Before spring practice starts, RockyTopInsider.com will take a look at 16 uncommitted prospects to watch in the 2016 recruiting cycle. Click here for the full 2016 commitment list.
Offensive tackle – 2016 Class
6-6, 275 pounds
Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
Other top offers
Texas A&M, Clemson, Ole Miss
Status
Tennessee has relied on legacy players such as Kahlil McKenzie, Dillon Bates, Todd Kelly Jr. and others over the last two years – player who had a family tie to UT football. Now the Vols are going hard after Mathews and the shoe is on the other foot. Mathews’ dad, Jason Mathews, played at Texas A&M before going on to the NFL, and the Aggies might be the team to beat for the younger Mathews. The good news for UT? The Vols are playing with home-field advantage with the Nashville-area prospect and they already have a commitment from teammate/Brentwood Academy offensive line partner Ryan Johnson in the 2016 class.
Ratings
247Sports: ★★★★
ESPN.com: ★★★★
Rivals.com: ★★★★
Scout.com: ★★★★
RTI average: 4-stars
How He Fits
Tennessee took a big step in rebuilding the offensive line when it landed Drew Richmond in the 2015 class along with some other versatile players such as Jack Jones and Venzell Boulware. But there’s still work to be done on arguably the worst unit in the SEC in 2014. Tennessee needs at least two true offensive tackles in 2016. Mathews’ teammate Ryan Johnson, is part of that equation, and UT would be fine to bring both Brentwood Academy products to Knoxville in this class.
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