Tennessee picked up a new commit on Sunday afternoon: Class of 2016 North Carolina quarterback Austin Kendall.
“I have officially committed to play football at the University of Tennessee! #VOLS #BrickByBrick #VFL,” he tweeted.
Measuring 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, Kendall is a consensus 4-star prospect. He’s the No. 4 pro-style quarterback in the country according to Rivals.com and the No. 60 player overall in the 2016 class.
Kendall tweeted earlier in the week that he would be “staying up at Tennessee for the weekend.” He previously visited two weeks ago for the Vols’ Orange Carpet Day.
The talented signal-caller has offers from Kentucky, NC State, Clemson, Miami and Virginia, among others.
“Coach Jones and coach Jake told me I’m their guy,” Kendall told Rivals.com last week. “They like me, I love it here and I’m going to keep coming back. They’re one of my top schools. They just love building a relationship with me and I love building one with them and I’m just looking forward to what to come.”
The commit is Tennessee’s fifth in the 2016 class, which is now ranked third in the country according to 247sports.
AUSTIN KENDALL HIGHLIGHTS
AUSTIN KENDALL ESPN EVALUATION
STRENGTHS: Plays with grit and toughness. Is an athletic quarterback and solid passer who can move well in the pocket and make most of the required throws. Is a very savvy player when the play breaks down. Finds ways to make things happen. Throws very well when on the move. Possesses a blue collar feel to his style of play. Can be an accurate player and gets rid of the ball quickly. … AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Lacks ideal height. Delivery is quick and smooth, but can be a little low and negate his height. Needs to be more disciplined in his drop and set up within the pocket. Could stand to show a little more patience with progressions. … BOTTOM LINE: Kendall is one of those players you can’t help, but like. He reminds us of former South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw — he just gets things done. Caliber of competition is questionable and it would benefit him to mature physically. Arm strength is good, not great