No. 1 Recruit Rashan Gary Adds UT to SEC Visit Tour, Compares Meyer and Harbaugh

Rashan Gary emerged a coveted college prospect before his first high school snap and has since ascended to the No. 1 spot in 247Sports' 2016 composite recruiting rankings.

The 6'5", 240-pound defensive tackle holds scholarship offers from most marquee programs in the country and continues to validate expansive attention. Gary, a rising senior at Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey, just earned an invitation to The Opening for a second straight year after warranting positional MVP honors at a regional camp in the Garden State.

He is a rare repeat selection for the star-studded showcase, which is held in July at Nike's world headquarters:

Gary is coming off a junior season that featured 55 tackles, 24 quarterback hurries and 14 sacks. He credits much of that success to a maturation process spurred by his first experience at The Opening.

"Last year gave me a lot of confidence because I knew I could compete against the top linemen in the country who were a year older than me," Gary told Bleacher Report. "Now I'm looking to go back with that confidence and bring that defensive line MVP back home to Jersey."

His list of suitors spans the nation, providing him with an abundance of opportunities. Potential landing spots range from nearby Rutgers, which extended an offer in middle school, to West Coast universities such as USC.

"It's been a journey since I got that first offer in eighth grade," he said. "I didn't think much of it until I got to high school and realized there were seniors who worked really hard and still didn't have any offers. Seeing players struggle to get colleges interested at camps kind of puts things in perspective and keeps me humble. A lot of people want to be in my shoes."

It's good to be Gary these days. 

He made a road trip to Ohio State and Michigan in late May, receiving VIP treatment from two of America's most well-known coaches. 

The stay in Columbus included personal conversations with Urban Meyer, defensive line coach Larry Johnson and reigning Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year Joey Bosa. Gary then journeyed to Ann Arbor, with a chance to become more familiar with the new Wolverines regime.

"Michigan is going to do great things in a couple years," he said. "You may not see it this season, but Michigan will be an up-and-rising program soon."

Gary offered up his outlook on Meyer and Jim Harbaugh after seeing each coaching titan within a short span.

"Harbaugh is more laid back, while Urban is more intense," he said. "They run practice differently and handle things differently, but they're both great coaches."

Though no dates have been set yet, Gary anticipates another upcoming trip. This time he plans to head into the heart of SEC territory.

Gary aims to spend time at Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and Tennessee. He admits the conference's track record is appealing to him.

"It's grown-man football down there, and these teams have had a lot of defensive players reach the next level," Gary said. "I've been interested in the SEC since those schools started offering me early."

Fellow New Jersey star and recent Tennessee commit Jarrett Guarantano has encouraged him to visit the Volunteers. 

"I'm trying to go to Tennessee with Jarrett and a couple other guys," he said. "A lot of guys are trying to get me to go places, but that's one that stands out a bit."

Credit: 247Sports

Volunteers head coach Butch Jones landed 5-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie in the 2015 class. The thought of a duo like that joining forces should send shivers down the spine of every SEC quarterback.

Gary explained he and McKenzie bonded last July at The Opening, where the latter won defensive line MVP. 

"I was asking Kahlil questions throughout The Opening because he was doing so good," he said. "He broke down a lot of stuff for me out there, so I definitely like him as a player."

Gary's list of past campus visits includes South Carolina, Georgia and Clemson. They each managed to make a strong impression.

"All three of those schools have a strong academic plan, and that's a key part of this decision for me. I want to be in a good academic situation," he said.

The 5-star standout has been relatively tight-lipped about identifying any favorites during a frenzied recruiting process. However, he plans to shed some light on his intentions following a few more months of collegiate assessment. 

"I will have a top-five list before the first game of my senior season," Gary said.

America's most prized high school football player is approximately four months away from whittling his choices. At this stage, every campus visit and coach interaction is sure to command attention.

"My mom and I are taking this step by step," he said. "I'm not feeling a lot of pressure, but I'm focused on finding the best place for me."

All quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.