Safety Cortez McDowell committed to Tennessee on July 16th and has since visited Knoxville six times. Linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen and defensive coordinator John Jancek served as his recruiters.

“There were a lot of reasons why I picked Tennessee, but the main one was it’s a good fit for myself – somewhere were I’m going to spend the next four or five years of my life. I felt like Tennessee is a great spot for myself, and that’s why I went with my gut feeling,” McDowell told the AJC.

He has near prototypical size for a safety prospect and his game is very polished. He is effective against the run and pass and in both zone and man coverage. With his talents, McDowell will get a chance to show what he can do early as the coaching staff wants the incoming class of defensive backs to push presumed starters LaDarrell McNeil and Brian Randolph. He could eventually grow into an outside linebacker.

The Basics: Rated as a 4-star prospect by Scout, Rivals, ESPN, and 247Sports, Cortez McDowell is a 6-1, 205 pound safety from Locust Grove, Georgia (Locust Grove HS). 247Sports ranks McDowell as the No. 10 safety and No. 145 overall prospect in the 2014 class. As a junior, he recored 60 tackles, 2 interceptions, a sack, and 10 pass break ups. Last season he tallied 92 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 20 pass deflections. McDowell chose the Vols over Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Clemson, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, and others.

Scouting Reports: “McDowell is a well balanced safety. He can support the run, cover in the secondary, and he has the size and intangibles you like to see in a prospect at his position. He can play some nickel back in coverage, but he is best when free to roam and to close down against the run. He has great instincts and is a very smart player on the back of the defense. He could play some free and strong safety on the next level.” – Chad Simmons

“Tall, well-built DB with very good closing speed and overall range. Has close to ideal size at this stage and shows very good functional strength and explosive pop to his frame…McDowell has a lot of physical attributes you look for in a safety prospect and also some intangibles. He’s well-rounded and versatile. Can play zone or man and produce effectively versus the run or pass. A defender who makes the most of his opportunities.” – ESPN.com

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