Four-star defensive end/linebacker
Tyler Baron of nearby Knoxville (Tenn.) Catholic High School is a longtime Tennessee target with family ties to the program who's now in the Vols' backyard after transferring from Ensworth School in Nashville, Tenn., in January. Sources said Baron still is leaning toward Tennessee, and he remains the Vols’ most realistic option among the elite edge rushers they're pursuing in the 2020 class. His father, Patrick Abernathy, works in player development on Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt’s staff, and Baron has been a frequent visitor to UT’s campus since moving to Knoxville roughly six months ago. The Vols are the unanimous favorites to land Baron on the 247Sports Crystal Ball, and while he’s still discussing taking some visits to other schools, all signs point to Tennessee still being the team to beat.