Gray finds home on Rocky Top

Four-star prospect Maleik Gray has long had plenty of college options. One of the first options he has had in the recruiting process has been Tennessee.

Sunday, Gray made that option a reality as a weekend unofficial visit with his mother brought an end to a process that has seen him make numerous visits around the country and numerous visits to Tennessee.

“They have just been there since day one,” Gray said. “I enjoy everything about Tennessee. I love it football wise. I love it academically. It's just always felt like home.”

That home feeling has always been there for Gray and has just re-affirmed itself with every trip back on Rocky Top.

"I just love the atmosphere and I love the campus on game days," Gray told Volquest back in the spring. "It's just so different. Words don't explain how it makes me feel. Other campuses have their own feel, but there is something different at Tennessee. It just feels like home."

LaVergne High School head coach Stanton Stevens said the Vols are getting a complete player in the talent now ranked 104th overall by Rivals.com.

“He has big play capability on the defensive side of the ball. Interceptions, forced fumbles, recoveries and returns,” Stevens said. “He's able to score points from the defensive side of the ball.

“He will inspire others and lead his teammates around him to play harder.”

Stevens said the other key with Gray is that Tennessee is getting a defender that doesn't have to come off the field.

“He's an every down defensive player which is big with all the no huddle offenses,” Stevens said.

Gray's commitment is also big for recruiting in the state of Tennessee. It's a big year in terms of prospects and getting one of the state's elite in June sends a message around the Volunteer state.

“It's a key in-state addition for the school, especially considering how heavily other programs are trying to recruit the state,” Rivals Southeast Woody Wommack explained.