The early signing period brought a pleasant surprise on Wednesday as Elijah McAllister, a 6’6”, 230-pound DE/OLB prospect from Rumson Fair Haven Regional HS in Rumson, NJ, chose Vanderbilt over a final four including Tennessee, Boston College, and Michigan State.
McAllister had two ACL injuries in high school, but returned for his senior season to be named an All-Zone player while playing defensive end for Rumson Fair Haven. At Vanderbilt, he could add bulk and stay on the defensive line or he might move to outside linebacker. McAllister is ranked as a three-star recruit in the 247 Sports composite, the #27 strongside defensive end prospect in the Class of 2018, and the #19 prospect in the state of New Jersey.