Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tennessee Vols defender says game against Ohio State will be 'personal' for him

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Dec 9, 2024 4:07 PM ET

When the Tennessee Vols take the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus in the first round of the College Football Playoff on December 21, it will be "personal" for UT pass rusher Caleb Herring.

Herring, a former four-star recruit from Murfreesboro, TN, joined The Locker Room on Sunday after the playoff brackets were revealed and he explained how Ohio State never offered him during the recruiting process even though they acted like they were going to when he visited.

"Well this game is actually going to be pretty personal," said Herring to former Vols wide receiver Jayson Swain. "Because I remember when I was talking to Ohio State, they were like whenever I get on campus, they're gonna [give me] an offer and it'll be all good and stuff. But when I got to campus, I went through the visit and stuff, talked to the coaches and they didn't once mention an offer. So I was like ok get these pictures over with and then afterwards I'm done with them."

Herring is obviously happy he landed at Tennessee -- especially since he got to play with his brother, Elijah (who is now at Memphis), for a season -- but at the time of his visit to Ohio State, he wasn't sure where he was going to commit.

Things worked out just fine for Herring and it would be understandable if there were no hard feelings toward Ohio State.

But I think it's a good thing that the sophomore edge rusher is making things personal against the Buckeyes. In fact, the rest of the Vols need to do the same.

I've referenced it plenty of times before, but it remains just as important as ever -- Nick Saban's advice to players to make it personal on Saturdays is something that every player should heed. Otherwise, you'll be at a disadvantage.

Good advice from Nick Saban. Make it personal on Saturdays bc everyone else is. pic.twitter.com/xwfDGRGBNb
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) November 11, 2022

Herring's teammates would be wise to follow his lead. Tennessee's players need to collectively channel their inner Michael Jordan and find a way to make it personal in Columbus on December 21.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: