Elite 2026 LB Rodney Colton Jr. Sees Tennessee As Early Contender

The Tennessee Volunteers have made an early impression on 2026 Georgia linebacker Rodney Colton Jr., who caught up with Volunteer Country to update where things stand.

Tennessee prioritizes making early impressions on elite recruits, especially in the southeast. Linebacker Rodney Colton Jr. (Newnan, Ga.) qualifies as one of those recruits. Colton tallied 34 tackles and five TFLs during his freshman season, flashing an impressive athletic profile in a 6-1, 200-pound frame. His performance was enough to garner early Power-5 interest, with the Vols jumping into the mix by offering on May 18.

"It was a great feeling," Colton said of earning the offer. "I had just gone done with practice. My defensive line coach [Cedric Jackson] asked me about my GPA. After I told him, he said he would get Coach [Rodney] Gardner to look at me. [Garner] gave my head coach a call and offered. I was just walking around smiling and had a great vibe."

Colton has an impressive early offer list but wanted to prioritize getting out to Knoxville. He made the trip for his first visit on June 25 and came away impressed with how the coaching staff operated. "The environment, the new facility that’s being built, and the way the coaches announced what area they recruit in. Shows that even when you think nobody is watching, somebody is." He repeatedly emphasized that Tennessee's attention to detail was important to him and unique compared to other schools.

The Vols employ a unique offensive system that works well, but it also requires the defense to be on the field upward of 100 plays per game. Colton appreciates that challenge and how Tennessee runs its base scheme, underscoring that he just wants to make plays. "I like the drop coverages," Colton explained. "If you play on time and read the hashes, it's a pick every time on a slant." 

Colton also got a look at life beyond the football field in Knoxville. "It’s great. I like how they have some dorms right next to the school. The Peyton Manning room is so lit, lots of great memories in there. And the city near the school looks good. The bridge where they dumped the goalpost looks like a great view at night." Tennessee definitely made an early impression and is one of his early favorites, alongside Georgia, Cincinnati, LSU, Auburn, Florida, Marshall, and Appalachian State.

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