Josh Heupel's Tennesse lands commitment from Maryland DL Darrion Smith to the class of 2025

By Maliha

Modified Jul 31, 2024 05:37 GMT

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Defensive lineman Darrion Smith from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, has announced his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers' 2025 class. He received offers from Tennessee, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Oklahoma in the SEC before narrowing his list down to Ohio State and Tennessee and choosing the Vols on Tuesday.

Smith's journey to Knoxville began a little over a year ago when he first visited the campus. His connection with the program strengthened during a spring practice visit in April and this weekend trip boosted his decision to give his commitment to coach Josh Heupel's program.

The 6-foot-2, 265-pound prospect is ranked as the No. 95 defensive lineman in the 2025 class and the No. 26 player from the state of Maryland, according to On3. 247 Sports lists him as the No. 81 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 29 player in Maryland. He is rated as a three-star prospect by recruiting channels.

The Vols have been on a roll, securing commitments from safety Lagonza Hayward and flipping tight end DaSaahn Brame from Oregon this weekend. Smith's addition marks the program's No. 11 commitment since the start of June and its fifth in July, bringing its total to 21 commitments for the 2025 class.

This recruiting class already features quarterback George MacIntyre, tight end Jack Van Dorselaer and offensive lineman Douglas Utu, Da'Saahn Brame and Shaedy Hayward. Furthermore, wide receivers Travis Smith and Radarious Jackson, defensive lineman Ethan Utley, linebacker Christian Gass, defensive lineman Mariyon Dye and offensive lineman Nic Moore also feature on the roster for next season.

Darrion Smith shares why he chose Tennessee over Ohio State

Smith received over two dozen offers before making his decision. He shared his thoughts with On3, expressing that the crucial moment in his decision came during this weekend's visit to Tennessee with his mother. He had heavy praise for the program's coaching staff:

“Tennessee is a great place to be. It has what I am looking for," Smith said. "Coach Josh Heupel is a great coach that his players love. Coach Robert Ayers and coach Rodney Garner are guys I trust. The program is going up and it just feels like a family down there."

Coach Garner’s track record of sending players to the NFL stood out, but it was his personal qualities that truly won Smith over. The connection with coach Ayers, who assists Garner on the defensive line and brings valuable NFL experience, also cemented Smith’s comfort with the Tennessee staff.

Smith is optimistic about the future under Heupel's leadership, believing that a national championship for Tennessee is on the horizon. He is set to officially sign with the Vols on Dec. 4, when the early signing period begins.