Vols Land 16 Players on National Signing Day

The Tennessee Vols signed 16 players on national signing day, including defensive end Jonathan Kongbo, who announced his school of choice on Wednesday.
Here’s a list of the Vols signees, including four early enrollees.

Jeff George
R-Junior • WR • 6-6 • 200
Leavenworth, Kan. • Leavenworth Senior H.S. • Southwestern Oklahoma State • Dodge City C.C. (Kansas)
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 38 overall JUCO prospect, No. 6 JUCO wide receiver, No. 8 JUCO prospect in Kansas
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 26 JUCO prospect, No. 7 JUCO wide receiver)
• Rivals: 4-star
• Scout: 3-star (No. 51 JUCO prospect, No. 9 JUCO wide receiver)
2015 – R-Sophomore At Dodge City Community College
• Played 2015 season at Dodge City C.C. in Kansas for coach Gary Thomas
• PrepStar JUCO All-American
• Second Team All-KJCCC in 2015
• Led his team with 49 receptions on the season for 685 yards and five touchdowns
• Helped the Conquistadors reach the Salt City Bowl against Snow College, after posting a 9-2 record in the regular season
• Caught nine passes for 190 yards, both career-highs, and one touchdown against Iowa Western (9/19)
2014 – R-Freshman At Dodge City Community College
• Played 2014 season at Dodge City C.C. in Kansas for coach Gary Thomas
• Honorable Mention for All-KJCCC in 2014
• Finished third on the team in receptions (46), receiving yards (690) and touchdowns (4)
• In his first collegiate game, George caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns against Ellsworth (8/30)
2013 – Freshman at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
• Redshirted as a true freshman at Southwestern Oklahoma State University before transferring to Dodge City Community College
High School
• Lettered in football, track & field and basketball at Leavenworth Senior High School in Leavenworth, Kansas
• Played wide receiver and defensive back for the Pioneers
• Earned three letters in football and track & field to go along with two years of basketball
Personal
• Full Name: Jeffrey Alan George
• Born on August 10, 1995
• Son of Jeff and Kristi George
• Majoring in Communication Studies
D.J. Henderson
Junior • DB • 6-0 • 180
Lyman, S.C. • James F. Byrnes H.S. • Dodge City C.C. (Kansas)
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 78 JUCO prospect, No. 9 JUCO cornerback, No. 16 JUCO prospect in Kansas)
• ESPN: 3-star (No. 79 JUCO overall prospect, No. 7 JUCO cornerback)
• Rivals: 3-star
• Scout: 4-star (No. 19 JUCO Overall, No. 2 JUCO cornerback)
2015 – Sophomore At Dodge City Community College
• Played 2015 season at Dodge City C.C. in Kansas for coach Gary Thomas
• PrepStar JUCO All-American
• First Team Region VI cornerback
• First Team All-KJCCC cornerback
• Finished the season with 44 tackles, two interceptions and a team-high 11 pass breakups
• Helped the Conquistadors reach the Salt City Bowl against Snow College, after posting a 9-2 record in the regular season
2014 – Freshman At Dodge City Community College
• Played 2014 season at Dodge City C.C. in Kansas for coach Gary Thomas
• Recorded 46 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
High School
• Lettered at Byrnes High School in Duncan, S.C.
Personal
• Full Name: Desmond Juwan Henderson
• Born on December 9, 1994
• Son of Charleen Henderson and Mark Henderson
• Brother of Chardez
• Majoring in Communication Studies
Alexis Johnson
Junior • Defensive Tackle • 6-4 • 295
Atlanta, Ga. • Mount Zion H.S. • Fort Scott CC. (Kansas)
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 15 JUCO overall prospect, No. 1 JUCO defensive tackle)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 14 JUCO overall prospect, No. 1 JUCO defensive tackle)
• Rivals: 4-star
• Scout: 4-star (No. 7 JUCO overall prospect, No. 1 JUCO defensive tackle)
2015 – Sophomore at Fort Scott Community College
• Played 2015 season at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas for coach Chris Horton
• Honorable Mention All-KJCCC
• PrepStar JUCO All-American
• In 10 games, recorded 26 solo tackles and 41 total tackles, averaging 4.1 tackles per game
• Posted 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in his sophomore season
• Ended season on a high note with a season-high 3.5 sacks, season-high 8 total tackles and an interception returned for 19 yards at Iowa Western C.C.
