The Tennessee Vols find themselves in an unexpected recruiting battle with Greg Schiano and Rutgers.
Both Tennessee and Rutgers are vying for the commitment of Jaelyne Matthews, a highly sought-after 2025 four-star offensive lineman.
Matthews, who stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 305 pounds, hails from Toms River, NJ. He is ranked by 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 26 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 7 player in New Jersey.
The skilled lineman recently completed an official visit to Rutgers, which he said went well. However, it didn’t necessarily elevate the Scarlet Knights to the top of his list.
“They’re definitely a top five school in my recruitment as they were before, but nothing has really changed,” Matthews told 247Sports after his visit.
Despite this, Matthews mentioned to USA Today before his visit to Rutgers that the Scarlet Knights have a strong chance in the recruiting race.
“Being wanted by your hometown team is a big deal, and many people think Jaelyne won’t choose Rutgers, but they definitely have a fair shot,” Matthews recently said.
The New Jersey native has an official visit to Tennessee scheduled for June 14. While the Vols are currently the favorites to secure Matthews’ commitment, other programs like Georgia, Miami, and Ole Miss are also contenders.
Greg Schiano and the Tennessee Vols share a significant history.
Seven years ago, Tennessee almost hired Greg Schiano to succeed Butch Jones before fan backlash stopped the process.
Schiano, who was an assistant coach at Ohio State at that time, has rarely spoken publicly about Tennessee’s failed hiring attempt in late 2017, but it’s clear there are lingering hard feelings on Schiano’s part toward the Vols.
Tennessee seldom encounters Schiano on the recruiting trail. However, when it does happen, it’s always a crucial battle that the Vols can’t afford to lose.
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