Joshua Josephs discussed the possibility of returning to Tennessee over the weekend but didn’t end up making the trip following his team’s second-round playoff loss Friday night. But he didn’t need to visit the Vols again to know where he wanted to play.
The four-star Class of 2022 edge rusher from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Ga., announced Monday that he has committed to Tennessee, choosing the Vols over Michigan, Kentucky and scholarship offers from more than 20 other schools. He gave Tennessee its 15th commitment for the 2022 class and became the first projected edge rusher in the Vols’ class, addressing one of their biggest needs on defense.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Josephs has been one of Tennessee’s top targets for months. The Vols extended an offer to him in March and have hosted him on a few visits since June, including an official visit last month.
He recently told GoVols247 that he was high on Tennessee because of first-year coach Josh Heupel’s staff.
“They’re a new coaching staff. (I like) the way they’re turning it around,” said Josephs, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 19 edge rusher in the 2022 class and the No. 28 senior from the state of Georgia. “Coach Heup, he’s doing an amazing job right now. They’re just short on depth, really, and that’s really what’s hurting them right now.
“But, other than that, I like the coaching staff, pretty much. And the team environment, it’s good vibes up there. And it’s not that far from home. That’s a benefit, too.”
Josephs said the Vols have talked with him about playing the Leo position in defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ system. They have discussed using him a role similar to the one currently being played by junior edge rusher Byron Young.
“I feel like I’ll be a good help,” Josephs said. “Since I’m not early enrolling, I’ve just got to build my body up, get ready for college football and stuff, do it on my own personally.”
Earlier this season, Michigan was widely viewed as the favorite to land Josephs. But Tennessee ultimately was able to overtake the Wolverines and hold off Kentucky to land him, with Banks, outside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler, linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary and Heupel himself all making Josephs a priority.
He said he has developed strong relationships with the Vols’ coaches over the past several months.
“They’re good people,” Josephs said. “Coach Ek, energy. Coach Banks, he’s a chill dude. He’s always just chill. Coach BJ, just a cool dude.”
Tennessee also impressed Josephs during his official visit to Knoxville last month, which allowed him to attend the Vols’ 45-20 victory over South Carolina on Oct. 9.
“It was amazing,” Josephs said. “They played South Carolina, and it was during the day. After, I spent the whole time up there. Loved the vibes up there, and the fans were loud for a day game, so, hey, imagine a night game.”
Josephs said he plans on “signing early, for sure,” indicating that he plans to finalize his decision during the Early Signing Period, which begins Dec. 15. But he doesn’t plan to be an early enrollee.
“I want to enjoy the rest of high school and the time period after this,” he said. “I’ll be a grown adult and there’s no turning back, so I want to enjoy this and live this out.”
