Tennessee Football: Biggest Remaining Recruiting Targets for Vols

After a couple of seasons of huge, depth-building recruiting classes, the Tennessee football team should take a slimmer haul of prospects during the 2016 cycle.

They'll look to address some major needs and depth at other positions in a class that will likely fall far short of the allotted 25 thanks to classes of 32 and 29 in the past two years.

Even so, the battle for some of the Southeast's top prospects will heat up with the weather, and it appears that UT is in more than its share of neck-and-neck heats. Tennessee looks like it's focusing on three major battlegrounds this year, and all three—in-state, Georgia and North Carolina—are represented here.

With so many slots to fill at this time of year, any list like this is subjective, but a clearer picture of top targets is emerging.

If the Vols can land some of these guys, they'll be on their way to another strong class.

Some positions such as running back, safety, wide receiver and offensive tackle still need impact players. Others, like defensive end and linebacker, are areas where the Vols have healthy depth but are chasing top prospects.

UT is going head-to-head with some of the nation's top programs for these players, but coach Butch Jones has proven over and over that he's a force to be reckoned with on the recruiting trail, so these next few months should be fun.

Let's take a look at some of the Vols' top targets at this point in the 2016 cycle.

Daniel Bituli, Linebacker (Nashville, Tennessee)

Credit: 247Sports

From the moment UT coach Butch Jones turned his attention to the 2016 class, in-state linebacker Daniel Bituli has been a major priority.

The top player in Tennessee and No. 135-ranked prospect overall is a physical freak who stands 6'3 ½" and weighing 235 pounds. He has exceptional speed for a prospect his size and is the kind of player who can step in and play immediately.

Though Ole Miss [where his buddy Alex Givens, a teammate at Nashville Christian School] was an early leader and Auburn is also showing a ton of interest, Bituli receives plenty of personal attention from several of the Vols coaches.

That has put UT in an enviable position for his commitment. In late April, he told GoVols247's Ryan Callahan that the Vols are his leader.

"I know just about everything I like about Tennessee, and it only gets better. I like it up here. I really like it up here. They are number one right now. Tennessee is number one right now."

It's not out of the question he could pledge soon.

Some of the nation's top teams, such as Ohio State, LSU, Ole Miss, Florida, Notre Dame and others, have extended offers. But the Vols are out front, and he told Callahan he expects to commit sometime this summer.

Unless somebody makes a major late move, this one currently looks favorable for the Vols. Not only would Bituli step into what is currently an unsettled battle at middle linebacker, he has the versatility to play on the outside, too. He's that talented, that quick and that much of an all-around potential star with a high ceiling.

If they can land him, Bituli is the kind of defensive centerpiece the Vols can build around for the future.

Josh Brown, Linebacker/Defensive End (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Credit: 247Sports

Versatile defensive standout Josh Brown committed to Florida State way back on Sept. 20 of last year, but that hasn't stopped some of the nation's top programs from chasing him.

Tennessee has really ramped up the intensity in his recruitment over the past few months, and it's clear the Vols are pushing for Brown's attention. Brown and 5-star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence are a pair of Tar Heel State D-line prospects UT covets.

The Vols have had recent success recruiting at the Charlotte prospect's high school. Mallard Creek High School is where Brown plays, and it's the alma mater of current UT receiver and former elite recruit Marquez North.

Maybe if North has the kind of junior season he is capable of, he will open some eyes and make a fan out of Brown. Maybe Brown will even want to follow in the receiver's footsteps.

Distance could wind up being a factor, and that could benefit the Vols. Though he continues to insist he is firmly committed to FSU, Brown visited Knoxville a few times and is at least listening.

He called a spring visit to UT "amazing" and has mentioned the Vols among the teams recruiting him the hardest.

Both major North Carolina programs are hot and heavy on the nation's No. 14 outside linebacker and 207th overall player, but Tennessee has enjoyed a bunch of success within the borders of its eastern neighbor recently.

UT would love to add a player of Brown's ilk to a small class. Vols tight ends coach and emerging ace recruiter Mark Elder is trying to flip him from the Seminoles.

