Week of June 23rd
Two Vols Taken in NBA Draft, CFB Recruiting Heating Up, and Treylon Burks Return
Football Recruiting Fireworks
With the addition of the early signing period in December, high school football recruiting has drastically changed over the years. It used to be coaches and fans anxiously waiting on National Signing Day in February, hoping that talented players would chose Tennessee by faxing in their commitment letter.
Now, most HS players have their commitments made by the summer going into their senior years. They then sign in December and are on their college campus come January.
With us heading toward the end of June/beginning of July, here is where Tennessee currently sits with targets about to announce their commitments. They also added two commitments today with Hayes Fawcett alluding to five commitments on the near horizon per his X post here.
Commitments
Kendric Golston II - Edge (Ranked as the No. 379 player nationally per On3): Committed today on 6/27/25. A Georgia legacy and versatile defensive lineman. Golston II transitioned from middle linebacker to defensive line over the past year as he has continued to grow. His father, Kendric Golston Sr, played 11 years in the NFL as a defensive lineman. Golston II has a high motor and really excels at setting hard edges, knocking back opponents, and adapting to multiple roles, including outside linebacker and defensive end.
Edward Baker - OL (Ranked as a 3-star per On3): Tennessee secured the commitment of versatile offensive lineman Edward Baker, beating out Ole Miss and Penn State. Baker’s high football IQ, agile footwork, and leadership at St. Frances show why he was highly coveted despite his low ranking. A priority for Tennessee’s staff, he joins Gabriel Osenda, adding high-upside and positional flexibility to the Vols’ offensive line, strengthening their interior for the future.
Targets
TJ White - LB (Ranked as the No. 79 player nationally per On3): Set to announce July 1. Insiders like where Tennessee sits here.
Dereon Albert - DL (Ranked as the No. 346 player nationally per On3): Set to announce July 1. Tennessee apparently is in a good spot here.
Joel Wyatt - Athlete (Ranked as the No. 58 player nationally per On3): Set to announce July 6. There is some chatter he doesn’t want to play edge where the Vols have Wyatt playing. Some insiders still think the Vols end up with the Webb Bell Buckle athlete.
Brayden Rouse - LB (Ranked as No. 100 player nationally per On3): No official date set, but late June/early July appears to be the expected timeframe. Vols apparently are sitting well here with Rouse.
Savion Hiter - RB (Ranked as a 5-star, No. 1 RB nationally, and No. 11 overall player nationally per On3): No official date has been set. Hiter does not speak on his visits. Rumor mill is this is a Michigan/Tennessee battle. Biggest question is when Hiter will decide to commit. Will it be this summer or later in the fall?
Tristen Keys - WR (Ranked as a 5-star, No.1 WR nationally, and No. 5 overall player nationally per On3): Technically, Keys is still committed to LSU. There is buzz that he really connects with the Tennessee staff and had a great time on his recent official visit. He was just back in Baton Rouge for his final visit. Something a decommitment from LSU is possible. We will have to wait & see on this one.
Chaz Lanier & Jahmai Mashack Drafted
Thursday night was significant for the Tennessee Basketball program, with Chaz Lanier and Jahmai Mashack being drafted in the second round, bringing the total to 10 Vols drafted under coach Rick Barnes. This is a loud message to the basketball world that Coach Barnes has morphed Tennessee into one of the premier programs in college basketball.
Chaz Lanier, a Nashville native, was selected in the second round at No. 37 overall by the Detroit Pistons. In his sole season with Tennessee, Lanier averaged 18 points per game, shooting 43.1% from the field and 39.5% from three. His 123 made three-pointers in 38 games broke Chris Lofton’s program record of 118. Transferring from North Florida, where he averaged 19.7 points and shot 44% from three in 2023-24, Lanier’s senior year earned him First Team All-SEC honors, the SEC Newcomer of the Year award, and the prestigious Jerry West Award for the nation’s top shooting guard. He was also named a third-team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and The Sporting News.
Jahmai Mashack, selected as the final pick at No. 59 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies (traded from the Rockets), solidified his reputation as an elite defender. The 6-foot-4, 202-pound Fontana, California, native averaged 6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 38 games as a senior. Named to the SEC All-Defensive Team and honored as the Field of 68’s National Defensive Player of the Year, Mashack was praised by The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie as “one of the best perimeter defenders on the planet.” His four-year Tennessee career included 137 games, tying Zakai Zeigler for the most wins (109) in program history. Mashack also set records for NCAA Tournament steals (18 total, 5 in a single game) and appeared in a program-high 13 tournament games.
Under Rick Barnes, Tennessee has now seen 10 players drafted, including notable names like Dalton Knecht (No. 17, 2024, Lakers) and Grant Williams (No. 22, 2019, Celtics). Coach Barnes has had the highest number of players drafted during his tenure at Tennessee compared to all other head coaches that have come through Knoxville.
Can WR Treylon Burks Salvage Lackluster Start to Career?
Burks, the Titans first round pick 2022 Draft, has obviously not lived up to the expectations of a first-round pick. Meant to be the next AJ Brown after the Titans traded away Brown to the Eagles, Burks has struggled to make a significant impact.
So the last thing Burks needed was a major setback, and that is what he faced last October when he suffered a torn ACL during a special teams drill. The injury, described by Burks as a "freak accident," abruptly ended his 2024 season, landing him on Injured Reserve on October 19. However, eight months later, Burks is not only walking but running routes, showcasing a pretty impressive recovery that he says has been fueled by faith & family. Titans beat reporter, Jim Wyatt, wrote a piece on Burks’ recovery.
The wide receiver's journey back to the field has been anything but easy.Burks, who has endured multiple injuries including concussions since entering the NFL, emphasized the importance of mental fortitude, "It really starts with your mental, man," Burks said, reflecting on his recovery. "Tearing an ACL, having any big injury like that, is definitely devastating." He credits his progress to his faith, stating, "I did it by the grace of God, just to make it simple. I wouldn’t be able to do it without Him, without the courage He provides me."
Supported by his wife, daughter, and a tight-knit circle of family and friends, Burks has found motivation in a purpose greater than himself. His optimism was evident during the Titans' Family Day, where he walked hand-in-hand with his daughter after completing the final practice of a three-day minicamp. "I feel amazing, just blessed," he shared, highlighting the perspective that has kept him grounded.
Despite a competitive receiver room, bolstered by veterans Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett and rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, Burks remains focused on his own journey. "I am not going out to prove nobody wrong, I am going out to prove myself right," he declared. With 53 catches for 699 yards over three seasons, Burks is eager to reclaim his place on the field, driven by a renewed appreciation for the game. "It means a lot more to me now," he said, reflecting on how his time away reignited his passion.
As training camp approaches, Burks is ahead of schedule, participating in individual drills at approximately 80 percent capacity during the offseason. While coaches and trainers will determine his clearance, Burks is doing his part to be ready, trusting in his faith and preparation to guide him back to the field.