Recruiting for Tennessee Football: Nick Hankins Explains Volunteer Offer

As the college football recruiting landscape continues to evolve, each year brings new stories of high school athletes making the leap to elite college programs. One of the most exciting stories emerging from the 2025 recruiting class is that of Nick Hankins, a highly-touted defensive prospect from the state of Georgia, who recently received a scholarship offer from the University of Tennessee. For Hankins, a player who has long been on the radar of college scouts, the offer represents not only the culmination of years of hard work but also a major step toward achieving his dreams of playing at the highest level of college football.

In an exclusive interview, Hankins spoke with us about his recruiting process, his relationship with Tennessee’s coaching staff, and what it means to have the Volunteers extend an offer to him. His story is one that illustrates not just the competitive nature of high-level football recruitment, but also the personal connections and decision-making process that help athletes find the right fit for their future.

Nick Hankins: A Rising Star

Before delving into Hankins’ recruitment journey, it’s important to understand what makes him such an intriguing prospect for programs like Tennessee. A 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker from Gwinnett County, Georgia, Hankins has developed a reputation as one of the top defensive players in the Southeast. Known for his explosive speed, physicality, and ability to read offenses, Hankins quickly earned recognition as one of the most versatile players in his class. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a perfect fit for the modern college defense, where athletes are expected to be both fast and strong.

During his junior year, Hankins racked up over 90 tackles, 12 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss, earning First-Team All-State honors. His ability to be a force in both pass rush and run defense has caught the attention of several top-tier programs, including Tennessee. His highlight reels, full of bone-crushing hits and disruptive plays, showcase his skill set, and his commitment to refining his craft has positioned him as a top recruit heading into his senior season.

As a highly sought-after prospect, Hankins has fielded offers from a number of prominent programs, but Tennessee’s offer stands out as a particularly significant one. The Volunteers, under the direction of head coach Josh Heupel, have made substantial strides on the recruiting trail in recent years, and Hankins’ interest in Tennessee speaks to the program’s continued rise in national prominence.

The Recruiting Process: Making Connections with Tennessee

The recruiting process can be both thrilling and overwhelming, as players must weigh a multitude of factors when deciding where to play. For Hankins, the process of being recruited by Tennessee began long before he received the official offer. Like many elite recruits, Hankins first became familiar with the program through Tennessee’s on-field success and reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent.

“Tennessee has always been a program I’ve had a lot of respect for,” Hankins shared. “They have such a rich history in college football, and I’ve seen how they’ve been getting better year after year. Coach Heupel and the staff have done a great job of bringing in the right players and creating a winning culture. I’ve been watching them closely, and it just seemed like the right place to be.”

The connection with Tennessee’s coaching staff is another key factor in Hankins’ decision-making process. Over the past year, Hankins has had several conversations with Tennessee’s defensive coordinator, Tim Banks, and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary. Both coaches have emphasized how much Hankins would fit into their system and have described his potential as a game-changing linebacker for the Volunteers.

“Coach Banks has been really open with me from the start,” Hankins said. “He’s been honest about how they see me fitting into the defense and the impact I can have on the field. Coach Jean-Mary has also made it clear how much they want me to be a part of their linebacker unit, and I really appreciate how they’re pushing me to be the best player I can be.”

Hankins emphasized that this relationship with the coaching staff played a significant role in his decision to take Tennessee seriously as a top contender. “It’s not just about football; it’s about having coaches who care about you as a person, too. I’ve built a strong bond with Coach Banks and Coach Jean-Mary, and that’s something that really matters to me.”

Tennessee’s Vision for Hankins

While many recruits are drawn to the prestige of a program or the allure of its facilities, Hankins’ decision-making process was more focused on how he could grow as a player and contribute to the team’s success. In his conversations with the coaching staff, Hankins learned about Tennessee’s vision for his development and the role they envision for him in their defensive scheme.

Tennessee’s defense, under coordinator Tim Banks, has become more aggressive in recent years, with a focus on creating chaos and disrupting opposing offenses. Hankins, with his combination of speed, strength, and versatility, fits perfectly into this model. He’s capable of lining up as an edge rusher, covering tight ends in pass coverage, or attacking the line of scrimmage to stop the run. His ability to move around and be used in multiple positions is a key reason why the Vols believe he could be an immediate contributor.

“When Coach Banks talked to me about how they use their linebackers, I was really excited,” Hankins explained. “They want guys who can do it all—rush the passer, drop back into coverage, and stop the run. That’s the kind of linebacker I want to be, and I think Tennessee’s system would allow me to showcase all of my abilities.”

Heupel’s offensive philosophy has also been a major point of attraction for Hankins. Tennessee’s offense has taken the SEC by storm with its fast-paced, high-scoring style. The Volunteers’ ability to keep defenses on their toes has garnered attention, and Hankins sees the opportunity to compete against such an offense every day in practice as a chance to improve his game and prepare for the next level.

“I think having an offense like Tennessee’s is going to help me grow as a player,” Hankins said. “Going up against that fast-paced offense every day in practice will get me prepared for anything I’ll face on Saturdays. It’s going to make me better at reacting quickly and being disciplined in my responsibilities.”

Building the Right Fit: Hankins’ Family Influence

As much as the recruiting process is about evaluating a school and a program, it’s also about finding a place where a recruit feels comfortable and supported. For Hankins, family has played an essential role in his decision-making process, and they are a big part of what he is looking for in a program.

“My family is everything to me, and they’ve been a huge part of this process,” Hankins shared. “They’ve always been there for me, supporting me, and helping me stay grounded. We’ve had a lot of conversations about where I should go, and Tennessee feels like a place where I’ll be taken care of, both on and off the field.”

Hankins credits his family for teaching him the importance of not just finding a football home, but a place where he can grow academically, socially, and personally. He’s looking for a program that will allow him to thrive as both a player and a student, and Tennessee has delivered on those promises.

“The coaches at Tennessee have been really transparent about their approach to player development,” Hankins said. “They focus on helping guys not only succeed on the field but also prepare for life after football. That’s something my family really values, and it’s a big reason why Tennessee is so appealing to me.”

The Offer and Next Steps

In late 2024, Hankins received the call he had been waiting for: an official scholarship offer from the University of Tennessee. For Hankins, the offer was the culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and a steady ascent through the ranks of high school football. He spoke to Coach Heupel, Coach Banks, and Coach Jean-Mary, who expressed their excitement at the opportunity to bring him into the fold.

“It was a surreal moment,” Hankins said. “When I got that offer, I knew it was the next step toward making my dream a reality. Tennessee is such a special program, and to be a part of it is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. I’m really grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited about the future.”

Although Hankins has yet to announce his official commitment, the offer from Tennessee has cemented their place as one of the top contenders for his services. The next steps in his recruitment will include official visits to Knoxville and continued conversations with the coaching staff. Hankins is focused on making the right decision, one that will allow him to reach his full potential both as a player and as a person.

The Future Is Bright for Hankins and Tennessee

Nick Hankins’ recruiting story is a testament to the power of relationships, hard work, and finding the right fit. Tennessee’s offer to Hankins is a reflection of the strides the Volunteers have made under Coach Heupel, and it’s clear that Hankins could play a crucial role in the team’s continued success on defense. As his recruitment continues to unfold, Tennessee fans can be excited about the possibility of adding a versatile, dynamic linebacker like Hankins to the fold—a player who could help take the Volunteers’ defense to the next level and be a cornerstone of their future.