re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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Shortly after the news broke that Tennessee had fired Butch Jones as their head football coach, numerous four prospects de-committed from the Volunteers that day.

Trey Dean was on the verge of doing that, but he decided to hold off and to give the Vols a little more time.

After taking a step back and meeting with Tennessee coaches at Hampton (Ga.) Dutchtown last week, the 6-foot-2, 180 pound defensive back has decided to go another direction.

"I have decided to de-commit from Tennessee," said Dean. "I knew if coach Jones was fired then I was likely going to de-commit, but I wanted to take my time with it.

"It is mainly about him being gone and not knowing who the new coach will be and just how I will blend in with the new staff. I have been thinking a lot and weighing my options for a little while now, so it just feels like the right time to do this.

"There is a coaching change and I am an early enrollee, so I have to see what the best situation is for me."

Dean recently took an official visit to Alabama and he is now scheduled to visit FloridaDecember 15. Those two really have his attention.

"Alabama is a great school and it is just great all around. I saw a lot of the same stuff on the visit, but they made it clear that they want me and that I am important to their class.

"Alabama's will to win stands out as much as anything. They do whatever it takes to be on top and I love that. I want to win when I get to the next level."

Nick Saban and defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley are expected to visit Dean this week. Florida sent new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham too.

The Gators have a real chance here.

"I have always been a Florida fan. I liked them when I was little, they were my dream school and I will be visiting them this week. I just want to see how the new coaches are, but I know I already like the school and the overall program."

Kentucky is still involved, South Carolina sent a coach in last week and Dean is still evaluating each of his options. As of now, the only thing he knows for certain is that he is not going to be a Volunteer.

"I love Tennessee and I was a happy commitment for a while, but with the changes, I just cannot see myself there anymore," said Dean. "It was tough, but I do not have much time to make a decision, so I am focused on other schools now."

Dean is planning to sign with a school on December 20, the first day of the early signing period.

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