The days until Signing Day are now in the single digits and there's little to talk about in regards to the 2014 class so I thought I'd break down where we stand with some of the top instate targets in the 2015 class. We're in good shape with several top prospects instate so let's take a look at them. I'm looking at the 247 rankings so if you want to follow along, look up our targets and click Tennessee on the right to pull up the list.
- OT Drew Richmond 4* - Richmond was a frequent visitor on campus this past year and was present for Foundation Day 2014 in addition to taking in the Georgia and Vanderbilt games. He is tight with Charles Mosley which obviously helps the Vols and has been known to chat with some of our prospects on Twitter. Our biggest competition for Richmond is probably Ohio State but we edge them out slightly on the crystal ball.
- CB Rico McGraw 3* - McGraw committed to Georgia soon after the hire of Jeremy Pruitt as defensive coordinator. Tennessee will not give up though. Expect them to continue to recruit the talented corner.
- SDE Kyle Phillips 4* - Phillips is another guy who's fairly familiar with UT's campus as he was also present for Foundation Day as well as taking in the Georgia game. This one is shaping up to be a Vanderbilt/Tennessee battle. Phillips is no stranger to Vandy's campus either. He's been there several times and distance wise is much closer to Nashville than Knoxville. His mother played women's basketball for the Commodores so there is certainly a draw but Tennessee has put itself in good position to battle for the uber-talented defensive end. Tommy Thigpen, our ace recruiter is Phillips' primary recruiter. He doesn't let the good ones get away very often.
- ATH Juan Jennings 4* - Tennessee has offered this talented athlete though many suspect they like him as an athlete instead of his preferred position of QB. Vandy had offered under the previous staff at QB but it's not clear whether he's in their plans still and if so at what position. Jennings is still wide open and hasn't named any leaders so this one will be interesting to watch.
- OLB Joshua McMillon 4* - McMillon intends to take his time with his recruitment and really explore his options. One of those options is Tennessee. McMillon visited the Volunteers back in June of last year. He is a Memphis guy and one who Ole Miss has targeted at the top of their wish list. Memphis guys are always a tough pull for the Vols but Butch has Tennessee squarely in the picture for McMillon.
- ILB Josh Smith 4* - Josh loves the Vols but his brother is committed to Vanderbilt. I think he's going to be tough to pull away from the Commodores who are just 30 minutes down the road from him but I expect us to try. He's been on campus multiple times both with and without his brother and has friends committed to Tennessee currently.
- WR Van Jefferson 4* - Jefferson is the son of Titans WR coach Shawn Jefferson. Van resides in Middle Tennessee currently but has no ties necessarily to the area. Tennessee is trying with him but many expect him to go North to Ohio State or possibly even Penn State.
- OT Jack Jones 4* - Jones is committed to Tennessee.
- CB Ugo Amadi 3* - Amadi, who is a 4* on Rivals, holds a Tennessee offer and we are currently his favorite. Vandy may try with him but Butch has us in a good spot. Amadi was on Tennessee's campus to take in the Auburn game and came away impressed.
- OT Zach Stewart 3* - Stewart is committed to Tennessee
