As we approach a dead period, which begins on Feb. 5, colleges are getting as many visitors on campus as possible. Some schools, including Tennessee, also had to battle a bit of bad weather in the midst of it all.
However, the Vols were able to host a few prospects over the weekend that saw many others have to cancel due to weather delays while traveling.
One player that was able to make the trip is 2025 four-star Santa Ana (Ca.) WR Marcus Harris. VolReport connected with Harris to discuss his recent visit to Rocky Top.
TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM
The 5-foot-11, 183-pound pass catcher has had quite the buzz around him as Harris was one of the most talked about wide receivers in the country last year.
Tennessee is among elite company battling for the west coast wide-out. Arizona State, Auburn, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, Texas and many others are on the offer list.
With the Vols getting the California native on campus in a small group setting by weather default, was Josh Heupel and company able to impress the rising senior?
"What stood out to me was the coaching staff," said Harris. "Was able to connect with them on another level. I feel like I was able to get a better understanding of their offense and how it works. Was able to get to know the coaching staff better."
These opportunities must be capitalized on, as you don't always get small recruiting days like that, which allows a lot more one-on-one conversations.
"I was able to speak with Coach (Kelsey) Pope, Coach (Joey) Halzle, Coach Heupel and Coach (Kody) Cook," said Harris. "The message they gave me was really that I could develop in their offense and that I could get the ball, also in space."
Were the Vols able to do themselves any favors with this visit?
"Yessir, they for sure did," said Harris. "Impressed me and my mom."
The second part of that answer is huge. It's always a big plus to get on the good side of the family, specifically the parents. They are trusting unknown people to essentially look over their child for three to four years while they are in college.
A player in Harris' position, even more so. Harris, if he were to choose Tennessee, would be traveling from one coast to the other. That is a big time move for someone to make, and not have any family close by.
MORE FROM VOLREPORT: 2026 ATH Hakim Satterwhite reacts to offer from Tennessee
Harris was able to catch up with a fellow 2025 prospect that he is familiar with. Four-star quarterback George MacIntyre, who just committed on Monday to Tennessee, has been in Harris' ear about joining him in college.
"George is my guy," said Harris. "We've talked a couple of times about teaming up. It was good to see my guy and chop it up."
With the commitment of MacIntyre, it could move the needle for a few skill position players. Only time will tell if the talks of teaming up will become a reality, but rest assure that MacIntyre will be in the ear of Harris, and others.
Moving forward, what is the timeline looking like and what more do the Vols need to do in order to pull the talented receiver from the Golden State?
"Honestly, just keep doing what they're doing," said Harris. "Just going to take my time with everything. Getting better with my craft and taking visits to help me make my decision."
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