All-American punter recaps OV, notes 'energy change' under Jeremy Pruitt
Paxton Brooks committed to Tennessee on August 17, but the 6-foot-5, 170-pound punter wasn’t sure where he stood with the Vols after November’s coaching change.
Brooks got his answer this week, getting a call from new head coach Jeremy Pruitt on Thursday and then taking his official visit to Knoxville over the weekend. After being on Rocky Top a few times this fall, the South Carolina native could already sense a change in the air.
“There’s a big energy change with the staff and the players. It was just so positive. Everyone is excited to get started,” he said.
“The big focus is to get Tennessee back to where they belong in the ranks. That’s the big focus for everybody involved.”
Tennessee’s previous staff tabbed Brooks as Trevor Daniel’s heir apparent, and Pruitt confirmed to the Under Armour All-American that he’s still a wanted man in Knoxville.
“He evaluated my film. He looked over to make sure everything was good. He was impressed with me, but he wanted to make sure I was good to be playing in the SEC and big-time football,” Brooks said.
“He even jokingly asked me if the could mess around with me at practice so I could be ready for games. He has a lot of confidence in me and what I can do. I’m just hoping I can perform for him and carry on the legacy of great punters at the University of Tennessee.”
Brooks, who is a 5-star punter per Kohl’s Kicking, said Pruitt didn’t offer any details on who is position coach would be at Tennessee, but noted just how “genuine” and “driven” the former Alabama defensive coordinator was this weekend.
“You kind of realize he’s such a genuine guy. You can really tell how much he cares for the players well beings,” Brooks said.
“He’s ready to change the culture and is going to do things to get Tennessee back to a championship level. You can kind of tell already being around there’s sort of an attitude change. That’s his drive right now. Everybody is excited and wants to get Tennessee back to where they were before in the past. That’s kind of the big goal right now.”
Brooks plans to sign with Tennessee on Dec. 20 and play in the Under Armour All-American Game down in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 4. The Airport product will then report to Tennessee as an early enrollee.