4-star quarterback has Tennessee in top group

It’s become a custom for major programs to try and take one quarterback in each class and Tennessee has targeted several in 2017.

The list includes Georgia signal caller Bailey Hockman from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Hockman was on campus this past weekend to meet with Tennessee coaches for the first time since he backed off of a Georgia commitment in December.

“I just wanted to see the place and wanted to talk to the coaches and wanted to see what they had to offer,” Hockman said. “I liked it a lot. It’s a really good place.”

Hockman said the most valuable takeaway from his time on Rocky Top this past weekend was that there’s an opportunity to compete once he arrives on campus.

“I learned the position I could be in at such a big school,” Hockman explained. “It’s a really good position to walk in and maybe be the guy your freshman year. That’s a big deal.

“Josh Dobbs is a senior and then the job is open. Obviously, I would have to compete for the job but there’s a chance I can come in and be the guy.”

Over the last several months Hockman has connected with Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike DeBord.

“I talk to him a lot. I talk to him once or twice a week on the phone so we actually have a pretty good relationship. He’s a good guy.”

After the visit to Tennessee, Hockman claims the Vols are major contenders for him, as are Florida State, North Carolina, Auburn and Alabama.

“They’re in the top three, top four. They’re up there. They’ve always been one of those top schools,” Hockman said.

Having committed once already, Hockman is hoping to take his time and find the right fit this go around.

“I want to know that it’s the right place,” Hockman explained. “I want to know that if the coaches aren’t there I can also be comfortable there.”

Tennessee looks likely to receive a follow-up visit as he tries to figure out that right place.

“It just consolidates what I thought of them,” Hockman said. “It’s a really good place.

“We’ll probably be back up here.”