Key Takeaways
- Edwin Spillman and Kaleb Beasley, former Lipscomb Academy players, are facing their high school coach Trent Dilfer in a game at Neyland Stadium.
- Both players are four-star recruits who chose Tennessee over top programs; Beasley over Auburn and Notre Dame, and Spillman over Georgia and Ohio State.
- Under Dilfer, Lipscomb Academy won back-to-back TSSAA Division II Class AA State Championships, but the program faced probation after his departure.
- Both Spillman and Beasley have taken on larger roles in Tennessee's team, with Spillman showing strong potential as a linebacker and Beasley contributing to the safety depth.
- Despite competitive circumstances, Spillman maintains a positive relationship with Dilfer, who continues to check in with his family.
KNOXVILLE, TN: According to 30.1, Tennessee football recruiting will take center stage this Saturday when two former Lipscomb Academy standouts face their former high school coach in a unique matchup at Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee Football Recruiting Success Story
Edwin Spillman and Kaleb Beasley represent a Tennessee recruiting news success story from the 2024 cycle. Both four-star recruits chose the Vols over elite competition, with Beasley selecting Tennessee over Auburn and Notre Dame while Spillman picked the Vols over Georgia and Ohio State. The linebacker prospect and defensive back commitment now find themselves preparing to face UAB head coach Trent Dilfer, who coached both players at Lipscomb Academy from their freshman through junior seasons.
“Coach Dilfer was a great coach,” Spillman said Monday. “That’s obviously one of my guys. Great coach. Great mentor. It’s going to be really fun getting to go compete against him and getting to see him again.”
High School Championship Foundation
Under Dilfer’s guidance, the recruiting class foundation was built through championship success at Lipscomb Academy. The Mustangs captured back-to-back TSSAA Division II Class AA State Championships, going 13-1 during Spillman and Beasley’s sophomore season and perfect 13-0 in 2022. However, TSSAA placed Lipscomb on two-year probation after Dilfer departed, citing academic program issues and football recruiting violations.
Meanwhile, the Trent Dilfer UAB coaching record shows struggles at the collegiate level. The Blazers posted 4-8 and 3-9 records in his first two seasons, though UAB enters Saturday’s contest with a 2-1 start.
Current Impact for Tennessee
Both prospects have stepped into expanded roles this season after limited freshman campaigns. Edwin Spillman Tennessee linebacker recruiting has paid dividends, as he serves as the team’s third inside linebacker with 14 tackles and one sack through three games. Spillman projects All-SEC potential moving forward.
Kaleb Beasley Tennessee safety recruiting adds depth to the secondary, where he splits time with Edrees Farooq opposite Andre Turrentine. The former high school coach connection remains strong despite the competitive circumstances.
“I’ve gotten to talk to him a few times over the last two years,” Spillman noted. “He still checks in with my parents and everything like that. It’s still a great relationship.”
For more SEC recruiting news and Tennessee football recruiting 2025 coverage, visit Prospect-Radar.com.
