A few weeks ago we spoke to 2022 DB James Monds III after he had picked up an offer from the Vols in early May. Monds III, rated as a 3-star by 247 Sports in their early class of 2022 rankings, had already received early offers from the likes of instate Miami, Penn State, and Michigan State and has since earned one of the few 2022 offers sent out by Clemson as well as from Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Out of Fort Pierce on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Monds III is in the early stages of his recruitment but is likely on track to becoming a national prospect. We chatted with him about what he’s been doing with his time during the shutdown, his other athletic pursuits, academics, and what his recruiting process is likely to look like. One interesting note is that his cousin and teammate Kamari Wilson is a fellow 2022 prospect and is ranked as the #34 overall player in the class by 247 Sports. Wilson also has an early offer from the Vols along with the likes of Clemson, Alabama, LSU, the Big 3 Florida schools, and others. The Vols are clearly in the mix for Monds III in particular, but this one has a long way to go before any decisions are made. Regardless, he’s one to watch as Tennessee builds out its 2022 board and has the makings of a bigtime prospect.
Q: What’s your current height and weight?
A: “5’11, 170 pounds.”
Q: What have you been doing workout-wise during the shutdown?
A: “I’ve been working out with my cousin Kamari Wilson and our trainer.”
Q: Obviously it’s early, but do you and Kamari view yourselves as any kind of package deal?
A: “We haven’t really discussed a package deal but we would like to play together in the same secondary.”
Q: You’ve got an impressive GPA (listed at 4.3 on his Twitter bio) – talk about why school is so important to you.
A: “I love learning about new things. School is obviously important – I don’t want to have wasted my chance on a degree if things don’t work out with football. I want to be a Pre-med major and end up becoming a pediatrician. I just really like helping people.”
Q: Do you play any other sports? Talk about those and how you think competing in multiple sports helps you on the gridiron
A: “Yes sir. I’ve played soccer since I was three years old – I actually scored 22 goals last season. I also run the 100 meters in track. Both sports help me with my DB footwork as well as my speed. Especially track with my straightline speed as a kick returner.”
Q: Where have you visited so far, and which schools do you plan to see after the shutdown ends?
A: “So far I’ve been to see a bunch of schools with our 7-on-7 team bus tour. We saw Miami, FSU, UF, South Carolina, UGA, Auburn, Georgia State, and Georgia Tech. ”
Q: Who at Tennessee gave you the offer and how did they deliver the news?
A: “Coach Derrick Ansley messaged me and told me to call him and when I did he offered. It was my first SEC offer and I was really excited of course.”
Q: Tennessee has obviously been on a huge run on the recruiting trail over the last several months and in the process has landed a handful of players from Florida. Do you know any of Tennessee’s commitments?
A: “I’ve met De’Shawn Rucker at some camps and we’re cool. I’ve gotten to know both Kamar Wilcoxson and Dylan Brooks some via social media.”
Q: Where are you in your recruitment, and what schools are standing out at the moment?
A: “I’m still open and soaking it all in. I’d like to visit all the places where I have offers from and then come out with a Top 10 or 15 at the end of my Junior year.”
Q: Given your academic prowess, are you familiar at all with the success guys like Josh Dobbs and Grant Williams – high profile professional athletes – also had off the field while at Tennessee?
A: “Yes, I know a little something about how he was a high achieving student who in the off-season worked with NASA.”
Q: Lastly, anything else fans should know about you?
A: “Just that I’m a good kid – a 4.0 student, and an all around baller.”