"It was a very easy decision": 2024 ATH Marcus Goree commits to Tennessee

Programs from across the country have been pursuing Cleveland (Tenn.) Bradley Central athlete Marcus Goree for more than a year.

Twenty schools offered him, including his final five of Colorado, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska and Tennessee. But for some time now, he’s known where he wants to be, and that’s at home with the Volunteers. On Saturday night, he made that a reality and committed to Josh Heupel and Co.

“I have known for a long time that I was going to Tennessee,” he told On3. “Me and my family grew up watching Tennessee. I was a fan. Me and my brother said growing up that we wanted to play for Tennessee. Since they offered me, they were my top school. I honestly knew right away that I was going to Tennessee. It was a very easy decision.”

In addition to the location, Goree said the coaching staff and the fan base — which includes his extended family — put the Volunteers over the top.

“A lot of my family are big Tennessee fans, so they cannot wait to come see me in that Tennessee jersey.” he said. “I was at the Florida and Alabama games last season. The fans were so loud in those games that my head was hurting. The fans love the team. They support the team. It is an amazing atmosphere. When the recruits see the fans and the atmosphere, it is hard not to love it. I can’t wait to play in front of fans like that. It is very exciting. It is something I have been thinking about for a long time.”

Coaching staff, ascent of the program have Marcus Goree excited

Cornerbacks coach Willie Martinez has been his primary recruiter for his entire recruitment, and the two have built a rock solid bond. Goree also believes Martinez and the rest of the coaching staff can get him where he wants to go: the NFL.

“He says I can come in and be a first-round draft pick at cornerback,” Goree added. “He loves my size, what I can do on the field and he sees me as a guy that can really help the team. He is a coach I am excited to work with. He is a great guy, we talk every day and he wants the best for his players. From day one, I have felt the love from Coach Martinez. I know he wants me.”

The program’s ascension under Heupel the past two years, including its first 10-win season since 2007, has Goree amped up about what’s possible in the next few years. And he wants to be part of that.

“I love what Coach Heupel is doing with the program,” he said. He has quickly turned the Tennessee program around. He is one of the best coaches in college football right now and I feel he will be one of the best of all-time in a few years. I am just excited to hop on the train that Heupel has going at Tennessee. I don’t see a drop off. Tennessee is going strong and we are going to keep it going.”