The Vols landed a commitment from defensive end prospect Chidi Okonya on Friday. Here’s a full look at Okonya’s Rocky Top Insider recruiting profile:
Defensive End – 2016 Class
6-6, 235 pounds
Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale)
Other Top offers
Clemson, Ole Miss, Stanford, Duke
Status
Okonya named the Vols in his top five in early May and is making his decision on May 15. The Vols have had a lot of momentum in this one as they try to hold off the other four finalists – Clemson, Stanford, Ole Miss and Duke – for the lanky defensive end who also has a 4.1 GPA. Committed to the Vols on May 15.
Ratings
247Sports: ★★★★
Rivals.com: ★★★
Scout.com: ★★★★
ESPN.com: ★★★
RTI average: 3.5-stars
How He Fits
Okonya has a massive frame that gives him an advantage against shorter offensive linemen. He has the long arms to keep O-linemen from engaging him and can bat down passes and disrupt throwing lanes. He’s a little bit in the mold of former South Carolina defensive end Devin Taylor, who now plays for the Detroit Lions.
He needs to fill out his frame a bit and he can be considered somewhat of a developmental prospects, but the Vols, for once, are feeling great about what they have on the defensive line for the next couple years and can afford to give a player like Okonya some time to develop.
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