Vols land explosive 2019 athlete

On a day when TSSAA awarded 17 of the top players in the state with Mr. Football awards, Tennessee landed a 2019 athlete that could be on that very stage over the next two years.

Versatile athlete TJ Sheffield from Independence High School in Thompson Station chose the Vols over Vanderbilt, the two early offers for the sophomore.

Sheffield said he knew he wanted to be a Vol after spending time on campus last month

"Going to the Alabama game and seeing all the orange was just exciting. I was excited to be there and Tennessee has my major," Sheffield said.

Sheffield has been one of Independence's most lethal weapon this season as the Eagles have made their way to the 5A state championship game on Friday.

The 5-foot-10, 160-pound receiver has recorded 758 receiving yards, 339 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns through 14 games.

He sees himself as a good fit in the Vol offense.

"Tennessee runs the spread offense and they use the slot and wide receivers a lot and I feel like I would be a great asset to the offense," Sheffield explained. "I feel like I get up the field quick and get the ball in the end zone and make big plays. I have good vision and run after the catch, too."

Sheffield is teammates with a fellow 2019 Tennessee commitment, Kendrell Scurry, and Sheffield said it was nice to think the two could continue lighting up defenses at the next level.

"He's been trying to recruit me a little bit, but ultimately my decision was with me and my parents," Sheffield said. "That's still pretty cool to think about. It's cool knowing you're going to college with a teammate.""

"I think we can be a great duo."