Coveted DE Justin Weeks Feels 'Comfortable' with Tennessee Football

The 2027 recruit made his second visit to Knoxville and came away impressed with the Volunteers' coaching staff and program culture.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:05pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw power and athleticism of a dominant defensive football player, with their face and uniform details blurred into the expressionist style.The Tennessee Volunteers' defensive line continues to attract top talent like Justin Weeks, whose visit left him feeling energized about the program's future.Knoxville Today

Four-star defensive end Justin Weeks of Douglas County, Georgia, visited Tennessee for the second time, taking in the Volunteers' annual Orange and White spring game. Weeks, a top 2027 recruit, said he felt comfortable on Rocky Top and plans to return for an official visit in the fall as he continues evaluating the program and its ability to develop him for the next level.

Why it matters

Landing top defensive line talent is crucial for Tennessee as they look to build on a strong 2026 season and compete for SEC and national championships. Weeks' positive impression of the Volunteers' coaching staff and program culture could put Tennessee in a strong position to land the coveted 2027 prospect.

The details

Weeks spent time with Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and position coach Rodney Garner, getting a feel for the Volunteers' defensive scheme and how he could fit in. He was impressed by the speed and coordination of the defense, noting how the players moved without running into each other. Weeks also cited the passionate fan base and welcoming atmosphere as factors that have him eager to return to Knoxville.

  • Weeks visited Tennessee for the first time last fall to watch the Volunteers take on Georgia.
  • Weeks returned to Knoxville on April 11, 2026 for the Orange and White spring game.

The players

Justin Weeks

A four-star defensive end in the class of 2027 from Douglas County High School in Georgia.

Jim Knowles

Tennessee's defensive coordinator, who Weeks spent time with during his visit.

Rodney Garner

Tennessee's defensive line coach, who also interacted with Weeks during his time on campus.

Josh Heupel

Tennessee's head football coach, who led the Volunteers during the Orange and White spring game.

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What they’re saying

“The atmosphere was great. It was the same as when I came down here last year for the Georgia game. I love the fans. The fanbase is really together. I love everybody down here. So, it is really good.”

— Justin Weeks, Defensive End

“I love how like everybody can move at like their own pace. It's like everybody is quick, fast, and they know how to get to the quarterback. Everybody is not running into each other when you're doing stunts and stuff like that. Everybody looked good out there.”

— Justin Weeks, Defensive End

“Really, just the coaches, the way I feel more comfortable coming up here every time. So, I'm definitely going to be back probably in the fall. Probably take an official visit if I can, but yeah, I definitely want to come back up here.”

— Justin Weeks, Defensive End

What’s next

Weeks plans to return to Knoxville in the fall for an official visit to continue evaluating Tennessee and its ability to develop him for the next level.

The takeaway

Tennessee's efforts to rebuild its defensive line have gained momentum with a positive visit from top 2027 recruit Justin Weeks. The Volunteers' coaching staff, defensive scheme, and welcoming program culture have Weeks eager to return to Rocky Top, putting the program in strong position to land the coveted defensive end prospect.