Tennessee Makes Early Contact with A Pair of Elite In-State Recruits

At midnight on September 1st, the door to the recruiting world was kicked wide open for Juniors in high school, as college coaches were able to start contacting them directly. Tennessee did not waste much time in reaching out to their top targets.

We talked with several this morning, and we have a live update going, which you can view here.

However, Tennessee reached out to two key in-state targets last night, right after midnight, and we want to look at what makes those two so important. 

Elite quarterback Ty Simpson told VR2 on SI that he heard from a lot of schools over the night, but he heard from Jim Chaney, Jeremy Pruitt, and Chris Weinke immediately. Simpson could be the cornerstone of Tennessee's offensive class, and he is one of the most sought after quarterbacks to come out of the state in over a decade. The importance of his recruitment to the Vols goes without saying. Simpson has remained high on Tennessee despite offers continuing to roll in.

Simpson picked up an offer from Clemson that was very special to him. He was the first quarterback the Tigers offered in the 2022 class, and they appear to be one of the legitimate threats to the Vols.

Simpson had this to say about Tennessee in March, "Tennesse is my home-state school, so you know they’re going on the list anyway, but considering you know the relationship I have with Coach Weinke, Coach Chaney, and Coach Pruitt and the people there you know. I’ll be anxious to see what happens on the decision date."

Simpson's talent is not the only reason that he is a pivotal recruit to Tennessee. He has strong relationships with several in-state prospects that the Vols are expected to prioritize in the 2022 class, which makes him that much more valuable to Tennessee.

The other prospect the Vols reached out to last night from the in-state ranks is Walter Nolen. Nolen is one of the best prospects in the country, regardless of class or position. He is a high-motor, high-twitch defensive lineman who has an explosive first step and can play any position on the defensive line.

Tennessee is one of the teams he is keen on, and he heard from the Vols immediately, he told VR2 on SI this morning. Both Derrick Ansley and Jeremy Pruitt were in contact with him to start the night.

Nolen stated he heard from a ton of other schools throughout the night and into the morning.

A player with Nolen's skillset is already noticed on a national level, as he was at one time enrolled at national powerhouse IMG Academy. As Tennessee continues to recruit at a national level, and if the Vols plan to take a step forward, they need to keep Nolen in-state in the 2022 class.

Nolen told VR2 on SI earlier this week, "I have been trying to keep my head clear and focusing on finishing high school out. I have been trying to not think too much about recruiting. Honestly, it can get stressful sometimes."

He had this to say about Tennessee, "I feel like they have been doing a great job when I talk to them on the phone. I check in with them and stuff."

He added on Pruitt, "he likes to check on my family and making sure my family and me are doing good. He asks me what I am thinking about my season."

Tennessee has recruited in-state well since Jeremy Pruitt took over, and he has seldom missed on a true target from the Volunteer State. These two recruits are going to be two of the toughest battles the Vols have faced on the recruiting trail to date, but if they are able to keep them home, Tennessee could see its best class under Jeremy Pruitt in the 2022 cycle.