By: JC Nevils
The Tennessee Volunteers got another big-time commit, and it was yet again from an in-state kid as well. Ethan Utley is the next name in the boat for the Vols, which is now the third in-state prospect to choose to keep their talents home, with two of them ranking top-five in the state. The 6'3", 265-pound four-star recruit out of Ensworth High School in Nashville is ranked 161st nationally per 247sports and chose the Vols over Texas, Michigan, and many others. Utley ultimately earned a staggering 40 or more offers throughout the recruiting process, which lets you know just how coveted he was.
ROCKY TOP IM HOME ! #GoVols @coachjoshheupel @coachg76 @CoachTWalls pic.twitter.com/RcpWExQiTu
— Ethan Utley (@EthanUtley1) March 28, 2024
Although this commitment means a lot, there are other levels to it as well. What this means for Tennessee and its recruiting is one thing with getting elite prospects, but when they are in state? It just seems so much more fulfilling for all parties involved.
Ever since Josh Heupel got the job back in January of 2021, he put an emphasis on in-state recruiting and locking down the border like the good ole days. So far, he has not had a letdown in that department. In the last couple of years alone, he has signed at least two of the top-five players in the state, along with having the top player in the state in 2025 commitment, George MacIntyre, on board already as well.
Tennessee has 2 of the Top 5 players in the state committed already.
— More Important Issues (@More_Issues) March 29, 2024
-5⭐️ QB George MacIntyre
-4⭐️ DL Ethan Utley pic.twitter.com/M35TTDpVtR
With this trend and the way that Josh Heupel has flipped the entire culture back to normalcy, I don’t see it stopping anytime soon. If anything, it's only increasing, given how he has shown he knows what it takes to win. In any program, you have to recruit well, but without the homegrown kids, it won’t last too long, and Heupel certainly knows that.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!