The Tennessee Volunteers have a plethora of talented defensive prospects in their 2015 recruiting class, and a handful of those players are versatile and dynamic enough to make an immediate impact as freshmen.
Linebacker Cecil Cherry, defensive end Andrew Butcher and cornerback Darrell Miller are each poised for exciting senior high school seasons this year – seasons that will serve as launching pads for their Tennessee careers.
Although winning a state championship is a priority for Miller, his central goal is to simply improve.
“I want to work on my progression through the season, becoming a smarter player,” Miller said. “Ultimately, I want to play like an SEC-caliber player.”
Butcher echoed Miller and his plans for the upcoming year.
“I want to lead my team to an undefeated season and a state championship,” Butcher said. “I’d also like to become a better vocal leader and lead my team a bit better. I want to get 100-plus tackles this season, and twenty or more sacks would be good too.”
One of the main draws for each of these prospects is how well-connected the coaches and players are at UT. The family-like relationships head coach Butch Jones and his assistants have fostered stands out to Miller, and Butcher said it played a big part in his commitment to the Vols.
“What stood out to me was the family atmosphere,” Butcher said, “how all the recruits and players are already a family right now.”
Added Cherry: “It’s the type of environment I want to be in. Plus there’re no fans like UT fans.”
One of the main characteristics of the recruiting class of 2014 was how close the players were and how much they communicated. That same aspect seems to be just as prevalent in the 2015 class, as recruits are already forming bonds before they even step on the field together.
“We talk to each other every day,” Cherry said. “If we aren’t texting, we’re Snapchatting each other.”
Not only are these recruits drawn to UT and the other commitments, but Jones and his staff see play-making potential in these three players and value them highly. One thing that separates them from other prospects is their versatility on the field.
All three players can play multiple positions on defense, and their flexibility opens up more playing time for them.
“I wouldn’t mind playing any position in the secondary,” said Miller, a former safety. “I think I’m that versatile. Hopefully I’ll come in and compete for a starting position.”
Butcher is just as eager to help out the Vols any way he can.
“I give my all every play,” Butcher said. “I’m a little bit crazy because I’ll do things other people won’t. I’ll sacrifice for my team.
“If they need me early, I’m ready, but it won’t hurt my feelings if they want to redshirt me.”
Cherry has a close relationship with current UT linebacker A.J. Johnson, and he has taken Johnson’s play to heart in his desire to separate himself from other players. As a sophomore, Johnson was used as a short-yardage running back, scoring six touchdowns in the “Beast Package.”
The Vols may be getting another ‘beast’ in Cherry.
“I love to play running back,” said the 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker. “I asked coach to put in a special package when I get there.”
Each of these recruits will use their versatility to compete right away for their new Tennessee family, and they will look to play important roles as freshmen just as the 2014 recruits are this season.
