Vols basketball lands D.J. Burns, four-star big man from South Carolina, for 2018 class

Tennessee basketball bolstered its roster in a big way Friday.

Four-star big man D.J. Burns announced his commitment to Tennessee, giving the Vols an added talented player in the post.

The 6-foot-9, 248-pound Burns picked the Vols over South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and others. The Rock Hill (S.C.) product is ranked the No. 103 player in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite.

He is in line to be the highest-rated signee since Rick Barnes took over at Tennessee in the spring of 2014.

Burns initially was a 2019 recruit on UT's radar. But the big man reclassified to the 2018 class in May and will join Tennessee's roster this summer.

The Vols have consistently ranked in the Top 10 of early preseason rankings, checking in as high as No. 3.

UT returns all but one key piece from last season's team, including SEC player of the year Grant Williams, SEC co-sixth man of the year Lamonte Turner and All-SEC second-team selection Admiral Schofield.

UT also brings back starters Jordan Bone, Jordan Bowden and Kyle Alexander.

Burns gives Barnes and his staff more options in the post. Williams and Alexander will provide the anchor for the third straight season, while Burns, Derrick Walker, John Fulkerson and Zach Kent will provide depth for Tennessee.

Tennessee still has one remaining scholarship open for next season's team.