The top prospect in the class of 2022 is in the state of Tennessee.
5-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen from Cordova, Tennessee saw his Rivals rating rise to the top spot in his class, helping him to the No. 1 spot in the 247Sports Composite.
Nolen is a 6-foot-4, 300-pound rising junior at St. Benedict at Auburndale in Memphis. With a head-turning frame for his age, Nolen earned a comparison to Buffalo Bills defensive tackle and former first round pick Ed Oliver by 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons.
Aside from his extraordinary stocky size, Nolen’s quick feet and explosiveness off the snap are what has attracted Power Five programs across the country. Florida State, LSU, Clemson, Oregon and Alabama are among the schools to have offered Nolen, along with Tennessee. UT offensive line coach Will Friend is Nolen’s primary recruiter.
As an in-state product, Nolen could evolve into a primary target for the Vols as his recruiting process continues. Tennessee currently has just one prospect committed to the 2022 recruiting class in New York defensive end Jimmy Scott.