Three-star running back Asa Barnes, an in-state standout from Martin Westview, committed to Tennessee football to join David Gabriel Georges in the 2027 backfield.
Barnes, a 5-foot-11, 200-pounder, chose the Vols over Arkansas. He alternated visits between the two schools in the spring and summer as he mulled his final decision.
On July 29, Barnes announced his commitment during a ceremony at his high school.
"Coming from Martin, Tennessee, everyone is a Tennessee Vols fan," Barnes said. "You grow up watching it on TV, seeing 100,000 at Neyland (Stadium). You dream of growing up and being in that some day when you're older. It's a blessing for me to be able to carry out that dream."
Barnes is ranked the No. 36 running back and No. 551 player overall
in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports Composite. He's a solid in-state addition to the Vols' 2027 class, but he'll be viewed as a complementary piece to Gabriel Georges, a high-profile five-star running back.
Barnes is a versatile offensive weapon. He helped Westview go undefeated and win the Class 3A state title. In the BlueCross Bowl, he had 207 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns as a rusher, receiver and returner.
He is also a standout in basketball and track and field for Westview.
Tennessee football commitments in 2027 class
The early signing period is Dec. 2-4, 2026. Tennessee has 19 commitments in its 2027 recruiting class.
In-state players top the list, led by Gabriel Georges. Oak Ridge tight end Malik Howard, Brentwood Academy wide receiver KeSean Bowman, Brentwood Academy linebacker Kenneth Simon and Siegel offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo are four-star prospects.
Safety Marcus Jones (Haverford, Pennsylvania), offensive tackle Q’Mari Hudson (Chesapeake, Virginia) and offensive tackle Niko Kampas (Kaarst, Germany) are also rated four stars.
Barnes, Goodpasture cornerback Brandon Leavell, Haywood safety Jaden Butler, Maryville linebacker JP Peace and South Pittsburg wide receiver Dayon Cooper are three-star commitments from Tennessee.
Quarterback Derrick Baker (Alpharetta, Georgia), cornerback Carter Jamison (Fairburn, Georgia) and cornerback Dylan Haley (Flowery Branch, Georgia) are also three-star commitments.
Junior college defensive lineman Christian Mays (Booneville, Mississippi), long snapper Sam McKeown (Jenks, Oklahoma) and placekicker Ford Fehling (Waxhaw, North Carolina) are not rated by 247Sports Composite.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Westview RB Asa Barnes commits to Tennessee, joins David Gabriel Georges
