Tisdol was offered a few weeks ago, then took his first visit to Knoxville when the Vols hosted UAB. That visit pushed
Jeremy Pruitt's program to the top.
"It was my first time up at Tennessee and I loved it up there," said Tisdol. "I have to say I have them at the top of my list right now. I have bonded with coach Sherrer, I really like coach Pruitt, they have a big need at linebacker and I there is a real opportunity for me.
"Tennessee has a lot of great people there, it is a great atmosphere and I loved it. I knew before I left that they were my top school."
Tennessee coaches are expected in Rochelle this weekend to check on Tisdol, one of their top defensive targets. An official visit to Tennessee has been locked in for December 13.
Auburn will have their chance to host Tisdol the weekend before that. The Tigers have pushed a little harder since the decommitment from
Trenton Simpson
.
"Things have changed some with Auburn since that decommiment. I have talked to more coaches, they have turned it up some and the attention is more than what it was before.
"I have always liked Auburn and I will be there for an official visit December 6, so we will see how that goes. I am talking to them a good bit more lately. They are still up there, but behind Tennessee right now."
Nebraska and South Carolina haven't given up either. Tisdol is much more familiar with the Gamecocks, but a trip to Lincoln is possible too. The Huskers were in town last week to pay a visit to Wilcox County.
"I don't know as much about Nebraska, but they are on me hard, they came to see me recently and I am probably going to get out there for a visit. They need linebackers, they have some great coaches and I think I will take a visit out there to see what it is like."
South Carolina has made Tisdol feel "comfortable" in Columbia and the Gamecocks are still in the race, but
Will Muschamp and his program has not recruited the linebacker at the same level as the others recently.
That doesn't mean South Carolina is out. This race has had a lot of twists and turns, and now, it looks like the official visits will not only help determine the school, but also when Tisdol puts the pen to the paper.
"I will wait and see how I feel after the official visits to see when I want to sign," said Tisdol. "Playing time is very important to me, but so is the bond with coaches, so my visits will be very important.
"I have official visits to Auburn and Tennessee set up and I am still talking to Nebraska and South Carolina about those visits. I still have a lot to think about."
