Tennessee football: Landing Tate Ratledge would have been a huge get
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Tate Ratledge had the Tennessee football team in his final two. But, he chose to commit to the Georgia Bulldogs.
Last week the Tennessee basketball program was on the wrong end of Jalen Cone committing to play for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Monday morning the Tennessee football team just missed out on 2020 four-star prospect, Tate Ratledge.
On Monday morning Ratledge took to the stage to announce his college decision which came down to Georgia and Tennessee. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Ratledge was ranked 39th nationally, fifth offensive tackle, and the sixth best player from Georgia.
Along with Georgia and Tennessee, other teams that offered Ratledge included Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Penn State, and others. With this many teams on board, if Pruitt could have landed Ratledge, it would have been a big deal.
Ratledge is a big left tackle with length and athleticism. He’s quick on his feet as he used to play tight end. He has excellent footwork which helps him control pass and run blockers.
The Vols 2020 recruiting class is ranked 30th in the nation with just three four-star recruits and zero five-stars. But, no need to panic just yet. The 2019 recruiting class ended up 12th in the country with big offensive linemen gets like Wanya Morris, Darnell Wright, Jackson Lampley, and Chris Akporoghene.
It’s early, but Ratledge would have been the first offensive lineman to sign in the 2020 class. He certainly would have paired well with four-star quarterback from Marietta, GA, Harrison Bailey. However, it isn’t over yet.
dark. Next. Projecting Vols’ 2019 2-deep depth chart
Ratledge grew up a Tennessee fan and playing for the Vols would have to seem like a dream. Plus, Pruitt needs to stay hot on the recruiting trail when it comes to offensive lineman. To win in the SEC, you have to have some great players on the line of scrimmage. I would imagine that Brian Niedermeyer will stay in Ratledge’s ear as signing day draws closer.