Coach Jeremy Pruitt came to Tennessee with a great reputation of putting defensive backs into the NFL. This has been one of his main selling points to recruits in the secondary, and its drawing a lot of interest on the recruiting trail. Thats great for Tennessee, since cornerback might be its biggest position of need in the 2019 class.
Cornerback Jaydon Hill hears from either Pruitt or cornerbacks coach Terry Fair every other day. Their track record with defensive backs have put the Vols in a good spot.
Thats why Tennessee is so high on my list right now, Hill told SEC Country. Knowing Coach Pruitt and what he can do with defensive players. Thats a big part of this process.
Hill plans to attend Tennessees Orange and White Game on April 21. Itll be his second trip to Knoxville after attending a junior day on March 3. Hill wants to continue getting a feel for the campus and how he fits on Rocky Top.
Just seeing how it is, Hill said. Seeing if I can be there for the next four years and seeing the atmosphere. Stuff like that.
Itll be an important visit because itll be his first since receiving an offer from the Vols. The amount Hill talks with the coaching staff led him to believe an offer was coming, but you can never take anything for granted in recruiting.
I was just excited and it was a shock, Hill said. Well, it wasnt that much of a shocker but it was kind of a shocker. I knew it was coming, I just didnt know like when. It was exciting.
Overall recruitment
The 6-foot, 172-pound Hill has drawn interest across the SEC. He visited Alabama over the weekend and was at South Carolina the week before.
The Vols are in his top 3 along with South Carolina and Mississippi State. My feel is South Carolina might have a slight edge, but Hills visit in two weeks could change that.
Ultimately, Hills decision will come down to two factors, and Tennessee is in good shape with both.
Relationships with the coaches is a big factor in this process, Hill said. Playing time as well. Really the relationships with the coaches is the biggest thing.
There likely will be a chance at early playing time if Hill chooses the Vols. Tennessee whiffed on all of its top 2018 cornerback targets and didnt sign any on National Signing Day. The Vols have picked up commitments from Brandon Davis and junior college transfer Kenneth George Jr. to add some depth. It still remains a position of need, though.
Also, Tennessee is shifting its defensive philosophy. Pruitt wants big, physical corners who can jam wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and throw them off their routes. This can mess with an offenses rhythm and is very important to Pruitts defense.
Hills playing style aligns with what Pruitt wants. He believes hes the best at making plays. He had 5 interceptions for Bob Jones High School as a junior.
Id press every play if I had a chance to, Hill said. The way our defense is, we play some off man and I dont mind that. I prefer pressing.
Hill also has a good relationship with Fair, which will keep the Vols in the conversation until a final decision. The Madison, Ala., native said his relationship with coaches is less about constant communication and more about how well he vibes with the staff.
I like Coach Fair a lot, Hill said. He jokes a bit too. I like him.