On3 Roundtable: Tennessee in a 'good spot' for 5-star DL Williams Nwaneri

Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has been known primarily for high-powered offense and scoring a ton of points. That doesn’t mean that the Volunteers haven’t stayed involved with several of the nation’s top uncommitted defensive prospects though.

One such prospect is Lee’s Summit (Mo.) Lee’s Summit North five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri. While Oklahoma looks to be the heavy favorite to land Nwaneri’s pledge, Austin Price of VolQuest said on the On3 Roundtable that Tennessee is also in a favorable position.

“I think they’re a really good spot,” Price said. “It’s them and Oklahoma to me as the two teams at this point. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter where you are in mid-May. It’s where you are come December but for Tennessee being an out-of state school, think they’re a pretty good spot.”

The kid really likes Rodney Garner. Mike Eckler has done a nice job. The defensive staff as a whole has really made him a strong priority and they’ve made him feel like, Knoxville could be home and that’s why Tennessee is, risen up the ranks for Williams Nwaneri.”

The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder is the No. 6 overall prospect and No. 1 defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in Missouri.

On3 rates Nwaneri higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, Nwaneri is the No. 2 overall prospect in the country.

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Nwaneri’s enjoyed his visits to Knoxville

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Oklahoma is the overwhelming favorite to land Nwaneri sitting at 80.2%. Tennessee trails in third at 2.8%.

As far off as the Volunteers may seem according to the RPM, Nwaneri’s enjoyed each of the visits he’s taken to Knoxville and is set to return on June 16 for an official visit.

Nwaneri took his first trip to Tennessee in January. He returned three months later on April 1 and was back on campus again May 14.

“I feel real good about them, ever since they started recruiting me,” Nwaneri told On3 about the Volunteers in early April. “Ever since my first visit, I already had an idea that it was going to be one of my top schools.”

““He plays a big part in my interest,” Nwaneri added on regarding Heupel. “With the season they had, that caught my eye. I’m getting the vibe that it’ll be somewhere that I can go in and be successful and contribute early for the team.”