Elite RB Savion Hiter high on Vols, relationship with De’Rail Sims ahead of Junior season

Woodberry Forest (Va.) standout running back Savion Hiter is widely viewed across the industry as one of the top guys in the 2026 recruiting class. He has been building a bond with Tennessee Running Backs Coach De’Rail Sims, and the four-star prospect shares the latest with Volquest.

Hiter started getting to know Sims after he took over for Jerry Mack on Rocky Top, and the two quickly hit it off.

“He is a pretty straightforward guy, and he doesn’t BS about anything,” Hiter said of what stands out about Sims. “Coach (Aston) Walt(er) and I have a good relationship, too. I have been talking to them for a while, and I like both of them.”

The message from Tennessee on why they covet him so much in the cycle is also something that appeals to Hiter.

“They have told me that I have a lot of versatility because of the way I can get out of the backfield and catch the ball,” Hiter said of this. “Most teams are passing teams, and Tennessee is more of a run-first team that passes, so that is good to hear.”

The standout back is impressed with what he has seen from the offensive attack over the last couple of years.

“It shows that they have a very good offensive line, and they can move the ball quickly,” Hiter said of what stands out to him the most about the Tennessee offense. “It shows they know what they are doing and can pick apart the defenses.”

Hiter has also started getting to know Josh Heupel more of late, and he has connected nicely with the Tennessee Head Coach.

“We have been talking more when they could actually text us, and he is a pretty cool guy to get to know,” Hiter said of Heupel. “He is a funny guy, and I have loved talking to him. He is just a great guy all around.”

While Tennessee has been on Hiter even more since June 15th, when college coaches could start reaching out to prospects in the 2026 cycle, Hiter says not much has changed about how he has viewed the Vols.

“They have been on the top of my list for a little while, so it hasn’t really changed much since,” Hiter said of this.

The four-star back plans to make a decision sometime next summer after taking official visits, and he knows what he will focus on over the coming months.

“It is probably just going to come down to the relationships with the coaches, how they can use me in the offense, and how they like me,” Hiter said.

Hiter plans to return to Knoxville this fall for a game-day experience on Rocky Top.

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