Tennesseestarted pursuing Charlotte (N.C.) North Mecklenburg four-star defensive lineman Charles House midway through his recruitment. Since then, the Volunteers recruited the 6-foot-3, 300-pound recruit harder than any other program.
House took official visits to Alabama, Georgiaand Tennessee and continued to feel great about the Volunteers following his trip to Knoxville. That is a key reason why he publicly committed to head coach Josh Heupel and his staff over the Bulldogs on Saturday.
“I chose Tennessee because of my relationship with the staff and the coaches,” House told On3. “It felt like home. I can see myself excelling there and they can develop me really well.”
House knew he was choosing Tennessee on Wednesday, in part because of how well his official went. During the trip, he sensed a strong connection between the Volunteers’ coaches and players and bonded with multiple people around the program.
The No. 9 player in North Carolina felt so good on Tennessee’s campus that it was like he was back home in Charlotte. He sensed that he was a top priority to the Volunteers’ staff, which made up “a big part” of his decision to pledge to the SEC program.
“I wanted to go somewhere where I am going to fit in,” said House, the No. 284 overall prospect and No. 24 defensive lineman in the 2025 On300. “At Tennessee, it felt like it was that right fit.”
Tennessee’s coaching staff played an important role in House’s decision
House’s bond with Tennessee’s staff began with defensive analyst Levorn Harbin, who called him every day. He then connected with defensive line coach Rodney Garnerand Heupel, who he has “an amazing connection” with and speaks with daily.
The four-star is confident about where Heupel is taking the Volunteers. He believes Tennessee is going to have a great season this fall and will eventually be in the College Football Playoff.
“He’s made me feel good because not a lot of college football head coaches will recruit you like the way he did,” House said. “He calls me and checks up on me. When I went on my official visit, we spent a lot of time on a boat together and then, we ate breakfast together as well. That made the connection even stronger between us two.”
House feels like Harbin did a great job recruiting him as well and treated him “like family.” Harbin getting to know House’s parents was something that impressed the North Carolina native.
Garner also made a positive impression on House. The two have already discussed how House will fit into the defensive scheme at Tennessee, his film and parts of his game he needs to improve.
“He told me that he got offered a job with Auburnand he said that he wasn’t leaving for any amount of money,” House said. “He would stick to his word and stay with Tennessee. That also made me look at him differently as a man.”
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