Oct 15, 2011; Knoxville, TN, USA; The Tennessee Volunteers mascots await the start of a game against the LSU Tigers at Neyland Stadium. The Tigers beat the Volunteers 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers have six commitments for 2014, and they appear to be just getting started. Tennessee is currently ranked sixth in the nation (Rivals) and fifth in the SEC.
With 19 days before the Orange and White game is to be played, plenty of rumors have been flying around that the Vols could see a couple more recruits commit very soon.
D’Andre Payne, a 5’9″/ 175 pound 4-star cornerback out of Washington D.C. ( Friendship Collegiate Academy) has an offer from the Vols and has shown interest in Tennessee. During Spring Break I caught up with Payne and was able to speak with him about recruiting and ask him a few questions.
Jonah: What are your top three schools?
Payne: Right now I have ten favorite schools.
Jonah: What coaches from Tennessee have you spoke to?
Payne: I’ve met the whole coaching staff, but actually had conversations with Coach Jones, Coach Thigpen, and Coach Martinez
Jonah: How long have you been interested in Tennessee?
Payne: I’ve been interested with Tennessee for a while, the offer was a big surprise to me.
Jonah: Whats the most important thing you look for when choosing a school?
Payne: The things I look for in a school is a chance to play early, not loaded at the position, great coaching staff, the whole atmosphere at the school, a family based school, has a good sports management program in which I will major.
Jonah: Which school has showed you the most attention?
Payne: Tennessee has showed me the most attention since they have offered, I talk to Coach Thigpen almost everyday.
Jonah: When you hear Tennessee Football, whats the first thing that comes to mind?
Payne: When I hear Tennessee football first I think about the great tradition that they have and great athletes that have went there in the past years , then I think about what Coach Jones has in store for the 2013 season and how the team is going to rise to the top.
Jonah: If there is one NFL player you look up to who is it? Why?
Payne: My favorite NFL player that I look up to is Joe Haden. A lot of people that I know compare me to him all the time and I love the way he plays the game. I’ve watched him since he was at Friendly High School.
2014 Tennessee Volunteers Recruiting
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