Vanderbilt finds themselves among the Top 12 for highly-rated Ensworth (Tenn.) 2025 defensive Ethan Utley.
The other contenders include Michigan, Tennessee, Miami, North Carolina, Florida, Oklahoma, Auburn, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, and Georgia.
The Rivals250 prospect took summer trips to Oklahoma, Texas, Miami, and Florida and will look to take some additional game day visits this fall.
The Commodores immediately got involved as soon as Clark Lea took over as head coach back in December of 2020.
That longstanding relationship with the Vandy's staff is one of the biggest reasons why the Commodores are among the top contenders for the 6-foot-3, 265-pound talent.
ON VANDERBILT:
"Our relationship has been good since I got that offer. There is no flaws in Vandy's staff in my opinion from Coach (Jovan) Haye to Coach (Larry) Black to Coach (Clark) Lea. All those guys down there, they just enjoy having me around."
"They let me come in the facility and just chill, hangout, break down film, and get a workout in if I can. They really allow me to treat Vanderbilt like a home already and the reason they are standing out and in my Top 12 is because that staff pours a lot of time and effort into me."
"I take note of that and know they are serious about me. They've been applying pressure since they offered me and I really appreciate that and I'm looking forward to seeing where that relationship continues to progress."
