4-star recruit officially shuts down recruitment despite overtures from rival team

One of the country's top defensive recruits has made his choice,

Will Ignont, a highly-coveted linebacker from the state of Alabama, has committed to Tennessee.

The four-star prospect announced his decision via Twitter Saturday, effectively ending a recruitment period that was expected to continue through the month. He was scheduled for an official visit to LSU on Jan. 13.

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According to 247Sports composite rankings, the 6-2, 230 pound Ignont, out of Buckhorn High School in New Market, AL, is the nation's 13th-ranked inside linebacker and Alabama's 14th overall recruit. Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, LSU and Michigan were just a few of the schools vying to get him on campus.

Ignont joins a 2017 Vols class that ranks 11th in the country and currently has 26 commits in all.