Notes, Buzz from Rocky Top 7v7 and Lineman Challenge

Tennessee targets flocked to the annual Rocky Top 7v7 tournament this weekend. The VR2 on SI staff was on hand, collecting highlights, photos and information from the various prospects. 

Duo of 2022 in-state OL

Jacob Hood and Fisher Anderson both made the trip to Gatlinburg and both are considering Tennessee among their list of favorites. Hood has trimmed down since the last time we saw him in person and his athleticism looked much improved. Anderson is fresh off finishing a deep state wrestling run for Franklin Co. but he looked the part on Saturday. He is an athletic lineman who can thrive in space like Tennessee’s new staff will like. The Vols continue to communicate with both guys on a consistent basis. 

2022 DB D’Arco Perkins 

Perkins is a DB that has watched his stock explode in the last month. He added offers from LSU and Tennessee in addition to four other SEC programs. Oklahoma is also in the mix. Tennessee is communicating with him heavily and he would be a nice DB addition to their class. Others are certain to get involved as his tape continues to circulate. He enjoys his relationship with Ed Orgeron and pin-pointed that as the relationship that stood out to him over the rest. 

2023 TE Ty Lockwood 

Lockwood is an impressive prospect on the hoof measuring in at 6-5, 220 pounds and he flashes nice athleticism. He carries his frame well and is a natural pass-catcher. He has already had one conversation with Alex Golesh since he took over as the Vols OC/ TE coach, and Lockwood came away impressed. It’s early in this recruitment and several others remain involved. 

ATH Barion Brown 

The speedster from Pearl Cohn has connections to Tennessee and while hearing from the new staff on a consistent basis, the Vols have some work to do with Alabama involved early on. He is a true speed prospect who can run by the best defenders.  He also flashed nice ball skills at times.

The Wade Twins 

Keaten and Destin Wade led Summitt to a 5A state title this fall, and they both had big days for “Dream Team” on Saturday. They have a strong desire to play together at the next level. Tennessee has prioritized them of late and are now back firmly in the mix for their services after being left out of Keaten’s top list of schools. 

2022 QB Tevin Carter 

Tennessee continues to prioritize Sam Horn at the quarterback position with Heupel and coming talking to him and his parents every day. The Vols are trying to make a serious move for the elite state signal-caller, but with work to be done there, they have maintained a line of contact with Carter through Memphis-area recruiter Jerry Mack. Tennessee could look to take two quarterbacks in this class depending on how things shake out. Carter Is a name to monitor, but he is not atop Tennessee’s board at this point. He flashed his arm talent at times on Saturday and is confident of his ability as a passer. He drives the ball down the field very well.