3-star safety Edrees Farooq commits to Tennessee Volunteers

Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy three-star safety Edrees Farooq knew he had a favorite school in his mind but that didn’t make his final decision any easier.

In the end Farooq’s decision came to Ohio State and Tennessee. Farooq decided to commit to the program who had been after him the longest announcing his commitment to Tennessee on Sunday.

“It was easy but difficult at the same time because Ohio State was really up there too,” Farooq told On3. “Just the fact that Ohio State came a little later, Tennessee proved to me that they were loyal because they’ve been there the whole time and kept the same energy. They didn’t change up for no one.” 

Tennessee first extended an offer to Farooq last May while the Ohio State offer came seven months later in December. During that time between offers, the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder says he built a strong relationship with Josh Heupel and co. that put the Volunteers squarely at the top of his list.

Farooq’s visited Tennesee four times and noted that the atmosphere inside of Neyland Stadium is unlike any other school he’s seen a game in.

“Every game is packed out and every play of the game you hear the noise,” said Farooq, the No. 558 overall prospect and No. 55 safety in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. “There’s no point in the game where you hear no noise and the fans isn’t interacting with the game. When it’s third down and you’re on defense, I love the fact that they’re non-stop hollering.”

Farooq has high-praise for Josh Heupel

Building a strong relationship with the coaching staff of the school he planned on committing too was at the top of Farooq’s list and he feels like he’s done that with Tennessee.

Since they first offered, Farooq here’s from at least one member from the Volunteers coaching staff every week. That type of constant communication is something that’s stood out to Farooq as he said it shows that Tennessee is invested in him.

“They’ve been there the whole time,” Farooq said. “There’s no drop off with the coaches because they’re into what they’re doing. They’re real and will tell you when you’re messing up or doing something good.”

On top of the constant communication, on-field play is something that was another selling point.

In just the second year under Heupel the Volunteers beat Alabama, were the No. 1 team in the country for a few weeks and won the Orange Bowl.

“This last season showed me that the coaches really care and they want to be the best in the SEC,” Farooq said. “They want to be the best in the nation so their mission is to beat everyone, not just Alabama. They want to beat out everyone and win a national title and I believe that Coach Heupel can lead them there.”