Lake Days & Authenticity: Detailing Tennessee's Unique Approach To Official Visits
Official visits are perhaps the most integral part of a prospect's recruitment. Given how most big names want to commit before their senior season starts, summer official visits are common. The official visit is typically the last time a recruit is on campus before announcing their decision. Every coaching staff chooses to conduct their business differently on these recruiting trips, and there is no one correct formula. However, certain strategies are more effective than others; Tennessee has gotten outside the box to find its own formula.
The results are undeniable. In his first full recruiting cycle, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel signed the No. 1 player in America, quarterback Nico Iamaleava. He recruited at a top-10 level in 2023 and could reel in a top-five class in 2024. The Vols are recruiting at a level they haven't in a long time, and a big part of their success is their consistent dedication to authenticity. Tennessee has decided that will be its main pitch to these top-level recruits. These kids are told they are great everywhere they visit - they hear different promises every time they talk to a college coach.
Mike Matthews, 2024 WR pictured with Kelsey Pope, Tennessee WRs coach on his official visit
Tennessee doesn't use these official visits to make promises. They don't even spend a ton of time pitching prospects on the scheme - Heupel prioritizes recruiting kids early and getting them on campus as much as possible, so by the time they reach the official visit period, they already know the football side of things. Tennessee can then focus on getting everyone together in a group and letting prospects and coaches interact with each other.
The lake trips are becoming something of a legend around Knoxville. Heupel and other position coaches have taken multiple groups of official visitors out on the lake and spent the afternoon on the water. These types of activities make Tennessee a comfortable environment for players. They aren't being pushed toward a decision or listening to presentations all day; rather, they get to spend time in the community and with each other. We count these players as Tennessee's top five uncommitted targets.
- Williams Nwaneri, DE
- Mike Matthews, WR
- Kamarion Franklin, DE
- Jordan Ross, EDGE
- Ryan Wingo, WR
None of those players are from the state of Tennessee. The Vols already locked down the state - five of their commits are Tennessee natives, and they are in really strong standing with in-state four-star linebacker Edwin Spillman, their most major priority within their borders. That means that if they plan to push their top-10 class toward a top-5 class, they are pitching out-of-state kids on why they should travel multiple states away to play their college football. The Volunteers are doing a good job of making those players feel comfortable, and it's why they should come away with a few of those five.
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