When Jim Knowles took over as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator, he didn’t waste any time building out his vision for the Vols’ defense. One of his first moves?
Bringing in Anthony Poindexter not just to coach safeties, but to share the defensive coordinator title. That pairing is already making waves on the recruiting trail.
Poindexter was on the road this week, making a key stop in Mobile, Alabama, to visit Williamson High School. His target?
Jaylen Scott - one of the top defensive backs in the 2027 recruiting cycle. Scott is currently ranked as the No. 113 overall prospect in the country, the No. 10 safety, and the No. 4 player in the state of Alabama, per 247Sports.
This visit is part of a growing list of major programs making a push for Scott. Texas A&M and Oklahoma have also been in to see him this month, and his offer sheet reads like a who’s who of college football: Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss, Miami, Michigan, Auburn - and that’s just the start.
But here’s where Tennessee has an edge: they got in early. The Vols were one of the first Power Five programs to offer Scott, extending an offer back on August 26, 2024.
At that point, his only other offers came from Marshall, Alabama State, Alabama A&M and UCF. That kind of early belief can go a long way in recruiting.
Since receiving the Tennessee offer, Scott has made multiple visits to Knoxville, including a recent trip on December 27, 2025. That kind of face time matters - especially in a recruitment that’s already seen its fair share of twists.
Scott originally committed to Florida State in January 2025. Then came a flip to Auburn in June.
But when Auburn went through a coaching change, Scott reopened his recruitment on December 2. Now, it’s wide open again, and Tennessee is firmly in the mix.
The Vols are already building a strong foundation in the 2027 class, with four early commitments: four-star offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, four-star defensive lineman Kadin Fife, three-star linebacker JP Peace, and three-star cornerback Kamauri Whitfield. It’s a promising start, but there’s a long way to go - and a player like Scott could be a game-changer for the group.
It’s also worth noting the momentum Tennessee is carrying from its 2026 class. That haul was one of the best in the country, with 29 total commitments - 27 of them signed during the early period, and two more local standouts joining just last week.
Headlining the group were three five-star talents: quarterback Faizon Brandon, wide receiver TK Keys, and offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda. That class is currently ranked No. 5 nationally by 247Sports, and it’s clear the Vols are looking to keep that recruiting momentum rolling.
With Knowles and Poindexter working in tandem, Tennessee’s defensive identity is starting to take shape - and if they can land a talent like Jaylen Scott, it would be another step toward building a unit that can compete with the SEC’s best.