Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Devrin Young (19) and defensive back Brian Randolph (37) and defensive tackle Jordan Williams (54) and defensive back Geraldo Orta (26) celebrate with fans after their 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at EverBank Field. The Tennessee Volunteers beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Overall: A
When you finish in the top 5 of every major recruiting service for a single class, it’s hard not to earn an “A” for an overall grade. And that’s just what the Vols did in the 2015 class.
Virtually every need was met in a big way for Tennessee in this recruiting class, and Butch Jones and his staff hauled in one of the most talented group of players Tennessee has seen in many years. Over half of Tennessee’s 2015 class were ranked as four or five star recruits, adding much-needed depth to an already young and talented team heading into the 2015 season.
Here is where the Vols finished in each recruiting service after National Signing Day:
247Sports: 3rd
247Sports Composite: 4th
Rivals: 5th
Scout: 5th
ESPN: 5th
A consensus top 5 class wouldn’t have been possible without two things, however. Flipping Drew Richmond from Ole Miss and making sure no player in Tennessee’s class flipped were crucial in maintaining a top 5 class in 2015. Both accomplishments cannot be understated.
The Vols addressed every major area of concern on their roster in this class, especially along the offensive and defensive line. Adding another running back or receiver would have been nice, but as it stands, this class is borderline elite.
Only time will tell how well this class pans out. But for right now, Tennessee’s 2015 class looks like one of the best and deepest in the country.