Five-star junior forward Corey Walker verbally committed to Tennessee on Sunday, his coach Vince Martin told 247Sports.

"Corey is going to Tennessee," Martin said. "Three things stuck out to him. Number one, the academics at Tennessee, being able to get a degree from a prestigious school. Number two is Rick Barnes and he's huge. He feels really comfortable with coach Rick Barnes. That was the biggest thing. Then the culture at Tennessee, those guys are all bought in."

Walker’s pledge comes just a day after attending Tennessee’s blowout win over Kentucky. Walker also entertained interest Baylor, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, Louisville, Michigan, USC and Xavier.

This was Walker’s second recent trip to Knoxville. Walker took his official visit to Tennessee the weekend of Feb. 9. According to Martin and his father Corey Walker Sr, Walker's first trip to UT opened his eyes, and the second trip confirmed that he wanted to play at Tennessee.

"Education was first and Rick Barnes," Walker Sr told 247Sports. "He’s a legend and a man of wisdom. I’m speaking as a father, where better is there to send your son. He’s been there, he’s fathered and put people in places that a lot haven't gone. The coaching staff was really good too. Corey is really comfortable."

"He likes that those guy are close and coach Barnes, he was big on coach Barnes," Martin added. "He sold him on the vision that he has for the program."

Walker is ranked No. 31 overall in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and No. 23 overall and as the No. 6 small forward in the Top247.

"They are getting a guy that can play the one through the four,” Martin said. “He can score from all three levels. He can turn out to be really special. I think they know that as well.”

“Throughout the process they've been watching him more and they fell in love with him are and more," he added. "I think they are getting a kid that has his best days ahead of him.”

Walker is Tennessee’s first pledge of the 2020 class. This marks the second year in a row that Tennessee has added a five-star rated prospect via the Top247.

EVALUATION

He is around 6-foot-6 with high level athleticism and excellent length. A very good athlete with positional versatility. Projects as a new-age forward who can play on the wing and also take advantage of mismatches down low. Outside jumper continues to be a work in progress, but he shows signs of it being a weapon. Rebounds the ball well, can get to the rim, and is a fairly tough prospect. Versatility is the name of the game in basketball, and he brings a ton of it to the court. His best days should be ahead of him given his combination of production and long-term potential. Should develop into an NBA draft pick.