Tennessee lands Brandon Leavell over Clemson, Florida, others

The Tennessee Volunteers secured an important in-state recruiting win on Monday.

Brandon “Slim” Leavell is from Madison, Tennessee. According to 247Sports, he’s ranked as the No. 44 athlete in the 2027 class. More specifically, he’s ranked as a three-star corner, according to On3.

Leavell was also interested in the Clemson Tigers, Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles and NC State Wolfpack. Being less than three hours away from Knoxville, though, there was just something that always clicked between him and the Volunteers.

“Tennessee always felt special to me,” Leavell told Rivals. “Tennessee offered me on Feb 23 and the new staff have been heavily recruiting me. They have made me a priority and have visited me multiple times. I have had great conversations with all of them, and I have created great relationships. I feel special being recruited by such guys.”

Josh Heupel is obviously the top dawg in Knoxville, but Leavell specifically grew close with defensive backs coach Anthony Poindexter and cornerbacks coach Derek Jones.

“Coach Poindexter and Coach Jones have been recruiting me the most,” Leavell said. “They are amazing guys and know how to develop players. I have close relationships with both of them and I really see myself fitting in perfectly with them.”