Recent Tennessee quarterback commit Tayven Jackson and Center Grove teammate Caden Curry have always played sports together growing up. Now, the four-stars are going through the recruitment process together, too.

“Tayven and I have always talked about how cool it would be to play together. It would be fun since we’ve been around each other our whole lives,” Curry told Volquest. “We come from a very talented program and we’ve had the time to shine early on.

“We’ve talked about Tennessee. I’m definitely going to go on a visit with him.”

The Vols jumped into the defensive end’s recruitment about two months ago while the new staff was settling into Knoxville. And though the Vols made Curry’s top-12, visits will be determining factors for any of the programs in play.

“I need to go on a visit. I’ll get a better understanding on where I want to go once I’ve taken some,” the four-star said. “Tennessee says they are serious about me and I’ve been learning about them through zooms and a virtual visit.

“They showed me the facilities and they are definitely top-notch. The field looks nice – really everything looks amazing.”

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive lineman is tabbed as the No. 2 strongside defensive end in the country, is Indiana’s top-ranked player and the No. 24 player in the 2022 class, nationally. The Greenwood, IN. native has a Rivals Rating of 6.0.

“I need to be in a competitive atmosphere where everyone is working,” Curry said of his future home. “I’ve really enjoyed the recruiting process and being able to meet new coaches. It’s really a once in a lifetime chance to see all this.”

Curry has spoken with Vols coach Josh Heupel on several occasions, as well as the defensive staff via zoom. The prospect believes Heupel is a coach who ‘loves on his players’ and one who knows the game ‘very well.’

“They planned out how I could play in their defense. It seems like it would be a good fit,” Curry said of Tennessee. “But I’ll definitely have to go and see it and see what I like about it.”

The Tennessee target has experience playing all over the defensive line in multiple fronts. Curry spent time on the edge as a standup outside linebacker and down as a defensive end as a true freshman, repped defensive tackle as a sophomore and played a little of everything as a junior.

Curry can also play the nose technique in a three-man front.

With nearly 30 offers on the table, it’s can be difficult to learn every detail about each program throughout the recruitment process. Curry does know about the Tennessee brand and what it’s capable of moving forward.

“I definitely know they have a great history and used to be on top for a while,” the recruit said. “They have all the tools and stuff to be a top-tier team. I feel like they are on the rise.”

Curry will hit the road this summer and fall to take part in those official visits - to truly get a feel for his top-programs. But that phase in his recruitment will continue to be on hold until baseball season is over.

“My summer plans are really up in the air right now because baseball season will hopefully go until the end of June,” Curry concluded. “We are second in the state right now, so I’m not really thinking about summer plans at the moment.

“But I’m hoping to get to Tennessee sometime this summer or for a game in the fall.”

His quarterback, Jackson, will certainly be in the Vols corner along the way.