3-star DB Jourdan Thomas – Vols 2022 Class Signee 8 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

3-star DB Jourdan Thomas – Vols 2022 Class Signee 8 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

Jourdan Thomas
(DB)  Montgomery Catholic Prep HS in Montgomery, AL   
6’2″    187
Committed: 12/4/21
3-star average (3-star on 247Sports, Rivals & ESPN)

Josh Ward’s Analysis:  Thomas helps fill a position of need at safety. The Vols need to create more competition there, either to find a new starter or add depth that was lacking in 2020. Thomas will help there.

Eric Cain’s Analysis:  A longtime Tennessee target, Thomas chose the Vols just days after decommitting from Mississippi State in early December. Auburn was also in the mix. Thomas is a bigger safety and comes downhill in a hurry to help in the run-game. He’s got speed to close gaps quickly and is a smart player, being a former quarterback. He’s a special teams player who shines on both kickoff and punt teams. Look for Thomas to add depth and be a special teams player right away. 

Player Profile:  Former quarterback from Montgomery, Alabama who has developed into a hard hitting and athletic defensive back … Rated a consensus three-star recruit by all major recruiting services … The No. 31 player in the state of Alabama and the No. 62 rated safety in the nation according to 247Sports Composite … The No. 30 player in the state of Alabama and No. 57 rated safety in the country by 247Sports.com … Selected to play in 2021 Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic … In three seasons of varsity football, totaled 145 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, seven sacks, seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries … Made 48 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception and three fumble recoveries – returning two for touchdowns – as a senior in 2021 … Helped lead Montgomery Catholic Prep to three straight Region championships, including an undefeated regular season, 13-1 overall record and Region 4 Title as a senior in 2021 before falling in the AHSAA Class 3A State Playoff semifinals … Was a key contributor on the Knights’ 2020 team that advanced to the AHSAA Class 3A State Championship game, recording nine tackles in the title game … Also ran track in high school … Chose Tennessee over 21 other Division I offers … Committed to the Vols in Dec. 2021 … Coached by Kirk Johnson … Twitter handle is @jthomas1_ … Instagram handle is @jthomas4__.

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Jourdan Thomas / Credit: UT Athletics

3-star WR Desmond “Dee” Williams – Vols 2022 Class Signee 7 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

3-star WR Desmond “Dee” Williams – Vols 2022 Class Signee 7 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

Desmond “Dee” Williams
(DB)  East Central CC in MS via Forsyth, GA
5’11”  190
Committed: 12/6/21
3-star average (3-star on 247Sports & Rivals, not-rated on ESPN)

Josh Ward’s Analysis:  Can Williams help at cornerback right away? That’s Tennessee hope with more depth needed in the secondary. Williams will enroll in January with the chance to compete for playing time immediately.

Eric Cain’s Analysis:  The cornerback from East Central Community College is looking to come in and make an immediate impact on Tim Banks’s defense. Williams was a ballhawk at the JUCO level, leading the nation with seven interceptions. He’s a skilled returner as well, housing both a kickoff and punt this season. He’s older and experienced, so the path to the field could be a short one if he camps well. The Vols won out over Mississippi State in this one. 

Player Profile:  One of the nation’s top junior college defensive backs by way of East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi … Rated as the No. 3 cornerback and No. 8 overall junior college player by 247Sports.com … Collected seven interceptions and had 14 breakups in 2021 to earn NJCAA All-Region 23 accolades … Led the NJCAA in picks and ranked second in the nation in pass breakups as a third-year sophomore … Totaled 13 picks for his career at ECCC and made 103 tackles in 23 games played in his three seasons … Experienced in the return game, averaging 27.9 yards per kickoff return and 50.7 yards per punt return with a touchdown in each category … Returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown in a game vs. Copiah-Lincoln on Oct. 14, 2021 … Named NJCAA Player of the Week for his performance in that contest … Chose Tennessee over 12 other Division I offers … Committed to the Vols in December 2021 … Originally from Forsyth, Georgia, where he prepped at Mary Persons High School … Coached by Ken Karcher at ECCC, who worked under the late Johnny Majors from 1993-96 … Goes by “Dee” … Twitter handle is @Des_williams4 … Instagram handle is @desmondw4.

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Desmond “Dee” Williams / Credit: UT Athletics

3-star LB Kalib Perry – Vols 2022 Class Signee 6 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

3-star LB Kalib Perry – Vols 2022 Class Signee 6 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

Kalib Perry
(LB)   Great Crossing HS in Georgetown, KY   
6’3″    215
Committed: 7/31/21
3-star average (3-star on 247Sports, Rivals & ESPN)

Josh Ward’s Analysis:  Tennessee hopes Perry, who’s worked to add weight at the high school level, can come in and be a physical player at linebacker. Perry plans to enroll in the summer and compete at a position of need this fall.

