Long snapper Sam McKeown committed to Tennessee football over Oklahoma in the 2027 class, he announced on social media.
McKeown is a 6-foot-4, 225-pounder from Jenks, Oklahoma. He’s ranked the No. 2 long snapper in the 2027 class by Kohl’s Professional Camps, which trains kickers, punters and long snappers.
“First, I’d like to thank God for giving me this opportunity and the chance to play football at the next level,” McKeown posted on X on May 22. “I’d like to thank my parents for all of the support they have given me the past couple of years. I would like to thank Jenks Football and the coaches for shaping me into the person I am today.
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“I would like to thank Kohls and Coach (Casey) Casper for getting my name out there and getting me to this point. Thank you (UT special teams coordinator Evan Crabtree) and Coach (Josh) Heupel for believing in me and letting me play for this great program. Go Vols!”
McKeown chose Tennessee over his home state Sooners after both offered him a scholarship. He also visited Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, Penn State and Iowa State, 247Sports reported.
Putting specialists immediately on scholarship will be a new trend beginning in the 2026 season.
In December, SEC presidents approved expanding the football scholarship limit from 85 to 105. That opened the door for developmental recruits to sign as scholarship players.
Tennessee football commitments in 2027 recruiting class
McKeown is the ninth commitment in Tennessee’s 2027 recruiting class.
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In-state players top the list. Brentwood Academy tight end Kesean Bowman and Siegel offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo are four-star prospects, according to the 247Sports Composite. Defensive lineman Kadin Fife (Summerville, Georgia) is also rated four stars.
Cornerback Brandon Leavell (Goodpasture), safety Jaden Butler (Haywood), linebacker JP Peace (Maryville), quarterback Derrick Baker (Alpharetta, Georgia) and cornerback Carter Jamison (Fairburn, Georgia) are three-star prospects. They round out the early commitments.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football lands long snapper Sam McKeown for 2027 class
