Tennessee Football Recruiting: 5 Remaining 2017 Prospects to Watch for Vols

He’s the second-best player on this list but the most likely player for Tennessee football to pick up. In fact, above all else, the Vols and Butch Jones have got to make sure they lock up this four-star defensive tackle to have a solid finish in their class.

Elijah Conliffe is down to Tennessee, Florida, Louisville, and Penn State, but all signs point to the Vols being the clear-cut top choice at this point.

The 6’4″ 305-pound defensive lineman already has the size of a tackle, and he is a four-star across all fronts. But his versatility at his size should make him a five-star.

After all, he has lined up as a defensive end as well and shown himself to be a great pass-rusher in addition to being a run-stopper.

Conliffe could immediately step in as a defensive lineman for the Vols and even compete for a starting job despite the players already there.

The Virginia prospect is a complete player who has vision, quickness, and strength. He needs to work on a few of his spin moves up front, but that will come with coaching.

Overall, this is an elite defensive tackle who has the Vols as his top target. Tennessee being the favorite combined with Conliffe’s status and his talent make him the most important recruit for Tennessee football to keep an eye on ahead of National Signing Day.

Not sealing the deal with Conliffe could be disastrous for Jones’s recruiting class.

But closing with just him could make for a historically great defensive line class this year.