For the second time this summer, Tennessee added an All-American specialist to its 2018 class.
The Vols hope this one sticks, though.
Almost exactly two months ago, the Vols saw former punter commit Skyler DeLong flip to Alabama, but Tennessee found a very suitable replacement Thursday, adding Under Armour All-American punter Paxton Brooks to its 2018 class.
The Airport High product from West Columbia, South Carolina picked Tennessee over offers from N.C. State, Wake Forest and Army and is now the 21st member of #DOM1N8.
"Ever since I came to campus for the first time, I fell in love with Tennessee," Brooks told VolQuest.
"I love everything they have to offer on campus. The coaching staff and the players were just so nice to me. I can tell by the things they were telling me that the coaches really care about the players. The fans around the campus care about football and support the program. All of that meant a lot to me."
Brooks is ranked as the nation’s No. 2 punter, per Kohls Kicking. The 6-foot-5, 170-pound punter earned Class 4A All-Region honors in 2016, averaging 41.0 yards per punt. He also connected on 8-of-10 field goals.
“Brooks recently attended the 2017 National Scholarship Camp. He repeatedly hit 50-60 yard blasts and he built upon his dominant performance at the Southern Showcase Camp in May,” Brooks’ Kohls scouting report reads.
“Brooks again was a dominant punter and performer. His long frame makes him an attractive prospect as a D1 punter. Brooks' FG's and KO's show flashes of big potential as well. His strength is in his punting. Brooks earned the 2nd spot to the Under Armour All-American Game by winning the punt off against the top players at this national event. He has all the tools to become a great college P/KO specialist!”
Despite tight numbers in the 2018 class, Tennessee wanted to find a replacement for senior Trevor Daniel. The Vols evaluated Brooks during their specialist camp in July, offering a full scholarship shortly thereafter.
"I think it was a mixture of a lot of things football wise that made me want to commit to Tennessee," Brooks said. "The chance to play early and the level of football they play. I always wanted to play big time football and that's what you have at Tennessee.
"There have been numeour players come out of Tennessee and play in the NFL. That shows they know what it takes to put guys in a position to be successful and play at the next level."
Also playing a key part in his recruitment to Tennessee was staffer and VFL Ryan West. West works exclusively with special teams and plays an instrumental part in evaluating all kickers and punters that come in to the program.
"He was very important," Brooks said. "He is very good friends with one of the guys I kick with out of Charlotte. He got to hear a lot about me and he did everything he could to make me feel good about Tennessee. When we first went over for a visit, he set up a tour and we weren't expecting that. He has done great work with special teams and especially with Trevor Daniel. I know he can help me improve and make me the best I can be."
