Once a Vanderbilt lean, safety RaShaan Gaulden committed to Tennessee on July 20th and has since visited Knoxville three times. Vol linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen served as his primary recruiter.

“It’s the best fit for me and my family. I’ve really jelled with this class. I’ve got a great relationship with most of the commits. We have a great camaraderie,” he said shortly after his commitment. “It’s a great fit athletics-wise and academic-wise. I think I’ll enjoy my four years here.”

Gaulden is a spectacular athlete who played safety and receiver in high school while also lettering in wrestling and track. He is being recruited to play cornerback but could end up playing a variety of positions. He’s one of the more dynamic athletes in this class but he will need to put on some weight before seeing game action at Tennessee.

The Basics: Rated as a 4-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports and a 3-star prospect by ESPN and Scout, RaShaan Gaulden is a 6-1, 175 pound safety from Nashville, Tennessee (Independence HS). The talented safety, who reportedly runs a 4.4 to 4.5 40-yard dash, led his team in tackles as a junior (68) and added 2 sacks and 4 interceptions. Last season he recorded a jaw-dropping 193 tackles to go with 4 interceptions. On offense, he caught 55 passes for 885 yards and 12 TDs. He chose the Vols over Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Washington, and others.

Scouting Reports: “Displays close to ideal height but will need to add bulk to hold up playing in the box and avoid being engulfed by bigger, stronger blockers at the next level. Still has good, wiry strength and explosive pop to his frame. Has good speed and takes sharp pursuit angles to cover ground from sideline-to-sideline….Gaulden has upside and could be a real physical presence in college once he adds the required size and strength to his frame to match his aggressive style of play. If he can bulk up and polish his skill set in some areas we see a quality safety at the BCS level.” – ESPN.com 

“An enforcer from his safety position, Gaulden excels in run support and attacking the line of scrimmage. He takes good angles sideline to sideline and can make plays where a lot of outside linebackers typically patrol the edge, only Gaulden is starting 15 yards off the line of scrimmage. Does a good job of breaking down, getting low, and turning a ball carrier around, especially important in this day of the targeting rule.” – Scott Kennedy

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