Just days after Josh Heupel and company signed the best recruiting class since arriving in Knoxville, news on the recruiting front gets even better for Tennessee football.
Tennessee 4-star linebacker signee TJ White just received an oustading accolade Friday morning. News broke on X that White has won the Gatorade Player of the Year award in Mississippi.
#AGTG Blessed to be named the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year @Gatorade
— Theron “TJ” White Jr (@TjWhite1_) December 5, 2025
@JARaiderFB @CoachDDuggan @shayhodge3 @H3_Performance @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong_ @adamgorney @TomLoy247 @samspiegs pic.twitter.com/G1OxRzcCFU
In 2025, White racked up an astonishing 88 tackles, 22 TFLs, and 12 sacks. He helped lead Jackson Academy to a 4A championship. White is rated a 4-star by the 247Sports composite and is ranked in the top 55 players nationally. The Volunteers beat out Florida State, Auburn, North Carolina, and Mississippi State for White's commitment.
Defensive coordinator Time banks should be fired up, as he has another stud to add to his defense.
This might sound bold, but white has a chance to be a day one starter for Tennessee. He is a downhill linebacker who makes plays sideline to sideline. He can line up on the edge or play off-ball.
In 2025, Tennessee struggled at the linebacker position, and a guy like White could bring more stability to the room. Depending on what Tennessee does this off-season with the portal, this could be a very real possibility.
Even if he isn't a starter next fall, it will be hard for Banks to keep White off the field. Yes, he does need to add some bulk to his frame, but White is a versatile player who is an elite athlete.
Players like White don't come around often, so getting a guy like this will pay major dividends for Tennessee next fall.