KNOXVILLE — 2021 prospect Christopher Paul Jr. visited Tennessee Thursday.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker is from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Ga.
Paul discussed his Tennessee visit with Vols Wire.
“It went real good,” he said. “I met with all the defensive coaches, went to the defensive meetings, practice and got on the board with Coach (Brian) Niedemeyer.”
Paul can lineup anywhere throughout the linebacker unit, but playing inside is his likely position in college.
“That is where everyone that is recruiting me likes me at,” Paul said of playing inside linebacker. “I can play anywhere, but definitely inside — that comes second nature to me. My dad has had me reading guards since I was around 8-9 years old.”
Paul’s visit Thursday to Tennessee came at the same time SEC commissioner Greg Sankey suspended all recruiting through March 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Southeastern Conference has since announced today that all organized team activities, competitions, team and individual practices, meetings and other organized gatherings, will be suspended through April 15.
“I pray that this coronavirus scare will soon end so things in recruiting will get back to normal,” Paul said. “They (Tennessee coaches) just kept saying that they were glad I got up here before all this started going on.”
As far as Tennessee’s second spring practice — the final one until at least April 15 — Paul detailed how the Vols practiced fast and productive.
“Practice went well,” he said. “Fast pace and productive. They were bouncing around and moving. I wish they would have had on pads. Non-stop reps, from field to field — that’s why I wish they had on pads.”
Paul can see momentum within Tennessee’s program heading into Jeremy Pruitt’s third season as head coach. The Vols ended the 2019 season on a six-game win streak.
“I think the team is ready to build on that six-game winning streak from last year,” he said. “That defense will definitely be biting this year from what I saw yesterday. Pruitt and (Derrick) Ansley are a great one-two punch.”