2025 four-star linebacker Elijah Melendez unofficially visited Tennessee for the first time on June 3.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker is from Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida.
Melendez discussed visiting Tennessee and updated his recruitment with Vols Wire.
“It was really good, the coaching staff at Tennessee is amazing and they are some of the best people I’ve ever been around,” Melendez said.
Melendez has formed a relationship with Tennessee linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary.
“Coach Jean-Mary and me have a great relationship, after that being just my first visit,” Melendez said. “He made me feel at home and felt like a family. He is a central Florida guy, just like me, so we relate on a lot of things, and his coaching style is just amazing.
“I’ve watched film with him and saw how I would fit in and I see myself playing very well in the defense. I know I would really be an impact player.”
Melendez is the No. 271 overall prospect in the class of 2025. He ranks as the No. 28 linebacker and No. 39 player in Florida, according to On3 Sports industry rankings.
Melendez will return to Tennessee, while the Vols are emerging as a top school in his recruitment.
“I plan on returning on July 29,” Melendez said. “Tennessee is in my top three right now, for sure.
“I’m just enjoying the process. I already know where my top eight is, but I’m just visiting places so I know for sure where home is.”
I had a BLAST at the university of tennessee🍊 couldn’t have been any better! thank you @coachjoshheupel @luc_brian @CoachForrestL @CoachORourke @TennesseeRivals @VSNtweets_ @VolFBRecruiting pic.twitter.com/HmwUW51iZj
— Elijah melendez (@Babyman3J) June 4, 2023
[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=8452]