With so much pass-rushing talent on campus or coming to UT already, Brown is a luxury to the Vols. But he's exactly the kind of hybrid, niche player who can take a defense to another level.

Landon Dickerson, Offensive Tackle (Hudson, North Carolina)

Credit: 247Sports

Carolina is obviously on Tennessee's mind this year, as the Vols already have a commitment from elite cornerback Marquill Osborne and are looking to add more.

Joining Josh Brown and Dexter Lawrence at the top of that North Carolina wish list is offensive tackle Landon Dickerson from Hudson, who may be the highest lineman remaining on the Vols' recruiting board.

The 6'5 ½", 295-pound edge guard is a prototypical offensive tackle for Tennessee's power-spread system. He is big, athletic and is outfitting himself well on the camp circuit, having recently earned an invitation to The Opening (per 247Sports' JC Shurburtt).

He has been lauded for his excellent footwork and is a polished pass-blocker. He also has the body type to develop into a road-grader and has long enough arms to seal off pass-rushers.

Considering UT already has commitments from in-state tackle Ryan Johnson and a versatile lineman who could play guard or tackle in Brodarious Hamm, the Vols may take just one more at the position. They'd love for Dickerson to fill the void.

Dickerson would be an immediate take, but there's a pretty tall hurdle to overcome to land the nation's 22nd-ranked tackle. He's a Virginia Tech legacy, and the Hokies are right at the top along with the Vols and South Carolina.

If UT can somehow convince Dickerson to head to Rocky Top to play his college ball, it will have a duo of stellar exterior line prospects in the 2016 class to go along with Drew Richmond, Jack Jones and Chance Hall from this year.

That's a strong group for the future.

Mecole Hardman, Athlete (Elberton, Georgia)

Credit: 247Sports

With Vols receiver Von Pearson's future status in question (not to mention it's his final season, anyway) and with Pig Howard and Johnathon Johnson now rising seniors, UT desperately needs wideouts.

At the top of that list are Elberton, Georgia, athlete Mecole Hardman and North Carolina prospect Diondre Overton. Hardman, the 5'11", 173-pound dynamo, is probably a notch higher on the board just because of his electric ability.

According to his 247Sports profile, he runs a 4.42 40-yard dash, and while the Vols view him as an offensive playmaker, in-state Georgia may play him both ways. That's why Tennessee and the Dawgs are at the top of his list.

Though UT was the longtime favorite, Hardman recently said the two schools are even at the top.

He told GoVols247's Ryan Callahan this weekend at a camp where he earned an invitation to The Opening he's currently "leaning more toward one school" than the other right now, though he gave no indication which team that was.

It feels like the Bulldogs are trending in this one, but the battle for Hardman's signature could go all the way to national signing day, and UT figures to be in it until the end.

Don't count out Coach Jones, who goes into Georgia and plucks top players every year. But Georgia coach Mark Richt is making Hardman a priority as well.

He is an elite player with a unique skill set and legit SEC speed. Anybody who gets him will immediately be able to deploy an instant-impact game-changer. Hardman has been at the top of UT's offensive playmaker wish list, but this one will be a battle for a while.

Elijah Holyfield, Running Back (Atlanta)

Credit: 247Sports

Another outright dogfight for a prospect will ensue for running back Elijah Holyfield. The 4-star son of former heavyweight champion boxer Evander Holyfield has seen his stock rise over the past few months.

The 5'11", 205-pound bulldozer recently received an offer from Alabama, according to his 247Sports profile, but the biggest battle for his signature seems to be between Tennessee and Auburn.

The Tigers are going to be tough for anybody to beat. Holyfield's older brother walked on for the Tigers, and coach Gus Malzahn has done strong work early in his recruitment. They've got a stable of talented recruiters on the Plains, and they're all over Holyfield, who visited there for the A-Day Game yet again.

Even so, the Vols are right there.

Given the opportunity for immediate reps, UT has to be an intriguing option for any running back right now. Shortly after wrapping up a top-five recruiting class in February, Coach Jones said that running back would be the biggest need in the 2016 cycle.

Holyfield is arguably the Vols' top target at their biggest position of need. Other running backs, such as Georgia commitment B.J. Emmons and Texas prospect Trevor Speights, are also high on UT's current list, but Holyfield is an elite prospect.

