Calvary Day School wide receiver Thomas Blackshear has his eyes on two SEC foes. Dawgs247 recruiting reporter Benjamin Wolk said an “Athens vs. Knoxville battle” is breaking out for the talented pass catcher.

The rising senior is a former teammate of Tennessee quarterback signee Jake Merklinger, slotted to be the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart this season. Blackshear ranks as the No. 347 prospect in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports’ Composite Rankings, and has a top three of Florida State, Georgia, and Tennessee. However, recent developments have the Seminoles out of the picture and Tennessee firmly alongside the in-state Bulldogs. Blackshear hauled in 27 catches for 551 yards and five touchdowns during his junior campaign and previously broke down his interest in the Vols with On3’s Hunter Shelton. “I have been talking to Tennessee almost every day. They are always checking in, making sure I am doing good and showing me their interest in me.” – Thomas Blackshear on Tennessee Tennessee already has a pledge from Collierville High School wide receiver Joakim Dodson, who jumped on board last week. Tennessee has the No. 10 recruiting class in the 2025 cycle and plans to add two to three more names at the wide receiver position throughout the cycle. Blackshear is one of the names they have an eye on, and it’ll be interesting to see how this one progresses.

TENNESSEE’S 2025 RECRUITING CLASS George MacIntyre, QB Justin Baker, RB Joakim Dodson, WR Jack VanDorselaer, TE Dylan Lewis, CB Tyler Redmond, CB