AU, USC, UT lead for Tennessee DL

A trio of SEC programs hold the top spots on the list of Coalmont (Tenn.) Grundy County defensive end Kevin Mainard.

“Auburn, South Carolina and Tennessee are my top three teams,” he said. “Tennessee is the only school that hasn’t offered that I really like. I’m going to be patient and wait at least to the end of the season to see what they do before I make up my mind.

“Tennessee is the school I grew up following. I’ve always liked them, but it’s not a done deal or anything if they offer. I’m still keeping my mind open. I really like Auburn and their program. I like the direction they’re headed. Plus, I have family down there. South Carolina is a good program, too, with a great coach. I’ve got a brother there, so that would be nice.”

He’s been invited to the Tennessee-Georgia and Auburn-Alabama games this fall, and plans to attend both of those. He hasn’t decided where his other unofficial or official visits will come.

Mainard (6-4, 265, 4.7) also has offers from Alabama, Southern Miss, Wake Forest and Vanderbilt. As a junior, he dominated the line of scrimmage, recording 111 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 12 sacks.

He’s known as an aggressive player with quick feet and explosion off the line.

Mainard is currently recovering from a minor shoulder injury he sustained late this summer. He sat out Grundy County’s 24-14 win last week over Page in the season-opener, but is expected to return to the field this Friday.

Academically, he maintains a 3.4 GPA and has scored a 19 on the ACT.