#TN2024 Commitment Analysis (Part 1)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>The 2024 recruiting cycle is off &amp; running here in the great state of Tennessee &amp; we already have some top level recruits off the board, committing to Power Five schools. Here we break down those commitments on five of the top overall prospects from our #TN2024 class. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp'] </strong>(6'1 185) - Baylor School&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Committed to: Vanderbilt …#SEC&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16008267/6327c8cab023d3053cc390b4">Junior Film</a>&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scouting Report: </strong>The Commodores added a steal right here with this returning state title winning quarterback. Muschamp is one of the top prospects at his position for our #TN2024 class and a player that could jump into the mix at Vanderbilt and immediately compete for playing time as a freshman. This is one of the smartest, most cerebral quarterbacks not just in our state but the entire country. He has a great feel for the game and understanding of himself and what he can do on the field while also being the ultimate leader for his teammates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What Vanderbilt is getting with the commitment of Muschamp is a gamer, a quarterback with tons of moxy and the unique ability for making plays when things seem to be breaking down. He is accurate in a general sense but when he is in distress, he tends to become more accurate, so his poise under pressure is exceptional. Muschamp is not phased by the rush as he keeps his eyes down field while also having the athletic abilities to move around in the pocket to either tuck it and run or deliver the ball to his receivers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Raiders signal has all the tools and mental capabilities that the Vanderbilt staff will love to work with as Muschamp has been around the game his entire life and shouldn't have any problems adjusting to the college life both on and off the field. You never know when Muschamp will hit the field during his time in Nashville but I would bet that he becomes the Commodores starter sooner rather than later.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":449391,"width":282,"height":387,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/wmuschamp.jpg?w=747" alt="" class="wp-image-449391" width="282" height="387" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>---------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='287027' first='Jeremy' last='St-Hilaire'] </strong>(6'3 205) - McCallie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Committed to: Vanderbilt …#SEC&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12777935/636c0cb8b0232704248cf023">Junior Film</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scouting Report: </strong>The first quarterback commitment off the board for our #TN2024 was St-Hilaire and he is set to take his talents to Nashville to play with the Commodores along with the upside to excel in the Southeastern Conference. The Commodores targeted this Chattanooga area quarterback early as someone they believe can be a starting guy for them one day and I can see that upside as well. Hailing from Canada, St-Hilaire is a big, physically well built young man that shows on film the ability to make all the college throws while also being able to gain positive yards with his legs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running the Blue Tornado offense as a junior, St-Hilaire handled everything with ease as he looked like he had been within their scheme for years which leads to another strong trait about this Chattanooga area quarterback and that's his calm demeanor in the pocket. St-Hilaire is a cool customer behind center that doesn't appear to get rattled by the pass rush and is more than willing to stand tall in the pocket and deliver the ball down field. He has the arm strength to do it too and on film he shows a pretty deep ball that is placed exactly where the receiver needs it to continue on his route.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St-Hilaire has the physical traits and mental capacity to excel on the collegiate gridiron but it won't be an easy path as of right now, he will compete with Muschamp for playing time while also learning how to play within the Southeastern Conference. He does need to keep working on his mobility and overall athleticism but the arm talent is there to not only beat out his in-house competition but become the future quarterback for the Commodores.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. </strong>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='332296' first='Dion' last='Stutts'] </strong>(6'3 260) - MUS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Committed to: Arkansas …#SEC&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11510536/63753751a0237c0e0cfd1026">Junior Film</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scouting Report: </strong>Last weekend over in Fayetteville, Stutts took his second unofficial visit to Arkansas but this time, the Owls senior D-lineman left as a commitment and a prospect who's best football is definitely ahead of him. The first thing you notice when you watch over Stutts highlights is his physical approach to the game and the motor he competes with till the final whistle. Stutts can be a load to handle for O-linemen as he plays very hard with an explosive first step along with the knowledge to use his hands and leverage to get past his opponent. Once he gets past the blocker, Stutts shows a nice burst towards the quarterback and the hips to change direction at the drop of a dime.