• Recorded at least two tackles in every game of the 2015 season
• Dropped the opposition for a loss in seven of 10 games
2014 – Freshman at Fort Scott Community College
• In 10 games, posted 27 solo tackles and 46 total tackles, averaging 4.6 tackles per game
• Recorded 13 tackles for loss in his freshman campaign
• Forced a fumble in back-to-back games vs. Coffeyville C.C. and at Butler C.C.
High School
• Lettered at Mount Zion High School in Jonesboro, Ga., for coach Ervin Starr, graduating in 2014
• Battled an injury his junior season after tearing his ACL in the 2012 season opener
Personal
• Full Name: Alexis L. Johnson
• Born: October 11, 1995
• Son of Alexis Johnson Sr. and Tanya Johnson
• Brother of Alexia, Alexandra and Ladarius
• Majoring in Communication Studies
Marquill Osborne
Freshman • DB • 5-11 • 183
Cornelius, N.C. • William Amos Hough H.S.
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 17 cornerback, No. 6 prospect in North Carolina)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 78 overall prospect, No. 8 cornerback, No. 4 prospect in North Carolina)
• Rivals: 4-star (No. 79 overall prospect, No. 8 cornerback, No. 3 prospect in North Carolina)
• Scout: 3-star (No. 42 cornerback, No. 1 cornerback in North Carolina)
High School
• Lettered at William Amos Hough High School in Cornelius, N.C., for coach Miles Aldridge
• Versatile star for the Huskies, playing cornerback, wide receiver and returner
• 2016 Under Armour All-American
• 2016 PrepStar Dream Team
• Named Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference
• Member of ESPN 300
• Compiled 1,301 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns as a senior in 2015, scoring three different ways
• Posted 34 tackles in the secondary, making four interceptions, with one returned for a touchdown
• Caught 43 passes for 580 yards and five touchdowns
• Rushed 28 times for 139 yards
• Returned 15 kickoffs for 439 yards with two touchdowns, including a long of 96, also returned 10 punts for 75 yards
• Huskies finished 12-2 in 2015, reaching third round of playoffs
• As a junior in 2014, had 24 catches for 275 yards and four touchdowns
• Posted 48 tackles with nine passes defended, three fumble recoveries and an interception as a junior
Personal
• Full Name: Marquill Osborne
• Born on Sept. 24, 1996
• Son of Carl and Ileana Osborne
• Majoring in Arts and Sciences
Daniel Bituli
Freshman • LB • 6-3 • 228
Antioch, Tenn. • Nashville Christian
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 15 outside linebacker, No. 3 prospect in Tennessee)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 18 outside linebacker, No. 7 prospect in Tennessee)
• Rivals: 4-star (No. 8 inside linebacker, No. 1 prospect in Tennessee)
• Scout: 4-star (No. 12 outside linebacker, No. 1 outside linebacker in Tennessee)
High School
• Lettered at Nashville Christian School in Nashville for coach Jeff Brothers
• PrepStar 150 Dream Team
• Member of ESPN 300
• 2015 Class 1A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year in Tennessee
• Two-time Tennessean All-Midstate selection as a senior and junior
• Helped Eagles to 2015 Class 1A State BlueCross Bowl Championship, first state title in school history
• As a senior, racked up 89 tackles including 20 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks
• Also recovered six fumbles, forced two fumbles and had an interception return for a touchdown
• Scored 10 touchdowns, seven rushing, one receiving, one interception return and one fumble return
• Rushed 15 times for 283 yards with seven touchdowns in 2015
• As a junior in 2014, had 61 tackles with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and an interception
• Also rushed for 619 yards on 90 carries with a touchdown in 2014
Personal
• Full Name: Daniel Ndjoli Bituli
• Last name pronounced bih-too-LEE
• Born: Dec. 27, 1997
