Vols Football 2015 Offers: Quarterbacks

3. Sam Darnold

In an effort to land some great all-around athletes, the Vols targeted Sam Darnold in hopes of gaining a commitment from a three sport player with plenty of upside.

Darnold is a 3-star dual-threat QB who played linebacker as a sophomore as well. He also plays basketball and baseball for San Clemente High School in San Clemente, California. He’s rated as the No. 384 overall player in the country and the 14th best dual-threat quarterback.

Darnold’s junior season was cut short when he fractured his foot early in the season. He displayed his toughness after it happened, as he was able to finish off the drive in which he sustained the injury by tossing a 23-yard touchdown a few plays later. He would miss the remainder of the game and the season, however. To that point, though, Darnold had completed 29 of his 46 passes for 337 yards and 4 scores, adding 322 rushing yards on 35 carries and 5 touchdowns in two games and part of a third (according to Max Preps).

At 6-4, 208 lbs, Darnold has great size and shows why he was able to play linebacker as well. He was also invited to compete at The Opening in the Elite 11 quarterback competitions. He holds offers from 17 different schools, and that likely would be higher if not for his injury.

Darnold had emerged as a fan favorite for a good portion of Vol fans, but Tennessee was never extremely high on Darnold’s list despite the praise. Currently, he appears to be considering Oregon, USC, Utah, and Northwestern the most.

As an athlete, Darnold is certainly an intriguing prospect and may be the best pure QB on the Vols list aside from their commitment, Quinten Dormady. It appears as though Tennessee will not be adding Darnold to their 2015 list, however. Unless something changes, Darnold will likely head out west to play his college ball.