With most of their 2019 class already wrapped up, Tennessee’s coaches can turn a lot of their attention to the 2020 class. The Vols will continue to pursue their top remaining unsigned targets in the 2019 class, but they’ll also be checking in on some 2020 targets and will start sending out offers to more players in the next cycle.
On Sunday, UT sent out a scholarship offer to one of the top athletes in the 2020 cycle. Daniyel Ngata — who plays for Folsom High School in Folsom, California — picked up an offer from Tennessee on Sunday afternoon.
Blessed to receive an OFFER to the University of Tennessee! #VolNation #GBO ? pic.twitter.com/Yym48m2GNg
— Daniyel Ngata (@dngata2) December 23, 2018
Ngata, who is the younger brother of one 2019 signee and a current college linebacker, is a four-star athlete who is rated as the No. 107 overall prospect and No. 9 athlete in the 2020 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. His oldest brother, Ariel Ngata, is a linebacker for Washington and was a four-star prospect in the 2017 class. His other brother, Joe, just signed with Clemson in the 2019 class. Joe Ngata is the No. 51 overall player in the 2019 class and is a four-star wide receiver.
The youngest Ngata brother has the potential to be one of the most dynamic athletes in the 2020 cycle before it’s all said and done. He already holds offers from Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and LSU among others.
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Looking at his film, it’s a wonder that Ngata isn’t a five-star and one of the top players in the 2020 cycle already. I would venture to guess that the reason he isn’t is because of his size. He’s listed at only 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, so that’s probably holding him back from being rated higher.
Regardless of his size, Ngata has some elite play-making ability.
Ngata has some superb speed, and he’s incredibly shifty. It’s nearly impossible for one defender to bring him down all by himself, and he makes linebackers and defensive backs look silly time and time again on his highlight film. He’s elusive, smart, and has very good instincts and vision. He’s more of a scat back, but he can use some deceptive power at time too. Not only is he an electric running back, but he has some very good hands and is a danger in the passing game too. He runs good routes and can make some difficult catches. His size is definitely a concern for SEC play, but he has a Darren Sproles or C.J. Spiller feel to him when watching his film.
As a junior this past season, Ngata totaled 874 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on just 89 carries, giving him a 9.8 yard per carry average (according to MaxPreps). He also caught 36 passes for 666 yards and 10 touchdowns, giving him 1,540 yards from scrimmage all while averaging 12.3 yards per touch.
He may not have the ideal size for an every down back, but it’s clear that Ngata is a compelling athlete who will be in high demand in the 2020 cycle.