• Son of Nikki and Patrice Bituli
Ja’Quain Blakely
Freshman • LB • 6-2 • 210
Moultrie, Ga. • Colquitt County
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 39 outside linebacker, No. 49 prospect in Georgia)
• ESPN: 3-star (No. 56 outside linebacker, No. 87 prospect in Georgia)
• Rivals: 4-star (No. 10 inside linebacker, No. 26 prospect in Georgia)
• Scout: 3-star (No. 55 outside linebacker, No. 4 outside linebacker in Georgia)
High School
• Lettered at Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Ga., for coach Rush Propst
• PrepStar All-Southeast Region selection
• Helped Packers to a perfect 15-0 record on the way to their second consecutive Georgia state championship in 2015
• As a senior in 2015, posted 47 tackles with four tackles for loss and two sacks
• Also had three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles
• As a junior in 2014, had 48 tackles with five tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery
• Packers won 2014 Georgia state title with a perfect 15-0 record
Personal
• Full Name: Ja’Quain Jerome Blakely
• First name pronounced juh-QUAIN
• Born: Oct. 15, 1997
• Son of Jackie Hightower and Jerome Blakely
Devante Brooks
Freshman • Tight End • 6-5 • 225
Bowie, Md. • St. John’s College (D.C.) High School
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 35 tight end, No. 5 prospect in Washington D.C.)
• ESPN: 3-star (No. 14 tight end, No. 5 prospect in Washington D.C.)
• Rivals: 3-star (No. 7 prospect in Washington D.C.)
• Scout: 3-star (No. 34 tight end, No. 1 tight end in Washington D.C.)
High School
• Attended St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., playing for coach Joe Patterson
• Invited to 2016 Under Armour All-American Game
• PrepStar Top All-American in 2016
• Missed both his senior and junior seasons after suffering a torn ACL on two different occasions
Personal
• Full Name: Devante Darnell Brooks
• Born: Jan. 14, 1997
• Son of Nicole and Stephen Brooks
Baylen Buchanan
Freshman • DB • 5-11 • 187
Lawrenceville, Ga. • Peachtree Ridge
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 60 cornerback, No. 64 prospect in Georgia)
• ESPN: 3-star (No. 64 cornerback, No. 93 prospect in Georgia)
• Rivals: 3-star (No. 41 cornerback, No. 38 prospect in Georgia)
• Scout: 3-star (No. 54 cornerback, No. 4 cornerback in Georgia)
High School
• Lettered at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., for coach Mark Fleetwood
• PrepStar All-Southeast Region selection
• Posted 32 tackles and had two interceptions and a fumble recovery as a senior in 2015
• As a junior in 2014, had 33 tackles with an interception and fumble recovery
Personal
• Full Name: Baylen Avery Buchanan
• Born: June 19, 1998
• Son of Sheree and Ray Buchanan
• Father Ray starred at Louisville and played in the NFL with Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders, earning All-Pro honors twice in 1994 and 1998
Tyler Byrd
Freshman • Athlete • 6-0 • 195
Naples, Fla. • Naples
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 86 overall prospect, No. 9 cornerback, No. 12 prospect in Florida)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 35 overall prospect, No. 1 athlete, No. 8 prospect in Florida)
• Rivals: 4-star (No. 75 overall prospect, No. 7 cornerback, No. 36 prospect in Florida)
• Scout: 4-star (No. 20 cornerback, No. 4 cornerback in Florida)
High School
• Lettered at Naples High School in Naples, Florida for coach Bill Kramer
• Played in 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, blocking an extra point and returning it for two points and intercepting a pass
• Broxson Award winner as the Naples Daily News Player of the Year in 2015
• Member of 2015 All-USA All-Florida First Team
• Named to 2015 All-State Class 6A First-Team
• Played both wide receiver and cornerback with the Golden Eagles
