Desert Storm to Rocky Top? Arizona D-Line Transfer Opens Up on Tennessee Visit and What’s Next
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As the transfer portal continues to shape college football’s landscape, one name drawing serious attention is Arizona defensive line transfer Elijah “Tank” Merriweather, a former four-star recruit with Pac-12 battle scars and SEC dreams. After two productive seasons in Tucson, Merriweather has become one of the most coveted trench warriors on the market. Now, with visits underway, his latest stop in Knoxville has added serious intrigue to his recruitment.
“Man, the energy here is different,” Merriweather told reporters after wrapping up his 48-hour official visit at the University of Tennessee. “The facilities are elite, the coaching staff is all business, and that stadium—Neyland under the lights? That’s a different beast.”
Merriweather, who posted 39 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks last season for the Wildcats, entered the portal seeking not just exposure, but a system that could elevate him into Day 1 NFL Draft territory. Tennessee, with its emerging defensive identity under head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks, offered a compelling pitch.
“They broke down the film with me. Showed me where I’d line up, how they’d use my quickness inside on passing downs, and my power on early downs,” he said. “They’re not just recruiting—they’re planning. I respect that.”
During the visit, Merriweather was hosted by Vols defensive lineman Omari Thomas, who gave him an inside look at team culture. The two bonded quickly, even attending a spring baseball game together where fans recognized the 6’4”, 290-pound lineman and greeted him with chants of “Rocky Top needs Tank!”
But it’s not just Tennessee in the mix. Merriweather confirmed that he’s scheduled to visit Miami next week, followed by stops at Auburn and Oregon.
“I’m not rushing this,” he said. “I’ve got three years of eligibility left, but I’m planning like I’ve got one. Wherever I go next, I want to compete for a championship and raise my draft stock.”
He also didn’t rule out a return to the Pac-12, citing Oregon’s recent defensive resurgence under Dan Lanning. But Tennessee seems to have made a real impression—not just with the Xs and Os, but with the passion surrounding the program.
“Everywhere I went on campus, people knew who I was,” Merriweather said with a grin. “That’s the SEC difference. It’s not just football here—it’s religion.”
Insiders say Tennessee is quietly confident, but realistic. They’ve been here before—high-level prospects circling the program, only to land elsewhere. But Merriweather’s tone and body language tell a story of genuine interest.
With a decision expected by mid-May, the ball is in Merriweather’s court. As spring turns to summer, the question isn’t just where he’ll go—but who he’ll elevate when he gets there.
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