Back in his hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina for ten days, coveted JUCO defensive end Dorian Gerald could have just relaxed with family. Instead, he's making the most of his time and spending it with family visiting college campuses. Earlier this week, it was his home state Gamecocks that showed him around. Wednesday, it was Tennessee's turn.
"It was perfect," Gerald said. "Everything about it was just one of the best experiences. I can't even pinpoint one thing that made it better than anything else. It was just obvious and clear that I'm needed there."
Gerald got to spend time with Tennessee's staff in-depth. It was veteran recruiter Walt Wells that first threw love Gerald's way from Tennessee. Add in first year Vol defensive line coach Brady Hoke and that dynamic duo has went to work.
"They make it feel like family," Gerald said. "Both coach Hoke and coach Wells. They are very straight forward with the plan they have for me. Especially coach Hoke with him being the defensive line coach."
Gerald was able to watch film defensive coordinator Bob Shoop during his visit. It was also a chance for Gerald to see the rest of the staff including Butch Jones, who has been doing his part as well.
"Coach Jones and I have been talking for a while now" Gerald said. "It was good being around everyone. You could tell it was genuine. I got to meet some of the players. They are going to help me develop as an athlete, academically and as a young man."
The five hour drive from the Palmetto state was well worth it according to Gerald. The time with some of the Tennessee players helped ease his mind on how he would fit in potentially in Knoxville.
"I talked to (Jonathan) Kongbo," Gerald said. "He plays my position of course and he played JUCO at Arizona Western, not to far from where I'm at on the west coast. He told me it was the best decision of his life."
Accompanied by his father, brother and grandmother, Gerald wasn't the only one feeling the love.
"My dad loved it," Gerald said. "He's a big Tennessee fan. My brother loved it. He wants to go there also. He's 18 and he's going to ASA junior college in Brooklyn. They want to look at him also."
With offers from Georgia, Alabama, LSU and several other marquee programs, Gerald will have a tough decision ahead pertaining to official visits and eventually his commitment. One thing is clear though, his time on Rocky Top blew him away and he will be back.
"I enjoyed every single second," Gerald said. "I can honestly say I'm super impressed and without a doubt I'll be back. What I saw today was way bigger than I expected. It definitely was an eye opener. Without a doubt. I can say that with super confidence."
Gerald doesn't have any other visits set up and will return to College of the Canyons on June 11th.
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