Where will top prospects make first visits?
After more than one year when high school athletes weren't allowed to take official recruiting visits, the NCAA announced Thursday it will end the recruiting dead period June 1.
College coaches will be allowed to meet with athletes and their parents in person again on visits to campus.
The recruiting dead period was implemented by the NCAA in March 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was extended eight times.
The USA Today Network-tennessee spoke to high school athletes from across the state to ask them what schools they plan to visit once the dead period ends.
Shannon Blair
West, Jr.
Sport: Football
Blair will take an official visit to Michigan State June 4-6. Blair, who is a three-star recruit, according to the 247Sports Composite, talks to Michigan State's coaches multiple times a week.
"I've been wanting to take a visit somewhere," said Blair, who was the Region 3-5A returner of the year in 2020. "I'm looking forward to actually meeting (the coaches)."
Blair said the past 13 months have been frustrating. He's done virtual tours and communicated with coaches over text, phone calls and Facetime.
"You get to build a stronger relationship (with them)," Blair said when asked why meeting coaches in person was important.
Jordan James
Oakland, Jr.
Sport: Football
James committed to Georgia on March 29 and that's the first place he will visit.
“I only have plans to visit Georgia after the dead period is lifted,” said James, who rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 26 TDS last year and was named 6A Bluecross Bowl MVP.
James, who is a four-star recruit and the No. 3 recruit in the state, has offers from seven SEC schools and other Power 5 programs.
Ty Lockwood
Independence, So.
Sport: Football
Lockwood said he doesn't have any dates set but he is going to be taking numerous trips. He will go to Penn State, Michigan, Virginia Tech and Ohio State.
Lockwood, a tight end, is a four-star recruit and the No. 2 recruit in the state for the Class of 2023. Lockwood recorded 43 receptions for 606 yards and three touchdowns in 2020. He helped take Independence to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.
Grayson Morgan
Montgomery Bell Academy, Jr.
Sport: Football
Morgan, a three-star recruit and offensive lineman, said he's visiting Maryland on June 4 and Kentucky on June 25.
"I like both the schools so far," Morgan said in a Twitter direct message. "I have had a virtual tour with Maryland and really like their campus so I am (interested) in seeing it in person and for Kentucky, I really like (offensive line) coach (Eric) Wolford and the program they have built so I really wanted to see both those places in person to get a feel for things around their campus and their facilities."
Ta'mia Scott
Northwest, Jr.
Sport: Basketball
Scott has received several offers since her junior season ended, including South Carolina Upstate, Tennessee State and Middle Tennessee State. She will visit South Carolina Upstate first, but doesn't have a date set.
“I was just really excited when I saw the news from the NCAA. I mean, for us, it's going to be such a relief to get a chance to step foot on campus for the first time. For me, it'll be the first time really," Scott said.
Scott also wants to visit West Virginia and Gardner-webb because those two schools have been heavily recruiting her, she said.
Ty Simpson
Westview, Jr.
Sport: Football
Simpson is the No. 2 recruit in the state for the Class of 2022. Simpson committed to Alabama on Feb. 26, picking the Crimson Tide over Clemson, Tennessee and other schools.
Simpson, a five-star prospect, said he is visiting “Alabama, and only Alabama." He doesn't know when he will take his official visit. In 2020, Simpson completed 124 of 203 passes for 1,888 yards with 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 311 yards and seven touchdowns. He helped lead Westview to the second round of the Class 3A playoffs.