4-star IOL William Satterwhite commits to Tennessee

Akron (Ohio) Archbishop Hoban four-star interior offensive lineman William Satterwhite knew he was going to wear orange at the next level. He just wasn’t sure what shade it would be.

Entering the summer Satterwhite was leaning more towards Tennessee but that flipped after an official visit to Clemson. Then it changed again following his official in Knoxville

On Friday Satterwhite came to his decision as he announced his pledge to Tennessee over Clemson.

“It flip-flopped a lot honestly,” Satterwhite told On3. “After my OVs to both, I was just trying to figure out what was best for me because they’re both great options that are kind of similar programs. It was really hard to gauge which was better.

“I just feel like the academics at Tennessee are top-tier and then the availability and chance to get on the field early played a factor.”

Relationships were a big part of his recruitment and two of the coaches that Satterwhite communicated with the most are at Tennessee. Offensive line assistant Micah James is the person he said he talks to the most on the Vols coaching staff followed closely behind offensive line coach Glen Elarbee.

He noted that Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel also played a role in helping him decide on Tennessee.

“He has a big plans for the future of the program,” said Satterwhite, the No. 210 player in the country. “His coaching style is unique with that fast-tempo offense and getting as many plays as possible to tire out the defense. In the next couple of years I think they’ll make a deep run into the playoff and compete for a national championship.”

Vols fans also had a role in Satterwhite’s decision

Satterwhite’s visited Tennessee twice so far in his recruitment and said he’s gotten a good vibe from the campus on every visit. He’s also well-aware of what type of fan base he’s about to spend the next few years in front of.

He watched last year as Tennessee beat Alabama and carried the goal post into the river. He’s seen what games look like on TV and is excited to be able to play in front of over 100,000 fans multiple times for the next 3-4 years.

“It’s a very rare moment in your life to play in a stadium like that with fans like that in that conference as well,” Satterwhite said.