Tennessee adds commitment from in-state 2019 4-star DB Adonis Otey
It's been a few months since Class of 2019 four-star cornerback Adonis Otey has been to Knoxville, Tenn. for a visit, but that doesn't mean the Tennessee Volunteers haven't been on his mind. In fact, he's been thinking so much about making Knoxville his future home that he decided to end his recruitment on Thursday and make his verbal commitment to the Vols.
"I just couldn't stop thinking that it was the right place for me," Otey said. "So I decided that the time was right and I was ready. I'm officially a Tennessee commit."
Otey said his longtime affinity for the Vols program combined with the direction of the team and his connection with the coaches helped him and his family make the decision.
"My family has always loved Tennessee and they are big fans," Otey said. "For me to be able to stay close to home and represent for my home state and get to play in front of them is something that really appealed to me."
New Tennessee defensive backs coach Charlton Warren build a fast connection with Otey after joining the staff earlier this year and Otey said he expects that bond to continue to grow.
"He's cool and he's been recruiting me since he was at North Carolina as well," Otey said. "When he came to Tennessee he made me feel like I was wanted and like I was a priority. I think he's going to really help them improve in the secondary and he can help me improve my game as well."
Cornerback
4 STARS
Murfreesboro
RR: 5.8
Ht: 6'1.0"
Wt: 170.0
Class: 2019
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POSITION
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NATIONAL
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STATE
Commitment status:
undecided
The Tennessee coaches also owe an assist to 2018 commit Alontae Taylor. The four-star athlete is teammates with Otey on the Tennessee Select 7-on-7 team and has been helping recruit on behalf of the school.
"I've been talking to him a lot during 7-on-7 and he just tells me about how he feels like it's one big family," Otey said. "Alontae is a great player and to go against him every day in practice in college is only going to make me a better player."
It's only fitting that Otey make his commitment to Tennessee on Thursday, the same date as the start of this year's NFL Draft. Otey said he's been keeping an eye on the Vols and their ability to develop NFL prospects, including players like cornerback Cameron Sutton.
"They've been putting a lot of players in the draft and that's my ultimate goal," Otey said. "It's been my dream since I was little and I feel like they can help me achieve that goal."
Now Otey turns his focus to helping recruit, with his friends and fellow 2019 four-stars Lance Wilhoite and Joseph Anderson being at the top of his list.
"We have a lot of talent in the state in 2019 and I'm going to do my part to make sure we all play together at Tennessee."
Otey is commitment No. 4 for the Vols in the 2019 class, joining three other Tennessee natives.
