Tyree Weathersby takes tireless work ethic to Tennessee
DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. (BVM) — Tyree Weathersby emerged as a key player for New Manchester High School over the past few years. The 6-foot-4, 251–pound defensive lineman is a four-star recruit according to 247 Sports and committed to the University of Tennessee in July.
Weathersby has moved around Georgia a couple of times, but all-in-all he’s never left the state. That will be until he heads about four hours northeast to Knoxville.
But way before he became an SEC commit, he was a wrecking ball on the defensive line in Atlanta-area youth leagues.
In his first season as a 7-year-old, he made a crucial stop on the goal line in the championship. As the game went down to the wire, the opposing team was trying to punch it in from the two-yard line. On the final play, Weathersby made the stop.
“I love that memory,” Weathersby said. “I’ve got a picture of it at my house.”
As his career has progressed, there have been plenty more photographic moments to be proud of for Weathersby. But these moments started to become the norm. Once he became a consistent force, some of the top collegiate football programs from across the country started calling.
Weathersby dealt with various injuries throughout his time in high school, which ultimately stunted his recruiting process. But when word started going around about the dominant player in Douglasville following his junior year, it was like the dam broke.
“It was a little overwhelming,” Weathersby said about his recruiting surge. “There were so many schools coming up at one time. I’ve never experienced anything like that.”
Despite playing in only seven games that season, he left no doubt, winning the Region 6-AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year.
After months of trying to decide his future, he committed to the Volunteers prior to his senior campaign.
— Tyree Weathersby🎭 (@tw29_) July 1, 2022
“It was just a family feel,” Weathersby said. “I talk to the coaches almost every day, especially Coach Heupel. He makes it a fun experience. And I’m not even there yet. I can’t wait to be there.”
That is likely reciprocated by the Tennessee coaching staff because of not only Weathersby’s talent but his work ethic and leadership skills.
“I’ve always been working since eighth grade,” Weathersby said. “Ever since then, I’ve been putting in work trying to grind to get here and I haven’t stopped since.”
Weathersby has reaped the rewards of his hard work. A player of the year award, a college commitment, and a highly touted ranking. But the thing that gives him the biggest sense of achievement, is seeing how proud he has made his family.
“That gives me glory right there,” Weathersby said. “Just putting a smile on my momma’s face.”
