Fast-rising four-star WR JJ Harrell commits to Tennessee

Four-star wide receiver JJ Harrell announced his pledge to Tennessee on Monday, choosing the Volunteers over a host of SEC programs. Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss were all heavily involved in Harrell's recruitment.

In the end, the Vols won out for the rising pass catcher out of the Magnolia State. Head coach Josh Heupel lands one of the top-ranked wide receiver prospects in the 2024 recruiting cycle as a result.

Harrell enjoyed a breakout junior campaign that has seen his stock rise in a significant way. He developed into one of the premier receivers in the Southeast last fall while showcasing his special leaping and after-catch ability. He is just scratching the surface of what he can be on the football field.

"I love everything about Tennessee," Harrell told Rivals.com. "It feels like home. Everybody messes with me up in Knoxville."

This is a significant recruiting win for Heupel and Tennessee. The Vols went into Mississippi and have added the No. 3 ranked prospect in the state to an offense that has shown the ability to put up points in a hurry.

As mentioned above, Tennessee beat out the likes of Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss for Heupel. Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M were also in the mix prior to the four-star's commitment. Furthermore, Tennessee continues to be a major player for other talent within the Magnolia State - most notably five-star defensive end Kamarion Franklin.

Harrell has displayed the ability to be effective all over the field. He can take a quick pass the distance and stretch the field vertically. Additionally, Harrell creates separation with ease and is still developing his craft out wide. The four-star has a basketball background that points to a high ceiling on the gridiron.

It is no secret that Tennessee loves to throw the football and attack secondaries. Harrell fits into that perfectly. Looking ahead, Harrell provides Heupel and Nico Iamaleava with a big-time target in the passing game.

JJ Harrell's decision is a blow to the in-state programs of Mississippi State and Ole Miss, as both staffs had done a good job of recruiting the North Panola standout to this point. For Tennessee to go into enemy territory and beat out just about every other school in the SEC, it shows that the Volunteers are set to make a lot of noise this cycle.

Harrell is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the entire 2024 class and will have the chance to continue to elevate his status in the Rivals rankings as the process continues.

The Rivals100 pass catcher is ranked as the No. 65 overall recruit and No. 10 wide receiver in the nation. He joins an early Vols class that features two other four-stars in cornerback Kaleb Beasley and defensive end Jonathan Echols.