Vols signee explains why he chose Tennessee over Ohio State

2024 three-star safety Edrees Farooq committed to the Tennessee Vols in early 2023 after taking unofficial visits to Ohio State and UT on back-to-back weekends. 

Last month, Farooq followed through with his commitment and signed with Tennessee during the early signing period while joining the Vols for some of the program's Citrus Bowl practices. 

Farooq, who is participating in the Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando this week, spoke to 247Sports recently about his decision to commit to Tennessee. 

“A big thing was the atmosphere. The atmosphere and the environment is out of this world," said Farooq. “I love the players and the coaches and I was able to easily bond with everyone. It wasn’t an easy decision but in the end, I knew Tennessee was the best place for me.”

Farooq told 247Sports it was "close" between Tennessee and Ohio State, but the Vols' "loyalty" is what separated UT. 

“The thing that separated Tennessee for me was their loyalty," explained Farooq. "They stuck with me and really made me feel like I was a priority for them. Plus I like the defense a lot and how they want to use me."

Farqooq, 5-foot-11/180 lbs from Baltimore, MD, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 73 safety in the nation and the No. 22 player in the state of Maryland. His cousin, Jalil Farooq, is a former four-star wide receiver who currently plays for the Oklahoma Sooners.