As Tennessee Football continues to build its 2027 recruiting class, one name that has stuck out is in-state running back Asa Barnes. The 5-foot-11, three-star prospect currently plays for Westview High School in Martin, TN, and is looking to decide between Arkansas and Tennessee.
Barnes previously took an official visit to Arkansas in late May. Tennessee was then able to get him to Knoxville this past weekend for an official visit of their own. And, by all accounts, the OV with Tennessee went great.
Tennessee’s OV was so impactful that Barnes told GoVols247’s Ryan Callahan that the Vols “made this thing tough” as he prepares for his collegiate decision. Tennessee obviously gave Barnes a lot to think about, and the trip clearly stuck with him in a positive way.
247Sports’ Composite Rankings have Barnes tagged as the No. 554 player in the class, the No. 36 running back in the cycle, and the No. 24 player from the state of Tennessee.
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The in-state prospect did his due diligence and had a busy spring. In the span of a week, Barnes visited Tennessee Football’s spring game on April 11, took a trip to Arkansas on April 16, and finished the week by attending Kentucky’s spring game on April 18.
Arkansas has had a bit of a tough recruiting stretch recently, while Tennessee has been heating up this month. The Vols have landed seven commitments in June, with three four-star players, two Power 4 flips, and a key specialist for the future. Tennessee has certainly made the most of its official visit slate, whether it be in landing commitments or just leaving a lasting impact on select prospects, like Asa Barnes.
Tennessee currently has 16 total commitments in its 2027 recruiting class, headlined by players such as four-star wide receiver Kesean Bowman and four-star legacy linebacker Kenneth Simon II. The Vols’ class ranks 42nd in the country on 247Sports’ team rankings.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee Football recruiting news.
