Class of 2019 4-star DB Adonis Otey decommits from Tennessee

When Adonis Otey committed to Tennessee earlier this year, he did so over several other major programs, including LSU, Florida and others. What he didn't anticipate was that his stock would keep rising and the heat from opposing programs would be turned up even more.

With his status as an underclassman and overtures from new programs seemingly coming on a daily basis, Otey elected to back off his commitment from the Vols in order to examine some of his other options.

"I've been getting a lot of interest and I want to take other visits and I didn't feel right that I would do that while I was still committed," Otey said. "I'm still young and it's still early so I feel like I might have rushed into things a little bit."

By no means is Tennessee eliminated from contention for Otey, who said he still has a great relationship with the Vols coaches.

"I'm a Tennessee boy and that connection is still there," Otey said. "I just want a chance to re-evaluate things and take more time to make sure the decision I made is the right one."

Otey was part of a select group of underclassmen prospects to earn an invitation to the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by adidas earlier this summer and his showing at the event has only helped his stock in the eyes of schools.

"I think I did well there and it has helped me realize that I belong in the discussion with those top guys," Otey said. "Schools have been reaching out and I just want to take my time and take some visits and go from there."

Otey said he has no specific plans for visits in the coming weeks, but schools like LSU, Florida State and Florida are among the programs he's likely to visit this fall.