Brandon 'Slim' Leavell, a three-star defensive back from Madison, Tennessee, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on Tuesday, closing the door on a recruiting race that also involved Florida and Clemson.
Leavell, ranked No. 519 nationally and No. 22 among prospects in the state, said his primary recruiter, co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter, played a pivotal role in his decision. He projects to patrol the secondary at the collegiate level.
A Boost for the Vols' Defensive Future
The commitment adds to a Tennessee 2027 class that already boasts 16 pledges and sits at No. 43 in the national rankings and No. 14 within the SEC. Alongside Leavell, the Vols have secured other defensive backs such as Marcus Jones, Jaden Butler, Dylan Haley and Carter Jamison.
The class also features a host of in-state talents — including Kesean Bowman, Kenneth Simon II, Malik Howard, Princeton Uwaifo, JP Peace and DaYon Cooper — who have already pledged to the university.
Tennessee is now actively pursuing five-star running back David Gabriel Georges, a recruit expected to announce his decision in the coming weeks.
Coach Poindexter’s involvement underscores the program’s emphasis on building a strong secondary, a strategy that could pay dividends when the 2027 cohort arrives on campus.
The early signing period will allow Leavell and his peers to formalize their commitments, marking a significant step toward shaping the Vols’ defensive outlook for the next several seasons.