Vols hold early lead for Bandy

DAVIE, Fla. -- Trajan Bandy's offer lust isn't particularly long. Then, it doesn't have to be. The class-of-2017 cornerback is content with the three offers he currently holds and doesn't mind naming an early leader. He knows he has plenty of time to wrangle other offers but doesn't mind sharing his currently outlook.

On that front, Bandy cuts to the chase.

"I'm leaning toward Tennessee and I might visit there this summer," he said on Saturday.

Bandy has visited Knoxville in the past, so the planned return trip is just a case of a prospect returning to reinforce the opinions he's already formed. The appeal of Tennessee is simple, it seems.

"I like the coaching staff and the campus," Bandy said. "I just love it."

According to Bandy, the Volunteers plan to use him as a hybrid of sorts. The coaching staff sees him as a versatile defensive back that can move around the field as needed. And while the Miami (Fla.) Columbus standout says he pictures himself as a pure cover corner, he doesn't mind the label the Tennessee staff has given him.

"They want to use me in some nickel and some corner," Bandy said. "I'm good with that."

In addition to his invite from Tennessee, Bandy holds offers Cincinnati and Rutgers. Schools such as Florida, Auburn, Miami, Oregon and Notre Dame are also in contact, but no member of the group has offered a scholarship.

Bandy's hope is that the offer list will eventually grow. If it doesn't he'll move on and likely happily land in Knoxville. If more offers arrive, he'll take a look. There is one opportunity, however, that could change everything in a hurry.

"UM is the one," Bandy said. "I love it there. I grew up a fan and I love the coaching staff and the atmosphere."

Just a sophomore, the 5-foot-8 Bandy was a standout at the Battle of the Best 7-on-7 tournament over the weekend. He has set no timetable for a verbal commitment.