Tennessee has already put itself in the mix for one of the biggest names in the 2028 class, and Kevin Hartsfield sounds like a recruit the Vols are taking very seriously.
Hartsfield, the nation’s top-ranked running back in the 2028 class according to Rivals, has become a major target for Tennessee as the program continues building out its options at the position. The Newton, Georgia standout is drawing attention from everywhere, but the Vols have managed to carve out a strong place in his recruitment.
A big reason for that is running backs coach DeRail Sims, who has clearly made an impression on Hartsfield.
“Coach Sims and I talk often. In fact, he calls me all the time. He checks up on me every day, beyond just football.”
That relationship has helped Tennessee stay near the top of the list, and it’s not just Sims involved anymore. Hartsfield said Josh Heupel has also jumped into the conversation.
“Coach Heupel and I were talking on the phone a few days ago. He was telling me that when I am in the game (for his high school), I show why I am who I am.”
Hartsfield doesn’t have a trip to Knoxville locked in for this fall, but that doesn’t mean Tennessee is out of sight. He said he plans to get back to Rocky Top soon, and his past visits have left a strong impression.
“It’s a cool place. It’s hot, but they have a cool environment. It looks clean.”
The Vols aren’t the only school making a push. Hartsfield was in Baton Rouge for a visit to LSU last weekend as he keeps working through his recruitment.
As he narrows his list, the message from Hartsfield is pretty clear about what matters most.
“I’m looking for relationships with the coaches more so than anything.”
Tennessee also has other running back names in the 2028 class, including three-star Jacez Walton, who is scheduled to visit Knoxville twice this fall, and Zachary Belyeu, a Tennessee native and cousin of 2027 four-star Tennessee receiver commit Kesean Bowman. But Hartsfield remains the headliner.
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