Every year, there are a few commitments who come out of nowhere. Those guys either become big-time recruits, or they get recruited over late in the game. It’s all part of the process.
Tennessee got an out-of-the-blue pledge on Monday when Orlando cornerback Brandon Cross pledged to UT over offers from Mississippi State, Missouri, Florida Atlantic and others. The 5’10”, 185-pound defensive back is a 3-star player according to 247Sports and the nation’s No. 1,114-ranked player in the country. That may seem puzzling on its surface for UT to take a player ranked there at this point, but last year, the Vols received commitments from Cheyenne Labruzza, Shawn Shamburger and Terrell Bailey.
https://twitter.com/iambcross/status/874412647449595908
Teams like LSU, Georgia, Notre Dame and others came after those kids late in the game; they stayed true to the Vols.
With UT needing defensive backs and only Shatar McClay (who reportedly has grade issues) in the fold, Cross’s pledge was one the Vols were thrilled about. You could tell by their reaction on Twitter. Also, considering Cross is small in stature, they must love his game.
Last year, Tennessee signed tight end James Brown from the same high school — Jones HS in Orlando — so you know the Vols have seen a lot of Cross. Obviously, they liked what they saw, as evidenced by their Twitter reaction.
BOOM!!! Keep letting the sunshine in!!!!!
— Larry Scott (@UTCoachLScott) June 13, 2017
As you know by now, the Vols [nor any other teams, for that matter] care what you think about star ratings. They go off their own evaluations, and while UT hasn’t been able to break through with any championships lately, they are winning nine games the past couple of years, so obviously, the evaluations aren’t bad. We’ll see if Cross winds up being a jewel or somebody who the Vols wind up recruiting over.
He’s a kid who wanted to come to UT, and he’s a kid UT wanted. It’s going to be interesting to see if he blows up and becomes a kid with a huge offer sheet. He’s going to be visiting Knoxville for Orange Carpet Day, according to VolQuest.com’s Austin Price.
“I have a vision because of James and I know he is going to lie to me. I know it’s going to feel like home. I can’t wait to vibe with players and coaches. It’s going to be my home for the next four years.”
The Cross news is at least some good news after the decision of 4-star, in-state running back Master Teague choosing Ohio State over the Vols (Georgia, Auburn and others) on Sunday after receiving an offer in Columbus over the weekend. That was a big blow to UT, who now probably turns its focus at running back onto Lyn-J Dixon, Anthony Grant and Tae Provens.
Glad to have Cross aboard!
[…] https://gamedayonrockytop.com/tennessee-recruiting-vols-get-cross-recruiting/ […]