Tennessee Vols among top contenders for in-state 4-star recruit

The Tennessee Vols are one of several programs in the mix to land 2025 four-star offensive lineman Chauncey Gooden. 

Gooden, 6-foot-4/320 lbs from Nashville, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 10 interior offensive lineman in the nation and the No. 3 player in the state of Tennessee. 

Clemson, Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma are also in the mix for Gooden. 

"It's the hometown team. They have a bunch of players that went to my school," said Gooden to 247Sports of his interest in the Volunteers. "Everything about them is a great thing. Just them being so close to home, it's a great thing."

(Vols defensive back Kaleb Beasley, linebacker Edwin Spillman, and wide receiver Nate Spillman each attended Lipscomb, the same school as Gooden.)

Gooden was named the "247Sports Alpha Dog" after his recent performance at the Under Armour Nashville camp last weekend. 

247Sports noted that Gooden didn't lose a rep during the camp in Nashville and he was "dominant while competing". 

Gooden told 247Sports that he plans to announce his commitment by the end of June. He'll take visits to Colorado and Clemson before making his decision.