Tennessee is looking to beat out three Southeastern foes this Friday afternoon for a talented running back in the 2027 recruiting class. According to a report from 247Sports’ Benjamin Wolk on Tuesday, running back Andrew Beard will officially announce his commitment on Friday at 4:00 p.m. ET on the 247Sports/CBS Sports streaming services.
Tennessee is one of Beard’s top four finalists alongside Georgia, Florida, and Clemson.
The four-star prospect out of Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, GA, is ranked as the 8th-best running back in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports’ rankings. He’s also tagged as the No. 165 player in the class and the No. 14 player out of the Peach State.
Tennessee hasn’t been the trendy pick in the last few days, though. Beard received two Crystal Ball predictions on Friday, with Swamp247 writer Tyler Harden predicting him to land with Florida and Clemson247 insider Austin Hannon predicting him to land with Clemson. Both picks were made with a 6/10 confidence level.
Beard has a knack for speed as a multi-sport athlete in both football and track. According to 247, Beard finished his junior season with 1,260 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 155 carries. He also added in 435 yards and five receiving touchdowns during the season. As a sophomore, Beard racked up nearly 2,000 rushing yards.
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“Creative running back with true three-down capabilities that can turn negative plays into long gains with his escapability,” 247 Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in an evaluation. “Pairs low center gravity and a muscular build with shifty feet and impressive acceleration.”
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.
Beard took a trip to Knoxville for the Vols’ Checker Neyland thriller against Georgia. And while the Vols didn’t come out on top in the overtime contest, Tennessee still made a strong impression.
“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!”
If Tennessee doesn’t get a commitment from Beard on Friday, it’s not the end of the world in the running back department. The Vols are still one of the four finalists for five-star in-state prospect David Gabriel Georges, who is set to make some official visit rounds later this spring.
Tennessee currently has seven commitments in the 2027 cycle, which ranks 30th in 247Sports’ team rankings. The Vols’ class features four-star WR Kesean Bowman, four-star OT Princeton Uwaifo, three-star DL Kadin Fife, three-star safety Jaden Butler, three-star linebacker J.P. Peace, three-star quarterback Derrick Baker, and three-star CB Carter Jamison.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee Football recruiting news.
