Vols Add Another In-State Playmaker To The Secondary
Image: Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
Tennessee Football recruiting has been orange-hot in the month of July so far, and the Vols kept that momentum going again Tuesday afternoon with a key in-state addition in the secondary.
Class of 2026 three-star defensive back Javonte Smith announced his commitment to the Volunteers, choosing UT over SEC opponents Missouri and Arkansas, and West Virginia, per Rivals’ Chad Simmons.
The 6-foot, 170-pound versatile athlete from Jackson, Tennessee, has been a standout at North Side high school in west Tennessee. In 2024, Smith racked up over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns offensively, while also adding four interceptions on the defensive side of the ball en route to Region 4A-6 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
While Smith has excelled on the offensive side, Tennessee and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez believe his long-term future resides in the secondary where his length, instincts, and versatility will thrive.
Smith took visits to all four finalists, but it was his final visit to Knoxville June 20-22 that proved to change his recruitment.
"Honestly, the culture," Smith told GoVols247. "The people that's in Knoxville, they show a lot of love. The coaches, the staff, players, even the fan base, I mean–they really just show a lot of love, and that means a lot to me."
Ranked as the No. 964 prospect in the country and a top-40 player in the state of Tennessee, Smith marks the 18th commitment in the 2026 class for the Vols.
