No. 1 tight end in the country shows off Tennessee football gloves in game

Tennessee football is looking to add more elite talent to its summer of recruiting dominance. Most recently, the Vols earned the commitment of 2025 five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr out of Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Sanders showed off the Vols with a Power T sticker on his helmet and Tennessee gloves in the season's first game. His teammate, Kendre Harrison, a 2026 five-star tight end, joined him in wearing Tennessee gloves in the season opener.

The 6-foot-7, 243-pound tight end is the No. 1 ranked tight end in the 2026 recruiting class. He's also the No. 9 player in the country and the No. 2 player in North Carolina, according to 247 Sports Composite. 

He's going to be a red zone cheat code for Providence Day over the next two seasons. The Junior's size alone gives the Chargers an immediate advantage over most defensive backs they will face this season.

"[Harrison] could be molded into a variety of different things, but ceiling might ultimately be highest as an in-line tight end given large catch radius and potential as a blocker," 247 Sports' Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins writes. "Rare size makes him a straight up mismatch for high school defenders, especially in the red zone as he fights for positioning. 

"Will move people out of the way and open up run lanes, but improved technique will only allow him to make more of an impact at the point of attack. Must keep progressing and buy into the process at the program of his choice, but has the tools to be a true difference-maker on Saturdays."

Harrison has drawn eyes from programs across the country, but right down the road, North Carolina is a big player in Harrison's recruiting process up to this point. 

The Vols offered Harrison on January 27, 2023, so he has been on Heupel's radar for a long time. He's since made three unofficial visits to campus, more than any other program recruiting him. While UNC shows to be the favorite on 247, Tennessee could be looking to make another splash and bring another player with an immediate impact to campus with Harrison.