The three-star Class of 2020 cornerback from Memphis (Tenn.) University School visited the Vols on Saturday for the first time since June, and he said he “really liked” everything he saw at Tennessee, a “great school” that has “always kind of been one of my dream schools.” The 5-foot-11, 177-pound Nelson, who has picked up offers from at least seven schools, said he’s already planning to make the trip to Knoxville again this spring.
“I went up there this summer, but this was my first time seeing the new stuff and everything,” said Nelson. “I liked the facilities. I liked the coaching staff. I liked the vibe and energy there. Great school. I like the town, Knoxville. I just really liked it.” After landing his offer from Tennessee in late July, Nelson admitted it was a “dream” offer for him. He said this week that the Vols were one of a few teams he grew up liking, along with Alabama, LSU and Florida. “I (liked) all the (defensive-back) schools,” he added. “I just liked Tennessee because it was the home-state school.”
“I think Tennessee is a nice school,” Nelson said. “It’s always kind of been one of my dream schools. When I was younger, I kind of liked Tennessee a lot — like,
Peyton Manning, and I used to like (former Vols cornerback)
Cameron Sutton. I used to like him a lot. He plays for the Steelers. I grew up watching Tennessee a little bit. (Fair) really didn’t say much. We were just chilling, kicking back,” Nelson said. "We didn’t really talk about football that much, but we talked a little bit. He was just saying they were going to be recruiting me hard, and he wanted me to get down there so I could talk to Pruitt because, when I came in the summer, I really didn’t get to talk to Coach Pruitt like that. So I talked to Coach Pruitt a little bit.
“I feel like (Pruitt is) going to change the program. We were talking about the recruiting class that they just had, and he was telling me he’s trying to get all the in-state players and build this home feeling. He’s trying to turn everything around, trying to build a championship program. I feel like they’re a step away from being a good program — well, contending for a championship,” said Nelson, who also holds offers from Arkansas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Memphis, Louisville, Indiana and Southern Miss. “I feel like they’re a step away. Just need another recruiting class, like he said. Just need to get a couple more guys. “They got the right coaches. Just got (offensive coordinator Jim) Chaney hired and got
Tee Martin,” Nelson added, referring to the two newest additions to the Vols’ offensive staff.
