Joakim Dodson made up his mind early on to play college football at Tennessee. Soon after the Collierville wide receiver concluded his sophomore campaign, the Vols made him a second Power Five offer, and they continued to communicate with the now three-star prospect.
After committing to the Vols on Saturday, Dodson told The Commercial Appeal, “My relationship with the staff is second to none.” “We’ve been focusing on this relationship even before they extended their offer to me.”
Collierville’s best wide receiver target in 2023 was 6-foot, 178-pound Dodson, who finished with 1,012 yards and 10 touchdowns. He assisted the Dragons in defeating Clarksville in the opening round of the 6A playoffs, helping them finish 8-4 overall. In addition to being selected for the Tennessee Sports Writers Association 6A all-state team and the Commercial Appeal All-metro football first team, he was also named to the Region 8-6A first team.
Dodson, the son of former Memphis wide receiver Damien Dodson, stated, “They made me a priority.” Josh Heupel, the coach, visited this location twice in a row. Every time I visit, it feels like home, and I’ve just been feeling their affection. It was an obvious choice.
It was even more crucial that he serve as a state representative.
Dodson remarked, “Most people think Ole Miss, Arkansas, but everyone loves Tennessee.” “In the end, I’m from Tennessee, so committing to play for my home-state university means the world to me.”
According to the 247Sports Composite, Dodson is rated as the No. 546 overall talent, the No. 80 wide receiver in the 2025 class, and the No. 15 junior from Tennessee.
Among Missouri, Indiana, Georgia Tech, and Vanderbilt, he selected the Vols. Aidan Glover, his former quarterback who signed with the Tigers in December, was attempting to entice his top target to join him, so Missouri was also a viable alternative.
Dodson stated, “It’s kind of bittersweet because he was my quarterback last year, but I’ll get to play him eventually.” “We both worked hard for it in the end, and I’m proud of both of us,”
Dodson became the first projected wide receiver and Tennessee’s sixth commitment for the 2025 class.
After adding Sheffield star Radarious Jackson, Heupel now has Dodson as another in-state target.
Dodson remarked, “Heupel has done a fantastic job getting Tennessee back where we should be.” “We still have a few years left to try and reclaim that national title. That’s all I have in mind. Choosing the greatest candidates from Tennessee, selecting the appropriate guys.