On3 5-star DL Daevin Hobbs finds a home at Tennessee

It was about mid-June when Daevin Hobbs first realized Tennessee was a real contender in his recruitment. He had visited the Vols previously during the 2021 season, but got to camp and work out in Knoxville for Tennessee’s coaching staff over the summer.

A little less than six months later, Hobbs announced his commitment to Josh Heupel and Co. on Friday, choosing the Vols over Alabama and Georgia.

“I feel like it’s the best school for me because it’s not too far from home, so no problem for my family and friends to come up whenever they want to a game or whatever. And then Coach Garner is really good at developing D-linemen; he puts a lot of players in the NFL, which is where I’m trying to be,” Hobbs told On3. “And I like the movement that Coach Huepel is building at Tennessee. He’s getting them back on top like they used to be. And then the game day environment — the routine before the game, the fans, they’re always in my Instagram or Twitter comments. They’re a big part, too.”

Hobbs was on campus in Knoxville twice this fall, first for an official visit in September and then two weeks later when Tennessee hosted Alabama. The environment he experienced both times was unlike anything else in the rest of his recruitment. He liked what he saw at both Alabama and Georgia, but the whole package at Tennessee was what sold him.

“It’s crazy down there,” he said. “The camaraderie between the players, the coaches, the fans, it’s all really good. So there was all that, and it was just one big Rocky Top team. I just got more sense of everybody’s togetherness. I just felt a little more excitement at Tennessee.”

Tennessee’s success on the field this year was key

Hobbs was on campus for multiple games last season, and while he saw signs of improvement under Heupel, the Vols lost both contests. His interest in them remained strong, but their early-season success this year, including their win over Alabama, cemented in his mind that it was a program very much on the rise.

“Last year I went to a couple of games they lost, and then this year just seeing that turnaround helped me believe more in what they were saying,” Hobbs said. “Coach Huepel and all the coached showed that they could do it.”

The chance to be developed by longtime SEC defensive line coach Rodney Garner, who has stops all over the conference, played a big role in his decision as well.

“When I go up there and hang out with him and talk to him, I like the way he coaches and explains stuff,” Hobbs added. “On my official visit, I didn’t have school that Friday so I went up early. I got to watch him going over film, and he’s known for developing lots of players and putting them in the NFL. That’s a big reason, too. With my development and my skill set, I know he’d help me with that.”

Now that his recruitment is over with Hobbs is ready to focus on continuing to build on this year’s success and help the Vols become a playoff contender year in and year out.

“I think they’re on pace to be one of the best teams in college football like they used to be,” he said. “I’m excited to be playing for them and to put my effort in to help become a better player and better teammate, but most of all win games.”