Four-star linebacker JJ Peterson (6-foot-1.5, 210 pounds) announced his commitment to Tennessee during the first quarter of the U.S. All-American Bowl Game on Saturday.
Peterson has made no secret of favoring the Vols, having named them as his college choice after long favoring Alabama, the linebacker confirmed during an interview with SEC Country last month, as well as confirming to USA Today that he expected to join Tennessee earlier this week.
"I'm going to Tennessee and it's not because of (new head coach Jeremy) Pruitt, (Kevin) Sherrer or the coach who's coming from Florida State (Charles Kelly)," Peterson told USA Today. "I've got two players (from Colquitt) who are there in (redshirt freshman defensive lineman) Ja'Quain Blakely and (freshman defensive back) Shawn Shamburger. Those are two people I can start something with and every time I play with them, I have a good time."
The 6-foot-1.5, 210-pound senior ranks as the No. 2 outside linebacker, No. 8 player from the state of Georgia and No. 43 overall prospect for the 2018 national recruiting cycle, according to 247Sports' Composite rankings.
Peterson recorded 110 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss, five sacks, two pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble during the 2017 season, according to 247Sports.
Tennessee now ranks No. 16 overall in the 247Sports Team Composite rankings with 21 signees and four hard commitments.
