Vols Recruiting: Jarrett Guarantano Commits To Tennessee
By Zach Ragan
Butch Jones did that thing he does again.
You know, that thing where he lands elite recruits?
Yeah, that.
2016 Four-star quarterback Jarrett Guarantano committed to the Vols on Wednesday afternoon, via Bleacher Report, filling the void left by former 2016 Vol QB commit Austin Kendall.
Guaranatano, a 6’4″/200 lb pro-style quarterback from Oradell, NJ (Bergen Catholic), is rated by 247Sports as the seventh best player in the state of New Jersey and the eighth best 2016 pro-style quarterback in the nation.
The New Jersey native was reportedly choosing between Ohio State, Rutgers and Tennessee.
Ohio State, however, essentially bowed out of the recruiting battle earlier on Wednesday, after taking a commitment from quarterback Tristen Wallace.
The Vols were looking like the favorites prior to that news anyway. I don’t think it drastically altered Guarantano’s plans, though it certainly solidified those plans.
Guarantano told me on #Vols: "I don't think there's a fanbase that cares more about their football team than at the University of Tennessee”
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) April 15, 2015
On the actual football side of things, the Vols are getting a very solid player. Guarantano has a strong arm, good field vision and great football instincts.
And even though Guarantano is labeled as pro-style quarterback, he has enough speed (4.59 in the 40) to keep defenses honest.
There are definitely areas where Guarantano can improve (as is always the case), but he’s already a polished player that could make some noise upon his arrival to Rocky Top.
Tennessee’s roster of quarterbacks in 2016, assuming no one transfers, will look completely ridiculous from a talent standpoint.
It’s been a long time since Vol fans could feel as positive about the future as they do right now.
Enjoy it, Big Orange fans. You deserve it.