Tennessee Football Loses Out on Commitment of Elite Running Back Target to SEC Rival

After being named to his top four schools list, Tennessee football has missed out on the commitment of a four-star running back in the 2027 class. On Friday, Andrew Beard committed to SEC rival Florida instead.

Beard picked the Gators over the Vols, Clemson 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.

Beard’s 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.

However, it seems Beard plans to carve his own path with Florida, instead of picking the Bulldogs.

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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 seven 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, in-state legacy linebacker JP Peace and defensive back Carter Jamison. Currently, this group is ranked inside the top-25 on both 247 and Rivals for the young 2027 cycle.

More commitments are expected to roll in, as well. This includes the fight for the commitment of running back David Gabriel Georges. The five-star, in-state recruit is narrowing down his options with the frontrunners seemingly being Tennessee and Ohio State.