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Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tennessee football lands in-state cornerback Javonte Smith in 2026 recruiting class
Jackson North Side cornerback Javonte Smith committed to Tennessee football in the 2026 class, choosing the in-state Vols over Arkansas, Missouri and West Virginia. On July 8, Smith made his announcement alongside coaches and teammates at North Side. Advertisement He also received scholarship offers from SEC schools Mississippi State, Kentucky and Vanderbilt. His last official visit was to UT on June 20. Smith is a 6-foot-1, 175-pounder rated a three-star prospect. He is ranked the No. 80 cornerback and No. 964 prospect overall, according to 247Sports Composite. Smith is a standout receiver, defensive back and kick returner for North Side. He was recruited by UT secondary coach Willie Martinez and projects as a cornerback for the Vols. As a junior in the 2024 season, Smith had five interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns, and two kickoff return TDs. Offensively, he had 1,027 yards receiving and was named second-team All-West Tennessee. Advertisement Here are Tennessee football commitments in 2026 class Smith is Tennessee's ninth commitment since June 27. UT now has 18 commitments in the 2026 recruiting class, led by five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. Defensive lineman Dereon Albert, edge rusher Zach Groves, wide receiver Tyreek King, offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, tight end Carson Sneed and linebacker TJ White committed to the Vols. They are rated four stars by 247Sports Composite. The class also includes cornerback Zay Anderson, offensive lineman Edward Baker, athlete Legend Bey, edge rusher CJ Edwards, edge rusher Kedric Golston, safety KJ McClain, linebacker Braylon Outlaw, defensive lineman Darryl Rivers, cornerback Jamyan Theodore and safety Luke Thompson. They are rated three stars. Advertisement Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football lands CB Javonte Smith in 2026 recruiting class
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tennessee assistant Willie Martinez, strength coach Kurt Schmidt get contract extensions
Tennessee football defensive secondary coach Willie Martinez and strength coach Kurt Schmidt signed contract extensions to keep most of coach Josh Heupel's staff intact for the 2025 season, Knox News has learned. They received extension to their contracts, which expired Jan. 31, but not raises. Martinez's pay remains at $540,000 with an extension through the 2026 season. Schmidt, UT's director of competition development, signed a one-year extension through the 2025 season, and his pay remains $475,000. UT already announced an extension for defensive coordinator Tim Banks. His pay increased from $1.5 million to $2.15 million through the 2027 season. The staff's only loss was special teams coordinator/outside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler, who left for the same job at Nebraska. His duties were replaced by a trio of coaches. Levorn Harbin was promoted from senior defensive analyst to outside linebackers coach. Analyst Evan Crabtree was elevated to special teams coordinator. Former Central Michigan coach John Bonamego was hired as assistant special teams coach. Banks, Martinez and Schmidt were on Heupel's original UT staff in 2021, and they'll remain on it for a fifth consecutive season. Heupel's remaining coaches already have contracts through the 2025 season. COMBINE: James Pearce, Dylan Sampson among six Tennessee football players invited to NFL Combine Martinez's secondary had its best season of his tenure after revamping the lineup with transfers and young players. The Vols ranked No. 29 in pass defense, allowing 189.3 yards per game. Cornerback Jermod McCoy, an Oregon State transfer, was All-SEC and AP All-America second team. And nickelback Boo Carter earned SEC All-Freshman honors. Schmidt has been with Heupel for eight years at three different schools. He was at Missouri when Heupel was the offensive coordinator there in 2017. He followed him to UCF in 2018 and to UT in 2021. Assistant coach (position) Annual salary Contract expires Tim Banks (DC.) $2.15 million January 2028 Glen Elarbee (OL) $900,000 January 2026 Rodney Garner (DL) $900,000 January 2026 Joey Halzle (OC/QBs) $850,000 January 2026 William Inge (LBs) $720,000 January 2026 Kelsey Pope (WRs) $550,000 January 2026 Willie Martinez (DBs) $540,000 January 2027 De'Rail Sims (RBs) $350,000 January 2026 Alec Abeln (TEs) $250,000 February 2026 Levorn Harbin (OLBs) TBA TBA Kurt Schmidt (strength) $475,000 January 2026 Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football's Willie Martinez, Kurt Schmidt get contract extensions
