Sting Factor: Brendon Harris' decommitment from Tennessee

Tennessee lost a commitment earlier this month when four-star defensive back Brendon Harris decided to back off his pledge to the Vols to take a look around. While his decision isn’t shocking considering the constant chatter about Butch Jones’ future in Knoxville, the fact that the Vols coaches don’t appear that heartbroken over his decision is notable. So just how big of a blow was the loss of Harris to Tennessee? We analyze it on a local, regional and national level and take a look at what’s next for the Vols and for Harris.

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“Harris decommitted following staff uncertainty at Tennessee, but the Vols should be able to absorb the departure without issue. Although Harris is a nice two-way player for Baylor School, there's questions about his ultimate positional fit in college and Tennessee likes its stable of defensive backs in the 2018 class. The Vols have focused heavily on corners in 2018 - Jaycee Horn, Tanner Ingle, Brandon Cross - and with versatile defensive back Trey Dean in the class, too, it will be interesting to see if they target another true safety or hold the spot for a linebacker or defensive end.” – Jesse Simonton, Volquest.com

Sting score: 1

“There have been rumors about the Vols and Harris parting ways since late in the summer but it did come as a surprise to see Harris re-open his commitment without a plan for a new landing place. The Vols are facing a numbers crunch in the 2018 class and will likely use Harris’ spot to address other needs. The question is, will it be the current staff recruiting to fill his shoes or another group in Knoxville? There’s still a perception that this is a loss for the Vols considering Harris is an in-state four-star, but the impact is relatively low.” – Woody Wommack, Southeast Recruiting Analyst, Rivals.com

Sting score: 2

“I'll give this a three since it doesn't appear to be the prospect’s decision as much as the Vols moving in a different direction. He's a talented kid who could play safety or grow into a linebacker and brings some thump to the defense but he's also a bit raw in coverage and can be replaced in this class.” – Mike Farrell, National Recruiting Director, Rivals.com

Sting score: 3

What happens now: Things have slowed a bit for the Vols on the recruiting front as they work to maintain high profile commits like Cade Mays, Jaycee Horn and Trey Dean among others in the 2018 class. Harris’ spot will be filled, but it remains to be seen if the Vols target another safety or use the room on another position. As far as Harris, Clemson was thought to be a factor but the Tigers are full at the position. Vanderbilt could be in the best position to swoop in and land Harris and the Commodores have already been in contact.