Tolan said he’s “not really sure who is stopping by right now” to visit with him this week for the final time before Early Signing Day. But he received another visit Monday from Tennessee linebackers coach
Brian Jean-Mary, who also traveled to the Orlando area to see Tolan last week.
“It’s always good vibes with Coach BJ because he’s familiar with the area and knows people that I know, so that’s always a good thing because we always are able to talk about everything — not just a certain topic about football or anything,” Tolan said.
He said his conversation with Jean-Mary on Monday was mostly “about football and that final decision.” Tennessee has continued to make Tolan a priority since his latest trip to Knoxville on Nov. 13 for the Vols’ home game against Georgia, and Jean-Mary again stressed to Tolan on Monday that he’s wanted in Knoxville.
“He wants to know before signing day where I could end up, and that’s really all his message is,” Tolan said.
First-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel’s staff, led by Jean-Mary, has told Tolan that “I could be a leading role in that defense and help that defense move to the next level, and help them get to a national championship.” Tolan plans to arrive at the school of his choice in January as an early enrollee.
“They really have me in the middle — either Mike or Will (linebacker),” he said of his possible role with the Vols. “It’s really the same with most schools.”
Tennessee also hosted him on his first official visit in early June before he ultimately chose LSU over Miami in early July. But he said the Vols are more of a contender for him this time around.
“I feel that way,” Tolan said. “I feel that they’re highly up there, as well.”
