Vols Recruiting: Five-Star Defensive Tackle Sets Announcement Date
By Zach Ragan
Highly touted five-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie will choose between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Arizona Wildcats on July 10 at The Opening.
Big News: 5-star DL Kahlil McKenzie (@KM1_Era) will commit live at @TheOpening2014 on 7/10. #BearDown #VolNation. pic.twitter.com/xQpX5fXwFP
— ALL22 (@TheOpening) June 4, 2014
McKenzie, who is a Vol legacy (his father, Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie, was a linebacker for the Vols from 1981-1984), is a 6’4″/309 lb defensive tackle from Concord, CA (De La Salle) that 247Sports rates as the second best defensive tackle in the nation and the third best player in the state of California.
The Opening, which attracts some of the top high school recruits in the nation, has been kind to the Volunteers. Vol legacy Dillon Bates committed to Tennessee at The Opening in 2013.
Tennessee is hoping history repeats itself in 2014.
And they’re doing what they can to make it happen.
Look what @UTCoachJones sent me #GoVols !!🔶🔸 pic.twitter.com/peIrphZhxM
— Kahlil McKenzie Jr. (@Kahlil_Mckenzie) June 3, 2014
McKenzie would be a huge pickup for the Vols. It’s no secret that Tennessee desperately needs help on the defensive line. McKenzie is a guy that could come in and contribute immediately as a freshman.
Not only is McKenzie a run-stuffer, but he has the ability to get after the quarterback as well. That’s rare for a player of his size.
I think the Vols’ chances to land McKenzie are excellent. If he ends up committing to Arizona (or anywhere else for that matter) it would be a colossal disappointment for Tennessee.