Three-star security Following intense interest from Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and other schools, Jowell Combay formally committed to Tennessee.
Jowell Combay’s commitment to the University of Tennessee marked a significant milestone in what had been a whirlwind recruitment journey. The three-star defensive back out of Montgomery, Alabama, had long been on the radar of numerous college football programs across the Southeastern Conference and beyond. With offers and interest pouring in from schools like Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and others, Combay’s recruitment had reached a fever pitch during the early summer months. But after multiple visits, conversations with coaching staffs, and discussions with his family, Combay ultimately chose to commit to the Volunteers, a decision that reflects both his aspirations and the growing appeal of Josh Heupel’s program in Knoxville.
Tennessee’s rise in the SEC under Heupel has been nothing short of impressive, and players like Combay are noticing. While Tennessee’s 2024 season had its ups and downs, the long-term trajectory of the program remained a strong selling point for recruits. Combay, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing in around 185 pounds, has the ideal build for a modern defensive back. His film reveals a fluid athlete with excellent range, closing speed, and an instinctive feel for route recognition. Whether lining up as a corner or safety, Combay shows an aggressive style of play that coaches love—he doesn’t shy away from contact and has proven to be a reliable open-field tackler. That toughness, combined with his athleticism, made him a priority target for several Power Five programs.
Georgia and South Carolina were particularly aggressive in their pursuit. Georgia, known for its defensive pedigree and loaded roster, saw Combay as a potential fit in its hybrid secondary roles—versatile defenders who could cover in space and provide run support. South Carolina, under Shane Beamer, saw in Combay a potential cornerstone piece in their rebuilding defense. Missouri was another program that built strong momentum in his recruitment, thanks in part to the efforts of defensive coordinator Blake Baker and cornerbacks coach Al Pogue, who had longstanding ties in Alabama and established a good rapport with Combay’s inner circle. Ole Miss made a late push as well, selling the excitement of Lane Kiffin’s program and the chance to make an early impact. In the end, however, it was Tennessee that won out—not just because of scheme fit, but because of relationships.
The bond between Combay and Tennessee defensive backs coach Willie Martinez proved crucial. Martinez, a veteran recruiter with SEC experience, had been in constant communication with Combay since the spring evaluation period. Those conversations went beyond football. According to sources close to the recruitment, Martinez made an impression by showing genuine interest in Combay’s academic goals and family values. The Tennessee staff laid out a clear development plan for Combay, including a path to early playing time, personalized strength and conditioning plans, and a strong support system both on and off the field. That level of detail and sincerity helped push the Volunteers ahead in a crowded field.
Another factor that influenced Combay’s decision was his official visit to Knoxville in June. The visit gave him a chance to see the facilities, meet with academic advisors, and bond with current players. The energy around the Tennessee program was palpable, and Combay reportedly left campus feeling like it could be home. He was especially impressed by the atmosphere at Neyland Stadium, even in the offseason. While the stands were empty, the sheer scale and history of the venue made a lasting impression. He could envision himself playing there on Saturdays, hearing the roar of over 100,000 fans in orange and white.
From a technical standpoint, Combay brings to Tennessee a skill set that fits nicely into the Volunteers’ defensive philosophy. While he has played mostly at corner in high school, his versatility means he could eventually see time at nickel or even safety, depending on how his body develops. His long arms, smooth backpedal, and burst out of breaks make him an asset in man coverage, while his anticipation and awareness allow him to thrive in zone schemes as well. Coaches have praised his coachability and work ethic, noting that he’s the type of player who takes well to instruction and responds well to challenges. That mindset could prove vital as he transitions to the college level, where the speed and complexity of the game increase dramatically.
Combay’s commitment also speaks to Tennessee’s growing ability to recruit effectively in talent-rich areas outside of its own borders. Alabama, Georgia, and Florida have long been recruiting battlegrounds in the SEC, and for Tennessee to land a priority player from Montgomery is another sign that the program is building regional credibility. In past cycles, players like Combay may have been more likely to stay in-state or go with more historically dominant programs, but the Vols have done a strong job positioning themselves as a top destination. Their recent success on offense has been well documented, but the program has quietly made strides on the defensive side as well, with more attention to roster depth and player development.
For Combay, the decision to end his recruitment early also came down to clarity. While some prospects prefer to ride out the process deep into their senior year, taking in more visits and building suspense, Combay opted for peace of mind. By choosing Tennessee now, he can focus on his final high school season without the constant distraction of recruitment. He remains firm in his commitment, stating that he intends to shut things down unless something drastic changes. That level of maturity has impressed his high school coaches, who describe him as a natural leader both in the locker room and in the classroom. He’s expected to enroll early, giving him a head start on adapting to college life and competing for reps in spring ball.
Combay’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. He’s faced injuries, personal challenges, and the pressure of being one of the top players in his area. But through it all, he’s remained grounded. His support system—made up of his mother, siblings, coaches, and mentors—has played a pivotal role in keeping him focused on his goals. They were heavily involved in the recruitment process, attending visits, asking hard questions, and helping Combay weigh his options. Ultimately, they supported his choice wholeheartedly. According to those close to him, Tennessee felt like a family. That’s not a word thrown around lightly in recruiting circles, but in this case, it appears to be more than just talk.
Looking ahead, Combay projects as a developmental but high-upside addition to Tennessee’s secondary. He may not start immediately as a true freshman, especially given the natural learning curve, but he has the tools and temperament to contribute early on special teams and work his way into the rotation. Tennessee’s staff has emphasized that they’re not just looking for stars—they’re looking for players who love football, who want to be coached, and who will push themselves every day. Combay checks those boxes. His high school tape shows a player who doesn’t just rely on athleticism but plays with effort and discipline. He fights through blocks, tracks the ball well in the air, and shows good technique in coverage. With college-level coaching, he could become a difference-maker.
Recruiting analysts may debate where Combay fits in the rankings, but rankings only tell part of the story. His offer list and the pursuit from top-tier programs speak volumes about how he’s viewed by those who do this for a living. More importantly, his game speaks for itself. He’s not the flashiest player, but he’s reliable, intelligent, and competitive—traits that often separate contributors from washouts at the next level. He’s also known for his humility. In interviews and social media posts, he tends to deflect praise and focus on team success, a quality that resonates with coaches and teammates alike.
The ripple effects of Combay’s commitment could extend beyond his individual future. Recruiting momentum matters, and when a respected prospect chooses a school like Tennessee over several SEC rivals, it sends a message. It builds a narrative that the Vols are a program worth betting on. Other prospects, particularly in Alabama and neighboring states, will take notice. Tennessee’s staff is banking on that. They’ve made inroads with several other targets in the region, and Combay’s decision could help tip the scales in their favor. That’s how programs build classes—not just through stars, but through connections and shared belief.
In the fast-moving world of college football recruiting, every decision is a story. For Jowell Combay, it’s a story of trust, opportunity, and ambition. By committing to Tennessee, he’s stepping into a competitive environment where nothing is guaranteed, but everything is possible. He’ll have to earn his role, adapt to a new level of competition, and continue to grow both on and off the field. But if his past is any indication, he’s more than up to the task. Tennessee fans should be excited not just about the player they’re getting, but the person as well. And as Combay puts on the orange and white, he does so not as a backup plan or a second choice, but as a believer in the vision that Tennessee is building—one commitment at a time.
