A five-star prospect makes a significant remark against the coaching staff of the Tennessee Vols.
NIL deals are a common topic of discussion when it comes to college football recruitment.
However, development should be the main topic of discussion when it comes to what’s truly ideal for a recruit.
One of the nation’s top 2026 recruits just made a remark about the Tennessee Vols, which should open other recruits’ eyes.
Anthony Jones, the No. 1 edge rusher and No. 8 overall player in the country, is scheduled to visit Tennessee later this month. Jones previously visited for the Vols’ victory over Alabama in 2024.
The Alabama native recently discussed his recruitment with On3, stating that one of the primary reasons he is considering the Vols is the way Tennessee develops athletes.
“I’m interested in how they develop players,” Jones told On3. “It’s evident when someone like James Pearce achieves the success he has and is selected in the first round of the draft.”
In the 2022 recruiting class, Pearce was ranked as the 202nd best player overall. Although Pearce hasn’t formally declared for the draft yet, it would be shocking if he didn’t shortly. He is anticipated to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. When Pearce was graduating from Charlotte High School, nobody believed he would be selected in the first round. And because he chose to sign with Tennessee, he is now in a position to hear his name called on the first day of the draft.
By accepting the largest payout, players can chase money and earn a comfortable living. There’s nothing at all wrong with it. However, if a player wants to play in the NFL, joining the school that they think gives the best development opportunity is the finest long-term investment they can make in themselves.
Jones is among the country’s most sought-after recruiters. No program would not be thrilled to have him on its roster. Other recruits should definitely pay attention to what the Vols are doing if he is expressing that Tennessee’s development is grabbing his attention.
Other programs clearly perform exceptionally well in terms of growth (it’s difficult to argue against what teams like Georgia and Ohio State have done in recent years). However, Jones believes that Tennessee is on par with the nation’s best institutions in terms of progress.
By the way, there will be plenty of NIL money if players perform well in college.
While landing a fat NIL deal right out of high school could provide immediate satisfaction, becoming a top player might lead to long-term financial success. It seems like a simple decision to me.
