Jaylen

McCollough

Farrell notes that McCollough has “SEC size and athleticism, to go along with big-play potential that was showcased in the spring game with two interceptions.” He was a four-star recruit in high school and profiled as a big safety who “could cover a lot of ground and didn’t mind getting physical.” As long as he continues to perform throughout the summer he’ll likely be a big part of Tennessee’s defense in 2019.

McCollough’s pledge was going to have an SEC flavor to it even had he not sided with the Volunteers, as his other three finalists were South Carolina, Auburn and Alabama. With the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder now in Tennessee’s corner, HC Jeremy Pruitt is up to 19 pledges for the class. Four of those come from defensive backs. While McCullough was actually first offered by Tennessee back in 2016, when the team was helmed by Butch Jones, it’s Pruitt -- who himself was recruiting him while at Georgia -- and company who got this one done. On the 247Sports composite board, McCullough checks in as the No. 131 overall prospect in the 2019 class.

Looks like McCollough is bound for the SEC. It’s just a matter of which program wins his heart in the end. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder has already visited all four of the squads in question. All but Auburn have seen multiple trips from the Powder Springs, Georgia, native. He’ll be giving everybody involved at least one more visit before he makes his final decision. Rivals ranks the safety as the No. 102 overall prospect in the 2019 class. While we fully expect him to hit the SEC as a defensive back, McCollough does also have some upside as a running back.

McCollough is an early enrollee which Toppmeyer thinks will help him get settled and contend for a starting job. With safety Micah Abernathy out of the picture, McCollough could see time as a starter early in his career. Toppmeyer continues, “Even if he doesn’t win a starting position, he could get onto the field in dime packages and special teams.” McCollough is someone to keep an eye on heading into spring practices.