Brentwood Academy three-star linebacker Devyn Curtis lists Vanderbilt in top six college choices

Brentwood Academy senior linebacker Devyn Curtis dropped his top six college football choices on Monday. 

And four of the six schools reside from the SEC.

Curtis, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound inside linebacker, is a three-star prospect and is the state's No. 29 overall recruit according to the 247Sports Composite as the No. 25 inside linebacker in the country.

Curtis recorded 99 tackles, including 16.5 for loss in 2018 to help lead the Eagles to the Division II-AAA state championship. He also had 10 sacks.

Curtis' top six include Kentucky, Mississippi State, Nebraska, South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Virginia. His plan is to commit before Week 1 of the high school football season.

"I want to go somewhere with a great environment, good academics and a staff that I know wants me," Curtis said. "At the end of the day, the staff has to want me there."

Here is a look at why each school is on his list of choices.

Kentucky

The Wildcats finished 10-3 with a win in the Citrus Bowl this past season. It marked the school's first 10-win season since 1977 and comes after going 7-6 the previous two years.

"They've proven that they can improve every year," Curtis said. "I think they will only keep getting better. I think I can be a critical piece for them."

Mississippi State

The Bulldogs went 8-5 under first-year coach Joe Morehead. It marked the fourth time in five years the program had won eight games or more.

"Pretty much same thing (as Kentucky)," Curtis said. "I like what (defensive coordinator Bob) Shoop is doing with the defense. They have proven to be one of the top defenses in the country."

Nebraska

The Cornhuskers finished 4-8 under first-year coach Scott Frost. Currently, MBA graduate Jackson Hannah, a linebacker, is a freshman at Nebraska.

"I heard they have the best fan base in the world," Curtis said. "The environment – a great football environment – is important to me."

Curtis said he knows Hannah from competing against him and from working out with National Playmakers Academy together. But he hasn't spoken to him specifically about Nebraska.

South Carolina

Curtis' mother was a student at South Carolina. He attended the Gamecocks' home game against Georgia last year, a 41-17 Bulldogs win on Sept. 8, 2018.

Like Nebraska, the game environment at South Carolina is a factor.

"That was arguably the loudest game I've ever went to," Curtis said.

The Gamecocks went 7-6 last year.

Vanderbilt

Location. Location. Location.

Vanderbilt's proximity to Curtis home is a key component for his interest in the Commodores. Plus there are multiple players he knows or grew up playing with at Brentwood Academy, including wide receiver Cam Johnson and tight end Gavin Schoenwald.

"They are just down the road," Curtis said. "And I like coach (Derek) Mason and (defensive coordinator Jason) Tarver."

But having former high school teammates on the roster doesn't necessarily make Vandy the favorite.

"I have to realize that they may be gone whenever I'm playing," Curtis said. "I have to do what's best for me."

Vanderbilt went 6-7 in 2018.

Virginia

Academics and the campus is a draw to Curtis. The Cavaliers went 8-5 in 2018.

"It's a great academic school and I've heard it's one of the best campuses," Curtis said.