Rocky Top’s New Hype-man: Vols’ Special Teams Guru Evan Crabtree Takes Off on 247Sports 30Under30 List!

Let’s talk about Evan Crabtree — yeah, that’s right, the Tennessee Volunteers’ rising star, the special teams mastermind who just got himself named one of college football’s top young rising stars on the 247Sports 30Under30 list. And no, this isn’t just a “hey, good job” mention — it’s a full-on shoutout to someone who’s been quietly crushing it behind the scenes, doing the kind of gritty work that doesn’t always get airtime but absolutely changes the trajectory of a team.

So who is Evan Crabtree, and why is he suddenly on everyone’s radar? First off, he’s not some ex-NFL guy parachuting into the coaching world with a famous name. His story is way more grounded, and way more Tennessee. He’s a former long snapper at Miami (OH), a position that’s all about detail, discipline, and consistency. Not exactly the flashiest job on the field, but ask any coach — they’ll tell you that the long snapper is one of the most trusted guys on the team. Crabtree’s experience there gave him an edge: he learned every special teams unit from the inside, saw how game-changing moments are built play-by-play, and understood how important the small things are.

That mindset followed him into coaching. After joining Tennessee’s staff in 2022, he rose quickly — but not loudly. He wasn’t tweeting motivational quotes or making highlight reels. Instead, he was in meetings, breaking down film, making sure special teams units were airtight. That’s how you earn trust in the coaching world, especially under a head coach like Josh Heupel, who runs a tight, performance-focused operation.

Fast forward to 2024. Tennessee’s longtime special teams coordinator, Mike Ekeler, took a job at Nebraska. Suddenly, the position opened up, and Crabtree was right there — not as a surprise candidate, but as someone who’d quietly built a case for the job every day for two years. He got promoted in the offseason, and by all accounts, he’s already putting his stamp on the unit.

One of the biggest feathers in his cap? Last season, Tennessee led the nation in punt return yardage. That doesn’t happen by accident. That’s timing, blocking, vision, and game planning — all orchestrated by someone who understands the value of field position and momentum. Crabtree’s attention to detail and his ability to get buy-in from players across the roster made that possible.

So when 247Sports released their annual 30Under30 list — spotlighting the best young coaches in college football — Crabtree’s name was right there. That list isn’t just a pat on the back. It’s an industry watchlist. These are the names that athletic directors, coordinators, and headhunters are keeping tabs on. Crabtree landing on that list means something: he’s seen as one of the future leaders of the sport.

But it’s not just about him. Crabtree’s rise is part of a bigger trend at Tennessee. The Vols are building something special behind the scenes, and it starts with how they develop their staff. Look around the coaching room: tight ends coach Alec Abeln has also been recognized nationally. Wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope has been labeled a rising star. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks is already getting buzz as a future head coach. Tennessee isn’t just recruiting well — they’re coaching well. And they’re doing it with a young, hungry staff that’s growing together.

What makes Crabtree’s rise so interesting is that he’s not chasing the spotlight. When he talks about coaching, it’s all about the team. “I was a long snapper in college. I had a lot of times and meetings, just as a player, sitting in on every unit,” he said in a recent interview. “Special teams is a passion for me because it’s a team-based unit. You get everybody involved — offense and defense. It’s a full-team effort.”

That’s the kind of mindset that resonates in a locker room. Special teams often don’t get the love they deserve, but inside football circles, they’re known as the third pillar of the game. They flip the field. They change the pace. They create momentum. And when they’re dialed in, they win games. Crabtree gets that. He’s not trying to reinvent the wheel — he’s just making sure it rolls smoother than ever.

For Tennessee, this recognition of Crabtree is also a recruiting win. It shows players — especially those being asked to contribute early on special teams — that their coaches aren’t just placeholders. They’re elite minds with national credibility. It shows parents that their sons are being coached by people who are respected across the sport. And it shows rival programs that Tennessee isn’t just serious about scoring points — they’re serious about every inch of the field.

What comes next for Crabtree? That’s the exciting part. Coaches on the 30Under30 list don’t tend to stay in the same roles for long. Some end up taking on coordinator duties at bigger programs. Some get plucked for head coaching gigs at smaller schools. Some become hot commodities during staff reshuffles across the Power Five. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Crabtree start drawing interest if Tennessee’s special teams continue trending upwards.

But for now, he seems focused. Locked in. The Vols have a tough schedule ahead, with SEC matchups that can swing on a single kick or return. That’s where Crabtree’s units come in — and they’ll have to be sharp. The margin for error in this conference is razor-thin, and special teams can be the difference between 8–4 and a trip to Atlanta.

And it’s not just about winning games. Crabtree has the kind of demeanor that builds culture. He’s approachable, detailed, and driven — all qualities that help create a connected locker room. Players respect coaches who do their homework and treat every role with the same seriousness, whether it’s a five-star linebacker or a walk-on gunner. Crabtree treats special teams like it’s the heartbeat of the game — and that mentality is catching on.

There’s a reason Vols fans should be pumped about this. This is what sustainable success looks like: not just relying on splashy hires, but investing in people who grow with the program. Crabtree came in, learned the system, earned trust, got promoted, and is now earning national praise — all in the span of a few seasons. That’s the kind of internal pipeline most programs dream of.

The recognition from 247Sports just validates what the people inside the building already knew. Evan Crabtree is the real deal. He’s smart, steady, and intensely passionate about the craft. He’s not looking for shortcuts. He’s building something, one rep at a time. And while special teams might not always be front-page news, the people who know football — they’re paying attention.

So yeah, Rocky Top has a new hype-man. Not the loud, look-at-me type, but the kind who grinds behind the curtain and lets the results speak for themselves. And now the results are doing a lot of talking. Evan Crabtree didn’t just make a list — he’s making a name. And if the Vols continue to dominate in the hidden third phase of the game, don’t be surprised if that name starts popping up a whole lot more.

For now, Tennessee fans can enjoy the ride. They’ve got one of the brightest young minds in the sport drawing up plays and getting the most out of every snap. And in a game where every detail matters, that might be the most valuable asset of all.