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another strong trait that this West Tennessee product brings to the football field is his D-line versatility. Stutts is a big boy that is still growing into his body, so he has the physical frame and eventual size to play inside while still providing the mobility and get-off to rush the passer. Stutts has the athleticism to play on the edge as well. He works better in short spaces but the Owls D-lineman could work the edge stopping the run while also continuing to get after the quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arkansas plays a 3-4 defense and they like their D-linemen with versatility and Stutts fits the profile perfectly, so you can see why he committed this early and why he was a priority for the Hogs coaching staff. I think this is a good fit for both parties and a place where Stutts should grow and develop to possibly become a starter with Razorbacks quickly in his college career.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":704417,"width":484,"height":321,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/dstutts2.jpeg?w=751" alt="" class="wp-image-704417" width="484" height="321" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>---------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149400' first='Whittman' last='Whaley'] </strong>(6'2 205) - Gatlinburg-Pittman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Committed to: Wake Forest …#ACC&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15341889/6327c16fc124fb09a83d2343">Junior Film</a>&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scouting Report: </strong>Whaley had a breakout season last year as a junior and mainly did his damage on offense but he will be headed to Wake Forest next year on defense at linebacker with the potential to turn into a starter early on in his Demon Deacons career. This East Tennessee product is a natural athlete that can do a variety of positive things on the football field and very well could develop on offense at H-Back but his biggest upside sits on defense at linebacker where he can chase down the ball from anywhere on the field while also providing coverage against the pass.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bringing nice size and a physical mentality to the gridiron, Whaley has a lot of tools that the Wake Forest defensive coaches will enjoy working with and developing. This guy has range and shows well on the film the ability to sift through traffic and keep on path towards the football. His speed and nose for the ball is what allows him to be on the spot on a consistent basis while being the playmaker that his potential screams for at the linebacker position.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Highlanders defensive standout is not only strong against the run but also has the athletic traits to drop in coverage, taking on running backs and tight ends. Whaley has the mobile lower base and speed to stay on track with receivers but can also drop in zone coverage and give opposing quarterbacks fits. The fit with the Demon Deacons appears to be perfect for Whaley as I can see him developing at a good rate under the Wake Forest coaching staff and becoming a key contributor, possible starter for them down the road. Look for Whaley to also be a prime candidate for Class 3A Mr. Football this year as he looks to build off his monster junior year that led him to becoming a Power Five commit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":650040,"width":421,"height":421,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/wwhaley.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-650040" width="421" height="421" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='270395' first='Marcus' last='Goree, Jr'] </strong>(6'1 190) - Bradley Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Committed to: Tennessee …#SEC&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12751619/6313c21fb53ecb0ab8ecc652">Junior Film</a>&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scouting Report: </strong>The recruiting stock for this East Tennessee safety has been high for quite some time and he had a bevy of Power Five, D1 schools after him until just a few weeks ago, Goree, Jr put an end to his recruitment by pledging his services to the Tennessee Vols. Sporting athleticism, length and good size, Goree, Jr is an ultra talented safety that can play multiple roles on the back end, providing help in both stopping the run or playing ball hawk against the pass. His biggest trait that stands out the most is his ability to track the ball and get there in a hurry.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goree, Jr closes fast on the ball and finishes with controlled violence. He is fierce against the run, so imagine how he will play once he gains more weight and fills out his body even further. Not to just linger on his abilities to stop the run, this East Tennessee defensive back is also pretty good in pass coverage. He does a good job at diagnosing the pass and arriving at the ball to either pick it off and make a pass breakup on a consistent basis. The interception numbers may not be high right now for Goree, Jr but the upside is there, especially when you break down his film and see his football smarts and closing speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tennessee is bringing Goree, Jr in as a versatile safety that could work close to the line or drop back and play centerfield. His ability to develop further will depend on which safety role he handles on the college gridiron but he has the potential and talent to excel at either position. This Bears defensive back is a Top 10 in-state prospect at his position and possibly one of the top overall players from our #TN2024 class with NFL upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":416353,"width":338,"height":338,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/mgoree.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-416353" width="338" height="338" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->