The 6-foor-2, 190-pound receiver is originally from Fayetteville, Ga., but played last season at Saddleback (Calif.) College, where he had 60 receptions for 916 yards and seven touchdowns.
Lauderdales stock soared after his successful season in junior college and hes garnered double-digit FBS offers, including Miami, Wisconsin, Arizona State, Arkansas and Illinois. He visited Knoxville in June and less than a month later, he made his pledge to the Vols.
Tennessee is up to 19 commitments for the class of 2014, a group that is currently ranked fifth nationally by 247Sports and first by Rivals.com.
Quantity isnt the problem at wide receiver its finding quality options who can upgrade a group that proved to have a long way to go this spring under the direction of new receivers coach Zach Azzanni.
As many as 12 scholarship receivers could return in 2014, but that hasnt stopped the Vols from vigorously pursuing more options in this recruiting class.
Tennessee will hope that Lauderdale, who will be a junior when he gets on campus, is an instant-impact player who can raise the quality of what will be a somewhat overcrowded position.
Rankings:
ESPN.com: NR
Rivals.com: 4-star;
Scout.com: NR
247Sports.com: 4-star; 4th best JUCO WR
247Sports.com Composite: 4-star; 3rd best JUCO WR