Tennessee is battling three fellow Southeastern programs this Friday for a highly sought-after running back in the 2027 recruiting class. Per a Tuesday report from 247Sports’ Benjamin Wolk, Andrew Beard is set to announce his commitment at 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday via the 247Sports/CBS Sports streaming platforms.
The Vols are among Beard’s final four schools, joined by Georgia, Florida and Clemson.
The four-star standout from Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, Georgia, is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 8 running back in the 2027 class. He also checks in at No. 165 nationally and No. 14 in the state of Georgia.
Momentum hasn’t favored Tennessee in recent days, however. Beard picked up two Crystal Ball projections on Friday, with Swamp247’s Tyler Harden forecasting Florida and Clemson247 insider Austin Hannon projecting Clemson. Both predictions carried a confidence level of 6 out of 10.
A multi-sport athlete who competes in both football and track, Beard is known for his speed. According to 247Sports, he totaled 1,260 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 155 carries as a junior, while also adding 435 receiving yards and five scores. During his sophomore season, he nearly reached the 2,000-yard rushing mark.
“An inventive running back with true three-down ability, capable of turning losses into big gains thanks to his elusiveness,” 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in his evaluation. “He combines a low center of gravity and a sturdy build with quick feet and notable burst.”
Beard is listed at 5-foot-9 and 197 pounds, per 247Sports. He also comes from a strong football lineage—his father, Jerry Beard Sr., played running back at Appalachian State from 2000-02, while his uncle, Garrison Hearst, starred at Georgia, finishing third in the 1992 Heisman Trophy voting and later earning two Pro Bowl selections in the NFL.
Beard made a visit to Knoxville for Tennessee’s Checker Neyland showdown against Georgia. Although the Vols fell short in the overtime battle, the trip still left a lasting impression.
“Enjoyed being back at Tennessee!” Beard posted on X. “Love how Tennessee and (running backs coach DeRail Sims) utilize their RBs! Great gameday experience, and Neyland is definitely the loudest stadium!”
Even if Tennessee doesn’t land Beard’s commitment on Friday, the running back outlook remains solid. The Vols are still among the final four schools for five-star in-state prospect David Gabriel Georges, who is expected to take official visits later this spring.
Tennessee currently holds seven pledges in its 2027 recruiting class, ranking No. 30 nationally in 247Sports’ team standings. The group includes four-star wide receiver Kesean Bowman, four-star offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, three-star defensive lineman Kadin Fife, three-star safety Jaden Butler, three-star linebacker J.P. Peace, three-star quarterback Derrick Baker and three-star cornerback Carter Jamison.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for continued updates on Tennessee football recruiting.
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