Whenever there is a commitment this far before National Signing Day, there is at least some fear that a prospect will flip. Take into account Kristian Story is from the Class of 2020 and has about 21 months until he can sign, and it might be easy not to get too attached.
Story, however, might not be a typical prospect. He seems certain this commitment will stick, although hes not shutting down his commitment.
Its going to take a lot to flip me, Story told SEC Country. I dont see myself flipping.
Story wasnt strongly considering Tennessee until he picked up an offer from the Vols on Jan. 15. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound Story remembered liking Eric Berry but hadnt thought about Tennessee too much in the past few years.
That all changed March 3. He visited Knoxville for the first time on junior day.
When I got up there, I just fell in love with it, Story said. The second I got onto campus, I knew thats where I wanted to be.
Story wanted to commit then but also wanted his mom to see the campus and get her blessing on the decision. She visited with Story on Thursday, and it was a done deal.
I knew Coach [Charles] Kelly when he was at Florida State and Coach [Jeremy] Pruitt at Alabama, Story said. The connection has been there. It just grew much stronger over the past month or so. Because of Coach Pruitts philosophy in life. The stuff he believes in as an athlete, student or player. Those types of things.
Now the Lanett, Ala., product sees himself as the leader of the 2020 class for the Vols and will turn his attention to getting other top prospects to join him.
I know there are a lot of guys around my area who are very talented, Story said. Im going to try to get them to come with me. And even nationally, we all network together through group chats. I know Ill be able to get most of them.
I think we have a really good chance, Story said. A lot of them already like Tennessee and maybe some were just waiting on someone else to pull the trigger first.
The 4-star prospect is listed as an athlete because that is what he is. He plays quarterback and defensive back for Lanett High School. He had 42 total touchdowns and 3 interceptions during his sophomore season. The coaching staff isnt pressuring him to decide on a position. Which is the right call, since there is still a lot of time for him to get better on the football field.
They said I can play whatever I want to play, Story said. I really dont know yet. I feel like I can dominate at quarterback, defensive back.
-Blake Morgan
Class of 2020 Tennessee commit Kristian Story: 'I dont see myself flipping'