In-State Star RB Daune Morris Commits to Vols, Flips from USC to Tennessee After Promising Performance
The Tennessee Volunteers landed a major recruiting win as in-state running back Daune Morris announced his commitment to the program, flipping from the USC Trojans. Morris, a standout from Nashville, Tennessee, had been verbally committed to the Trojans for months but opted to stay closer to home, citing a strong connection to the Vols coaching staff and his belief in the program’s vision.
This commitment marks a significant addition for Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, as Morris is regarded as one of the top running backs in the nation. Known for his explosive playstyle and impressive recent performances, Morris brings a blend of speed, power, and vision that has the potential to make him a game-changer for the Volunteers.
Daune Morris burst onto the scene during his junior year at Hillsboro High School, where he rushed for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. His ability to dominate games against tough competition quickly caught the attention of college programs across the country.
At 5’11” and 205 pounds, Morris is the prototypical modern running back. He combines breakaway speed with the physicality to run between the tackles, making him a versatile weapon in both the run and pass game. His standout senior season has only solidified his status as a top-tier recruit, with several 200-yard rushing performances and highlight-reel plays that showcase his athleticism and football IQ.
Morris’s decision to flip to Tennessee came down to a mix of relationships, opportunity, and pride in representing his home state. Speaking to reporters after his announcement, Morris expressed his excitement about joining the Volunteers.
“It just feels like home,” Morris said. “Coach Heupel and the staff showed me how much they believe in me, not just as a player but as a person. I’ve always dreamed of playing in front of my family and friends in Neyland Stadium, and now I get to make that dream a reality.”
Head coach Josh Heupel and running backs coach Jerry Mack played crucial roles in securing Morris’s commitment. The Vols staff emphasized their vision for Morris as a focal point of the offense, highlighting how his skill set would thrive in their up-tempo system.
The opportunity to compete early was also a key factor. With Tennessee’s current depth chart at running back expected to thin after the 2024 season, Morris could be poised to make an immediate impact as a freshman in 2025.
Morris’s initial commitment to USC was seen as a major recruiting win for the Trojans, who have excelled at attracting offensive talent under head coach Lincoln Riley. However, as the recruiting process continued, the pull of playing for his home-state school proved too strong to resist.
“Tennessee never stopped recruiting me, even after I committed to USC,” Morris explained. “They showed me they really wanted me, and that meant a lot.”
While USC’s loss is Tennessee’s gain, the move underscores the importance of local ties in recruiting battles, especially for a prospect of Morris’s calibrate.
Morris’s commitment is a significant boost for Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting efforts. The Vols are aiming to build a top-10 class, and landing one of the best running backs in the country moves them closer to that goal.
His addition also strengthens Tennessee’s pipeline of in-state talent. In recent years, Heupel’s staff has made a concerted effort to lock down top prospects from within Tennessee, recognizing the importance of keeping homegrown talent in orange and white.
Daune Morris’s decision to flip to Tennessee is more than just a recruiting headline—it’s a statement about the program’s upward trajectory under Josh Heupel. As the Vols continue to establish themselves as contenders in the SEC, securing commitments from elite players like Morris will be essential.
For Morris, the opportunity to represent his home state and contribute to Tennessee’s resurgence is a dream come true. “I’m ready to work,” he said. “Tennessee fans are the best in the world, and I can’t wait to play for them.”
With his commitment locked in, the focus now shifts to the future. Morris’s talent and work ethic make him a potential star for the Volunteers, and his decision to stay home could inspire other in-state recruits to follow suit. For Tennessee, the flip of Daune Morris is a win that resonates far beyond the recruiting trail—it’s a sign that the Volunteers are building something special in Knoxville.