REPORT: Tennessee Gets Commitment from Marquez North
By Kyle Kensing
Multiple outlets report new Tennessee head coach Butch Jones landed a major commitment from Marquez North, a four star-rated wide receiver from Charlotte.
North is one of the top wide receivers in the 2013 recruiting class. Clemson, Florida, Ohio State and Oregon were all in pursuit of the 6-foot-3, Mallard Creek High School product. His commitment is a tremendous win for Jones, as it gives him a potential replacement for Justin Hunter. Hunter declared for the NFL Draft, leaving a 1083-yard, nine-touchdown void in a Vol passing offense that will also initiate a new starting quarterback.
Jones’ decision to keep Jay Graham on staff paid dividends with North’s recruitment. Graham pursued North as a member of Derek Dooley’s staff, before Dooley was fired in November.
Whether North’s commitment is the first domino to fall for the Vols is an intriguing story line to follow in the days leading up to National Signing Day. Tennessee is pushing for five star safety Vonn Bell, but faces stiff competition from conference rival Alabama, as well as Ohio State.