Five strongest outside states for Tennessee football in 2020
2. Florida: 10 (3 newcomers)
Key names: Deandre Johnson, Kivon Bennett
Hiring guys like Chris Weinke has truly paid off for Tennessee football. Jeremy Pruitt has helped the Vols establish a huge pipeline into that state, and even with the loss of Tim Jordan, the Vols are still loaded with talent on that front now.
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At least four returnees are expecting to start and be rotational players. With Darrell Taylor gone, Deandre Johnson of Miami and Kivon Bennett of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. could make a South Florida duo as starting outside linebackers this year in their senior and junior campaigns respectively.
Brandon Johnson, also of Fort Lauderdale, returns from a redshirt season and could become a starting wideout as a senior. Carlin Fils-Aime of Naples, Fla. also returns from a redshirt year and should be a rotational player at running back along with Ty Chandler and Eric Gray.
Brian Maurer of Ocala, Fla. started four games at quarterback last year as a true freshman. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Kingston Harris of Orlando and offensive lineman Chris Akporoghene, who is originally from Nigeria but then went to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., have huge expectations as they enter their redshirt sophomore and freshman years respectively.
Finally, the newcomers are also a big deal. Nebraska Cornhuskers transfer Miles Jones may redshirt, but if not, he’s a 5’8″ receiver from Miramar, Fla. who could be used on tons of gadget plays. Two four-stars receiver Malachi Wideman of Venice, Fla. and edge rusher Morven Joseph of Lakeland, Fla., helped boost an elite 2020 class, although neither is likely to play much this year.