The Vols have completed the majority of the work in their 2024 signing class a few weeks before early national signing day. The coaching staff believes that they have added a number of elite players that will have an immediate influence on this group.

Mike Matthews, a five-star wide receiver, is one of those athletes. Matthews plays prep football for Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia. He is about 6-2 and 180 pounds.

Matthews, who was just named the Region 4-7A Offensive Player of the Year, has committed to play in the Under Armour All-American Bowl. After weighing his options, which included USC, Tennessee, Clemson, Georgia, and other universities, Matthews made his decision official on July 19. After making his choice, he was committed to the Vols and never showed any symptoms of turning back.

While the Vols have seen some struggles this season from wide-outs, Matthews enters a situation full of unknowns. Tennessee still has a number of players whose decisions to make, including Bru McCoy and Dont’e Thornton. The state’s wide receiver room is full of names with a lot of potential.

With or without injuries, the five-star player might see significant playing time. What is his initial basic value to this staff, I wonder? If it’s really high, there’s a good chance you’ll see him in a slot between four and six before the season even starts, which would mean he would be the starting team’s backup during his rookie season.

Since Matthews is very physical and can play outside or in the slot when lined up at wide receiver, some may start clamoring for the true freshman to get more touches and possibly even starting time if he dominates during camp.

Whatever route the Vols decide to go with this particular talent, it is imperative that they allow Matthews to see at least some playing time in the first season. Many believe Matthews will eventually be quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s top option, and the more time he receives, the faster he develops.