• As a senior in 2015, made 41 tackles, had one interception and five passes defended as opponents rarely threw into his coverage
• Caught 36 passes for 641 yards with nine receiving touchdowns as a senior
• As a junior in 2014, had two interceptions and four passes defended; also had 10 catches for 228 yards and three receiving touchdowns
Personal
• Full Name: Tyler Jarnell Byrd
• Born: Sept. 30, 1996
• Son of Charlie Byrd
• Guardians: Tammy and Brad Simmons
Marquez Callaway
Freshman • Athlete • 6-2 • 170
Warner Robins, Ga. • Warner Robins
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 3 athlete, No. 12 prospect in Georgia)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 7 safety, No. 15 prospect in Georgia)
• Rivals: 4-star (No. 95 prospect in nation, No. 3 athlete, No. 15 prospect in Georgia)
• Scout: 4-star (No. 136 prospect in nation, No. 14 athlete, No. 4 athlete in Georgia)
High School
• Lettered at Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Ga., for coach Bryan Way
• Played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in 2016
• Member of ESPN 300
• PrepStar 150 Dream Team
• Named to Atlanta Journal Constitution All-State Class AAAAA First Team as a defensive back in 2015
• Honored as an All-State selection on both sides of the ball by Georgia Sports Writers, as an athlete and defensive back as a senior
• Had 20 receptions for 319 yards with two touchdowns as a senior in 2015
• Also rushed 10 times for 149 yards with a touchdown
• On defense, made 15 tackles and intercepted three passes, including one returned for a touchdown
• As a junior in 2014, had 33 catches for 359 yards and a touchdown, making 16 tackles on defense with one interception
Personal
• Full Name: Marquez Antonio Callaway
• First name pronounced mar-QWEZ
• Born: March 27, 1998
• Son of Maureen and Antonio Callaway
• Grew up in military family as his mother, father, grandmother and uncle all served and his brother is currently stationed in Korea
Andrew Craig
Freshman • TE • 6-5 • 245
Knoxville, Tenn. • Webb School
High School
• Helped lead Webb School to Division II-A state championships in 2013 and 2014
• Two-time all-state defensive lineman who can also play tight end
Personal
• Full Name: Andrew Craig
• Son of: Elizabeth and Mike Craig
Carlin Fils-Aime
Freshman • RB • 5-11 • 175
Naples, Fla. • Naples
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 12 running back, No. 40 prospect in Florida)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 8 running back, No. 27 prospect in Florida)
• Rivals: 3-star (No. 14 running back, No. 46 prospect in Florida)
• Scout: 4-star (No. 14 running back, No. 3 running back in Florida)
High School
• Lettered at Naples High School in Naples, Florida for coach Bill Kramer
• Member of ESPN 300
• PrepStar Top All-American
• Named Naples Daily News Offensive Player of the Year in 2015
• Member of 2015 All-USA All-Florida First Team
• Named to 2015 All-State Class 6A First-Team
• Piled up 2,624 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns in his prep career
• Ran for 1,505 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior in 2015, also caught 14 passes for 375 yards and five touchdowns
• Ran for more than 100 yards in nine of 12 games as a senior, averaging 116 yards per game
• Also returned nine kickoffs for 161 yards giving him 2,041 all-purpose yards, averaging 9.5 yards per touch
• Helped Eagles to an 11-2 record and a berth in the Class 6A state semifinals, their longest postseason run since 2007
• Played in just three games as a junior, after suffering an ankle injury, rushed for 232 yards and three scores in those games
• As a sophomore in 2013, rushed for 873 yards and 15 touchdowns
Personal
• Full Name: Carlin Fils-Aime
• Last name pronounced fills-uh-ME
• Born: Oct. 27, 1996
• Guardians: Tammy and Brad Simmons
Jarrett Guarantano
Freshman • QB • 6-4 • 205
Lodi, N.J. • Bergen Catholic H.S.
