Tennessee basketball signs three prominent recruits Wednesday

The three players who form one of the best — if not the best — recruiting classes in Tennessee basketball history signed to become Vols on Wednesday during the NCAA early signing period.

Tennessee announced the signings of five-star guards Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer and four-star forward Corey Walker Jr. on Thursday.

"The combined talent and potential of Keon, Corey and Jaden is really exciting," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. "All three of them fit the culture of this program and come from incredible families who have provided wonderful support and guidance to get them to this point. It's our responsibility now to help each of them take the next steps in their individual development—not only athletically but also as men."

All three are in the top 40 recruits nationally in the 247Sports Composite. Here is the rundown on the decorated class of Vols basketball recruits:

Keon Johnson

Hometown/School: Bell Buckle (Tenn.)/The Webb School 

Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 180 pounds

Ranking: No. 23 prospect, No. 5 shooting guard

Commitment date: Aug. 6, 2019

Rundown: Johnson gave Tennessee a five-star commitment for the second straight class (Josiah-Jordan James in 2019) when he chose UT over Ohio State. He also gave Tennessee a commitment from the top-ranked in-state prospect for first time since 2013 when Robert Hubbs III signed with UT.

The five-star has been regarded as one of the top rising prospects in the class, earning rave reviews last summer as he was named MVP at the USA Basketball mini-camp in late July.

Johnson can defend well on the perimeter and has improved his jump shot to become a balanced offensive threat. 

Rick Barnes said: "Keon is truly an elite athlete —one of the most explosive, two-way players in the country at the high school level. We're excited about what he brings on both ends of the floor and expect that he'll make an immediate impact."

Jaden Springer

Hometown/School: Charlotte (N.C.)/IMG Academy

Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 195 pounds

Ranking: No. 16 prospect, No. 4 shooting guard

Commitment date: Oct. 23, 2019

Rundown: Springer is the most heralded recruit to sign with Tennessee since 2010. He is No. 3 on the list of all-time recruits to sign with the Vols behind Tobias Harris and Scotty Hopson, according to the 247Sports Composite ranking of the recruiting era.

Springer can play with the ball in his hands or off ball and can flat-out score the ball. He's strong and tough, making him a perfect fit as a guard for Tennessee coach Rick Barnes. 

The five-star is from Charlotte originally, where assistant coach Desmond Oliver has recruited hard for the Vols.

Rick Barnes said: "Jaden will provide outstanding ball-handling and scoring ability. Much like Keon, Jaden is someone who will immediately make us better on both ends of the floor. I love his competitiveness. He's a winner."

Corey Walker Jr.

Hometown/School: Jacksonville (Fla.)/Hargrave Military Academy

Height, weight: 6-foot-6, 185 pounds

Ranking: No. 36 prospect, No. 8 small forward

Commitment date: March 3, 2019

Rundown: Walker was the first commitment for the 2020 class, announcing his decision the day after a visit to Tennessee. He saw that Vols beat Kentucky at Thompson-Boling Arena, then ended his recruitment the day after the 19-point UT victory.

Walker was at Bishop Snyder in Jacksonville at the time but is finishing his career at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia. 

The four-star is athletic, long and a good rebounder. But he is a highly regarded prospect for his versatility and that will make him a great fit at Tennessee. Walker has the skill to play on the perimeter but can also play at the four as a mismatch.

Rick Barnes said: "Corey is one of the most naturally gifted offensive players in this class nationwide. We're very optimistic about his potential and expect that his game will rise to a different level once he becomes immersed in our daily culture and work ethic. He certainly has the capacity to make big contributions to our team success as a freshman."