Tennessee was hit with tough news on Thursday. Class of 2024 wide receiver Mazeo Bennett announced he was de-comitting from Tennessee.
“Man, first I would like to say thank you to the entire staff at the University of Tennessee,” he wrote in his Twitter post. “Thank you for taking me in and believing in me. Thank you to the fan base for all of the love shown to me.
“With the recent changes in the coaching staff, me and my family have decided to take a step back and re-evaluate Tennessee and others. Tennessee will still be one of my top schools.
“Hurts my heart to say this but I will be decommitting from the University of Tennessee and reopening my recruitment.”
The four-star prospect verbally committed to Tennessee in October. Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports had predicted Bennet to Tennessee at the time and it seems he was trending that way.
Since his commitment, South Carolina has figured out their air attack and Gamecock coach Shane Beamer upset the Vols in Columbia. Beamer has been constant in his recruitment of Bennett. Bennett, a Greeneville, SC native, now is trending toward the Gamecocks.
The loss of offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, and South Carolina hiring a new offensive coordinator, likely will weigh on Bennett’s mind.
Brian Dohn of 247Sports projected Bennett to South Carolina immediately following his decommittment.
Bennett finished his junior season with 47 catches for 857 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also ran for 221 yards and seven touchdowns on 20 attempts.
The receiver, who stands at 5-foot-11 and 175-pounds, is ranked as the No. 3 receiver prospect in the class of 2024, and the No. 31 wide receiver.
When Bennett committed to Tennessee, he chose the Vols over South Carolina, Miami, Florida State, and Alabama, among others. While he says he still holds Tennessee among his top schools, it seems Beamer and South Carolina may have poached the young, talented receiver.
