As Tennessee makes a push into North Carolina under its new staff, offensive tackle
Mitchell Mayes has become an early priority in the 2020 class. Mayes camped with the Vols at the end of June, quickly earning an offer. The 4-star offensive tackle from Sanderson High (N.C.) also holds early scholarships from Clemson, UNC, N.C. State and Penn State, among others. The 6-foot-5, 293-pound tackle had invites to attend the weekend events at the aforementioned four schools, plus Florida, but Mayes decided to return to Tennessee for the second time in about a month.
“I came up here back in June and it was just really fun. The whole point of today was to just have fun, too,” Mayes told VolQuest.
“Not really much recruiting going on. It was good to just hang out and have fun today. I had a terrific time my first visit, so I just wanted to come back and check it out.”
Mayes played offensive line for the first time during his sophomore season, with colleges really taking notice this spring of the right tackle's upside and impressive footwork for such a young player. Mayes recently picked up a scholarship from Virginia Tech and the rising junior also visited N.C. State on Friday. The Wolfpack have quickly prioritized the in-state tackle, but Tennessee — with its efforts led by quality control analyst Montario Hardesty — have become a real factor, too. “I really like Tennessee,” Mayes said.
“I enjoy everything about it. I’m glad I came back. I have a good relationship with the coaching staff, especially coach Montario Hardesty. He’s a real cool guy. We click pretty good.” Mayes plans on seeing more of the Vols over the next few months, too, penciling in a pair of visits for games this fall. “I know I’m going to the Charlotte game (vs. West Virginia),” he said. “I’ll going to come back to Knoxville too but not sure specifically when yet.”