ForumsTennessee continues to focus its 2011 recruiting efforts heavily on the state of Georgia.
That trend continued on Thursday as the Vols offered a scholarship to 6-3, 260-pound defensive tackle Thomas Niles from Gainesville High School in Georgia.
Tennessee joins North Carolina State as his two official offers so far. However, Niles is hearing from several other schools.
“Auburn, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Central Florida, and Michigan State,” said Niles.
When asked where Tennessee stands among the schools he is considering, “They’re in the top 5,” Niles responded.
Niles’ coaches describe him as a tough, hard-nosed kid who is a very hard worker.
The talented lineman currently plays nose tackle in a 3-4 defensive scheme that boasts another prospect with a Tennessee offer, linebacker A.J. Johnson. But with his size and athleticism, Niles also has the ability to move outside and play defensive end.
In addition to football, Niles is a member of the school’s Lacrosse team, where he plays defense.
Niles is familiar with Tennessee. He was on campus last season when the Vols played Georgia and is aware of some of the great players that passed through Knoxville on their way to the NFL — players such as Peyton Manning and Jamal Lewis.
Chuck Smith, who prior to joining Tennessee’s staff was a regular on Niles’ favorite radio station in Georgia, is his primary recruiter.
When asked, Niles admitted that just about everyone in Georgia knows the name Chuck Smith.
Niles and his teammate, A.J. Johnson, plan to visit Knoxville on April 1st.
VolNation will continue to keep you updated on this talented lineman as his recruitment progresses.
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