Tennessee football has a number of highly-touted running backs on its class of 2027 recruiting board, and one is ready to make his decision. On May 8, four-star back Andrew Beard will announce his commitment, according to a report from Rivals. Beard will be choosing between the Vols, Clemson, Florida and Georgia.
The 5-foot-9 back ranks as a four-star and the No. 154 player in the class, via 247 Composite. He is the No. 9 running back and No. 15 player from the state of Georgia, as well.
Currently, experts on 247 are split on his decision. He received a pair of crystal ball predictions on Friday, one from a Florida writer to the Gators and another from a Clemson writer to the Tigers.
Beard currently stands at 5-foot-9 and 197 pounds, according to 247. His father, Jerry Beard Sr., was a running back at Appalachian State from 2000-02. His uncle, Garrison Hearst, was a running back for Georgia, who finished third for the Heisman Trophy in 1992. Hearst was also a two-time Pro Bowl selection in the NFL.
🚨NEWS🚨 4-star RB Andrew Beard will announce his commitment on May 8, @ChadSimmons_ reports‼️
Beard will choose between Clemson, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Read: https://t.co/5W3aZ8o7Zv pic.twitter.com/2Nx1FPsEjt
— Rivals (@Rivals) May 1, 2026
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Beard was on campus for a game day visit when Tennessee hosted Georgia for its ‘Checker Neyland’ game this past season. While the Vols lost in overtime to the Bulldogs, it still left a positive impression on him.
“Enjoyed being back at Tennessee!,” Beard wrote on X. “Love how Tennessee and (running back coach DeRail Sims) use the RBs! Great Gameday visit and Neyland is definitely the loudest stadium!”
Currently, Tennessee holds six commitments in the 2027 class. This features a trio of highly-touted four-stars. Headlining is in-state wide receiver, Kesean Bowman. He is a top-50 prospect and one of the top pass catchers in the class. In-state offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo and defensive lineman Kadin Fife are also highly ranked.
Three-stars in the class are quarterback Derrick Baker, athlete Jaden Butler and in-state legacy linebacker JP Peace. Currently, this group is ranked inside the top-15 on both 247 and Rivals for the young 2027 cycle. More commitments are expected to roll in, as well.
