Thaxton makes it official

Alexandra, Virginia defensive end Ryan Thaxton was officially a Vol when he left Knoxville on Sunday, but the 6-4, 230 pound prospect made his commitment public Tuesday morning via Twitter.

“This is it. You will see me in the orange jersey next year,” Thaxton said leaving Knoxville on Sunday.

Thaxton, who saw Tennessee for the first time on his official visit, said he knew he was going to be a Vol when he first stepped into the stadium.

“I think I knew as soon as I walked into the stadium,” Thaxton said. “I had a meeting with coach Jones when I left and told him. I had told Coach Stripling that I was thinking about it. He told me to make sure I was thorough about it and thought it through. I told Coach Jones I was ready to be a Vol and he was excited.

“I'm a Vol now. I was keeping an open mind about everything. I was supposed to visit Ole Miss the last weekend and NC State this weekend, but I'm done. This is the place I want to be at. I just had that feeling. Everyone I talked to said you will know, when you get that feeling and I got that feeling.”

Thaxton found a family environment as well as a great opportunity after spending time with current players, recruits and coaches.

“All the starters at defensive end are leaving. They are either going to the league or they are graduating. So there is an even playing field,” Thaxton said. “Nothing is guaranteed. Come in and work hard and I have a chance to earn a spot.”

Thaxton took plenty of notes in the message from the Vols coaching staff particularly Stripling after seeing and learning what all-time sacks leader Derek Barnett did in three years on Rocky Top.

“When you have someone who comes in as a freshman and in three years does something great like that under these coaches, it gives you the feeling that you can do something special here,” Thaxton said.