Nation's Top 2023 Recruit Includes Vols in List of Favorites

Elite defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton has made his first list cut.

There is no more of a high-profile recruit in the 2023 recruiting class than Lebbeus Overton. The nation's top prospect on 247 Sports and Rivals, could very well end up being the consensus top prospect in all of America before he is finished. He has now made his first list cut, including Tennessee on the list of favorites.

The offer list for the elite junior is a who's who, and his top 12 features that, considering he cut the choices from 26 to 12.

Overton visited Tennessee as a spectator in April for the annual Orange & White game with his teammate and Volunteer commitment, Maurice Clipper.

"It was pretty smooth for not being able to be around the college atmosphere for a little while, and it was pretty exciting to be out here," Overton told VR2 on SI following the visit. "I mean, it was pretty good. We got to sit by a lot of students, they were hype the whole time, so it was good to experience."

Overton was impressed with the direction of Tennessee's defensive line under Rodney Garner, and he discussed the fact that he could see himself making it more balanced.

"They have a great run defense," Overton said of what he saw from Tennessee's defensive front. "They are all big on the d-line. I can see them needing some pass rushers in the mix. I saw number nine out there, and he was pretty good."

It is cliche to say that Overton is a national recruit given his ranking, but in recent years, there may not be a recruit with as many national connections as he has.

His mother was a volleyball player at the University of Kentucky, and the Wildcats are featured on the list because of this connection.

His father, Milton Overton, provides a wealth of connections. He was a defensive lineman at Oklahoma in the early 90's, and he has been in athletic departments across the country since the late 90's, including Alabama and Texas A&M. He currently serves as the AD at Kennesaw State University (Ga.), so he is a true asset to the elite prospect.

"He just knows what he is doing," Lebbeus said in April. "He gives me good details. He knows the recruiting process, how the coaches are and how the wording and things are. He is an amazing asset."