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 192 overall prospect, No. 4 dual-threat quarterback, No. 3 prospect in New Jersey)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 101 overall prospect, No. 4 dual-threat quarterback, No. 3 prospect in New Jersey)
• Rivals: 4-star (No. 37 overall prospect, No. 3 dual-threat quarterback, No. 2 prospect in New Jersey)
• Scout: 4-star (No. 60 overall prospect, No. 3 quarterback)
High School
• Competed in football at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, N.J., where he lettered for head coach Nunzio Campanile
• Started at quarterback during his junior and senior seasons
• 2016 Under Armour All-American
• PrepStar 150 Dream Team
• Was a finalist in the Nike Sparq Combine’s prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp
• Named to the All-Bergen County First Team Offense at quarterback
• Member of ESPN 300
• Threw for 3,028 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 523 yards and 12 touchdowns in his prep career
• During his senior season, threw for 1,481 passing yards and 11 touchdowns completing 69 percent of his passes
• Rushed 83 times for 206 yards and six touchdowns
• As a junior, he completed 88 passes for 1,030 yards and 14 touchdowns, while rushing for 258 yards and four touchdowns on 107 carries
Personal
• Full Name: Jarrett James Guarantano
• Last name pronounced gar-an-tah-NO
• Born: Nov. 14, 1997
• Son of James and Karen Guarantano
• Father James was star wide receiver at Rutgers from 1989-92, setting school record for receptions in a career, member of Rutgers Hall of Fame
• Father played for Rutgers staff, which included Butch Jones, who served as a graduate assistant during 1990-92 seasons
• Brother of Victoria
Corey Henderson
Freshman • Athlete • 6-1 • 170
Shreveport, La. • Evangel Christian Academy
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 99 wide receiver, No. 33 prospect in Louisiana)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 56 wide receiver, No. 23 prospect in Louisiana)
• Rivals: 3-star (No. 45 prospect in Louisiana)
• Scout: 3-star (No. 86 wide receiver, No. 5 wide receiver in Louisiana)
High School
• Lettered at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, La., for coach Byron Dawson
• PrepStar All-Southeast Region selection
• Named All-City Honorable Mention by the Shreveport Times in 2015
• Caught 42 passes for 435 yards and scored three touchdowns as a senior in 2015
• Also returned four kickoffs for 67 yards, threw 17 passes with eight completions and rushed 17 times for 64 yards
• As a junior in 2014, had 21 catches for 277 yards and rushed 38 times for 279 yards, scoring six touchdowns
Personal
• Full Name: Corey O. Henderson Jr.
• Born: Nov. 20, 1997
• Son of Christi and Corey Henderson Sr.
Brandon Johnson
Freshman • WR • 6-2 • 175
Plantation, Fla. • American Heritage
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 52 wide receiver, No. 38 prospect in Florida)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 52 wide receiver, No. 57 prospect in Florida)
• Rivals: 3-star (No. 98 wide receiver, No. 82 prospect in Florida)
• Scout: 3-star (No. 117 wide receiver, No. 20 wide receiver in Florida)
High School
• Lettered at American Heritage School in Plantation, Fla., for coach Mike Rumph, former NFL first-round draft pick
• PrepStar All-Southeast Region selection
• Hauled in 20 receptions for 237 yards, scoring three touchdowns as a senior in 2015
• As a junior in 2014, had 19 catches for 430 yards with seven touchdowns
Personal
• Full Name: Brandon Edward Johnson
• Born: July 26, 1998
• Son of Rhonda and Charles Johnson
• Father played 12 years in Major League Baseball with the Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, earning two All-Star appearances, collecting four Gold Gloves and winning the 1997 World Series with the Marlins
Ryan Johnson
Freshman • Offensive Line • 6-6 • 275
Brentwood, Tenn. • Brentwood Academy
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 25 offensive tackle, No. 5 prospect in Tennessee)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 22 offensive tackle, No. 3 prospect in Tennessee)
