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Tennessee Visit Leaves Lasting Impact on Four-Star RB Asa Barnes

Westview star RB Asa Barnes, a four-star recruit, shares his electric Neyland Stadium experience and how Tennessee stacks up in his recruitment.
Josh Greer|
Asa Barnes
Asa Barnes | Asa Barnes

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Tennessee Volunteers

Westview High School’s Asa Barnes has been one of the most electrifying names in Tennessee high school football this season. The 6-foot, 190-pound running back has tormented defenses across 3A, piling up yards with his blend of speed, vision, and power. National recruiting services have taken notice, awarding him a four-star ranking and placing him among the top backs in the 2026 class.

Barnes’ recruitment has quickly gained steam with powerhouse programs across the country extending offers. Still, it was his recent visit to Tennessee that captured attention and perhaps moved the Vols closer to locking down one of the state’s brightest prospects.

First Impressions of Neyland

For many recruits, their first steps inside Neyland Stadium can be overwhelming. For Barnes, it was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

“My first impression walking in was like there’s no way they sell out this huge stadium,” Barnes admitted. “But boy was I wrong. It gets filled up fast and it’s crazy loud.”

Peyton Manning and Asa Barnes
Peyton Manning and Asa Barnes | Asa Barnes

That crowd left a lasting impression, and Barnes did not mince words about the experience. “The crowd was insane, definitely the loudest I’ve been to. I don’t think it compares to anything else in college football,” he said.

Game-Day Atmosphere and Rivalry Setting

Tennessee’s visit coincided with a high-stakes rivalry game, and the atmosphere was one Barnes will not soon forget.

“The rivalry setting definitely meant a lot,” he said. “It’s always fun to watch a team beat up on a lesser opponent, but it’s even better watching the nitty gritty game that was Saturday.”

Asa Barnes runs through Obion County (TN)
Asa Barnes | Clinton Smith | Clinton Smith Photography

That intensity allowed Barnes to picture himself in orange and white. “I could definitely picture myself playing there. Playing in front of thousands of loud fans has always been my dream from a kid.”

Feeling at Home with Tennessee’s Staff

Recruiting is not just about facilities and fan bases. It is about relationships. For Barnes, Tennessee’s coaching staff made him and his family feel welcome from the start.

“The coaches made me feel at home from the beginning,” Barnes explained. “They sat down and got to know my family and the guest I brought with me, so it was great.”

Running backs coach De’Rail Sims has been the primary recruiter for Barnes, and the effort has not gone unnoticed. “Tennessee is definitely up there,” Barnes said. “They show a lot of love and recruit me super, super hard.”

Where Tennessee Stands Now

When asked how this visit stacked up against others, Barnes made it clear that Tennessee has always been a contender. “Tennessee has always been high on my list, so this visit just kept them up there,” he said.

It is clear the Vols have positioned themselves well. The combination of elite facilities, one of the most passionate fan bases in America, and a coaching staff that emphasizes relationships makes Tennessee a serious player in Barnes’ recruitment.

The Takeaway from Knoxville

Leaving Knoxville, Barnes summed up the impact of the trip. “The biggest takeaway was just how real everything felt. The atmosphere, the people, the love from the coaches, it all felt genuine.”

For Tennessee fans, those words are encouraging. The Vols have momentum with one of the state’s most talented running backs, and they will not stop pushing until Barnes makes his decision.

Outlook

Recruitments for top running backs are rarely straightforward. Alabama, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and other national powers will all continue to make strong pitches, and Barnes’ stock could rise even higher as he dominates his junior season at Westview.

Still, Tennessee has given itself a real shot. The Vols’ ability to blend game-day energy with personal relationships has left Barnes imagining what it would be like to take handoffs inside Neyland Stadium.

If the Vols can keep that vision alive, Asa Barnes might just be carrying the rock in Knoxville in the not-so-distant future.

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Josh Greer
JOSH GREER

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