Tennessee continued its recruiting roll on Tuesday, adding its third commitment of the week and biggest yet in Rivals250 defensive tackle D'Andre Litaker. The in-state star had planned on waiting until this weekend to announce his decision but couldn't wait any longer and surprised by revealing his decision on Twitter. Rivals.com caught up with Litaker to break down his choice.
In his words: "I just really couldn't wait any longer. The relationship with the coaches and all that I just couldn't wait. I'm really excited to go this weekend for a visit as part of the UT family. It's just something that I've been waiting for and wanting to do."
On when he knew: "I've been knowing for a while now because the coaches have been coming back to me every day. I kept going back for visits and every time I went to visit a place I would say I wanted to go to Tennessee.
On Tennessee's loyalty during his injury: "That was big for me. They supported me through my injury and were really there for me and guiding me and telling me things I need to do to stay in shape. All of that it's important."
On the Vols' future defensive line: "It's going to be pretty tough. SEC teams are going to to have to switch up their offense because me, Brant Lawless and hopefully Greg Emerson will be a pretty good defensive line. Hopefully we all get to play together."
On his relationship with assistant Walt Wells: "His brother coaches at our school and they act just alike. He texts me a lot, sends me quotes that give me motivation to get through the day and tell me what I need to do. He's just a great dude on and off the field."
On represented his home state: "It's really important. I wasn't really focused on staying in Tennessee because my mom always wanted to get out of Tennessee and I was right there with her, but now my mom is gone and it's me and my sisters and I wanted to stay and be there with them as much as I can. I know my mom would be be happy and would be really proud of me."
Rivals Reaction: The Vols have set out to land a trio of in-state four-star defensive linemen in the Class of 2018 and so far are 2-for-3, as Litaker joins Lawless in the class. Litaker is coming of an injury that caused him to miss most of his junior season but is back at 100 percent and has shown that he's full recovered at recent camp events. Tennessee's diligence with Litaker paid off as they added another major piece to the fold.
