On Sunday, rising sophomore tight end Darel Middelton (Powell, Tenn./Powell) announced his commitment to Tennessee, according to multiple sources. Middleton, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound prospect, becomes the Vols' first pledge for 2016.

New head coach Butch Jones has been very busy on the trail this spring. His program currently holds 12 verbals for 2014, three early pledges for 2015 and now the first piece of its 2016 class in Middleton.

Additionally, much on Jones' focus has been on securing in-state talent. Three of his 2014 commits -- including ESPN 150 talents Jalen Hurd (Hendersonville, Tenn./Beech) and Todd Kelly Jr. (Knoxville, Tenn./Webb) -- all three 2015 recruits and Middleton are from inside state lines.