Impact analysis: Kivon Bennett
Tennessee’s commitment onslaught from the weekend carried over into Monday with the news that four-star defensive tackle Kivon Bennett from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. had picked the Vols.
Bennett’s decision brings Butch Jones’ total haul to nine commitments since Saturday, a virtual avalanche of future Vols. What does the latest addition to the Vols’ growing class mean?
HOW DOES BENNETT FIT IN?
It’s an often expressed opinion in coaching that you can’t have too many defensive tackles. That’s especially true in the SEC meat-grinder, and Bennett’s addition is a welcome one to a class that already includes Eric Crosby.
Bennett and Crosby have the potential to be a nice tandem, and at this stage of their respective careers, they also look to have skill sets that compliment one another. Bennett appears to flash a little more burst and explosion on film while Crosby just tends to overpower blockers.
He’s still growing into his body as evidenced by a recent weight surge that got him close to 280 pounds. He also has plenty of room to add some weight unlike some prospects at the position who need to go in the other direction.
Bennett’s weight gain as a junior was a big reason he was bumped up to a four-star prospect in the most recent rivals rankings. He adds immediate depth to a position that always needs it and his athleticism gives him the potential to be a disruptive player at that position.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TENNESSEE?
Tennessee now has three true defensive line commitments and one more depending on what Latrell Bumphus plays at the next level. But, don't look for Tennessee to slow down in their recruitment of other defensive linemen as that's the top priority in this class.
There are plenty of quality options that remain for the Vols at defensive line, including more defensive tackles. Virginia is a state where Tennessee will continue to recruit hard with Breyon Gaddy and Brandon Gaddy both still high on the Vols and Breyon is certianly a tackle and Brandon could grow into that as well.
Elijah Conliffe, another Virginia prospect, was just on campus for Orange Carpet Day and likes the Vols right now.
Fred Hansard just visited as well and told us the Vols are a real contender moving forward. Jaylen Twyman was in Knoxville last week and Donovan Jeter and Corey Bolds have both talked about visiting from the Northeast.
And don't expect Tennessee to stop recruiting players committed to other schools like Rutger Reitmaier and Jordon Riley.
SCOUTING REPORT ON BENNETT
Now we turn to Rivals.com Florida Recruiting Analyst Rob Cassidy for more on Bennett:
"I saw Bennett at their (high school) spring game and he’s really bulked up and added some weight. That was part of the reason why he bumped up in the rankings. He’s always had the agility and been a pretty agile guy for an interior defensive line. But he put on some muscle and he looks a lot better than he did a year ago and he’s retained his quickness.
"He had a massive spring game, he was all over the field. He was probably the most active player in that game. And while that’s a spring game, when it’s a school like St. Thomas Aquinas that’s just loaded with college talent it’s impressive to hear your name called that often.
"He’s still not the biggest defensive tackle but he’s going to get a little bigger. I think he’s on the right trajectory to bulking up to be able stop the run. His size has always held him back from being able to really excel at that.
"Now that he’s adding size I think he’s turning into a guy that would be a nice piece for any SEC team, certainly Tennessee. He may not be a guy that comes in and contributes from day one but I think he’ll be able to contribute quickly in his career once he gets into a college strength program and gets used to the system.