4-star LB Edwin Spillman commits to Tennessee: 'UT is on its way to the top'

In the days leading up to his decision, Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy four-star linebacker Edwin Spillman did a lot of praying. Spillman had to make the tough decision between Ohio State and Tennessee and needed help making the decision.

After weeks and months of indecision, the choice became clear to Spillman on Sunday prior to his announcement. That choice was to stay home and commit to the Tennessee Volunteers.

“By myself, I don’t think I could’ve picked a school because of how much I loved both schools,” Spillman told On3. “It ultimately came from God and he put it in my heart that Tennessee was where I was going to play at. How I interacted with the coaches, some of the current players and some of the recruits, it just felt natural.

“It’s been awesome being able to go on these trips and being able to experience UT over and over again. You can tell that the culture is growing. UT is on its way to the top and I want to be a part of something like that.”

Spillman admits that there were times he had Ohio State at the top of his list over Tennessee. He had built great relationships with the coaches in Columbus and had a strong connection with the Buckeyes since they first began recruiting him as a freshman.

Getting to stay home and the relationships he had built with the Vols coaching staff are what ultimately led him to Knoxville.

“They recruited me about staying home and stuff like that but they also told me why UT is the right fit for me and why I should go there,” said Spillman, the No. 300 player in the 2024 class. “There was a whole community aspect and sitting down with the coaches, you could tell it was different. I really enjoyed it, had a great time and loved learning about the program.

…I think Coach (Josh) Heupel is building a program that will win the SEC championship and the national title. That’s something I’m really excited about and can’t wait to be a part of.”

Edwin gets to reunite with his older brother in Knoxville

Pledging to Tennessee also gives Spillman to team back up with his older brother. Nate Spillman is a year older than Edwin and committed to the Vols last year.

The two played a pivotal role in leading Lipscomb Academy to back-to-back state titles including Nate’s senior year. Born in Sierra Leone and spending parts of their childhood there before coming to Tennessee, Edwin leaned on Nate a lot as the two grew older.

Once Nate headed off to college, Edwin wasn’t sure if they’d ever get the chance to play together again. Now he no longer has to worry about that.

“It’s just a great feeling,” Edwin said. “Where we grew up, we never thought that this would be possible. It’s just crazy and surreal how wonderful God is and how he’s worked his way through us. Now we’re both about to play for one of the top SEC programs. It’s been an amazing process and journey.”