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.