After James Franklin left Vanderbilt, then Vandy commit Jashon Robertson quickly started evaluating his options and honed in on the Vols. Though Penn State offered, Robertson knew he was going to be a Vol after spending a weekend in Knoxville with his good friend, UT RB commit Jalen Hurd. He publicly committed to Tennessee (January 15th).

“I think he’s always had a love for Tennessee. The education at Vanderbilt appealed to Jay a lot, plus it’s at home. But things kinda changed, Tennessee offered him and he decided he wants to go there,” said Robertson’s high school coach Marty Euverard in a report by The Tennessean.

Though he could get a look on offense, the Vols plan on playing him at defensive tackle. Tennessee will have to replace six defensive lineman next season so Robertson definitely fills a void along the front-four. His commitment carries even more significance after the Vols lost JUCO DT DaVonte Lambert to Auburn.

The Basics: Rated as a high three-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports, ESPN, and Scout, Robertson is a 6-3, 290-pound defensive tackle/offensive guard from Nashville, Tennessee (Montgomery Bell Academy). A starter since his freshman year, Robertson is a balanced and strong prospect. He is ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the state by 247Sports and chose the Vols over Penn State and Vanderbilt.

Scouting Report: Robertson is stronger and more athletic than your average three-star defensive tackle. He benches 350 pounds, squats 500 pounds and runs a 4.8 40-yard dash. He also shows good lateral quickness for a player of his size. When run blocking, he gets to the second level of the defense quickly. He also generally exhibits a physical style of play on both sides of the ball; he likes to initiate contact. Most high school linemen require a redshirt year before being able to compete at an SEC-level, but Robertson’s strength combined with Tennessee’s lack of depth at tackle could allow him to see the field this year.

“Has good overall size and looks to have a frame that can still support more good mass and should be able to play comfortably around 300 pounds. Displays adequate-to-good first-step quickness. Robertson is a good player who brings some versatility to the table as a D-Lineman. As he gets bigger he can be a real steady and productive college defender, especially against the run.” – ESPN.com

Highlights: Watch as Robertson body slams a tailback to the turf around the 15-second mark of this video.

Here are his Jr. highlights.