4-star LB Christian Gass commits to Tennessee: 'Tennessee has been genuine with me from the beginning'

Covington (Ga.) Eastside linebacker Christian Gass has committed to Tennessee. The Vols entered the race for the four-star early and their consistency helped them hold off the likes of Florida, Georgia and USC.

“Tennessee has been genuine with me from the beginning,” Gass told On3. “When I narrowed things down, who was genuine and who showed me love was important. Tennessee always did that. Coach Ek (Mike Ekeler), coach William Inge, coach Josh Heupel and the coaches at Tennessee made me a priority. They showed me I was important to them and that never changed.”

Georgia came on strong. In the end, the Bulldogs were the Vols top competition. The No. 85 prospect in the On300 thought about the in-state school, but Tennessee had everything he was looking for in a program.

“At Tennessee, their scheme fits me. I have watched film, I have been around the team and the coaches have shown me how I can make an impact. The fit in their defense always stood out to me. I can do a lot of things at linebacker or when I am able to rush the passer.

“How they got to know me for me was big too. Tennessee recruited me as a person and as a linebacker, so that’s showed me a lot. I feel comfortable with the coaches there. They are good people with good energy who got to know me.”

Gass is Tennessee’s 18th commit this cycle. They could be in line for good news next week when four-star safety Lagonza Hayward announces his commitment on July 27. The SEC program is in play for five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., five-star offensive lineman Josh Petty and four-star offensive linemen Juan Gaston. There has been buzz around the Vols flipping linebacker Jadon Perlotte from Georgia too. Onis Konabanny is one to watch in the coming weeks too.