• Rivals: 4-star (No. 19 offensive tackle, No. 6 prospect in Tennessee)
• Scout: 4-star (No. 20 offensive tackle, No. 2 offensive tackle in Tennessee)
High School
• Lettered at Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tenn., for coach Cody White
• Member of ESPN 300
• PrepStar Top All-American
• Named to Tennessean All-Midstate First Team as a senior in 2015 and junior in 2014
• Helped Eagles to 12-1 record in 2015 and Tennessee State Championship with epic 56-55 victory
• Aided offense, which averaged 437.1 yards per game and 44.3 points per game as a senior
• As a junior in 2014, helped Eagles to nearly 5,000 yards and 406 points in 11 games, advancing to the Division II-AA Quarterfinals
Personal
• Full Name: Ryan Casper Johnson
• Born: Sept. 17, 1996
• Son of Judith and Jerry `Tyke’ Johnson
Jonathan Kongbo
R-Sophomore • DL • 6-6 • 260
Surrey, B.C. • Holy Cross H.S. • Wyoming • Arizona Western
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 1 overall JUCO prospect, No. 1 JUCO defensive end, No. 1 JUCO prospect in Arizona)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 4 JUCO prospect, No. 1 JUCO defensive end)
• Rivals: 5-star
• Scout: 5-star (No. 5 JUCO prospect, No. 1 JUCO defensive end)
2015 – R-Freshman at Arizona Western College
• Played 2015 season at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona for coach Tom Minnick
• PrepStar JUCO All-American
• Member of ESPN JC50
• Named first team All-Conference in Arizona Community College Athletic Conference and Western States Football League
• Racked up 55 tackles with 16 tackles for loss including 11 sacks
• Had a breakout performance against Pima C.C. (10/3), recording nine tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks – all career highs
2014 – Freshman at Wyoming
• Redshirted as a true freshman at the University of Wyoming before transferring to Arizona Western College
High School
• Began playing football as a senior at Holy Cross H.S. in Surrey, British Columbia for coach Ken Buchan
• Helped lead the Crusaders to the Class AA Playoffs, and was selected as a First Team Provincial All-Star at the end of the season
• Led the Crusader basketball team to a second place finish in the provincial 4A championship as a senior
• In track and field, Kongbo placed third in the provincial championships in the 100-meter dash as a junior
Personal
• Full Name: Jonathan Kongbo III
• Born March 19, 1996
• Son of Joachim and Lily Kongbo
• Born in the Congo, but moved to Canada when he was 5 years old
Nathan Niehaus
Freshman • Offensive Line • 6-6 • 255
Cincinnati, Ohio • Colerain
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 88 offensive tackle, No. 47 prospect in Ohio)
• ESPN: 3-star (No. 70 offensive tackle, No. 38 prospect in Ohio)
• Rivals: 3-star (No. 62 offensive tackle, No. 43 prospect in Ohio)
• Scout: 3-star (No. 58 offensive tackle, No. 4 offensive tackle in Ohio)
High School
• Lettered at Colerain High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, for coach Tom Bolden
• PrepStar All-Midwest Region selection
• Honored as Cincinnati Enquirer Division I All-State as a senior
• Named to First Team All-Greater Miami Conference as a senior in 2015
• Selected Second Team All-District in 2015
• Helped Cardinals to 12-2 record in 2015 and berth in Ohio state semifinals
• Comes from same high school as Vols’ senior lineman Dylan Wiesman
Personal
• Full Name: Nathaniel Niehaus
• Last name pronounced NEE-house
• Born: Aug. 21, 1998
• Son of Stormie and Michael Niehaus
Austin Pope
Freshman • TE• 6-4 • 218
Knoxville, Tenn. • Christian Academy of Knoxville
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 34 tight end, No. 16 prospect in Tennessee)
• ESPN: 3-star (No. 14 tight end, No. 15 prospect in Tennessee)
• Rivals: 3-star (No. 20 prospect in Tennessee)
• Scout: 3-star (No. 68 tight end, No. 3 tight end in Tennessee)
High School
• Lettered at Christian Academy of Knoxville in Knoxville, Tenn., for coach Rusty Bradley
• PrepStar All-Southeast Region selection
• Honored with Courtney Courage Award in 2015
• Hauled in 54 catches for 622 yards, scoring 10 touchdowns as a senior in 2015
