By Apollo Lundin
Over the last 20 years, the University of Tennessee has not been consistent on the field. In that span, the Volunteers have gone through six different coaches and only six years where they were ranked. Josh Heupel, now in his fourth season with the teams, is looking to turn the program around, and the seventh-ranked 2025 Tennesseee recruiting class, led by David Sanders Jr., looks to build upon back-to-back ranked seasons and a strong start to 2024.
David Sanders Jr.
Charlotte, NC (Providence Day School)
#3 NAT, #1 OT, #1 NC
At 6’6” and 290 lbs, David Sanders Jr. is already talented with a near-pro ready frame. Sanders is very powerful, quick, agile, and relentless. He is aggressive in run blocking, being able to stop anyone in front of him, and is reliable in pass blocking as well. Sanders is a high-motor player, playing to the whistle on every play, which should excite Tennessee fans for the future.
David Sanders Jr. also plays basketball and participates in track and field events for PRovidence Day School.
Sanders Jr. had his choice of schools, holding 40 offers, but chose the Volunteers over schools like Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia.
George MacIntyre
Brentwood, TN (Brentwood Academy)
#69 NAT, #8 QB, #1 TN
At 6’5” and 190 lbs., George MacIntyre has a nice frame for a quarterback. While he is not the fastest quarterback, MacIntyre possesses an elite pocket presence and can still use his legs to extend plays. MacIntyre has a good combination of accuracy and arm strength, which should carry over to the next level. Through two years of High School football, the top player in Tennessee has thrown for 5,570 yards and 44 touchdowns.
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MacIntyre also plays basketball and received multiple Division-I offers. George MacIntyre’s uncle, Mike MacIntyre, is the head coach at FIU and his late grandfather George MacIntyre was formerly the head coach at Vanderbilt.
MacIntyre held over 35 offers but chose the Volunteers over schools like FIU, Alabama, and Georgia.
Lagonza Hayward
Lyons, GA (Toombs County)
#82 NAT, #6 S, #11 GA
At 6’1” and 200 lbs, Lagonza Hayward has a great build for a safety. In coverage, Hayward is quick to react and strong in pursuit. He uses this to recover on plays and break up passes. Hayward also hits hard and can cause fumbles, a trait that is sure to make him a fan favorite. A four-year varsity starter in high school, Hayward has tallied 115 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and eight interceptions, which are impressive numbers while also acknowledging he has only played four games so far in his senior season.
Hayward also played wide receiver and returner on special teams, where he’s added 3,200 all-purpose yards on offense. As a returner, Lagonza Hayward has added 231 punt return yards and 735 kick return yards.
Hayward is a multi-sport athlete, additionally playing basketball and running track.
Lagonza Hayward held 26 offers but chose the Volunteers in July over schools like Florida, Georgia, and USC.
