Tennessee Gets Clear Message From Five-Star Edge Rusher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 9:15 AM ET

If the Tennessee Volunteers want to land one of the top edge rushers in the 2027 recruiting class, the program may want to sign outside linebackers coach Levorn Harbin to another contract extension.

One of the top edge rushers of the 2027 class and five-star prospect Chris Whitehead visited Knoxville, Tennessee again last weekend. Whitehead describing leaving the visit feeling great about his chemistry with Harbin, who is nicknamed "Coach Chop."

“I have a very good relationship with Coach Chop,” Whitehead told On3's Matt Ray this week. “He is very straightforward with me, and he is going to push me to be the best.

"Him pushing me shows that he loves me, so just knowing that him and Coach Banks will be there at Tennessee, if I do want to commit there one day, is definitely great to see.”

Ray reported Wednesday that during the visit, Whitehead also learned more about how he fits in the Volunteers defense.

“So, they would use me as a LEO because I am a more versatile guy and can drop back and play in coverage or I can rush the passer or I can defend against the run,” Whitehead told On3. “Just doing all of that stuff in their scheme could build me up even more.”

Elite EDGE Chris Whitehead impressed by Coach 'Chop', #Vols during latest visit to Rocky Top

https://t.co/lb6C5MTcCd pic.twitter.com/u1y87qOUZo
— Volquest Staff (@Volquest_On3) June 18, 2025

The fact that former Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. just became a first-round pick in the NFL Draft won't hurt the Volunteers' chances of landing Whitehead either.

“Knowing they recruited him out of high school tells me they kept that relationship piece, and in my mind, I feel like that could be me in the future," said Whitehead.

According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Whitehead is the top Virginia prospect and No. 4 edge rusher in the 2027 class.

The same rankings also have him rated the No. 11 overall recruit for 2027.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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