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Tennessee football: Five things to watch for on Early Signing Day

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Smokey the live Tennessee Volunteers mascot on the sidelines during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Smokey the live Tennessee Volunteers mascot on the sidelines during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Pensacola Catholic wide receiver, Damarius McGhee (6) runs the ball to gain some yardage as the Florida High Seminoles take on the Pensacola Catholic Crusaders in high school football, region 1-3A semifinals at Mike Hickerson Stadium, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018.Florida High378
Pensacola Catholic wide receiver, Damarius McGhee (6) runs the ball to gain some yardage as the Florida High Seminoles take on the Pensacola Catholic Crusaders in high school football, region 1-3A semifinals at Mike Hickerson Stadium, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018.Florida High378 /

3. Can the Vols get back any players who decommitted?

The rash of decommitments we just mentioned has been a big reason Tennessee football’s national recruiting rankings went from being in the top five earlier this year to not even being in the top five in the SEC and the Vols just barely clinging to a top 15 ranking. As a result, the first step for Jeremy Pruitt has to be avoiding more decommitments.

However, if he can do that, there’s a chance the Vols can then get some of those decommitments back during the Early Signing Period. Hudson Wolfe and Darrell Jackson appear to be gone, as they have committed to the Ole Miss Rebels and Maryland Terrapins respectively. Elijah Howard committed to the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Terrence Lewis is the biggest star the Vols can still get. The Auburn Tigers were the favorite to land him, but after Gus Malzahn’s firing, it looks like UT is back in play. He announced it was down to the Vols and Terps earlier this week on Twitter and that he will commit on Jan. 2. He could make a decision during this period, though.

Beyond Lewis, Damarius McGhee could still be in play, but the LSU Tigers are a heavy favorite to land him. Then there’s Jay Jones, who appears to have no favorites but could surprise everybody. Of all these, Lewis is the one they could most likely get back, and that should be their focus.

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