Dylan Brooks still "100%" committed to Tennessee
THE SITUATION: Dylan Brooks committed to Tennessee over Alabama, Auburn and LSU Late in April, a four months later, the four-star out of Roanoke (Ala.) Handley is still strong with the Vols.
Official offers starting going out August 1, and along with Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss and a few others made their offers to Brooks official. The schools closest to home have continued to recruit Brooks, but he is still only thinking about Rocky Top.
IN HIS OWN WORDS: "I am still 100% committed Tennessee, and we still talk a lot, but the in-state schools, Alabama and Auburn, are still contacting me and recruiting me," said Brooks. "The relationships I have with the coaches and the opportunity I have to make a difference is what keeps me strong with Tennessee.
"I am closest to coach Felton, coach Ansley and coach Pruitt. I talk to coach Felton every day. We don't even talk about recruiting or football. We talk about life. We talk about other things outside football. I talk with coach Ansley and coach Pruitt a lot too.
"Alabama and Auburn both sent me official offers August 1 and they are still coming after me. I talk to both about once a week or so. They both say the same type of stuff They are a lot like Tennessee, just trying to build on our relationships and not focus so much on recruiting or football.
"I talk to Wiggins at Alabama and I talk to coach Burns and coach Garner at Auburn. Both are great schools, and I did grow up a big fan of Auburn, but Tennessee is my school. I talk to them every day, and I feel good about my commitment.
"I don't know about taking visits to Alabama or Auburn if we are allowed to, but I know I will get back to Tennessee. I am respecting them by still communicating with them, but I am set on Tennessee.
"Coach Pruitt is a defensive coach, he has a great mind and I believe in him and the staff developing me into a great player. I have gotten close with him, I believe in him and I love the staff and the opportunity to play there.
"I am excited about playing in front of the Tennessee fans. The stadium is huge, and I have been there to see the crowd and the noise. I was there for three games last year and the atmosphere is great. It is going to be fun playing in front of that many fans."
RIVALS REACTION: Brooks seems locked in with the Vols at this time. Auburn has continued to pursue him, and he did grow up a big fan of the Tigers, but he is going to be extremely difficult to flip. The connections he has made with the Tennessee coaches are deep, and he has built that trust with multiple staffers in Knoxville. Brooks is up 25 pounds from last season, he has added strength and he has shown the ability early this season to play with his hand in the dirt or as a stand-up linebacker.
