Former Vandy commit Jashon Robertson commits to Tennessee

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KNOXVILLE—James Franklin’s exit from Nashville is the gift that keeps on giving for Tennessee. Jashon Robertson, who originally committed to Vanderbilt nearly a year-and-a-half ago, announced his commitment to Tennessee via Twitter Wednesday night after picking up an offer from Butch Jones on Monday. Even while committed to Vandy, the allure of donning the orange and white weighed on his mind.

“I think he’s always had a love for Tennessee. The education at Vanderbilt appealed to Jay a lot, plus it’s at home. But things kinda changed, Tennessee offered him and he decided he wants to go there,” said Robertson’s high school coach Marty Euverard in a report by The Tennessean.

Here’s all you need to know about Tennessee’s newest member of the 2014 recruiting class.

The Basics: Rated as a high three-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports, ESPN, and Scout, Robertson is a 6-3, 290-pound defensive tackle/offensive guard from Nashville, Tennessee (Montgomery Bell Academy). Though he could get a look on offense, the Vols plan on playing him at defensive tackle. Tennessee will have to replace six defensive lineman next season so Robertson definitely fills a void along the front-four. His commitment carries even more significance after the Vols lost JUCO DT DaVonte Lambert to Auburn. Though Penn State offered, Robertson knew he was going to be a Vol after spending the weekend in Knoxville with his good friend, Vol RB signee Jalen Hurd.

Scouting Report: Robertson is stronger and more athletic than your average three-star defensive tackle. He benches 350 pounds, squats 500 pounds and runs a 4.8 40-yard dash. He also shows good lateral quickness for a player of his size. When run blocking, he gets to the second level of the defense quickly. He also generally exhibits a physical style of play on both sides of the ball; he likes to initiate contact. Most high school linemen require a redshirt year before being able to compete at an SEC-level, but Robertson’s strength combined with Tennessee’s lack of depth at tackle could allow him to see the field this year.

“Has good overall size and looks to have a frame that can still support more good mass and should be able to play comfortably around 300 pounds. Displays adequate-to-good first-step quickness. Robertson is a good player who brings some versatility to the table as a D-Lineman. As he gets bigger he can be a real steady and productive college defender, especially against the run.” – ESPN.com

Highlights: Watch as Robertson body slams a tailback to the turf around the 15-second mark of this video.

Here are his Jr. highlights.

About The Author

Reed Carringer

A native of Knoxville, TN. I grew up saturated in all things Big Orange and began taking an active role in Football & Basketball Time in Tennessee the past several years. Make sure to catch Football Time on Tennessee Sports Radio Monday's and Friday's from 6-8 pm. I strive to cover the Vols in a fan-friendly, but informative way. I value your input and interaction! You can follow me on Twitter @FootballTimeMag.