It's almost a given that any Midstate high school baseball player in Tennessee worth his prep ranking, particularly ones who can pitch, will eventually land in Nashville with coach Tim Corbin and Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt has the cache with multiple College World Series appearances, a legendary coach in Corbin, a national title in 2014 and a laundry list of former Commordores in professional baseball.

Rossview star Elijah Pleasants found those facts intriguing, but he decided to go with his heart, committing to at Tennessee.

"You do kind of fall in love with Vandy when you visit there and see the history and the tradition and you meet coach Corbin and his staff," Pleasants said. "That's why it was extremely difficult to pass on Vandy."

But being in Knoxville, interacting with UT's coaching staff, including pitching coach Frank Anderson and new coach Tony Vitello, left a lasting impression on the 6-foot-4 right-hander.

"I learned so much from him in a very short time I've had the chance to talk to him," Pleasants said about Vitello. "It was his dedication to his players and their lives off the field. Vandy had the same approach, but I just connected with coach Vitello and coach Anderson."

The Hawks senior cited Anderson's son Brett, who has spent parts of the last nine seasons pitching in the majors, as a heavy influence on his decision.

"Everyone knows the Southeastern Conference is the best baseball conference in America," Pleasants said. "The competition is so good and that's what makes it so strong. There's no doubt that I can compete at that level."

Tennessee and Vanderbilt were among several schools that offered Pleasants a scholarship. Others included Kentucky, Virginia, Michigan and Mississippi State.

Pleasants is the second Clarksville area player to commit to Tennessee. Clarksville High senior Skyler Luna also committed to the Vols last month. Pleasants said when he arrives in Knoxville next year he isn't planning on sitting, watching and waiting.

"I plan on grinding," he said. "I look forward to competing and trying to find my place on the team and where I fit in. Like I said, I know I can compete at that level so I know if I put in the work, I can contribute right away."

Pleasants had an 8-1 record with a 1.47 ERA and 45 strikeouts last spring for Rossview. He had 37 hits, seven doubles and two triples with a home run and 21 RBIs.

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.