Four-star DL Aydin Breland details first trip to Rocky Top

Mater Dei (Calif.) four-star defensive lineman Aydin Breland made his way to Knoxville for his first look at Tennessee. Following the trip, he caught up with Volquest to discuss his thoughts on the “865Live” event and much more.

“It was very good,” Breland said of his overall takeaway from Saturday. “My family and I flew in and got here about 11:30. We made it to campus, and when we got there, we got checked into the “865Live” event and went on a scavenger hunt. We worked through clues to find out where we were supposed to go. We took pictures. So, yeah, it was a good time.”

This was Breland’s first trip to Tennessee, and he came into the visit with an open mind.

“When I go on these unofficial visits, I try to go in with no expectations so that I can get a true vibe for the school,” Breland said of. “As far as that goes, it was pretty good. I liked it. Good energy and good people. The staff treated me well and showed me a lot of love. So far, it was a good day today.”

During the day, Breland got to spend a lot of time with Rodney Garner and enjoyed seeing him have fun with recruits.

“It was really cool, actually,” Breland said of seeing a veteran coach like Garner in a more laid-back environment. “He is really funny and told jokes throughout the visit. We sat down and got a chance to talk, and it really wasn’t about football really. It was more about life. It was good being around him.”

One reason Breland wanted to give Tennessee a look is because of Garner’s track record as a developer.

“It is always a great thing, especially for guys like me who want to be developed to the highest level,” the 34th overall prospect in the On3 Industry ratings said. “So, when you have a defensive line coach like him that has the proof in the pudding, it is kind of a relief. That is something that is important to look for in a school to see how you are going to be developed. It is nice to know that he is a high-level developer.”

Breland already has a full slate of official visits during the month of June, but he is not ruling out returning to Tennessee for an official visit during the fall.

As of now, he is not rushing toward a decision, as he wants to make sure he finds a schools that checks off all of the boxes for him.

“I think it will definitely be sometime in the fall before I make a decision,” the four-star said of his decision timeline. “I would like to make it before the season.”

As he goes through the process, he will focus on a few factors.

“Finding a family feel, a great relationship with the staff, and development,” he said of this. “I have to love the school just like being able to get that feeling that I know I am home and am comfortable. A good school with a good academic program.”

Breland will return to campus on Saturday for more conversation with the coaching staff, including sitting down with Josh Heupel.

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