Bradley Working Hard to Boost Tennessee’s Recruiting Class
Tennessee football has been riding a wave of momentum in recruiting under head coach Josh Heupel, and one of their top commits, 4-star/5-star EDGE Chandavian Bradley, is taking it upon himself to help secure even more elite talent for the Volunteers. According to *Tennessee Rivals*, Bradley has been actively working behind the scenes to ensure the Vols close out their 2025 recruiting cycle in dominant fashion. His efforts are aimed at landing two big-time defensive line prospects: 4-star Daevin Hobbs and 4-star Florida commit TJ Searcy.
The Vols already boast a strong 2025 class, but adding these two dynamic players would elevate Tennessee’s recruiting profile to the next level, signaling the program’s intent to compete consistently with the SEC’s elite.
Chandavian Bradley, a 6’5″, 220-pound EDGE rusher from Platte City, Missouri, committed to Tennessee over a host of other top programs, including Texas A&M and Oklahoma. Regarded as one of the most versatile pass-rushers in the nation, Bradley possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and technique that makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Since his commitment, Bradley has become not just a cornerstone of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class but also one of its most vocal advocates. Known for his outgoing personality and strong belief in what Tennessee is building under Heupel, Bradley has taken on the role of recruiter-in-chief, leveraging his influence to bring other top talents to Knoxville.
“I want to help build something special at Tennessee,” Bradley told *Tennessee Rivals*. “We’ve got something great going here, and I want to make sure we get the right guys to join us and make us even better.”
One of Bradley’s primary targets is 4-star defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs, an uncommitted prospect out of Jay M. Robinson High School in Concord, North Carolina. At 6’4″ and 265 pounds, Hobbs is a powerful and athletic lineman who excels in both run defense and pass-rushing situations.
Hobbs has been heavily pursued by several SEC powerhouses, including Alabama and Georgia, but Tennessee has made a strong push in recent months. Bradley’s efforts could play a crucial role in swaying Hobbs to join the Vols.
“Daevin is exactly the kind of player we need to take this team to the next level,” Bradley said. “I’ve been in his ear about what we’re building and how he could be a big part of that.”
Hobbs has expressed interest in Tennessee, and his recruitment is expected to come down to the wire.
The other key target on Bradley’s radar is TJ Searcy, a 4-star defensive lineman currently committed to Florida. A native of Thomaston, Georgia, Searcy is a 6’5″, 250-pound standout with the versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive front.
Despite his commitment to the Gators, Searcy has continued to hear from Tennessee’s coaching staff and players, including Bradley. The Vols are selling Searcy on their player development and the opportunity to make an immediate impact in Knoxville.
“Florida’s a great program, but I think TJ sees what’s happening at Tennessee and how much we’re on the rise,” Bradley explained. “I’ve been telling him he could be part of something really special here.”
Adding Hobbs and flipping Searcy would be a massive boost for Tennessee’s defensive recruiting and would further solidify the Vols as a top destination for elite talent. Under Heupel’s leadership, Tennessee has quickly become one of the most exciting programs in college football, thanks in large part to their high-powered offense. Strengthening the defensive line would provide much-needed balance and make the team a legitimate contender in the SEC.
Bradley’s efforts reflect a broader trend in modern recruiting, where committed players often play an active role in building their class. For Tennessee, having a passionate and persuasive leader like Bradley in their corner is invaluable.
With National Signing Day approaching, the pressure is on for Tennessee to close out strong. Bradley’s commitment to recruiting Hobbs and Searcy is just one part of the Vols’ overall strategy, but his influence could prove decisive.
If Tennessee can secure these two players, the 2025 recruiting class could rank among the best in program history, providing the Vols with the talent and depth needed to compete for championships in the years to come.
Bradley summed it up best: “Tennessee is on the rise, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. Let’s make it happen.”