With spring ball just around the corner, the Tennessee Vols are eyeing some key targets in their 2024 recruiting class. Spring practices are an essential period for college football programs, offering a chance to showcase new talent, refine existing skills, and build momentum for the upcoming season. For Tennessee, it also serves as an important time to make significant strides in recruiting. With National Signing Day behind us, the focus shifts to the remaining uncommitted recruits, and three of them are high-profile targets for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff.
These recruits have the potential to make an immediate impact on the Vols’ roster and program. Whether it’s adding depth to key positions or boosting Tennessee’s recruiting profile, the decisions of these recruits will carry weight. Let’s dive into the three major targets who are on commit watch for the Vols as spring ball approaches. 
1. Dante Dowdell (Running Back)
The recruitment of Dante Dowdell has been one of the most closely watched storylines for Tennessee’s 2024 class. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back from Picayune, Mississippi, has emerged as one of the top targets for the Vols in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Dowdell is known for his physical style of running, possessing a unique combination of size, speed, and vision that make him a rare commodity at the running back position.
Tennessee’s running back room has seen significant changes in recent seasons, and adding a versatile, power back like Dowdell would go a long way in strengthening their future offensive plans. Dowdell has been a standout in high school, amassing impressive statistics and helping lead his team to success. His ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles while also showcasing his breakaway speed on the outside makes him an intriguing option for Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
Tennessee has been competing with several other powerhouse programs for Dowdell’s commitment, including Ole Miss, Auburn, and LSU. However, the Vols have managed to build strong relationships with Dowdell and his family, especially after Heupel and running backs coach Jerry Mack extended personal attention throughout the recruiting process. Dowdell has visited Knoxville multiple times, and the Vols have been in constant contact, making it clear that they view him as a key piece in their offensive plans moving forward.
One factor working in Tennessee’s favor is the opportunity to compete in the SEC, where top-tier competition and exposure are guaranteed. Dowdell has expressed interest in playing in a fast-paced offense, and the Vols’ up-tempo style of play could be a perfect fit for his skill set. Additionally, the success of Tennessee’s offense under Heupel, which has consistently been one of the most dynamic in the SEC, could be a compelling selling point for Dowdell. He’s made it clear that he values offensive versatility and believes in the development of his skill set—two elements that Tennessee can offer.
If Dowdell commits to Tennessee, he would become a significant addition to the Vols’ running back room. His ability to serve as both a powerful between-the-tackles runner and a weapon in the passing game would give Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh more flexibility in their play-calling and give the offense a dual-threat option at the running back position.
With spring ball on the horizon, Dowdell’s decision could come sooner rather than later. His recruitment is one to watch closely, as it will likely be a key development for the Vols in the coming weeks.
2. Jordan Seaton (Offensive Lineman)
Another player on Tennessee’s radar is Jordan Seaton, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman from Washington, D.C. Seaton is one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2024 class, and his commitment would represent a massive win for Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. The Vols have long been in the mix for Seaton, and they continue to battle some of the biggest programs in the country for his services, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State.
Seaton’s potential as a future offensive tackle is undeniable. With his combination of size, athleticism, and raw strength, he has the ability to anchor the line of scrimmage at the next level. In high school, Seaton has shown his proficiency as a pass protector and run blocker, excelling in both aspects of the game. His ability to move well laterally and maintain a strong base has impressed scouts and coaches alike.
Tennessee’s offensive line has been one of the most consistent units in recent years, but the Vols are always looking to add top-tier talent to their trenches. The opportunity to learn under respected offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and compete for early playing time in a program with aspirations of competing for SEC titles is appealing to many recruits, including Seaton.
The Vols have built strong relationships with Seaton, and the feeling is mutual. His official visits to Knoxville have left a positive impression, particularly in regard to the university’s facilities, coaching staff, and the fanbase. Additionally, Tennessee’s ability to provide a chance to play in the fast-paced, pass-heavy offense under Heupel is an attractive proposition for offensive linemen looking to showcase their skills at the next level.
However, Tennessee’s competition for Seaton is fierce. The Vols face significant challenges in securing his commitment, especially with programs like Alabama and Georgia in the mix. Both schools are known for producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen, and Seaton will have plenty of options to choose from. That said, Tennessee’s emphasis on player development and its commitment to building a national championship contender in the SEC could resonate with Seaton in a way that other programs can’t match.
The spring ball period could be the tipping point in Seaton’s recruitment. As Tennessee continues to focus on building a competitive roster and impressing recruits on the field, Seaton’s decision could come soon. For the Vols, landing him would be a significant victory in their recruiting efforts and would strengthen an already promising offensive line class.
3. Braylen Shelby (Edge Rusher)
The third major target on Tennessee’s radar is Braylen Shelby, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound edge rusher from Cypress, Texas. Shelby is widely regarded as one of the top pass rushers in the 2024 class, and his recruitment has been a highly competitive process. As a high school senior, Shelby has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, displaying a rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness. He’s a prototypical edge rusher with the ability to impact games from day one.
For Tennessee, adding a dynamic pass rusher like Shelby would be a massive boost to their defense. The Vols have shown marked improvement on the defensive side of the ball under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, but the need for top-tier edge rushers remains. Shelby has the potential to step in immediately and provide a spark off the edge, creating havoc in opposing backfields and helping Tennessee’s defense put pressure on quarterbacks.
Tennessee is currently in a battle with several other schools, including Texas, USC, and Alabama, for Shelby’s commitment. Each of these programs brings something different to the table in terms of development, playing time, and style of play. For Tennessee, the chance to join a program on the rise in the SEC with a defense that has shown significant improvement could be a compelling draw for Shelby. Furthermore, the opportunity to play in a conference that consistently produces NFL-caliber talent could be a major selling point.
Shelby has made multiple visits to Tennessee’s campus, and while his decision remains uncertain, it’s clear that the Vols are in the hunt. The development of Tennessee’s defense, especially the edge position, is something Shelby is likely paying close attention to as he weighs his options. With spring ball approaching, Tennessee’s coaching staff will have an opportunity to make one final push and show Shelby that Knoxville is the right place for him.
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