2025 four-star corner Jontae Gilbert is one of the top rising seniors in the country. He’s the No. 28 player in the class, according to the 247Sports’ Composite Rankings, and the Vols have been recruiting him for months. On3’s Chad Simmons reported that Gilbert has lined up three visits for junior days this month, including a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee.
Gilbert is feeling the love from Tennessee. The coaching staff prioritizes building relationships with recruits that go beyond the football field, making them feel like a priority to the university, not just the football program. Two Tennessee assistants have been spearheading his recruitment – defensive coordinator Tim banks and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez. “Coach Martinez and Coach Banks really love me and and really want me. They call my coaches to check up on me, so I feel like I’m a priority to them.” Those aren’t the only interactions that Gilbert has noticed. Head coach Josh Heupel stopped by his school this spring and left a lasting impression on one of America’s top defenders. Heupel’s message to Gilbert was simple. “I want you to come play for me and I need high-caliber players like you.” Those words resonated with Gilbert, and he decided to get up to campus to see what Knoxville entailed. He thoroughly enjoyed his two trips and plans to be back soon, but Tennessee will continue to recruit him hard. “They are showing me love and they call every week to see how I’m doing. That right there is showing me that I am needed and wanted there.
