Interview: 2023 Tennessee LB/WR Caleb Herring has All the Tools of a Top Impact Player
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Football is more about size and athleticism, it is also about productivity on the field and the ability to dominate the person on the opposite side of the ball. When the pigskin was kicked off for the 2019 season, Class of 2023 talent Caleb Herring displayed everything a college coach wants to see in a rising prospect against both his peer group and with a call up to the varsity level. Herring was an unstoppable threat at receiver tallying 10 touchdowns and was a force on defense as an outside linebacker using his size and speed to end plays and create chaos in the opponent’s backfield. The early talent coupled with upside, the 6-5, 210-pound, Riverdale High School athlete has already earned offers from Coastal Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
In an RNG first-look, I sat down with one of Tennessee’s fast rising Class of 2023 prospects to learn more about his skills on the field.
Interview
Caleb, game footage from the 2019 season shows you making plays all over the field. In your own words, tell me how your freshman year on the field went.
“I think it went great. I had a whole lot of fun. I enjoyed the team chemistry.”
You play linebacker and receiver, am I missing any positions?
“No, I played linebacker and receiver.”
How did your game improve as a linebacker last season?
“I got faster, I learned how to use my hands better, and I got off blocks better.”
What about as a receiver?
“My hands got better by the end of the season, I had 10 touchdowns. I got better at high-pointing the ball and with my hips.”
When did you get the call up to varsity?
“It was at the beginning of the season.”
Moment like for you?
“I was happy.”
Did you have any cool moments on the field against varsity competition?
“Against Rockvale, I had three tackles and I got my first sack.”
Do you have a favorite position yet?
“Outside linebacker.”
Where all will we see you on the field in 2020?
“I will probably play all over the field, like Isaiah Simmons (Clemson). I will play safety some, some linebacker, and receiver.”
How have you been preparing this offseason for your sophomore campaign?
“By improving my speed, working on my get off, improving my hands, and working on my coverage.”
This summer, are there any camps you go compete at?
“Alabama, Tennessee, hopefully Vanderbilt, Kentucky and South Carolina.”
College programs are seeing the potential you have already. How many offers do you have?
“Four.”
Being an underclassman is hard to know without contact, but are there any schools showing interest in addition to the offers?
“South Carolina.”
What has it been like for you receiving all these early offers?
“It has been cool. I know I have to work harder to get more.”
Have you visited any programs yet?
“Yes. Tennessee and Vanderbilt.”
How did the visit with the Volunteers turn out?
“It went great. It was for a game. I talked to Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt (head coach) after the game and ate.”
And the Vanderbilt visit, how did that go?
“It went great too. We ate some, watched the game, and talked to the coaches.”
Separate from the camps, are there any planned visits you may take this summer?
“Alabama and Kentucky.”
Last question. What is your favorite subject in school?
“I’d say math. I focus more in math class.”
Caleb, I enjoyed getting time in with you today. Keep up the hard work this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Herring family; Caleb Herring at Tennessee