Rivera set a school record with 562 receiving yards in 2012.
Photo by Reed Carringer

KNOXVILLE— Of Tennessee’s 10 visitors this weekend, we felt Quinn (rated as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports) would be quick to commit. He proved us right Monday when he informed Vol tight ends coach Mark Elder of his intention to join the Vols. Quinn played tight end his freshman year of high school but opted to focus on volleyball for the rest of his high school career. He earned a volleyball scholarship to Pepperdine before transferring to California Baptist University. With a solid frame, good hands, and excellent leaping ability, Quinn decided to give football another shot. The 6-6, 250 pound tight end from California tallied 15 receptions for 252 yards and one touchdown last year at Santa Ana College. He was the team’s second-leading receiver in a run heavy offense.

Where he fits: Butch Jones utilizes tight ends as effectively as any coach in college football. Last year at Cincinnati, the Bearcats were led in receiving by tight end Travis Kelce (45 receptions for 722 yards and eight touchdowns). The Vols are extremely thin at the position with the graduation of Mychal Rivera and return just two scholarship tight ends, Justin Meredith and Brendan Downs. Meredith missed his freshman campaign with a nagging hamstring injury while junior Brendan Downs caught three passes for 39 yards and one touchdown.

Jones knows Tennessee needs immediate help, and though Quinn has just one year of college ball under his belt, he’ll be expected to contribute immediately. Tennessee’s staff has been impressed with Quinn’s athleticism and he has all the necessary tools to be a threat for the Vols in the passing game this fall. Quinn has two years of eligibility remaining.