When Kevin Austin traveled to Tennessee for the first time last week, he had a feeling that he might get a scholarship offer from the Vols while he was there.
And he didn't come away disappointed.
The four-star junior wide receiver from North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, Fla., said he was happy to get an offer from Tennessee on July 21 after a strong showing in the Vols final camp of the summer, and he admitted his first look at Tennessee turned out to be even better than he expected.
I was blessed to receive an offer from them (that day) while working out with them, said Austin, whos ranked the nations No. 122 overall prospect and No. 19 wide receiver for the 2018 class.
They exceeded expectations. The facilities were really nice, really up-to-date. And the coaching they give you a lot of great coaching tips.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Austin said he already has picked up offers from 18 schools, including Miami, Michigan State, Kentucky, Duke, N.C. State, Purdue, Syracuse, Central Florida and South Florida.
He said he thought an offer from Tennessee might come during his first visit with the Vols based on the interest in him they had shown since the spring evaluation period. He said Tennessee wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has been in contact with him in recent months.
I felt like he really wanted me to come to the campus and experience everything on the campus, Austin said.
I had it in the back of my mind (that I could get an offer), of course. I just wanted to get through the camp. They like my route-running, my hands, ball skills and all that.
Austin said he also attended recent camps at Georgia Tech and Florida State, along with a few other small camps in South Florida.
Its still early in the recruiting process for Austin, and he said he doesnt have any favorites yet. But he admitted that he of course would like to visit Tennessee again, and he said the Vols are one of a few teams hes hoping to watch in person this season.
Penn State, Im going to, he said. I want to come to Tennessee, and also a Florida State game.
247