Tennessee Football Recruiting: Vols announce 2019 early signing day class

Putting 2018 behind them, Tennessee looks to add weapons with the Early Signing Period. Who can we expect to choose the Volunteers?

The 2018 offseason was nothing short of a fiasco in Rocky Top where it seemed like the Volunteers might go into the season coach-less. From protests against potential hires to others flat-out turning the position down, nobody wanted to be the head football coach at Tennessee.

Now that Jeremy Pruitt is in, recruiting numbers are on the rise, where the Vols rank 16th nationally, up from 21st just a year ago. There are plenty of things to love about playing at Tennessee – being in the SEC and historically a great program helps. The biggest allure in the past two seasons is that recruits are going to play early.

With 2018’s Early National Signing Period upon us, let’s take a look at who the next man up for Tennessee might be:

A good portion of the Volunteers’ 2019 signing class plans to put pen to paper early, with 12 recruits expected to sign. Five-star offensive tackle Wanya Morris (Loganville, GA) is among them, ranked third among offensive tackles in the country. In 2018, Tennessee ranked T-49th in sacks allowed with 23.

Other players expected to make an immediate impact in 2019 are four-star wide receiver Ramel Keyton (Marietta, GA) and four-star safety Jaylen McCollough (Powder Springs, GA). Both players should help their respective games, where Tennessee struggled to pass or defend the pass (ranked 95th and 59th, respectively). Tight end Jackson Lowe (Cartersville, GA) is also expected to sign. Lowe is a big, bruising athlete with soft hands who will help both protect Jarrett Guarantano and give him another big target.

Tennessee looks to improve upon their dismal 5-7 record in 2018 and earn a bowl berth in 2019. A strong class and improved passing game should get the Volunteers there.