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Tennessee pulled two big wide receiver commitments this past week in Matt Milton and Markeith Ambles. Both are ESPNU 150 Watch List prospects.
Matt Milton announced on Friday that he plans to wear orange next season, but it was Markeith Ambles who first gave Tennessee recruiting momentum when he committed on Tuesday.
Ambles is that ‘big fish’ type of recruit that Tennessee has been looking for in the 2010 class. It’s estimated that he has a total of nearly 50 scholarship offers from top programs across the country.
ESPN’s Billy Tucker agrees that Ambles’ commitment is a big one for Kiffin and Tennessee.
“Ambles is a major get for Tennessee as Kiffin has landed another future game-changer on offense to team up with ESPN’s No. 2 running back from 2009, Bryce Brown (Wichita, Kan./East)” Tucker explained. “After closing strong on the trail last year, the Vols’ 2010 class was comprised of some quality, particularly on the defensive line, but were missing an upper-tier prospect, until now.”
“Having just watched Ambles work out at Florida’s Friday Night Lights camp, its hard not be impressed with the physical tools and skill-set he brings to the table as a receiver. His fluidity and athleticism for a taller wideout may be unparalleled in this year’s talented receiver class; could make an immediate impact in Knoxville as a redzone player with his jump-ball skills. Aside from his great pass-catching skills, Ambles has plenty of speed to threaten a defense vertically as a route runner and after the catch with ball in his hands. This kid is savvy as well in terms of knowing the position which should only assist his chances of making an immediate impact for Tennessee.”
It’s expected that Ambles will begin recruiting for Tennessee immediately and one potential target that’s been mentioned repeatedly is Elite 11 QB finalist Barry Brunetti from Memphis.
Ambles told Josh Ward of Saturday Sports Talk, that he thinks Brunetti could be swayed to Tennessee.
“I might call Barry Brunetti,” said Ambles. “I know he’s committed to West Virginia, but that might change since I’m committed to Tennessee now. We talk all the time. He wanted me to come to West Virginia with him but I think I could change him if I wanted.”
Ambles believes Brunetti still has interest in Tennessee.
“I know he still likes them,” said Ambles. “That’s why I was saying I was pretty sure I could (convince him) if I wanted to.”
Tennessee beat out several SEC schools for Ambles, including Georgia, who apparently had interest early, but backed off.
“They were very interested in me. It was just things that came up so I wasn’t able to go there,” Ambles explained. “It was just something that happened back in high school. They weren’t going to recruit me anymore because they didn’t want to mess with it.”
It’s unclear when these issues occurred exactly, but it’s worth noting that Ambles changed schools before his junior season. He transferred from a school that ran primarily an option offense, to Henry County High School, where his talents could better showcased.
It appears the move paid off. Last season, Ambles had 55 catches for 993 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also returned a kickoff and two punt returns for touchdowns.
Even though he considers himself to be firmly committed to Tennessee, Ambles plans to visit other schools.
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