The Vols already had a strong collection of defensive linemen in their 2018 recruiting class prior to Thursday. But that group became even more formidable with the addition of a top junior college defensive end.
Dorian Gerald, the No. 2 JUCO defensive end in the 2018 class according to 247Sports, committed to the Vols on Thursday afternoon. Gerald took to Twitter to announce his commitment.
I’m committed ? #GBO #VolNation #DOM1N8 pic.twitter.com/UEvJnwUU91
— Dorian Gerald (@TopNotchDG) July 6, 2017
Gerald chose the Vols over offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and others. Gerald attends the College of the Canyons in Santa Clara, California but is originally from South Carolina, however. Last season with the Cougars, Gerald totaled 54 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. He also forced four fumbles and recovered one.
At 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, Gerald has the perfect frame to play defensive end in the SEC. With just a little more weight, he should fit right in to Tennessee’s defensive line scheme.
Gerald’s highlight film shows a versatile athlete who has a strong and quick initial burst off the line and can also escape blocks and wreak havoc in the backfield. He has a knack for finding the quarterback and applying pressure.
With Gerald’s commitment, the Vols now have commitments from five defensive linemen in their 2018 class. Gerald joins four-stars Greg Emerson, D’Andre Litaker, and Brant Lawless as well as three-star Jamarcus Chatman. Gerald also gives Tennessee 17 total commitments in their 2018 class, a class that’s now a consensus top-5 class by every major recruiting service.
