2018 recruiting class shaping up for Vols

The Volunteers added their third four-star recruit on Friday for the 2018 recruiting class with Adrian Martinez from California. Martinez, at 6-foot-2, 198-pounds, is listed as the nation’s No. 32 recruit overall and the No. 3 quarterback in the class according to ESPN.

“I formed a really good connection with [quarterbacks coach] Canales and coach Jones. They made me feel like a priority and stuck with me and were consistent throughout the whole process,” Martinez said.

Martinez picked the Vols over teams like Alabama, Oregon, Georgia, and Oklahoma. He was committed to Cal, but after a visit to the Orange and White game, Martinez decommitted shortly after returning to his hometown of Fresno. As a junior, Martinez threw for over 2,500 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, as well as 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.

Tennessee has a total of 10 commits for 2018. Seven are offensive players and five are from the Volunteer State. According to ESPN, the Vols’ 2018 recruiting class currently ranks in at tenth in the nation and is second-best in the SEC, behind LSU. Tennessee propelled two spots up the leaderboards with the acquisition of Martinez.

The Vols have acquired quality in-state talent with offensive lineman Cade Mays, athlete Alontae Taylor,and defensive tackle Brant Lawless, who all rank inside of the ESPN 300. Adding Martinez to the mix is huge for Tennessee and head coach Butch Jones. After a disappointing 2016 season, Jones has once again proven his worth on the recruiting trail and added to an already promising 2018 recruiting class.

This now gives the Volunteers five players in the ESPN 300 and two players inside the top 50.