Tennessee has long been known in the football world for the amount of talent that has hailed from the Volunteer State. The Class of 2021 is shaping up to be no different, and at the top of every school’s wishlist is Brentwood native Junior Colson, a 4-star outside linebacker from Ravenwood High School.
2019 RECAP
Colson is a 6-3, 220-pound junior who is ranked No. 13 in the country at his position, and No.182 among all players in the 2021 recruiting class. In his most recent season, Colson recorded 14 sacks and 175 tackles, 30 of which were for a loss. This represented a significant improvement from the year prior, where the Ravenwood star only amassed 2 sacks and 24 total tackles. The evolution of his game paid off, earning 2019 All-Midstate Second-Team Defense honors.
EFN EVALUATION
Colson possesses a lengthy and athletic build that makes him adept at attacking opposing offenses. He has a natural feel for the game and his position, making him a consistent and reliable defensive stopper. His impressive combination of athleticism and football IQ screams potential, making the young linebacker an attractive option for the nation’s top college programs.
RECRUITING STATUS
Set to make his college decision on May 24th, Junior Colson has fielded 34 offers from a list of schools that includes: Arkansas, Auburn, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Missouri, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Toledo, Virginia, and Virginia Tech among others.
This is not to say that all these teams are in the hunt though. According to a recent interview, Colson said, “I have been staying in contact with Tennessee, Michigan, LSU, Oregon, Virginia, Miami, and Louisville.”
Narrowing down his choices a little further, he specifically spoke highly of Michigan, Tennessee, Ole Miss, LSU and Oregon in another recent interview. However, it is widely believed that the race will come down to the Michigan Wolverines and the in-state Tennessee Volunteers.
What he finds attractive in these schools is how they plan to utilize his unique skill set and physical prowess as well as his relationship with team personnel. Michigan expressed their intention to use Colson “ like they used Jabrill Peppers.” He also stated that he is “close with everyone on their staff. They talk to me every day. I talk to Coach Don Brown the defensive coordinator and a couple of other people on the staff.” Even his mother is enamored with what U of M has to offer.
As for Tennessee, he mentioned that his conversations extend to “basically everyone.” “I talk to Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt almost every day. Coach (Derrick) Ansley, Coach (Brian) Niedermeyer, Tee Martin, basically almost everyone on the defensive and offensive side. How they plan on using me and the players they have. I want to play with Henry (To’oto’o). I think he’s a great player. I think him mentoring me can help my game”, said Colson.
TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The importance of Colson’s contributions on the field are evident in his team’s overall success. In this past season, the Ravenwood Raptors went 13-2 with an 8-0 record at home, making it all the way to the Class 6A State Championship before ultimately losing to Maryville.
Colson’s loss in the State Championship certainly stings, but the coveted OLB will be eager to redeem himself next season as he prepares for his final season before graduating to the next level of NCAA Division I competition.
