New Tennessee State Rankings: Meet the Top 5, get our predictions
The most recent Rivals.com National Rankings update was completed last month, but now the complete state rankings are rolling out. Take a look at the top five players in Tennessee, how they got there and where we think they might end up signing next year.
Background: Stevens started his high school at powerhouse Ensworth and played a vital role in the school’s state championship during that year. He later moved onto Oakland, where he has played wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back. His versatility has led to him having offers to play on both sides of the ball, although his highest ultimate ceiling may be at safety.
Recruiting Wrap: Stevens has offers from schools all over the country and actually committed to LSU last fall before backing off his pledge and re-opening his recruitment. He has since visited places like Tennessee, Georgia and Auburn.
Prediction: LSU. Stevens has family ties to Louisiana and has always seemed destined to play for the Tigers. He backed off his pledge after the Les Miles coahing drama in the fall, but assuming things even out and Miles and his staff looks set for the next years, Stevens should re-join the fold.
Background: Higgins is a two-sport athlete who excels both on the gridiron and on the hardwood. His basketball ability only makes him that much more intriguing to college coaches, who like his ability to leap and make big catches. That attribute combined with his length and speed make him one of the country’s top wide receivers.
Recruiting Wrap: Tiggins made an early commitment to nearby Tennessee but recently backed off his pledge, stating the desire to explore his options. Since, schools like Clemson, Alabama and others have made a push for his services.
Prediction: Clemson. The Tigers coaches are enamored with Higgins and may even offer him the ability to play basketball at the college level as well if it means secreting his commitment. Tennessee is also heavily in the mix and it will likely come down to a battle between the two programs.
Background: The big-bodied back started collecting offers last spring, with schools like Florida State being the first to identify the Memphis-area star. He has great size and is a punishing runner, but he’s also shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well.
Recruiting Wrap: Richardson picked up offers from all over the country before committing to Clemson earlier this month.
Prediction: Clemson. Richardson is enamored with the Tigers and committed after a visit to campus with his family. The question now is whether or not the Tigers can hold off other programs that will push for Richardson to visit during the summer or fall. Things could change but for now he appears set for Death Valley.
Background: Gray started collecting offers during his freshman season when his ability as a running back caught the eye of programs like Tennessee and Kentucky. Since then Gray has played all over the field, including wide receiver, safety and linebacker. His future position is somewhat in flux, but he will likely be a linebacker in college.
Recruiting Wrap: Gray has been consistent about his top schools, with USC and Florida State among his top two. However, a recent visit to Tennessee has put the Vols back in the mix, a trend that will likely continue going forward.
Prediction: Florida State. Gray nearly committed to USC in the fall, but the recent coaching changes at the school altered his line of thinking. However, the staff stability in Tallahassee has only helped the Seminoles and Gray’s family is hoping he stays close to home in the Southeast.
Background: Chandler is one of the best backs in the country and he caught the eye of college coaches with his workhorse performances during his sophomore season. He’s listed as an all-purpose back, but could grow into an every down back at the college level.
Recruiting Wrap: Chandler started collecting offers during his sophomore year and his list includes several programs, including Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, Ole Miss and others.
Prediction: Auburn. Chandler doesn’t talk a ton about his recruitment, but he recently visited the Tigers and the word is things went very well.