yard dash out of high school before a college strength and conditioning program at his 6’3″ 265 frame. Point being, Sentimore can step in immediately where Malik Jackson left off and fill the void at D-Tackle next to Maurice Couch. This tandem could wreak havoc for SEC offenses as Tennessee finally has landed not only talent, but talent and depth on the defensive line. This is a big get for the Vols and  being an Early Enrolee helps to ease the learning curve that plauged Couch, Byron Moore, and Izaeua Lanier for the Vols this past season. Look for sentimore to do big things early in the year for the Vols.

Other Notes: Jarnell Stokes, a 5-star recruit out of Memphis announces his decision on a school today at 6:30 PM. Many insiders consider Stokes to be a UT lean at this point and this would be a huge get for a Volunteers program that needs a spark, especially in the post. Stokes will actually be eligible to play this season due to TSSAA transfer rules at whichever school he decides upon. Cuonzo Martin can put a huge stamp on UT’s Basketball Program with the addition of Stokes, if Coach Martin is to land him look for the Vols to make a big jump in year two in Coach Martin’s system.