Tennessee Holds Lead For Williams Nwaneri
The Tennessee Volunteers are after several blue-chip defensive linemen, but none are more important than two: five-star defensive ends Williams Nwaneri and Kamarion Franklin. The Vols lead comfortably for Franklin, which isn't much of a secret, but Nwaneri is keeping his recruitment close to the vest. However, there was an update about the race for Nwaneri this week.
247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong likely has the best pipeline to Nwaneri in the industry. He continues to provide crucial updates about where different programs stand with the Missouri native. Wiltfong broke the news about his official visits, top schools, and more and has now shared that Tennessee holds a slim lead in this one. He joined Andrew Ivins on the Football Recruiting Podcast and said this. "I don't have a crystal ball in, but if I did, it would be with Tennessee right now by the slimmest of margins." The Vols are battling Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, Oregon, and Texas A&M for Nwaneri. There's still a long way to go before he decides. Nwaneri has five official visits scheduled, four during the summer before his senior season.
- Georgia: June 2
- Oklahoma: June 9
- Tennessee: June 16
- Missouri: June 23
- Oregon: September 22
The NCAA will allow recruits to take an unlimited number of official visits on July 1, with the stipulation being that you can only take one per program. Nwaneri could opt to schedule more official visits after that date. The Texas A&M Aggies are a new player in this recruitment that could get an official. Nwaneri took an unofficial visit to College Station over the weekend and enjoyed his time. Other schools may pop up between now and then, but it feels like six programs have legitimate arguments, with a few standing atop the pack.
A summer lead means nothing. Tennessee must continue placing a premium on Nwaneri and making him feel wanted. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner does an excellent job of recruiting in person, relating to the individual, and understanding what makes them tick. He and Nwaneri have developed a close relationship, a strong reason why the Vols carry a lead. There's time between now and when he makes a decision, but it's still good to hear that Tennessee has made an impression.
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