Tennessee Volunteers

Vols attempting to flip elite CB commit Tyler Byrd from Miami

Published Jan. 25, 2016 1:09 p.m. ET

foxsports

Only a few weeks ago, Miami native Tyler Byrd was not even on Tennessee's radar. However that quickly changed when the Volunteers hired tight end coach Larry Scott from the Hurricane's staff. Scott, one of Byrd's recruiters at Miami, has opened the door for the Vols to at least get Byrd on campus and considering making the jump to the SEC.

Another big factor helping Tennessee at the moment, Byrd lives with and considers Volunteer running back commit Carlin Fils-aime a brother. Fils-aime has been committed to the Vols since July and is now helping lure his U.S. Army All-American brother to Rocky Top:

How Carlin persuades me to go to Tennessee, haha don't mind the sadie Hawkins thing. @cboystunna3 pic.twitter.com/9lUYYS2i3k
— Tyler Byrd (@D1fuzzymuffin17) January 25, 2016

Rated as a four-star prospect, a top 100 player nationally and a top 10 cornerback by 247Sports, Byrd would be an impressive flip for the Tennessee coaching staff so late in the process. During the U.S. Army All-American Game, Byrd stood out as the most impressive defensive back in a game full of elite prospects. Not only does the Miami native stand out on defensive, but thrives on special teams. He blocked a kick and returned it for a touchdown in the all-star event:

Both Byrd and Fils-aime will be in Knoxville this weekend for an official visit to Tennessee, which will be the cornerback's first visit to the campus. With the coaching staff and his brother pulling hard for Byrd to make the flip, will the visit to the campus impress him enough to make the switch?