Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers band members before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Immediately after securing a huge 45-6 New Year's Day win over Northwestern in the Outback Bowl, Tennessee gained a commitment from Ohio offensive lineman Nathan Niehaus. Niehaus had been committed to West Virginia before flipping his commitment to the Vols.
The 6-foot-6, 259-pound Niehaus is rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and becomes the 17th prospect committed to Tennessee's 2016 recruiting class. Niehaus has family ties to the Knoxville area, which likely played a role in his decision.
As Tennessee continues to build up its roster to compete for a conference title, the addition of a potential offensive tackle should pay dividends down the road for offensive line and help stack the depth chart with talented options on the edge of the offensive line.