Tennessee football should have strongest legs in SEC with commitment from 2023 Memphis K

There’s going to be open competition for Tennessee football next year in place kicking and punting with Chase McGrath and Paxton Brooks both in their final years of eligibility. The Vols have multiple options, but there are now two key players who give them clear options when it comes to kicking with power.

Australian punter Jackson Ross, who is a true freshman on this year’s team, fits that mold to offset Brooks’ departure. Now, though, the Vols have an in-state commitment at place kicker who could do the same thing. Max Gilbert has committed to UT as a preferred walk-on.

A 2023 prospect out of Lausanne in Memphis, Gilbert stands at 6’1″ 185 pounds. He announced his commitment to Tennessee football over the Memphis Tigers and a scholarship offer from the Army Black Knights Thursday late afternoon on Twitter.

Just like Ross, Gilbert brings power to the position. According to Ryan Callahan of GoVols247, he hit a 54-yarder last year, which is incredible for an underclassman in high school. McGrath’s longest made field goal for his career is 52 yards.

If you combine Ross and Gilbert as next year’s starters, then the Vols will have the strongest kicking combination in the SEC for four years, assuming Ross takes a redshirt this year. That would be an impressive feat on special teams.

Of course, Punter U is a signature title for Tennessee football, but the Vols always had great place kicking when they were at their best too. Usually, though, it was with accurate kickers, not power kickers, so Gilbert would be a bit different on that front.

Still, his power would be a weapon, and there’s a chance the Vols could use him on kickoffs even with Josh Turbyville still on the roster next year. Toby Wilson should have another year of eligibility too, so there is still going to be competition.

None of that should phase Gilbert, though. His leg power and the fact that Memphis, a school known for producing superstar place kickers, targeted him speak to how good he can be. Here is a look at his highlight reel.

As you can see, Gilbert is able to send kickoffs sailing out of the back of the end zone. He also may actually have more accuracy than he appears to have, as that 46-yarder was made from the right hash mark, and his long field goals both had room to spare.

Taking all of this into account, Tennessee football got a great pickup in Gilbert. He was injured last year, but he’s back at full strength now, so by the time he arrives on campus, there should be no issues. The Vols may have secured their future at place kicking.