4-star Vols WR commit Braylon Staley shuts down recruitment, ready to sign with Vols

After a late push from South Carolina over the past couple of months, four-star 2024 wide receiver Braylon Staley told Volquest on Friday afternoon that he has shut down his recruitment and plans to sign with Tennessee on December 20th.

The four-star prospect committed to the Vols in June, choosing Tennessee over Clemson and North Carolina at the time. However, South Carolina offered in October, shortly after Tennessee defeated them inside of the confines of Neyland Stadium, and the home-state program has pushed hard since for the highly touted wideout.

Staley’s recruitment generated buzz on social media among Tennessee and South Carolina fans Wednesday night when he posted a photo with South Carolina wide receivers coach Justin Stepp during an in-home visit.

Staley told Volquest at the time that the Gamecocks were pushing hard and he had continued to listen to their pitch. He also reiterated that he wanted to leave next week for the Shrine Bowl with a final decision made and nothing hanging over his head, which has now ultimately resulted with him choosing to stick with the Vols over the home-state Gamecocks.

Staley is the fifth-highest rated prospect in Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. Tennessee plans to pair him with five-star Mike Matthews, as they continue to retool their downfield passing attack.

The long-term relationship he has built with Tennessee has been important at multiple times during this recruitment, and Staley told Volquest earlier in the year, that it has been like a father-son relationship.

“Our relationship has probably been the same since they started recruiting me,” Staley said. “It is like father-son relationship. It is amazing. I get contact from that each week. I love Coach Pope, Coach Heup, and Coach Halzle. I love everybody on that coaching staff.”

Staley plans to sign during the early period, which opens on December 20th and runs through December 22nd. He also plans to be at some of Tennessee’s upcoming bowl practices, following his time at the Shrine Bowl.

Staley’s On3 Scouting Evaluation

Twitchy receiver with a strong combination of high-end athleticism and ball skills. Measured in at around 6-feet, 180 pounds prior to his senior season. Has solid length with arms that measure a shad under 32-inches along with 10-inch hands. Has a wiry, think build that should be able to add more mass. An accomplished, top track athlete who has won multiple state titles in the triple jump (47-8 feet) and 200 meters (21.63 seconds). Also ran a 11.12 second 100 meter mark in one race as a junior. Transfers that athleticism over to the field on Friday nights. Lines up all over the formation, working from the outside and in the slot. A bouncy, light-footed mover. Very effective in the screen and quick game. Flashes his top-end speed after the catch, with the ability to take quick passes to the house from anywhere on the field. A natural long-strider who opens up once he’s at the second level. Dangerous with the ball in his hands. Uses lateral agility to make defenders miss in space. Runs hard and fights through contact. Pairs that after catch ability with very good ball skills that stack up on the high-end most prospects with his physical and athletic profile. Catches the ball with good technique and away from his body. Shows the ability to come down with contested catches in close confines. Able to track and adjust to throws over his shoulder. Transferred to Strom Thurmond High School prior to his senior season and saw his production increase. On pace to eclipse 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. Wins with his athleticism and ball skills at this point. Will need to polish up his route-running and add to his route tree at the next level while also adding play strength. Younger for the cycle, not turning 18 years-old until May of his senior season.