Ensworth DB Andre Turrentine picks Ohio State over Tennessee Vols, Alabama, LSU

Ensworth's Andre Turrentine has picked the Big Ten over the SEC.

Turrentine announced his college football commitment Tuesday to Ohio State, picking the Buckeyes over Alabama, LSU and Tennessee. Turrentine announced his commitment on his Twitter account.

Turrentine, a 6-foot, 180-pound junior, is the No. 3 college football prospect in Tennessee for the Class of 2021, according to the 247Sports Composite. He's also the No. 6 safety in the country and No. 136 overall prospect.

"They are getting a kid that loves football," Ensworth football coach Roc Batten said. "He loves the grind. He loves the film study. He loves it all.

"When I accepted the job (in 2019), he was one of the first that came into my office and wanted to watch film."

Ohio State special teams coordinator and assistant secondary coach Matt Barnes recruited Turrentine and is the Nashville area's recruiter.

Batten said Ohio State coach Ryan Day and new defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs also visited the school.

"Coach Day expressed that they really loved his skill set and what he can do with his versatility," Batten said. "(Andre) is a really talented player. He wants to be great."

Turrentine had 73 total tackles in 2019 to help lead Ensworth to the Division II-AA state semifinals. Turrentine had 10 catches for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

Batten said Turrentine's offensive role will expand in 2020, saying he can play in the backfield, slot receiver and wide receiver.

Batten said Turrentine is talented enough to play anywhere in the secondary — cornerback, nickel back or safety.

"He has a high football IQ," Batten said. "He is a great tackler. He's a physical player."

Turrentine is the state's third college football prospect for 2021 among the top five who have announced their commitment.

Ravenwood's Jake Briningstool, the state's No. 1 prospect and No. 1 tight end in the country, committed to Clemson. Brentwood Academy's Eli Sutton, the No. 4 prospect in the state and No. 21 offensive tackle in the country, committed to North Carolina.

Turrentine is a teammate of Tennessee signee Keshawn Lawrence, who also played in the Tigers' secondary in 2019. And Turrentine played his sophomore season with Tyler Baron, who transferred to Knoxville Catholic this past season. Baron also signed with the Vols in December with Lawrence.

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Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.