Four-star defensive end Tyler Baron trims list, includes Tennessee

One of the most important targets for Tennessee has released a final eleven this week. Tyler Baron, a four-star defensive end from Knoxville, included Tennessee in his trimmed list. He also has Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Oregon in his ‘elite 11.’

Baron is 6-5, 252 pounds and attends Knoxville Catholic. He transferred in for his senior year after playing for Ensworth in Nashville last season. Baron is the 119th ranked player in the 2020 class and the 5th ranked player in the state of Tennessee, according to 247 Sports.

As Tennessee searches far and wide for difference makers in their front seven, locking one up in their own backyard seems vital for Jeremy Pruitt.

Baron has visited Tennessee a number of times over the last year, most recently during spring practices and then once again on May 18th during the Vols’ paintball event. He’s also recently seen Ohio State and Virginia Tech.

For what it’s worth, Tennessee has an early lead in the crystal ball projections, landing all three of the predictions for now.

Baron made an impact last season on both the inside and outside. That scheme versatility is what sets Baron apart from the pack as defensive coordinators could use him in a variety of ways.

Below is a quick look at what he offers.