DL Darryl Rivers commits to Tennessee: ‘I feel like I can go there and be something’

Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern three-star defensive lineman Darryl Rivers received offers from 20 schools. One of them came from Tennessee, who offered him on May 8. 

It came down to Georgia, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Rutgers and Tennessee for the 6-foot-5, 270-pound recruit. Mississippi State made a strong push for Rivers, but in the end, the Bulldogs finished second in his recruitment as he has committed to the Volunteers. 

“I love Tennessee’s culture, the coaching staff and the environment there,” Rivers told Rivals. “I feel like I can go there and be something. My strongest relationship on the staff is between me and coach Rodney Garner. We have real conversations and he has given me a good impression.” 

After doing “a lot of thinking” and praying ahead of his decision, Tennessee was “the only thing” on his mind. The Georgia native has only been to Knoxville once for his official visit on June 20. 

The trip went “great” and was something that “helped his decision.” In addition to Garner – the SEC program’s defensive line coach – Rivers was impressed by head coach Josh Heupel. 

“Coach Heupel is a cool coach,” Rivers said. “We had a conversation almost every time he saw me.”