• Playing H-Back, rushed 13 times for 43 yards scoring five touchdowns
• On defense, made 34 tackles with two sacks as a senior
• As a junior in 2014, had 68 catches for 809 yards with seven receiving scores, also carried five times, scoring three rushing touchdowns
• Had 39 tackles on defense as a junior
Personal
• Full Name: Austin G. Pope
• Born: Sept. 25, 1997
• Son of Sheryl Pope and the late Tom Pope
Logan Punch
Freshman • LS • 6-0 • 245
Knoxville, Tenn. • Knoxville Catholic
High School
• Ranks as nation’s No. 23 long snapper in the 2016 class by Kohl’s Professional Camps
• Played all four years at Knoxville Catholic
Personal
• Full Name: Joseph Punch
• Born: Jan. 8, 1998
• Son of: Joni and Dr. Jerry Punch
• Has one older sister, Jessie
• Father Dr. Jerry Punch is an auto racing and college football commentator on ESPN
Marcus Tatum
Freshman • OL • 6-6 • 265
Ormond Beach, Fla. • Mainland
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 42 offensive tackle, No. 60 prospect in Florida)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 33 offensive tackle, No. 70 prospect in Florida)
• Rivals: 3-star (No. 45 offensive tackle)
• Scout: 4-star (No. 22 offensive tackle, No. 1 offensive tackle in Florida)
High School
• Lettered at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Fla., for coach Scott Wilson
• PrepStar All-Southeast Region selection
• Helped Buccaneers to an 11-2 record in 2015 and a berth in the Florida Regional Finals
• Named to All-Central Florida Football Second Team
• Named to Florida All-State Class 6A First Team
• Member of Orlando Sentinel’s 2016 Central Florida Super60
Personal
• Full Name: Marcus Tatum
• Born: Dec. 11, 1997
• Son of Kellee Washington
Nigel Warrior
Freshman • DB • 6-0 • 186
Suwanee, Ga. • Peachtree Ridge
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 4-star (No. 44 overall prospect, No. 2 safety, No. 6 prospect in Georgia)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 157 overall prospect, No. 8 safety, No. 16 prospect in Georgia)
• Rivals: 4-star (No. 92 overall prospect, No. 4 safety, No. 11 prospect in Georgia)
• Scout: 5-star (No. 20 overall prospect, No. 2 safety, No. 1 safety in Georgia)
High School
• Lettered at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., for coach Mark Fleetwood
• 2016 U.S. Army All-American
• Participated in The Opening in 2016
• Member of ESPN 300
• Named First Team Class AAAAA All-Georgia in 2016
• Defensive MVP of the RisingSeniors.com All-Star Game
• Played on both sides of the ball, at safety and running back, rushing 14 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns in 2015
• On defense, posted 30 tackles with three interceptions and a fumble recovery as a senior
• Named SEC Country’s Defensive Recruit of the Week following two-interception, five-tackle game vs. North Gwinnett (10/9/15)
• Also played basketball and ran track in high school
Personal
• Full Name: Nigel Dale Warrior
• Born: Dec. 14, 1997
• Son of Tangie Warrior and Dale Carter
• Father was an All-American at Tennessee in 1990 and 1991 and went on to an All-Pro career in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs
Latrell Williams
Freshman • WR • 5-11 • 175
Lake City, Fla. • Columbia
Prospect Rankings
• 247 Sports: 3-star (No. 62 wide receiver, No. 50 prospect in Florida)
• ESPN: 4-star (No. 75 wide receiver, No. 67 prospect in Florida)
• Rivals: 2-star
• Scout: 3-star (No. 128 wide receiver, No. 22 wide receiver in Florida)
High School
• Lettered at Columbia High School in Hialeah, Florida for coach Brian Allen
• Helped Lions to 12-2 record as a senior in 2015 as team advanced to Florida state semifinals
• Speedy receiver has been clocked with a 4.27 in the 40-yard dash
• Caught 68 passes for 1,035 yards with nine receiving touchdowns as a senior
• Returned 11 kickoffs for 395 yards (35.9 yards per return) with two touchdowns, had three returns for 94-plus yards
• Also ran 20 times for 155 yards and two rushing scores
• Named USA Today Athlete of Week on Dec. 2, 2015
Personal
• Full Name: Latrell Demarcus Williams
• Born: July 19, 1997
• Son of Ternita Smith