Eric Cain’s Analysis:  Perry is the most intriguing prospect in the class, in my opinion, because Tennessee has options here. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder, who chose Tennessee over Cincinnati and Purdue, has played pretty much every position for Great Crossing, including quarterback in the option-based offense. He’s a smart player who reads the end man on the line of scrimmage well. He’s physical and plays inside-out. Tennessee will likely give Perry a look at both inside linebacker and LEO. 

Player Profile:  Physical linebacker with promising size and versatility from Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky … Rated a consensus three-star prospect by all major recruiting services … Tabbed the No. 4 player in the state of Kentucky by On3.com and ESPN.com … Ranked the No. 6 player in the state by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com … Led GCHS to an 8-3 record his senior year … Posted a team-high 85 tackles in 2021 with 9.5 tackles for loss … Amassed 140 tackles with one interception in just eight games his junior season … His 17.5 tackles per game were the most of any player in KHSAA Class 5A … Also led the Warhawks with 510 yards rushing and six touchdowns in the fall of 2020 … Received all-state honors from multiple media outlets after his junior campaign … The first football player from his high school to sign with a Division I program … Committed to the Vols in July 2021 … Chose Tennessee over 12 other Division I schools, including five Power 5 programs … Coached by Ricky Bowling … Twitter handle is @kalib_perry … Instagram handle is @kalib_perry04.

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Kalib Perry / Credit: UT Athletics

3-star OL Masai Reddick – Vols 2022 Class Signee 5 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

3-star OL Masai Reddick – Vols 2022 Class Signee 5 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

Masai Reddick
(OL)  Cass Technical HS in Detroit, MI   
6’5″    328
Committed: 7/2/21
3-star average (3-star on 247Sports, Rivals & ESPN)

Josh Ward’s Analysis:  Reddick has a ton of size and strength, which should help Tennessee in the running game. Will Reddick play at tackle or guard? He could play either, which Tennessee’s staff has to like.

Eric Cain’s Analysis:  Another developmental player, Heupel and staff found Reddick at a Tennessee State camp over the summer. The Detroit native has a lot of potential in the interior. He’s a mauler in the run-game, getting his paws on defenders and not letting up. A strength program will be important with Reddick and he will need to improve his feet. Tempo will not be as big of an adjustment as Reddick played in a similar tempo at Cass Tech. 

Player Profile:  A big, physical offensive tackle that is technically sound with terrific potential out of Michigan … A consensus three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.com … The No. 22 player in the state of Michigan by 247Sports.com and No. 27 by Rivals.com … Led a stout offensive line at Cass Technical High School, which went 16-5 in the last two seasons … A team captain who was selected first-team all-region and all-city … Chose Tennessee over 23 other Division I offers, including two from Power 5 programs … Comes from a program that consistently produces elite talent including NFL offensive linemen Michael Onwenu, William Campbell and Joe Barksdale  … Committed to the Vols in July 2021 … Coached by Marvin Rushing his senior season.

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Masai Reddick / Credit: UT Athletics

3-star DB Christian Harrison – Vols 2022 Class Signee 4 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

3-star DB Christian Harrison – Vols 2022 Class Signee 4 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

Christian Harrison
(DB)  Woodward Academy in Atlanta, GA
6’0″    183
Committed: 11/29/21
3-star average (3-star on 247Sports, Rivals & ESPN)

Josh Ward’s Analysis:  Harrison is a good athlete who has run track and shown the ability to make plays on the ball. He’ll have a chance to play immediately at corner. Keeping Harrison from signing with Florida makes this a double win.

Eric Cain’s Analysis:  The son of former NFL All-Pro safety Rodney Harrison, Christian was a late bloomer who burst onto the scene his senior season. Harrison is physical, go figure, and jams well at the line of scrimmage. He runs well in man coverage and plays well in space. A wideout on offense, Harrison is displays exceptional ball skills. Tennessee won out over Nebraska and Florida.

Player Profile:  A quick athlete with a natural ability at defensive back out of Georgia … Rated a consensus three-star recruit by all major recruiting services … Considered one of the top 50 players in the state of Georgia by On3.com … Intercepted three passes, broke up five and forced two fumbles his senior season … Helped Woodward Academy’s defense give up only 10.9 points per game in an 11-1 season his senior year … Also played some wide receiver in high school, totaling 18 receptions for 351 yards and three touchdown over the past two seasons … Chose Tennessee over 19 other Division I offers, including 10 from Power 5 programs … Committed to the Vols in November 2021 … Son of 15-year NFL veteran, two-time Super Bowl winner and Pro Bowl defensive back Rodney Harrison … Coached by Austin Gibbs … Twitter handle is @ChrisHarrisonI… Instagram handle is @christiannharrison.

