Commitment Tracker: College Destinations Selected

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The season for committing has continued with several more high level in-state prospects taking their names off the market. Here we breakdown some of the latest decisions made within our TN2027 class with several of them being under the radar, talented ball players that could see their stocks soar over the coming months. </h2>     (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] - East Nashville   * Committed to Western Kentucky *   - One of the top quarterback prospects from the greater Nashville area made his college decision recently by pledging his services to Western Kentucky University. The Eagles senior signal caller obtained 20 plus offers throughout the process but ultimately chose the Hilltoppers due to their location and his fit within their offensive scheme and system. This was a good pickup by Western Ky as they might have found their quarterback of the future. They had to battle things out with others like Arkansas St., Charlotte, East Carolina, Georgia St., Liberty, Marshall, Missouri St., MTSU, North Alabama, UAB and several others but eventually won out. The Hilltoppers staff did a good job of targeting Covington and pursuing him as a top target and someone that could flourish under their system.    Talent Acquisition: The Hilltoppers are getting one of the better pure passers we have from the TN2027 class that provides outstanding mechanics with a smooth throwing motion and enough arm strength to make all the throws. This is an accurate passer that stays poised under pressure, keeping his eyes down field, looking for the open receiver. Covington is a good athlete too that can gain positive yards with his legs when needed. The great thing about Covington too is that he has only started for one year at East Nashville but yet shows all the next level abilities to excel in college. All that means is that Covington is still developing and forming into the kind of quarterback he will be in Bowling Green. I like the upside with Covington and how much better he can be on the college stage.    - - - - -    (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1674227' first='Lance' last='Donaldson'] - Pearl Cohn   * Committed to Marshall *   - A multi-talented prospect that could develop at several positions on the college level, Donaldson committed to Marshall with the Thundering Herd eyeing him for defense and playing in their secondary. The Firebirds senior athlete picked up plenty of interest throughout the recruiting process but saw Marshall as the best choice for him, especially due to their status on the D1 level. Donaldson ultimately chose the Thundering Herd over offers from Eastern, Ky and Missouri Western. This Nashville area two-way prospect didn't obtain a lot of offers before committing but Marshall saw something in Donaldson and upside within their defensive scheme. Depending on how he performs this coming season, I could see Donaldson gaining more interest before signing day but in the end, I think he signs with Marshall.    Talent Acquisition: It appears Marshall is bringing Donaldson on board to play in their secondary, though I personally like the Firebirds senior best on offense at running back. I think he presents better upside running the ball based around his broad frame, athleticism and ability to bounce off tacklers. How he fits on defense with Marshall is either at safety or nickelback where Donaldson can make plays in space both versus the pass and the run game. Physicality is something that stands out about Donaldson and his game play on defense. He is a hard hitter that diagnoses the play early then attacks without hesitation. It will be interesting to see how Donaldson has progressed this Fall and where his game has gone between last year and his senior season.    - - - - -    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1691433' first='Carter' last='Kilburg'] - MBA   * Committed to Air Force *   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/ckilburg2.jpg?w=792" alt="" class="wp-image-2232308" style="aspect-ratio:0.7734450531743474;width:229px;height:auto" /></figure>   - The Falcons dipped into the Volunteer State to obtain this Nashville area receiver that brings physicality, strong hands and high football IQ to the playing field and a chance to see the field early in his college career. Kilburg became a popular prospect throughout the process as he gained 20 plus offers but chose the Falcons due to the fit on the football field but also the fit with the Universities education and opportunity after his playing career is over. This Big Red receiver ended up going with Air Force over offers from Arkansas St., Army, Bowling Green, Brown, Dartmouth, Jacksonville St. and Memphis along with interest from many others. Kilburg could be a prospect that continues to gain interest over the Fall season, especially if he shows improvement with his agility and speed. I do expect him to eventually sign with the Air Force but I wouldn't be surprised to see more and bigger schools get involved before signing day.    