Breaking Down Tennessee's 2023 Recruiting Class

Coming off a very successful season in the SEC and an impressive win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl, Josh Heupel and his staff look to keep building off of this year and show that they’re legit contenders in the SEC. This is a Top-10 recruiting class for Tennessee and arguably the most talented class they’ve ever brought in. These players will have some big shoes to fill after the departures of key players such as Hendon Hooker, Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman. Let’s take a look at some of the class.

Author:
Owen Helton
Publish date:
Mar 15, 2023

Best Overall: Nico Iamaleava

Quarterback, Warren High School (Downey, CA)

By far the best signing for Tennessee in this recruiting class. The only 5-star recruit landed by the Vols. Elite frame for a true freshman QB, throws the ball with tons of velocity and understand how to layer throws on those intermediate/deep routes. Good release and very good ball placement, always is leading his WRs giving them opportunities to gain yards after the catch. Has experience running the pro-style offense, should be an easy transition into Josh Heupel’s offense. Love his ability to scramble and extend plays with his eyes downfield. Has the mobility to get out of trouble and be accounted for in the run game as well. Home-run signing for thew Vols especially after the departure of Hendon Hooker.

Most Underrated: Larry Johnson III

Offensive Tackle, Hutchinson Community College (Hutchinson, KS)

A JUCO product with very good height and weight for the OT position. Has experience playing both LT and RT. Solid lateral movement and hand strength against pass rushers. Good short area quickness and explosiveness is consistently shown on tape when zone blocking for the run. Will need some coaching on his footwork and balance along with experience playing in Tennessee’s high paced aerial attack. I believe he can be a solid contributor by his second year at either left or right tackle.

Most Important Signing: Nathan Leacock

Wide Receiver, Millbrook High School (Raleigh, NC)

Coming in as a freshman with very good height and weight for an SEC WR. He’s dangerous on short passes after the catch due to his strength and agility in the open field. Very good vertical threat, shows late hands in tight coverage to never give the DB a lean and has the athleticism and strong hands to go up and make contested catches. Physical through his routes, good release and use of hands at the line of scrimmage helps him beat man coverage quickly. Manipulates CB well with good stems, route-running and vertical speed make defenders always respect the deep route when guarding him. Will thrive immediately in this Air raid/RPO based Tennessee offense.

Name to Watch: Gabe Jeudy-Lally

Cornerback, BYU (Transfer)

An experienced CB that has starting in the SEC at Vanderbilt and started for BYU last year. Sudden and quick CB that is confident playing in space. Asked to play a lot of zone coverage last year, utilizes the bail technique well with good quick reactions and zone awareness. Aggressive and physical for his size. Reads the run well and shows good run support on the perimeter. Has the athleticism and quickness to play man coverage in the slot or on the outside. I can see Jeudy-Lally making an immediate impact and starting as the field/boundary corner this fall.

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