4. Defensive Ends: B+
Number of commitments: 3
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Tyler Baron
4-star; 6’4″ 250 pounds; Knoxville, Tenn.; Knoxville Catholic High School
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Morven Joseph
4-star; 6’3″ 211 pounds; Lakeland, Fla.; Lake Gibson High School
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Reginald Perry
3-star; 6’5″ 245 pounds; Fairfield, Ala.; Fairfield High School
Now we’ve reached the part of the recruiting class that matches what Tennessee football’s about to lose with quality talent in exact numbers. That’s a big deal. This unit would have earned an A if Jay Hardy had committed instead of going to the Auburn Tigers, but Jeremy Pruitt is still doing a good job on this front.
The Vols, after 2020, will lose Ja’Quain Blakely, Matthew Butler and LaTrell Bumphus to the pros. John Mincey is back, but they need more bodies for that one defensive end spot. Tyler Baron is obviously the star who fits that mold. But Reginald Perry can come in and do it as well. Baron, though, as the four-star, is the guy who really boosts this class.
Meanwhile, Morven Joseph is another four-star who provides options. If he puts on weight, he’s part of this rotation. However, even if he doesn’t, edge rusher is a bit flexible in Pruitt’s scheme, and as we’re about to break down, the Vols need help at outside linebacker too.
Simply put they got two four-stars and a three-star with three outside rushers leaving after this year. That’s a big plus and one that allows us to say Pruitt is doing a pretty solid job here. More help could always be used, but things are looking good there for now.