Talent Acquisition: Ranked 12th among our senior receivers, Kilburg is a physical, power forward style pass catcher that shows good ball skills, especially in the red zone where his size and strong hands make him hard to handle. The Big Red senior is a high football IQ guy that knows what he is doing on the field and what must be done to succeed. Kilburg is a good route runner that understands how to use his body to shield off defenders and present his quarterback with a clean target. There is a lot to like about Kilburg and his upside at Air Force but for him to push his game to new heights, this Nashville area receiver must enhance his agility, quickness and overall speed. Everything else is in place for Kilburg to eventually start for the Falcons and potentially develop into an All-Conference performer.    - - - - -    (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] - Ensworth   * Committed to Oklahoma St. *   - It was a long process on the recruiting trail but after taking several official visits, including one to Oklahoma State, Baker decided to bank on the Cowboys and play his college ball in the Big 12 Conference. Sporting good size and position versatility, the Cowboys coaching staff targeted Baker as a potential key piece up front and someone with potential to develop into an All-Conference performer down the road. The Tigers O-lineman ultimately chose Oklahoma St. over offers from the likes of Arkansas St., East Carolina, Memphis, Miami Ohio, MTSU, Troy, Tulsa and UConn. At one point in time, Baker was considered a sure fire Power Four prospect but that tempered down as the process went on, however Oklahoma St. saw the upside and decided to bring him into the fold. I think the Cowboys will be able to hold on to Baker and sign him in December but I wouldn't be surprised if others tried to get involved.    Talent Acquisition: This an interesting addition by the Cowboys as I see a player here that is talented but I think has higher levels to his game, meaning Baker is still far from a finished product with plenty of room for growth with both his body and his game. The Tigers big man handles tackle in high school but for the Cowboys, I think his best upside fits best inside at guard. Baker is a big dude with good athleticism and a power profile that can be flushed out further with work inside a college weight room. He displays upside with his pulling and trapping in the run game while also sporting solid pass protection. Baker is a high character young man as well that I believe will fall in line with the work ethic needed to improve further in college. I like the long term upside with Baker and think Oklahoma St. got themselves a future multi-year starter.    - - - - -    (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien']   * Committed to Tulane *   - The Green Wave landed one of the better edge rushers coming from our TN2027 class and a prospect that is still scratching the surface. Emery Julien is an uber talented defensive prospect that displays next level abilities and potentially beyond the college game as long as he continues to progress at a proper rate. The Red Raiders edge rusher ultimately decided on the Green Wave due to his comfortability with the coaching staff and their vision for him on defense. He committed to Tulane over offers from Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Liberty, N.C. State, South Florida and UConn. I personally think the Green Wave got a steal here with Emery Julien as he is still far from a finished product but brings a high ceiling to New Orleans. I can see bigger programs wanting to get involved before signing day but in the end, I believe the Red Raiders senior signs with Tulane.    Talent Acquisition: Raw athleticism and speed are the first two things the Green Wave coaching staff will recognize when working with Emery Julien. This native Canadian is still developing in many ways but Emery Julien is a natural athlete that runs well while showing an excellent burst that opposing tackles and tight ends will have a tough time dealing with. His arm length and ability to bend also help with his pass rush. Emery Julien also has enough athleticism to drop into coverage and play the pass when needed. More work is needed to fulfill his potential but I think Tulane got a steal here with Emery Julien. There are a lot of raw tools and traits that reside with the Red Raiders edge rusher that I think will be flushed out further under a college weight system and next level teaching.    - - - - -    (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='2116601' first='Sinai' last='Dikisongele'] - Lakeway Christian   * Committed to Miami Ohio *   - Over the past decade, the Red Hawks have made it a point to recruit the Volunteer State and they recently pulled out a hidden gem with Dikisongele, who I think is just scratching the surface on his potential. The Lions 6 '3 315 pound nose tackle was targeted early by Miami as they became his first official offer and they remained strong with interest throughout the entire process. Dikisongele committed to the Red Hawks over several good offers from Bowling Green, Chattanooga, Delaware, ETSU, MTSU and Samford. The relationship built with the staff and their vision for Dikisongele won out and I like the fit as it will give time for this East Tennessee product to continue developing while not being asked to produce early on. I can see bigger programs wanting to get involved late due to their desire to find legit defensive tackles and players like Dikisongele that present a lot of potential.    