JJ Peterson is a four-star linebacker prospect. Plenty of big boy programs across the country are after his service. Unlike many of those recruiting him, however, all the Tennessee Volunteers need to do is find the kid a nice hat.
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No. For real. It will make sense in a minute.
Peterson spoke with SEC Country's Benjamin Wolk about the chances of ending up with the Vols.
"My first official, I'm going to the Vols on January 12," he said. "If I find a hat, it's over."
It shouldn't be too hard for Peterson to find a hat on campus. Maybe whoever is tasked with overseeing his visit should make sure to schedule a trip to the bookstore.
A member of the 2018 recruiting class, Peterson is considered one of the very best linebackers in the entire nation.
Other programs in the SEC are after Peterson, including the Auburn Tigers, but that quote from the high school talent really makes it seem like he is leaning toward Tennessee. This seems especially so at the moment, as the Tigers appear to be cooling on the recruiting process with him since landing numerous players at the same position in the 2018 class.
"I talk with him (Auburn LB coach Travis Williams) sometimes, off and on. We don't really talk a ton. We've got a good relationship still though," Peterson said. "It just faded. They got other recruits, other linebackers, and it just faded."
Peterson is ranked as the No. 2 outside linebacker and No. 8 recruit in the state of Georgia as well as the No. 44 overall recruit according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He also has offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State and Georgia among others.
It's worth noting that Peterson is scheduled to made his official announcement during the U.S. All-American Bowl on Saturday, although he has already made it clear that he intends to commit to the Vols unless something suddenly changes.
"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."
