Even though other big-name programs tried to get Staley to flip, he says the bond with the Tennessee coaches is why he can’t wait to get the Knoxville. “It’s amazing to have this day. I’m glad that I stuck with this decision. It was the best decision for me. The coaches, I love the coaches there, I love the community, and the culture is just amazing. Coach [Kelsey] Pope, he’s an awesome man, and he’s just another father figure to me. It’s amazing,” he said.
Staley was recently named the Class 2A Upper State Offensive Player of the Year after having 69 catches, 1,166 yards and 14 touchdowns in his lone season with the Rebels. “It’s a blessing man, you know, keep God first, you know? All the hard work is paying off. I just keep my head down, be humble, and stay in it from there. Building relationships with them since day one. The late programs that came in late, it was hard to just build relationships with other coaches. Being an early enrollee, I’m just trying to go out there and work for a spot. So, I’m going to go out there and work my tail off, and I’m going to aim for there,” Staley said.