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Christian Harrison / Credit: UT Athletics

4-star OL Addison Nichols – Vols 2022 Class Signee 3 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

4-star OL Addison Nichols – Vols 2022 Class Signee 3 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

Addison Nichols
(OL)  Greater Atlanta Christian School in Atlanta, GA        
6’5″    315
Committed: 8/2/21
4-star average (4-star on 247Sports, Rivals & ESPN)

Josh Ward’s Analysis:  Nichols is a really important player for Tennessee as the Vols try to build depth and add talent to the offensive line. Nichols is one of the highest rated players in Tennessee’s class. The Vols hope he’ll make a difference in the future.

Eric Cain’s Analysis:  Nichols is one of the higher-rated prospects in the country and has a great base for offensive tackle. He’s got great feet and uses his hands to keep rushers in front of him. Nichols picks up blitzers well and runs them out of the play – creating a clean pocket for the passer. He’s the most game-ready offensive lineman in the class, but still has some work to do before he’s SEC ready. Tennessee won out over Ohio State and North Carolina. 

Player Profile:  Elite, powerful offensive lineman from Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, Georgia … Rated a consensus four-star prospect by all major recruiting services … Can play tackle or guard … The No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the country according to 247Sports Composite and the No. 15 offensive tackle by Rivals.com … ESPN300 member for the Class of 2022 (No. 113) and a consensus top-300 prospect by all major recruiting services … Considered one of the top 15 players in the state of Georgia by Rivals.com, On3.com and the 247Sports Composite … Selected to represent the East region at the All-American Bowl in January 2022 … A team captain who helped lead GACS to an undefeated regular season as a junior in 2020 … Spartans reached the 2020 GHSA AAA state semifinals … Earned all-state honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in January of 2021 … A four-time all-state and all-county selection … Committed to the Vols in August 2021 … Chose Tennessee over 30 other Division I offers, including eight other SEC programs … Coached by Tim Hardy … Twitter handle is @ahnichols22 … Instagram handle is @addison_nichols_.

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Addison Nichols / Credit: UT Athletics

3-star OL Maurice Clipper Jr. – Vols 2022 Class Signee 2 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

3-star OL Maurice Clipper Jr. – Vols 2022 Class Signee 2 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

Maurice Clipper Jr.
(OL)  Milton HS in Alpharetta, GA  
6’5″    300
Committed: 7/10/21
3-star average (4-star on ESPN, 3-star on 247Sports & Rivals)

Josh Ward’s Analysis:  Clipper will arrive in Knoxville with legit SEC size. A basketball player in high school, Clipper also has good athleticism that should fit in well with Tennessee’s fast-paced offense.

Eric Cain’s Analysis:  The Peach State native, who elected Knoxville over the home state Bulldogs and Virginia Tech, is one of four offensive linemen in the class. He has a great base at tackle and is strong in the run-game. His feet will need some work but his makeup is good and projects well down-the-line. 

Player Profile:  Strong, athletic offensive lineman from Alpharetta, Georgia, just north of Atlanta … Rated a four-star prospect and the No. 13 offensive guard by ESPN.com … Tabbed a three-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite, 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and On3.com … Considered the No. 35 rated interior offensive line prospect nationally according to the 247Sports Composite and the No. 41 rated player in the state of Georgia by ESPN.com … Named to AJC.com’s 2021 Class 7A Preseason All-State Team … Earned first-team All-Region 5-7A honors as a junior in 2020 after helping lead Milton High School to an undefeated regular season, a region title and a trip to the quarterfinals of the Class 7A state playoffs … A key part of guiding the Eagles to their fourth straight Region 5-7A title in 2021 and was a team captain … Chose Tennessee over 17 other Division I offers, including 10 from Power 5 progr­ams … Also played basketball … Committed to the Vols in July 2021 … Coached by Adam Clark … Goes by “Mo” … Twitter handle is @moclipper … Instagram handle is @moclipper.

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Maurice Clipper Jr. / Credit: UT Athletics

3-star DL Jordan Phillips – Vols 2022 Class Signee 1 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

3-star DL Jordan Phillips – Vols 2022 Class Signee 1 (Profile/Highlights/Analysis)

Jordan Phillips
(DT)  Ocoee HS in Orlando, FL     
6’2″    300
Committed: 7/1/21
3-star average (3-star on 247Sports, Rivals & ESPN)

Josh Ward’s Analysis:  Phillips will have a chance to help Tennessee’s defense right away. He enrolled in December and will be able to go through spring practice. Don’t be surprised if you hear buzz around Phillips during the offseason and fall camp ahead of the 2022 season.

