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.
Donte Vaughn
Cornerback – 2016 Class
6’3, 185 pounds
Memphis, Tenn. (Whitehaven)
Other top offers
LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, Missouri, Miami
Status
Vaughn is one of several talented DBs that Tennessee is in on early in the 2016 class, joining the likes of Joejuan Williams and Nigel Warrior. The Vols had no hesitation on this talented in-state prospect, offering him in the summer of 2014 to get ahead of the competition, and that faith in him appears to be paying off on some level, as Vaughn seems to be high on Tennessee and has been to Knoxville multiple times. Getting him back this spring or summer will continue to help UT’s case as the Vols look to hold off LSU, Ole Miss and Auburn, the other three teams in he named in his final four, along with UT, in February.
Ratings
247Sports: ★★★★
ESPN.com: N/R
Rivals.com: ★★★★
Scout.com: ★★★★
RTI average: 4-stars
How He Fits
Vaughn has virtually everything you’d want in a cornerback – good athleticism, excellent length with long arms that can help him jam at the line and win jump balls in coverage. He’s a solid fundamental tackler as well.
Added size at the wide receiver is a trend nationally that has certainly hit the SEC as well, so having those 6-foot+ cornerbacks can really help a defense neutralize some of those big down-field threats that have hit the SEC in recent years.
Vaughn, also a receiver, has good hands and is athletic enough to play wildcat quarterback for his high school team as well. Adding depth at cornerback, especially with the potential early departure to the NFL by Cam Sutton following the 2015 season, will be a big key in the 2016 class.
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