Zaydyn Anderson’s commitment to Tennessee:
Greeneville High’s Dynamic WR/CB Zaydyn Anderson Commits to Tennessee
Greeneville (Tenn.) High rising senior and standout two-way athlete Zaydyn Anderson has made a splash on the recruiting front – announcing his commitment to the University of Tennessee on June 28, 2025. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder, who also shines in track & field, becomes the Vols’ 12th commit in their burgeoning 2026 class.
Anderson, graded as a three-star athlete by 247Sports, brings both explosiveness and versatility. He caught Tennessee’s attention during their spring camp and an “865 Live” event in March, where his polished ball skills impressed the Vols’ defensive coaches.
Staffers praised his reliable hands, clean route running, and no-fear attitude in contested catches—qualities that have the coaching staff envisioning him transitioning to cornerback at the next level.
A standout on the track, Anderson dominated the Tennessee Class AA region, claiming titles in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes. He’s clocked an impressive 10.71 seconds in the 100m and 21.5 in the 200m, in addition to earning a silver medal in the long jump. That elite speed, paired with his size, elevates his upside as a defender capable of matching stride-for-stride with receivers.
Anderson’s recruitment quickly gained momentum this offseason. He took trips to Cincinnati and Toledo, later trimming his list to a final three of Tennessee, Cincinnati, and Toledo ([si.com][4]). Others in pursuit included Colorado State, Memphis, Liberty, Ball State, and East Carolina.
During his official Knoxville visit over the weekend of June 20, Anderson said he connected strongly with head coach Josh Heupel and the Vols’ man-to-man defensive scheme ([on3.com][3]). “He is a good coach … has a winning attitude,” Anderson remarked. “I just noticed how they play man most of the time, and I liked watching what coverages they are in”.
While the Vols have prioritized building a nationally recognized 2026 class, in-state talent like Anderson lends homegrown credibility and excitement ([si.com][5]). His commitment further cements Tennessee’s position in the top‑15 nationally, joining the ranks of other solid pledges.
Looking ahead, Anderson projects as a versatile member of the Vols’ secondary. Whether lining up at wideout or shifting to cornerback, his combination of track-level speed, ball instincts, and competitive drive suggests a high ceiling as he transitions to college-level football.
As Tennessee continues to pursue elite talent, Anderson’s commitment underscores their dual path – recruiting top-tier out-of-state prospects while securing standout in-state athletes. With the 2026 signing period approaching, Rocky Top is excited to welcome this high-upside athlete.
Congratulations, Zaydyn—welcome to Tennessee orange! 🎉