Timi Aliu didn’t need long to make Tennessee a priority.
Just days after receiving a scholarship offer from the Vols earlier this month, the four-star offensive lineman out of Locust Grove High School in Georgia made the trip to Knoxville for Tennessee’s first junior day of the year on January 17. And by all accounts, the visit hit the mark.
“It was an amazing visit,” Aliu said - and it’s clear that wasn’t just a polite soundbite. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound tackle, ranked No. 241 nationally and No. 26 among offensive tackles in the Class of 2027 by 247Sports, came away impressed on multiple levels. From facilities to football talk, Tennessee gave him plenty to think about.
Aliu’s already planning a return visit for one of the Vols’ spring practices, a strong sign that Tennessee made a real impression early in the recruiting process.
The visit gave Aliu a chance to get a closer look at the infrastructure behind Tennessee football - not just the glossy locker rooms and weight rooms (though those certainly didn’t hurt), but also the coaching staff and the football philosophy they’re building in Knoxville. For a young lineman with high-level potential, that kind of exposure can be critical in shaping the early stages of his recruitment.
He even got a taste of Tennessee’s broader athletic culture, taking in some college basketball while on campus. That kind of full-campus experience matters, especially for a player who’s still two years out from signing day. It helps paint a picture of what life could look like beyond the football field.
Aliu’s recruitment is still in its early stages, but Tennessee has clearly positioned itself as a serious contender. Getting a visit this soon after offering - and making enough of an impression that he’s already talking about coming back - speaks volumes. The Vols are in the mix, and they’ve got momentum.
For now, Aliu continues to rise on the recruiting radar, and Tennessee’s staff will be watching closely as he develops. But one thing’s already clear: the Vols made a strong first impression, and they’ll be looking to build on that in the months ahead.