Vols signee Edrees Farooq talks UA All-American game, start of career at Tennessee
Orlando, Fla.— Edrees Farooq committed to the Under Armour All-American game earlier this month. He has since enrolled at Tennessee and started his career as a Vol. On Friday morning, he reported for the Under Armour game week. He discussed his thoughts on the game, his time at Tennessee and more with Volquest.
“It is exciting to be out here with the all-Americans,” Farooq said of the opportunity to take part in the Under Armour Game. “I have been dreaming of this, so to be here and be a part of this amazing.”
The standout at perennial powerhouse St. Frances Academy (Md.) wants to prove one thing this week.
“I want to prove a name for myself,” the talented safety said. “I want to put my name on the map.”
Tennessee saw Farooq’s talent early in the process and made him a priority. Their early belief in him led to him choosing the Vols over Ohio State and others.
“So, Tennessee was one of the first schools that looked at me first,” he said of the confidence in choosing the Vols so early. “Since then, they have shown me the same love throughout the recruitment process. The coaches and the team, they all show love to me, and it is just amazing to me. That is what made me make my decision fast.”
Farooq has been able to take part in bowl practices and be around the team since graduating high school earlier this month. He admits there is an adjustment, but he remains confident.
“It is a different level,” Farooq said of this. “I have to get used to a lot of meetings. The practices are up-tempo, so I have to get adjusted a little bit. It is not too far from high school, though. The confidence is there for me, and me just going against those types of players, I have been doing it my whole life, so it is nothing new to me.”
Being a part of the 2024 class since April has allowed Farooq to get to know a large number of fellow signees, as well as the current players on the team. Since arriving in Knoxville as a signee, he has loved getting to know those around him.
“It has been amazing,” he said. “Just getting to know all of the players and the way they help me with all of the plays. They help me around campus, and throughout practices, they show me how to do such and such. It is amazing to meet new people and make new friends.”
Under Armour All-American Game
When: Wednesday, January 4th, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
Where: Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida
How to watch: The game will be featured on ESPN and multiple streaming services.
Just a few days after Tennessee plays Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, several future Vols will take center stage at the Under Armour All-American Bowl, as Team Fire will take on Team Ice.
Five-star Tennessee wide receiver commitment Mike Matthews will serve as a team captain for Team Ice. Matthews committed to play in the Under Armour All-American game, over the All-American Bowl, in September of 2022.
Joining Matthews in Orlando are fellow Tennessee commitments, Jordan Ross, Kaleb Beasley, Edrees Farooq, and Peyton Lewis. Official rosters have not been released yet for the event, which will determine which team each recruit will play.
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