Tennessee Volunteers trending for 4-star in-state LB Edwin Spillman

Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy four-star linebacker Edwin Spillman is set to announce his college decision on July 21. His choices are down to Ohio State and Tennessee.

While Spillman is admittedly high on both schools, one of those has emerged as the heavy favorite in Spillman’s recruitment according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). Tennessee sits with an 81.7% chance to land a commitment from Spillman following the latest industry updates.

“Their message is also that if I want to come, make a name for myself and be able to play, UT is the spot,” Spillman told On3’s Chad Simmons earlier this month. “They really want me. The defensive coaches and the linebackers coach have a track record of sending players to the NFL.

…They showed that to me last weekend. It was surreal to see that but really awesome.”

Spillman took officials to Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State and Tennessee in June. The Buckeyes hosted him on June 9 and he was back in Knoxville a week later on June 16. Tennessee has hosted Spillman seven times throughout his recruitment, more than any other school.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder also has a few personal ties connected to Tennessee as well. His older brother Nate Spillman is currently enrolled in Knoxville and his Lipscomb Academy teammate in four-star Kaleb Beasley has been committed to Tennessee since last October.

Spillman is the No. 300 overall prospect and No. 27 linebacker 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. 7 player in Tennessee.

How Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class currently stands

A pledge from Spillman would be another win on the recruiting trail for Josh Heupel and the Volunteers. They currently have 16 pledges in a class that ranks No. 14 nationally and No. 6 in the SEC.

Heupel’s made recruiting the top in-state players a priority as well. Of their 16 pledges, five are from in-state prospects and three of those prospects are ranked as four-star recruits.

The in-state players committed to Tennessee are Beasley, Chattanooga (Tenn.) Bradley Central four-star athlete Boo Carter, Cleveland (Tenn.) Bradley Central four-star safety Marcus Goree, Chattanooga (Tenn.) McCallie School three-star defensive lineman Carson Gentle and Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Middle Tennessee Christian School three-star offensive tackle Jesse Perry.

Beasley is also one of four players currently committed to Tennessee that’s ranked as a top-200 prospect. The other three are Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger, Aiken (S.C.) four-star wide receiver Braylon Staley, IMG Academy (Fla.) four-star tight end Jonathan Echols and Salem (Va.) four-star running back Peyton Lewis.