As most are aware, Tennessee is in need of dynamic players that have the ability to affect the game in multiple facets.
But as we have seen in this 2019 cycle, Jeremy Pruitt, is going after the players that fit his scheme. It does not matter if they are in-state or across the country.
September 1st opened the contact period for coaches to be able to communicate with Juniors and in this case 2020 prospects.
It appears that Pruitt and staff are already highly prioritizing multiple 2020 in-state prospects that they believe will fit their mold and better Tennessee football.
The number one player in the state for 2020 is four-star athlete, Reggie Grimes II of Mount Juliet. Tennessee’s new coaching staff quickly re-extended an offer to Grimes on January 26th and has continued to be in his ear since.
Though, Grimes is less than three hours from Knoxville, Tennessee is going to have their work cut out for his services. Grimes tells me that he is hearing the most from Florida, Clemson, Tennessee and Alabama.
“It has changed a lot since the first and now it seems as if a dozen coaches contact me every hour.” Grimes says about the new contact that he has received since September 1st.
Grimes, hears from the main defensive minds at Tennessee in Coach (Kevin) Sherrer and Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt the most.
Tennessee will receive a visit from Grimes this weekend for the ETSU game. This will be at least the second time he has visited Tennessee since the new staff has taken over. Grimes was last on campus in April.
Grimes is rated as the number one player in the state of Tennessee for 2020 and the number thirty-four overall prospect for the class per 247 rankings. He is listed as a weak side defensive end per 247 and as an athlete per rivals.
Grimes, will likely have the option on which side of the ball he wants to play on at the college. If he chooses to play on the offensive side of the ball, it is likely that he would play running back as he has been a lethal offensive weapon for Mount Juliet out of the backfield.
If he decides to play on the defensive side of the ball, he will likely play a defensive end/ outside linebacker hybrid. Grimes has the ability to be the next big college defensive hybrid player. He has a skill set that relates to that of former first round pick, Leonard Floyd. His size coupled with his speed allow him to contain whatever side of the field he is lined up on and also be effective in pass defense.
Grimes size and speed will translate smoothly to the next level regardless of which position he decides to play but according to the standout athlete, he does not have any idea of where he will play yet.
Grimes, has plenty of time to make that decision but he is not alone in making it or his college decision . He has the advantage of having insight from his dad a former Alabama standout on the defensive line.
Grimes hears a lot about being an Alabama legacy player but he is using his dad’s knowledge and experience in a different way as he continues to keep his recruiting options open.
Grimes said, “my dad has helped guide me through the recruiting experience by telling what I need to look at school wise and position wise to help me succeed.”
Tennessee, has their work cut out for them but they are making a big step in getting Grimes to campus for the second time in five months for the ETSU game this upcoming weekend, as they continue to grow a relationship with the state’s top player.