Impact Analysis: Vols add ‘high-energy, disruptive player’ in 4-Star Kellen Lindstrom
Moments ago, Tennessee landed the commitment of Glendale (Mo.)2024 EDGE Kellen Lindstrom. The 6-6, 240-pound prospect is one of the premier players in the Midwest and is a nice addition to Tennessee’s 2023 recruiting. Volquest takes a look at Lindstrom in this impact analyssis.
Lindstrom began picking up offers once his Junior season tape started circulating. Since the initial recruiting surge, he has reeled in the likes of Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, and USC, among others. But his recruitment ultimately came down to Tennessee and Oklahoma. Both schools have prioritized him since offering, and for a good reason, as he frequently displays high-level ability on the field.
“Kellen Lindstrom is a high-energy, disruptive player on the defensive front,” On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Powers, told Volquest. “He was originally ranked as a defensive lineman for us, and we moved him to EDGE in our latest ranking updates. He is inside the On300, and we really think highly of him. We really liked the Junior video when we were going through and working on the rankings and when we were evaluating him. I think the first thing that jumps out is the play speed and his ability to chase down plays in his pursuit. When you look at Lindstrom, his strength right now is as a pursuit defender against the run. He gets in space and has the speed to track down ball carriers from sideline to sideline, and really plays with a high energy level. He gets off blocks and is physical. I think he is further along as a run-defender right now, so I think the biggest area for improvement and what we are looking to see for him to fill out his game is to make improvements as a Senior is putting together his skillset as a pass rusher. Adding more nuance to his game as a pass rusher is where you are looking for him to take the next step, but I think there is a lot to like. “
Lindstrom visited Tennessee in early April, and the Vols grabbed the momentum in his recruitment. There were a couple of reasons why Rocky Top was the decision, including the energy he received from Mike Ekeler, the direction the defensive front is heading and the opportunity to play for Rodney Garner.
“I think when you look at how Tennessee has recruited that position, I have said this for the past couple of years, I think Tennessee has done a really good job of upgrading and adding the high-end EDGE prospects, defensive lineman and really upgrading that position,” Powers added about Lindstrom. “I think Kellen Lindstrom probably adds a dimension that is a little different than what Tennessee has gone there. They have done really well with pass rushers and guys that can get after the quarterback, and I think Lindstrom adds some of that run-defending ability with his ability to take on blocks, win at the point of attack and win in pursuit.”
In May, ahead of official visits ramping up in June, this feels like a significant win for the Vols on the trail, as not only do they add an expected long-term contributor to the defense front, but they also pull a standout prospect from an area they have been working tirelessly to recruit this cycle.
Lindstrom provides a spark heading into arguably the most important months on the recruiting calendar. He is just scratching the surface of his potential in certain areas but is polished enough in other areas to make a difference once he arrives on campus.
Lindstrom is currently rated as the 251st overall prospect, 25th-best EDGE and sixth-best prospect from the state of Missouri in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Rankings.
Lindstrom becomes Tennessee’s 11th commitment in the 2024 class. Prior to his commitment, the Vols were ranked 11th in the country. They have now moved up to 9th in the country.
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