Tyree Weathersby has been high on Tennessee since visiting the Vols for the first time in early March. His official visit to Knoxville this weekend only improved his opinion of them.
The Class of 2023 defensive lineman from New Manchester High School in Douglasville, Ga., said his weekend stay at Tennessee was “amazing,” and he was impressed with “the energy” he felt there. He said the Vols’ coaches and players made him feel comfortable there, and he made it clear they’re one of the top teams he’s considering.
“I really enjoyed my time here, and it was amazing,” said Weathersby, who has received scholarship offers from more than 20 schools. “The coaches made me feel like family. All the players made me feel like family. They’re very welcoming.
“And then most of the players at my position, they’re leaving, so it’s a perfect opportunity for me to do great.”
The 6-foot-4, 251-pound Weathersby said Tennessee fifth-year senior defensive lineman
Maurese Smith served as his player host for the weekend. Weathersby said Smith and the other players he interacted with made him feel comfortable in Knoxville, and the Vols showed him a good time, with the time they spent on the lake standing out as one of the highlights of the visit.
“Man, I loved the energy the players gave you, how we connected,” Weathersby said. “It was never awkward. And then the energy when we were taking pictures (Saturday), it was amazing. I’ve got to come feel the game energy, though. I can’t wait to see that.
“It was really a small thing, but, like, (I enjoyed seeing) the lake. We went on the lake over there, and I really didn’t know y’all had that out here, so I really enjoyed that time on the boat and all that.”
He also likes the setting of Tennessee’s campus and Neyland Stadium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River.
“It’s crazy, man,” Weathersby said. “I know the experience is crazy, especially when the fans come out there during the game time. I can’t wait to feel that energy.”
He said he has developed a strong connection with Tennessee defensive line coach
Rodney Garner, a longtime SEC assistant coach who has produced a number of NFL defensive linemen, along with defensive analyst
Levorn Harbin.
“Me and Coach Garner, we’ve been talking for about four months, three months now, and I love the relationship,” Weathersby said. “Of course, he coached (in) college for years — about 20 (NFL) players, 30 players, something like that — so he’s definitely got the experience I need to do great, and I feel like he can make me a first-rounder wherever I need to go.
“He loves my finesse, my speed, my power, how I come from a speed rush to a power rush, so he definitely enjoys that.”
Tennessee has made Weathersby a priority since extending an offer to him more than five months ago. He said the Vols “definitely said I can step in and help early,” adding that they told him “they need some more ends.”
“I’m playing D-end strictly, so I’m most likely going to be a strongside,” he said. “I ain’t going to be no Leo or nothing like that, because I’m already, like, 250. Of course, they’re just going to put weight on me.”
Weathersby picked up his latest offer from South Carolina on June 16, the same day he participated in one of the Gamecocks’ camps. He also holds offers from Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri, Michigan State, Indiana, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and West Virginia, among others.
He said he’s currently working toward a likely summer decision.