Tyler Bird is one of Butch Jones' most versatile players in this past year's recruiting class and was listed as a four-star safety. The 6'0", 195-pound really could play a multitude of positions and Jones now has a clearer idea of what that position will be for Byrd. Byrd was rated as the No. 10 cornerback in the class and No. 86 overall recruit in the country.
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The Vols' need to bolster depth at the wideout position isn't a secret, and Jones said the Florida state high school long-jump champion could excel in that spot.
"When we recruited him, we knew he was a multi-talented player, a multi-dimensional player, a guy that could play a number of positions," Jones told GoVols247 before Tuesday's Big Orange Caravan stop in suburban Nashville. "And we have a need at receiver for some true freshmen to come in and compete to play."
This could get the versatile playmaker on the field much quicker than anticipated and the coach sounded pretty happy about it.
"We have to do a great job as coaches of putting every player in a position to succeed, but we thought receiver is the position right now is the best place where he could succeed and also help the team," Jones said.
I suppose it only makes sense that the former receivers coach would have him move to that position and we'll have to wait for the young man to get on campus to see how big an impact he will eventually make.
[h/t 247Sports]