CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Kirkwood High offensive lineman Kamari Blair made his signing to the University of Tennessee official on Wednesday as the No. 7-ranked recruit in the state signed his paperwork to play for the Vols surrounded by family and friends. He becomes Kirkwood’s first power-five signee.
“Tennessee recruited me heavily throughout this whole process, even when I had committed elsewhere,” said Blair. “That meant a lot to me, and it felt like home. It’s an honor for me to represent the home state. Vols fans, let’s get to work.”
Blair was part of a Kirkwood team that made history this season, finishing 8-2, with both losses coming against ranked teams, and also winning the first playoff game in the Cobras’ history. Blair was a stalwart at tackle for an offense that tallied more than 3,750 yards, which included more than 1,800 yards coming from the Cobras rushing attack.
Kirkwood head coach Chad Watson will certainly miss Blair next season, but will happily cheer him on in Knoxville on Saturdays.
“He has meant a lot to our program,” said Watson. “It shows our young guys that if you work hard, it’s possible to reach these heights from Kirkwood. Kamari has laid that path. Tennessee is getting an unbelievable kid first. He’s going to work hard and do everything he’s supposed to do. He’s got huge upside, and he will improve dramatically once he becomes a Vol.”
| SPORTS REPORT: Sign up for the new weekly Clarksville sports newsletter