Why Knoxville Catholic DE Tyler Baron picked Tennessee football over Ohio State, Kentucky

Aaron Torres | Knoxville News Sentinel

Tyler Baron put on a Tennessee Vols cap inside Catholic's gym Wednesday, answering the question about where he will play college football.

Baron, a four-star defensive end and the No. 5 ranked recruit in the state, said he called Ohio State and Kentucky Monday night and informed them he was staying home.

"I could have went to Ohio State and joined a program that was already built, but I feel like going somewhere and being a part of something special was really part of the reason why (I chose Tennessee)," said Baron, who is the No. 5 strong-side defensive end in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite. "I'm really excited to bring Tennessee back to where they should be and where they will be very shortly."

Baron, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs 252 pounds, went on his official visit to Tennessee last weekend. He went on official visits to Ohio State and Kentucky during the football season. He was also at Tennessee's 41-21 win over South Carolina on Oct. 26.

His father, Patrick Abernathy, has the title of player development on Vols coach Jeremy Pruitt's coaching staff and was at Catholic for his son's announcement. Abernathy was not available for comment because Pruitt had not talked publicly about Tennessee's signees.

Baron said he felt no pressure in picking Tennessee.

"I love the aspect of him being there, but I still feel like I would have chosen that place even if he wasn't there," said Baron, who won't enroll at Tennessee until the summer.

Who signed? Here's who Tennessee football has added on early signing day

Baron transferred to Catholic from Ensworth in January. He led Irish in total tackles (103), tackles for loss (16.5), sacks (4.5), forced fumbles (three) and fumble recoveries (two).

Baron is the fourth Knoxville area football player to sign with the Vols for the Class of 2020. He joins teammate and offensive lineman Cooper Mays, Maryville running back Tee Hodge and Greeneville long snapper Will Albright.