Josh Heupel is trying to improve in-state recruiting moving forward with his tenure as the Tennessee head coach. He has made clear steps to show that he meant that statement, including recently paying a visit to see some talented prospects face-to-face. Heupel understands he needs to keep as much top tier talent home as he can. He also knows that for his offense to continue to be one of the most explosive in the country, he must replace players like Cedric Tillman, Velus Jones, Javonta Payton, Jalin Hyatt, and Bru McCoy. Heupel’s offense needs explosive playmakers on the outside, and it functions better with several of them. So, Heupel is killing two birds with one stone, and starting early, as he was able to see 2025 Baylor product Cameron Sparks in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Early in his sophomore season, Sparks already has the build of an SEC wide receiver. 6’3” and 215 pounds, Sparks looks taller and thicker than that to the eye, and due to his age, it is likely he still has some growing to do. The physical tools are abundantly clear with Sparks, in terms of size, but he has the speed demanded by the position too. Sparks has the speed to separate from defenders, and seems to have a nice feel for finding and sitting down in the holes in zone coverage. He is a big target, with long arms and strong hands. That means Sparks has a large catch radius, able to get to passes that are thrown less than accurate. It also means he can be a nice security blanket for his quarterback, and Sparks uses his size well to help his signal caller during the scramble drill. Sparks showed the ability to get open and show the quarterback his numbers when plays did go off schedule.
At his age, with his talent, it would be easy for a player like Sparks to rest on his skills, however the young man is wired differently. He takes pride in his run blocking, knocking guys off and creating holes for his backs. He works hard to create opportunities for his running mate, Baylor star wide receiver Amari Jefferson as well, and vice versa. When asked what advice he had gotten from upper classmen about the recruiting process, Sparks immediately quoted things his teammates had shared with him in the process. In short, Sparks is putting in the hard work to develop rather than resting on his laurels. He does the unselfish dirty work some receivers shy away from with enthusiasm. He listens to his teammates and coaches, takes and applies their advice, and gives them credit. That is the kind of teammate every player dreams of having.
Despite his youth, the market for Sparks is exceptionally high thanks to his physical skills and production. He also will impress any coach that speaks with him because of the way he can help a locker room. The fact Josh Heupel has already paid a visit to see the sophomore receiver in person speaks to how much the Vols value Sparks. As they continue their pursuit of several of his teammates, it will be interesting to see how Sparks has his thoughts influenced while still making a name for himself in his high school career.
