Tennessee signs 18 future Vols

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- The Tennessee Vols inked commitments from 18 players Wednesday during National Football Signing Day.

One player making it official was local standout Aaron Douglas. He is a two-time state Mr. Football award winner.

Douglas, a tight end who never lost a high school football game while playing for the Maryville Rebels, was excited to finally put his name on commitment papers.

"It's awesome. It is a great feeling to sign the paper, finish the school year off strong, and get over to UT," Douglas said. "I mean, that is what I wanted to do. I have kept with it all this time. It is cool that this day is finally here. Signing Day."

Four future Vols have ties to the team. Perhaps the most notable is Ben Bartholomew. His grandfather, Sam Bartholomew, was captain of the 1939 SEC Championship team. His older brother, Will Bartholomew, played for the Vols on the 1998 National Championship team.

Carson Anderson also has two family connections to UT. His father, Terry Anderson, played linebacker at UT from 1976 to 1978. His uncle, Charlie Anderson, was a defensive end from 1974 to 1976.

Aaron Douglas is also the son of a former player. His father, David, played offensive tackle for the Vols in 1984 and 1985.

Rodriquez Wilks's connection with the team is more immediate. His brother, Marsalous Johnson, plays defensive back for the Vols.

"I am very pleased with our class overall," head coach Phillip Fulmer said about his recruiting class. "There are some really talented young men in this group, some that will help us immediately and some that will take time to develop."

Austin Johnson and Tauren Poole have enrolled at UT and are taking classes, so they will be able to participate in spring drills next month.