Why Zach Groves signed with Tennessee? It 'felt like a place where I could grow'

East Robertson's Zach Groves, a four-star defensive end, writes for The Tennessean on why he signed with Tennessee football. Groves is a 6-foot-4, 255-pound athlete.

Choosing Tennessee was more than just a football decision for me — it felt like choosing a second home. From the moment I stepped on campus, the people stood out. Everyone I met, from the coaches, to the players, to the staff, treated me like family before I was even part of the program. There was a genuine energy there, a sense that they truly care about who you are on and off the field.

The environment in Knoxville is different. It’s the kind of place where you feel supported and pushed at the same time. The fans, the culture, the pride that comes with wearing that orange — it all hits you as soon as you arrive. I wanted to be part of something that big, something that means something to the whole community.

The coaching staff played a huge role too. Their plan for my development wasn’t just “coach speak.” They broke down exactly how they saw me growing, what they could help me improve, and how they would push me to reach the next level. It wasn’t just about the player I am now, but the player they saw me becoming. That stood out to me more than anything.

At the end of the day, Tennessee felt like a place where I could grow — as an athlete, as a student, and as a person. It felt like family, and it felt like the right place to set my goals, chase them, and succeed. That’s why I chose Tennessee. It just feels like home.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee football recruiting: Zach Groves can learn to grow with Vols