Eric Cain’s Analysis:  Phillips committed at the beginning of July but then went dark for months. There was worry Florida would steal the defensive tackle away, but Phillips stayed true to his commitment and is actually already practicing with the team while prepping for the Music City Bowl. He’s got good size and splits double-teams well. He carries his weight well and has a great motor. He’ll benefit from some coaching from Rodney Garner and could add depth right away. 

Player Profile:  Explosive defensive tackle and three-sport varsity athlete for Ocoee High School in Orlando, Florida … Rated a consensus three-star prospect by all major recruiting services and the No. 47 defensive tackle in the country according to 247Sports.com … Totaled 56 tackles with a staggering 29.0 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks his senior year … Posted 71 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles in eight games his junior season … Also competed in wrestling and weightlifting for his high school and qualified for the 3A state tournament in both sports as a junior … Committed to the Vols in July 2021 and is participating in bowl practices … Chose Tennessee over 26 other Division I programs, including six other SEC schools … Coached by Aaron Sheppard … Twitter handle is @jordan50OTF … Instagram handle is @iamjordanphillips.

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Vols signee Jordan Phillips / Credit: UT Athletics

Highlights/Postgame/Stats/Story: Complete Performance Leads #18 Vols Past USC Upstate, 96-52

Highlights/Postgame/Stats/Story: Complete Performance Leads #18 Vols Past USC Upstate, 96-52

PDF BOX SCORE  |  HIGHLIGHTS  |  QUOTES  |  NKAMHOUA ON SEC NETWORK  |  BARNES POSTGAME  |  NKAMHOUA POSTGAME  |  MASHACK POSTGAME

KNOXVILLE – Tennessee’s most complete performance of the season was on display Tuesday night at Thompson-Boling Arena, as the Volunteers took down USC Upstate, 96-52.

Kennedy Chandler notched his first career double-double, scoring 15 points and adding 10 assists. He became the first Volunteer this season to log 10+ assists in a game. The team compiled 29 assists, the most in a game since Jan. 4, 2014, when the Vols had 30 against Tusculum.

Vols G Kennedy Chandler / Credit: UT Athletics

Olivier Nkamhoua led the 18th-ranked Volunteers with 21 points on 9-of-10 (.900) shooting. The junior also led the Big Orange in rebounds with eight. Nkamhoua now owns a pair of games shooting better than 90 percent this season, as he fired an 8-of-8 game against Tennessee Tech on Nov. 26. John Fulkerson reached double-figures in scoring for the fifth time this season, notching 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting Tuesday.

The defensive output continued to impress, as Tennessee (8-2) nabbed 15 steals–a Rick Barnes-era high. The Vols recorded double-digit steals for the sixth game this season. Tennessee has been especially stout at home, averaging 12.3 steals per game in Thompson-Boling Arena. UT took care of the ball on offense too, only conceding 10 turnovers.

USC Upstate (2-8) was led on offense by Nick Alves. He topped the Spartan scorers with 15 points on 6-of-10 (.600) shooting.  

The Volunteer offense soared in the first half, winning the period 51-24. Tennessee scored its most points in any half this season with the 51, and its 27-point lead was the largest at the break all year. Nkamhoua spearheaded the first half offense, sinking 6-of-7 (.857) shots from the floor. Tennessee shot 21-of-39 (.538) as a team, and 8-of-16 (.500) on 3-pointers. It was efficient play all around, as UT logged 15 first-half assists–four from both Chandler and Santiago Vescovi–and out-rebounded USC Upstate, 24-12.

Tennessee improved on an impressive offensive first half after the break, shooting 17-of-29 (.586) from the floor in the second. 11 Vols found their way on the score sheet and 15 saw the court as UT bested USC Upstate, 45-28 in the half. Kent Gilbert scored his first career points, draining a deep 3-pointer with 2:04 left in the game to cap an offensive onslaught from the Big Orange.

Next up, the Volunteers head to the midstate for a battle with Memphis at Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. Tipoff is scheduled for noon ET / 11 a.m. CT on ESPN2.

HOT OUT OF THE GATES: Tennessee’s 51 points in Tuesday’s first half were its most in any half so far this season. The Vols shot 21-for-39 (.538) from the field in the opening period, including 8-for-16 (.500) from 3-point range. Tennessee recorded an assist on 15 of its 21 made field goals in the half.

MAKING A NAME:Jahmai MashackQuentin Diboundje and Kent Gilbert logged career-highs in minutes during Tuesday’s win. Mashack scored three points and recorded two steals in 14 minutes, while Diboundje scored four points, dished out three assists and had a pair of steals in 11 minutes. Gilbert scored his first career points on a deep 3-pointer in three minutes of action.

CHANDLER LOGS DOUBLE-DOUBLE: With 15 points and 10 assists, Kennedy Chandler recorded his first career double-double—while also becoming the first Vol to register a double-double by way of points and assists since Lamonte Turner did so on Nov. 25, 2019.

-UT Athletics

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