Tennessee added a key out-of-state prospect on Monday when Jordan Ross, a four-star edge rusher from Birmingham, Ala., committed to the Volunteers. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ross is ranked No. 37 overall and the No. 4 edge rusher in the Class of 2024 in the 247Sports Composite.
- Ross, who plays at Vestavia Hills High School, picked the Vols over Texas, Florida and Alabama.
- He is the 20th overall commitment and the second top-50 prospect in Tennessee’s class, joining five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews.
- The Vols’ class is ranked No. 6 nationally and includes prospects from 10 different states.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What does this mean for Tennessee?
Ross initially said he was going to take his recruitment into the fall, but it’s clear his trip to Knoxville — the last of his four official visits in June — helped convince him he was ready to commit before his senior season got rolling. Ross told 247Sports that watching Tennessee beat Alabama in person last season was one of the best game experiences of his life, and he’s enthusiastic about the program’s direction with former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava leading it.
Tennessee had three defensive linemen in the 2024 class committed before Ross’ announcement: four-star Kellen Lindstrom (No. 327) of Springfield (Mo.) Glendale and three-stars Carson Gentle (No. 876) of Chattanooga (Tenn.) McCallie School and Jeremias Heard (No. 884) from Rome (Ga.) High. The Vols are still pursuing four-star edge rusher Danny Okoye (No. 152) from NOAH Homeschool in Tulsa, Okla., and he’s scheduled to visit Knoxville on Sept. 30. — Navarro
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(Photo: Bryan Lynn / USA Today)
