Highly coveted 4-star recruit from Knoxville makes strong statement about the Tennessee Vols' new defensive coaching staff
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The Tennessee Vols underwent their most extensive coaching staff changes of the Josh Heupel era this offseason.
Heupel moved on from defensive coordinator Tim Banks in December, replacing him with former Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Knowles was allowed to bring a couple of assistant coaches with him. Tennessee will enter the 2026 season with a new cornerbacks coach (Derek Jones), a new safeties coach (Anthony Poindexter), and a new LEOs coach (Andrew Jackson). Knowles also brought a couple of analysts with him.
4-star recruit from Knoxville drops strong quote on Tennessee’s new coaching staff
2027 four-star safety Jarrell Chandler is an important recruiting target for the Volunteers.
Chandler, 6-3/200 pounds from Knoxville, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 31 safety in the nation and the No. 13 player in the state of Tennessee.
The four-star recruit recently discussed his recruitment with On3 and he was quick to point out that he likes Tennessee’s new defensive coaching staff.
“The new [defensive] staff on defense is legit, they are the hometown team, and I have good relationships with the staff at Tennessee,” said Chandler to On3.
Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, and Vanderbilt are also in the mix for Chandler.
Chandler is set to take an official visit to Tennessee in June.
Vanderbilt is viewed as the Vols’ top competition for the in-state safety. Tennessee, however, will likely be tough to beat in this recruiting battle — especially with Chandler already connecting well with the Vols’ new defensive coaching staff.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Feb 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Nashville section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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