The nation’s third-ranked offensive tackle, Wanya Morris, signed with Tennessee during Wednesday’s early signing period. Morris is a 6’5″, 310 pound lineman from powerhouse program Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia.
Tennessee Vols Sign Wanya Morris
Morris is the cornerstone of Jeremy Pruitt’s first full recruiting class. Pruitt came in with only three weeks before the early signing period in 2018. He was able to salvage a recruiting class that ranked 21st nationally by 247Sports.com. This year’s class is currently ranked 16th in the nation. Morris is a five-star recruit and is the tenth-highest recruit to sign with Tennessee in the last twenty years.
Welcome to Rocky Top, @wanyamorris64 ?#T19 // #PoweredByTheT pic.twitter.com/RKBrp2F1lh
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) December 19, 2018
Immediate Assistance
Morris will contribute immediately. Offensive line was easily Tennessee’s biggest weakness in a disappointing 2018 season. With Trey Smith’s health in question, Morris will likely be the Vols’ best offensive linemen the moment he walks onto campus. He expects to join the Vols in January.
See Morris’ HUDL Highlights here
Tennessee has lost two underclassmen in the last two weeks, so the Vols are looking for talent and depth in this class. Morris certainly addresses the talent box. As an early enrollee, Morris will benefit by getting into the weight room and film room immediately and participate in spring practice. He’ll also get a semester to get some classes under his belt.
Establishing a Pipeline
Volunteers fans were hoping that Morris could convince one of his teammates to join him in Knoxville. Christian Hunnicutt’s team has four players ranked among the top 200 recruits in the nation. The other three players, however, are committed to other schools. That includes Owen Pappoe, the nation’s top-ranked outside linebacker, who was a top target for Pruitt and staff. Pappoe is an Auburn committ. Kenyatta Watson (cornberback) and Trente Jones (tackle) are Texas and Michigan commits, respectively. Even if Morris can’t convince one of his talented teammates to join him in Knoxville, Morris’ signing with Tennessee solidifies a link to a national powerhouse program for future recruiting cycles.
One Step At a Time
Tennessee has a lot of work ahead of them, both on the recruiting trail and on the field. Morris is a step in the step in the right direction. He’s got the size and the physical abilities that Tennessee desperately needs on the offensive line. Pruitt and staff were able to beat several great schools for Morris’ talents.
While it’s a big step, it’s still just one step.
