Following over 17 months of dedication to Tennessee, Jonathan Echols declared on Friday that he would no longer be signing with the Vols. Less than two weeks before Early Signing Day, the four-star Class of 2024 tight end from Bradenton, Florida’s IMG Academy announced on his X account that he had committed to USF, abandoning his long-standing pledge to Tennessee.
First-year USF coach Alex Golesh, who first recruited Echols when he was the Vols’ offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, will reunite with the 6-foot-4, 230-pound player. On July 4, 2022, Echols announced his commitment to Tennessee, making him the Vols’ first 2024 commitment at the time.
The industry-generated 247Sports Composite ranks Echols as the No. 179 overall prospect, the No. 13 tight end in the 2024 class, and the No. 24 senior from the state of Florida. Additionally, 247Sports, which ranks him as the No. 18 tight end in the 2024 class, has him pegged as a four-star prospect.
He was Tennessee’s only tight end in the 2024 draft class. Now that McCallan Castles and Jacob Warren are set to retire after this season, the Vols are looking for more assistance at the position.
Tennessee currently has 19 pledges for the class of 2024. The class of the Vols, which features two five-star players and nine four-star prospects according to 247Sports, is still ranked No. 12 in the country in the 247Sports Composite team rankings.
This season at IMG Academy, Echols, who began his high school career at Franklin, Georgia’s Heard County High School, caught 14 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns.
In the official 247Sports evaluation, director of scouting Andrew Ivins stated that Echols “has the testing numbers and athletic profile that scouts covet.”
“Initially was graded out as an EDGE, but has made it very clear that he views himself as a tight end on Saturdays and not a pass rusher,” Ivins said of Echols. During his first semester at IMG Academy, quickly gained notoriety by setting a laser-timed 40-yard dash record of 4.8, adding a 4.5 short shuttle and a 120-inch broad jump at the national powerhouse’s annual Pro Day.
“Worked as an h-back and jumbo slot receiver in a run-heavy offense for the majority of his junior season, though he occasionally lined up attached. With a longer stride and an initial burst, he can cover a lot of ground. Although he isn’t the most skilled route runner, he is able to pick his spots and get past opponents as he crosses the field. Over the last six months or so, hands have gotten better, but further work on the Jugs machine will be beneficial.
If he wants to move defenders aside at the Power Five level, he must eventually bulk up his thin frame. Considered as one of the more distinctive prospects for the 2024 cycle overall. Will probably have the opportunity to play offensive at the school of his choice, but given his length (81 inches in the wings) and balance, defense may be where he ultimately shines.”
