Recruiting Spotlight: Update on the 2013 Recruiting Class

Recruiting Spotlight will take an in depth look at Vol commitments from the Class of 2012 and provide insight into where the player fits into the team and the impact they will have. 

Guess who’s back? You guessed it. As we return to the Recruiting Spotlight we’re gonna turn our focus from this past season’s recruiting class to the upcoming one in 2013.

We’re gonna take a look at just a few recruits who will be, and already are, on Tennessee’s radar this upcoming season and whose names you are certain to hear a lot.

Mackensie Alexander, CB

Alexander is a stud in the making and you can already tell that he knows it. One of Tennessee’s first commitments of the 2013 class, Alexander has impact-player ability and will be a Yahoo! Rivals Top 100 player when the official rankings are released. Expect a solid 4-star for Mackensie.

This is a point of interest because he has stated he is “still interested” in exploring other schools, but don’t worry Vol fans because he “won’t be changing his commitment anytime soon.” This tells us one thing… Alexander is gonna be a fight until signing day between UT, Miami, Florida State, and Florida. However, with a kid this talented, he will certainly be worth the wait.

Corey Smith, WR

Smith is an interesting prospect as well for the Vols as he too is a current commitment. Corey did not qualify last season and pushed his entrance date to school back until this year where he pledged last season to play for the Vols. Viewed as a “smooth receiver”, Smith could make a seamless transition to college with his fluid running style and soft hands.

When talking about Tennessee, Smith stated, “I love the fact that they’ve showed the most interest. They have stuck by me during this entire JUCO thing. I feel comfortable with them. They are a really good program and have a lot of tradition.”

Feel good Vol fans, this guy will be a good one

Leon McQuay, S

McQuay is the dangerous Safety the Vols have been looking for since, well… LaDarrell McNeil. McQuay would make a nasty tandem with the touted-freshmen McNeil. However, Leon is not a Vol commitment and is very much in the mix for all of the Florida schools. He visited campus this past weekend and “liked it a lot.” It’s been said McQuay loves Defensive Backs coach Terry Joseph and Wide Receivers coach Darrin Hinshaw which only helps the causes for the Volunteers.

He is ranked the No. 39 overall player in the 247Sports rankings and is a name to keep on the radar.

Rod Clayton, DT

If you want the definition of a human muscle, then you have found it here in Rod Clayton. This man benches at 395 lbs. and leg presses over 1,000 lbs. Just for a moment, let the register with you. Did I mention he is still in high school? He weighs in at 6’1″ 285 with a 6’7″ wingspan. Oh, he also benched 430 lbs. 4 times, no big deal.

Clayton, who visited the Vols last weekend, said he really liked his visit and really took to coach Sal Sunseri and Derrick Ansley, who is his main recruiter.

If there is ever a player I want on the defensive line for UT it is this guy. We’re on the map early, if Dooley and the coaches can close strong, this guy could be a huge difference maker in the class.

Hunter Bivin, OT

Well at least the Vols are quick to make-up for not taking an O-Lineman in last years class as they are already hot on the trail for Kentucky OT Hunter Bivin. A 6’7″ 288 lb. monster is the perfect size for a bookend Tackle and is reported to have quick feet, also a plus. Ranked as No. 10 Tackle in the nation and the No. 2 player in the state of Kentucky, Bivin would be a difference maker for the Vols whose offensive line starters are getting up there in age.

He visited this past weekend and is a name to keep an eye on. He’s been rumored to be heavily considering Midwest schools and at times has been said to be a Notre Dame silent, I wouldn’t rule out Dooley and the Vols just yet.

-Be sure to follow AFT on Twitter and Facebook or contact us by e-mail at allfortennessee@gmail.com