Talent Acquisition: Down the road, this East Tennessee big man might prove to be one of the better defensive prospects from our TN2027 class. I think Miami got themselves a steal with Dikisongele. The Lions tackle is naturally powerful and strong, so imagine how much stronger he will be once under a college weight system. He is a good athlete too that releases from blocks and shows a solid burst towards the ball. Dikisongele is a true nose tackle prospect that can eat up blockers in the run game and allow his backers to make plays. It may take a few years before the Lions senior makes an impact at Miami but in time, I believe Dikisongele can develop into a multi-year and All-Conference performer that might have a future beyond college ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/sdiki2-e1782068503492.jpg?w=785" alt="" class="wp-image-2156413" style="aspect-ratio:0.8626542593554055;width:222px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1694317' first='Wyatt' last='Wilber'] - Maryville   * Committed to Minnesota *   - The Golden Gophers jumped late into the process with Wilber but the Rebels senior saw the opportunity to play in the Big Ten Conference too big to pass up, so after taking an official visit to campus, the Prep Redzone Tennessee 8th ranked linebacker committed to Minnesota. After receiving an offer from the Gophers earlier this month, Wilber immediately jumped on the chance to visit and check things out. He ultimately saw everything up north as a fit for both inside the classroom and on the football field. Wilber gained several good offers but ended up committing to Minnesota over Marshall, Memphis and Mississippi State. This East Tennessee product is highly talented with a lot of strong traits. I expect Wilber to remain firm with Minnesota but don't be surprised to see some other P4 schools to get involved before signing day.    Talent Acquisition: It might have taken some time for Wilber to be recognized by bigger programs but I believe it's warranted because this East Tennessee linebacker is talented with his best football yet to come. Athletic, tall and long, Wilber has tons of Power Four physical traits that can be molded into an eventual starting Big Ten linebacker. The Rebels senior is a versatile backer that can play on or off the ball. He can work the edge and rush the backfield or slide to the middle and stuff the run. Wilber does need time in the weight room getting bigger and stronger while filling out his frame but the athletic tools are there to shine on the Power Four level. I really like this addition by Minnesota and think it could pay off big down the road.    - - - - -    (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='2147346' first='Ke'Vontae' last='Pitts'] - East Nashville   * Committed to Mississippi State *   - It didn't take long for this Nashville area defensive back to commit after recently gaining an offer from Mississippi State. After receiving an offer from the Bulldogs almost two weeks ago, Pitts took an official visit to Starkville, came back to talk with family then immediately committed. The opportunity to play in the Southeastern Conference proved to be too big for Pitts to pass up and it's a chance for the Eagles defensive back to learn against good competition and eventually get onto the depth chart. He ultimately chose the Bulldogs over offers from Arkansas St., Charlotte, Illinois State and Eastern Kentucky. The Mississippi State coaching staff identified traits about Pitts they like and think they can develop further into a possible cover corner. The Bulldogs might have gotten a steal here with Pitts, especially if he shows further development on the outside this senior season.    Talent Acquisition: When you turn on his film, Pitts shows an athletic skill set that could be utilized in a variety of ways, including possibly handling cornerback. I think that's where the Bulldogs staff likes the Eagles senior at and where they think he can prosper the most. I can see that myself but Pitts must continue developing his lower half agility and quickness to stay on the outside. This Nashville area prospect does run well, showing flashes of sudden movements and the ability to stay on path with his receiver. I see solid instincts with Pitts as well, which is a trait that could work everywhere on the back end. While enhancing his agility and speed are needed, Pitts could also stand to get bigger in the weight room and continue filling out his frame. I do see the long term potential here with Pitts and why Mississippi St. is solid on bringing this East Nashville talent on board and developing him under their teaching.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/kpitts2.jpg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-2232303" style="aspect-ratio:0.7998074537611316;width:235px;height:auto" /></figure>