The Vols added commitment number 23 and the fourth offensive lineman to the 2015 class as Fairburn, Georgia’s Venzell Boulware committed to Tennessee on his birthday Saturday afternoon. The commitment comes a week after Boulware visited Knoxville and took in the Vols’ open practice on August 16th.
Boulware claims notable offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Penn State and Southern Cal among others, but had recently narrowed his list to Tennessee and Ohio State before ultimately pledging to Butch Jones and the Volunteers. Boulware last visited Ohio State in late May.
Venzell will join Creekside alums and former teammates Elliott and Evan Berry in Knoxville, and the twins deserve some credit for helping secure his commitment. The three spent a lot of time together last weekend during his visit and the Berry brothers certainly gave Boulware their best sales pitch. Boulware is also current teammates with another Vol target in fellow offensive lineman Marquel Harrell, so time will tell if Boulware’s commitment will have any impact on the Auburn commit.
Venzell is a player whose stock is currently on the rise heading into his senior season after a strong junior year. The 6-4, 295 pound lineman is extremely athletic for his size and possesses the frame and physical style of play that the Vols coaches look for in offensive lineman. While he currently plays right tackle for Creekside, most services have him projected as an offensive guard at the next level.
We have already seen players like Kyler Kerbyson and Dylan Wiesman play multiple spots along the offensive line during fall camp, so with his size and ability it isn’t hard to imagine Boulware seeing early reps at various line spots as the coaches try to take advantage of his versatility to add depth to the offensive line. Tennessee’s offensive style of play relies on athletic lineman who can get out and make blocks on the edge in space and Venzell has the ability to do that from multiple positions.
Venzell is rated as a 4-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN. Scout and 247 have him listed as a 3-star prospect. For a look at his film and scouting report, check out Venzell’s RTI Recruiting Profile.
