'20 DC FS Mordecai McDaniel (FL commit)

[Ron Swanson]

“We enjoyed the people for how they are and how they treat one another,” McDaniel told Volquest. “They really welcomed us. We were already like family. It was like they already knew us before we got there.”

McDaniel is also impressed with the candor and honestly of his future head coach. “Coach Pruitt keeps it real with you,” McDaniel said. “He knows what he’s talking about. He knows what I can do. He’s turning things around down there. “He’s a cool dude. He gets the players. He understands us. I like that.

“Coach Ansley broke down what I would be playing and how he would develop me. I like him,” McDaniel said. “He’s cool. “They went over what they want me to be down there and that is a free safety. They showed me how I would fit into their defense. The biggest thing is the family atmosphere. My family thinks Tennessee is a good spot for me.”

Another key factor for the Vols was the Tennessee track program. The St. John’s College High School product is a talent on the track. He plans to play both sports in college and the Vol track and field program made him a priority in their recruitment of him as well as the football program.

-VQ

 

[Type Orange+]

View attachment 219293

Damn skippy.

 

[Hollovol05]

 

[utvolmaniac]

 

[orangefloyd]

Very nice offer list. Welcome home kid.

 

[KINGSVOL]

boom!

 

[Devo182]

Haven't been following his recruitment much, but that's a real nice offer list

 

[VolInDayton]

I know nothing about track but it sounds like letting it sounds like it has slipped a little bit. I think we should view our Track coach just as important as our Strength and Conditioning coach. If they aren't paid as much they should be. It just gives us access to so many good speedsters. Could you imagine having that WR at Auburn right now.

 

[EdEcEko77]

SCOUTING REPORT

THere’s a lot to like about McDaniel’s physical abilities. He’s a tall, long safety with elite speed. He has a frame that can really fill out at the next level. I’m excited to see how he develops this year with his football instincts and ability to be a playmaker on the field. I think we’re going to see him spread his wings a little bit this year as a safety.

This is a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect. He still needs to develop but you can’t substitute anything for his speed. It’s a major addition for Tennessee and McDaniel is someone I expect to contribute in a big way down the road.”

— Adam Friedman, Rivals Analyst

HOW MCDANIEL WILL FIT WITH THE VOLS?

A 6-foot-1, 195-pounds, McDaniel has an ideal frame for defensive back coaches Derrick Ansley and Jeremy Pruitt. He’s long but also lightening fast. He’s a thumper, too. He still needs to shore up his natural instincts, but the upside, especially in raw athleticism is there. He also plays at a school littered with D1 prospects, so he routinely plays against top competition.

With Keshawn Lawerence, Art Green and Lovie Jenkins all projected to play corner (or nickel) at Tennessee, McDaniel is true safety but could also see work at STAR, depending on his development as a prospect and how his body fills out. Like Bryce Thompson, McDaniel also offers a dynamic returner ability.

Lastly, Tennessee’s track program deserves an assist here. McDaniel is eager to play both sports and Pruitt and Tennessee were more than willing to make that happen.

WHAT MCDANIEL’S COMMITMENT MEANS FOR VOLS?

Nearly a month ago, Tennessee lost a commitment from Top 100 safety Antonio Johnson, but the Vols didn’t truly sweat it because McDaniel has long been a major priority. The Vols would welcome Johnson back in the class, but with McDaniel now on board, they’re likely to shift their focus away from the secondary and look to add several linebackers — both inside guys like Bryson Eason and Len’Neth Whitehead and pass rushers like Sav’ell Smalls and Reggie Grimes.

McDaniel also gives Tennessee another tie-in with 5-star wideout Rakim Jarrett. The nation’s No. 17 prospect remains committed to LSU, but he talks to Tee Martin regularly and is close with UT quarterback commit Harrison Bailey. Adding one of Jarrett’s teammates and friends won’t hurt Tennessee’s efforts to flip the 5-star wideout, either.

-VQ

 

[unfrozencvmanvol]

Boomage. Solidifies us in the Top 25 a little more, with only 15 croots committed.

 

[walkenvol]

When did KL become a corner...thought he was a safety?

 

[RikidyBones]

Hahaha this thread was as funny as I hoped it would be by stretching it out.

 

[SLICKYINC]

 

[Devo182]

OT but the documentary is actually pretty dang good. Not even a fan, just thought it was crazy how hard he constantly worked. He's a machine.

Also, his dad started Benihana, had no idea

 

[Devo182]

why is this kid so under rated?

Wondered same. I guess hes raw. But Pruitt and Ansley...bump incoming...

 

[unfrozencvmanvol]

BOOM!!!!!View attachment 219311

 

[Orangeredblooded]

Sounds like Lawerence might have done some peer recruiting.

 

[SLICKYINC]

Sounds like Lawerence might have done some peer recruiting.

Think all our in state guys are working.

 

[Devo182]

I know nothing about track but it sounds like letting it sounds like it has slipped a little bit. I think we should view our Track coach just as important as our Strength and Conditioning coach. If they aren't paid as much they should be. It just gives us access to so many good speedsters. Could you imagine having that WR at Auburn right now.

This. The Fulmer days we had track stars. Glad to see we gettin back to it

 

[T Dog]

BOOM! WE UP!

 

[Coach Punk]

Man. 2020 can not get here soon enough. These kids obviously feel it.

 

[Orangeredblooded]

Think all our in state guys are working.

I’ve thought that since spring.

 

[SLICKYINC]

 

[INKYBERRYVOL]

View attachment 219305boom!

let’s turn this hottube into a jacuzzi

 

[drvenner]

BOOOOOOOOM

One O for every photo I had to cut out for that graphic.

View attachment 219273

It is most excellent!