Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Something special is happening in Knoxville where first-year Tennessee coach Butch Jones is not only assembling one of the best classes for 2014, but the Volunteers’ class of 2015 is off to a fast start and could be even better.
The Vols currently have five commitments from 2015 recruits with the headliner being four-star inside linebacker Cecil Cherry (Frostproof, Fla. Frostproof), who committed Jun. 14. Cherry became the second defender to commit in a week joining three-star defensive end Andrew Butcher (Alpharetta, Ga. Alpharetta).
Another defender could eventually be joining the fun on Rocky Top in No. 1 outside linebacker Jeffery Holland (Jacksonville, Fla. Trinity Christian Academy), who was on campus the same day Cherry committed and came away impressed in comments made to Ryan Callahan of GoVols 247.
“It’s a beautiful campus… (Facilities at other schools) really don’t (compare). I’ve never seen the state-of-the-art stuff they’ve got in there — the equipment in the training room. It’s nice.”
The 6-2, 230-pound Holland won’t be committing any time soon, but one decision he is ready to make is coming back to Tennessee for a game this season to experience the game day atmosphere which is electric. Every win that Tennessee produces this season on the field should increase their odds with talented prospects like Holland and others, who want to take part in the Tennessee renaissance.
Rounding out the class are in-state offensive tackles Zach Stewart (Coalfield, Tenn. Coalfield School), Jack Jones (Murfreesboro, Tenn. Oakland) and athlete Jaylond Woods (Lenoir City, Tenn. Lenoir City). Butcher and Stewart are the highest ranked three-star recruits and likely will be four-star prospects after their junior seasons.
A lot can change in a year and Tennessee is hoping that’s true as they attempt to make a significant turnaround with Jones patrolling the sidelines and in the living room of prized recruits like Holland.
Patrick’s a college football writer for Rant Sports and radio host on Sportstownchicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickASchmidt and add him to your Google network.
