---

Three-star defensive end Tre Lawson decommitted from Tennessee on Tuesday, but the Volunteers ended up replacing him with another 3-star commit in their 2017 recruiting class. 

---

It was a day filled with ups and downs for Butch Jones’ Volunteers.

They started off on Tuesday with 25 total commits, sitting at No. 8 in the 2017 recruiting class rankings with 3,036 recruiting points. Then their class took a hit when 3-star prospect Tre Lawson decommitted from Tennessee.

However, later on, the Vols picked up a commitment from 3-star quarterback Will McBride, which kept them at No. 8 in the class rankings but lowered their recruiting points to 2,986.

Lawson, the country’s No. 62 defensive end, released a statement regarding his decision to back off his pledge to the Vols.

“First off, I would like to thank the entire University of Tennessee coaching staff for offering me. But through discussions with my family and loved ones, I would like to announce that I’m decommitting from the University of Tennessee and opening up my recruitment.”

The North Augusta, South Carolina native is also ranked as the No. 1 defensive end in the state of South Carolina, and it appears as though Bobby Petrino’s Cardinals are now in the driver’s seat for his commitment. Louisville offered Lawson on Nov. 22.

At 6-foot-7, 255 lbs Lawson is extremely athletic and brings a lot of size to the position. He’s quick off the ball and is agile for a player of his size. If he improves his hand fighting and ability to combine multiple pass rush moves together, he’ll be a real threat off the edge.

Note: Scout rankings and ratings used in this article.

MORE: 2018 5-Star DE Xavier Thomas Announces He Will Stay In-State