With some transfer portal targets still on the board, Tennessee football’s staff is having to balance its recruiting efforts between the portal and high school ranks. As far as running backs coach De’Rail Sims, he headed west to see an in-state target.
Out of Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, Asa Barnes has been a rising recruit in the 2027 cycle. Sims checked in on the 6-foot, 190-pound back on Tuesday. He ranks as a four-star and the No. 342 recruit and No. 27 back in the class on 247 Composite.
This is the second time this month that a Tennessee staffer has made the trip out to see Barnes, as well. On Jan. 5, amidst the rumors of the Vols looking to coax Ty Simpson into the portal, head coach Josh Heupel went to Westview and saw Barnes. Westview is the same school that Simpson went to, and his younger brother currently attends.
Enjoyed a great visit from @DeRailSims @AustinPriceless @RyanCallahan247 @ChadSimmons_ @adamgorney @TomLoy247 @TNSelect7V7 @SWiltfong_ @shaynep_media pic.twitter.com/o05RWBWn7R
Advertisement— Asa Barnes (@iamd1asa34) January 20, 2026
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Barnes also holds offers from the likes of Missouri, USC, Vanderbilt, Maryland, Ole Miss, Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State and Purdue.
While Barnes is clearly becoming a priority for the staff, there’s another big-name running back target in the state that Tennessee has its eyes on. David Gabriel Georges, who plays at Baylor School, is a five-star and considered the No. 13 player and No. 2 running back in the class by 247 Composite.
Tennessee may have room to bring in both backs if possible, though. The Vols didn’t land a high school running back this past cycle, but did bring in Tulane transfer Javin Gordon, who will have three more years of eligibility. DeSean Bishop will also be eligible to return in 2027, along with Daune Morris and Justin Baker.