He has the power to break tackles and is also fast enough to do damage on the outside. That's why a host of the nation's top programs are after him.

The Vols are in serious contention to land him. Holyfield hasn't publicly named a leader, but considering his family ties to Auburn, that seems like a logical fit. Tennessee running backs coach Robert Gillespie has his work cut out for him if he's going to pull the upset and land the prospect.

Nigel Warrior, Safety (Suwanee, Georgia)

Credit: 247Sports

Butch Jones dominates when it comes to pulling in legacy prospects he covets.

Since he's been at UT, the coach secured commitments from Ryan Jenkins, Vic Wharton, Todd Kelly Jr., Evan and Elliott Berry, Dillon Bates, Neiko Creamer and Kahlil McKenzie.

The newest major target with family ties is Georgia prospect Nigel Warrior.

The 6'0", 175-pound safety is wanted by everybody in the country. While he is open to everybody, including Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State and others, Warrior has a significant tie to Tennessee: He is the son of legendary UT safety and NFL All-Pro Dale Carter.

Carter roamed the secondary and returned kicks and punts for the Vols during Johnny Majors' years and is possibly the best pure athlete ever to play in Knoxville. 

One look at Warrior's offer sheet proves that the apple landed at the base of the tree.

He's the nation's 63rd-ranked player and the fourth-rated safety. You'd think he would be a lock for Tennessee, but in-state Georgia currently holds a lead on the 247Sports Crystal Ball projections.

With UT losing Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil after the 2015 season, the Vols desperately need a safety or two. Even with the emergence of Evan Berry and the steady rising stardom of Kelly, they are seeking to build depth to go along with those two and freshman Stephen Griffin.

Warrior is drawing as much attention as anybody on Tennessee's recruiting list. The Vols led his recruitment last summer, and it isn't a stretch to believe Jones can get them back there, especially if UT has a big year.

Warrior has the speed, size and tackling ability to step in and start from Day 1. He's a pivotal part of Tennessee's 2016 recruiting class. Now, all the Vols have to do is get him to commit.

Joejuan Williams, Defensive Back (Hendersonville, Tennessee)

Credit: 247Sports

Whether Nigel Warrior or Joejuan Williams is the bigger target at safety for the Vols is subjective to anybody outside of the program, but one thing is certain: They'd love to have either one, and they both carry serious importance on the periphery.

Aside from the fact that they're both excellent prospects, Warrior is a legacy, therefore UT wants to keep the family in orange. Williams is an in-state player from Hendersonville (Jalen Hurd and Jashon Robertson country), and Butch Jones always wants to keep them from leaving the boundaries of the Volunteer State.

At 6'2", 195 pounds, Williams is listed as a cornerback by 247Sports, and he's the kind of versatile prospect who could project to boundary corner, nickelback or safety in UT's system, wherever he's needed.

Tons of teams around the nation love Williams. LSU, Auburn, Notre Dame and others are making him a priority, and Jones is definitely showing him love as well. Williams spoke of that relationship with UT's head coach and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez to GoVols247's Ryan Callahan recently:

"

We talk all the time. We've got a great relationship. I'd say him and [LSU] coach [Les] Miles, I talk to the most [among head coaches]. We're the same as [my relationship with] Coach Martinez. We talk about life. [Jones] talks to my mom a lot now, and they've got a special relationship. My mom kind of actually likes him. She thinks he's a really cool dude, a really great dude. They've got a great relationship. We've got a great relationship. It's good.

"

When you're expecting to compete for championships, you can't let a player of Williams' caliber leave the state. He's a future star, and virtually every team recruiting him knows it.

If UT can land the in-state trio of Williams, Daniel Bituli and defensive tackle Emmit Gooden, it will be well on its way to another stellar year in the Volunteer State. Though the Vols may not be able to take even 20 players in this class, they'll be selective.

Williams will definitely have a spot.

Observations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All recruiting information obtained from 247Sports.

Brad Shepard covers SEC football and is the Tennessee lead writer for Bleacher Report. Follow Brad on Twitter @Brad_Shepard.