Posted by agentorange on November 28, 2007 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good

Posted by raynochonspeed on November 28, 2007 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We're getting killed in recruiting this year.

Two things to note in the above article:

1. "6-foot, 190-pound linebacker"

yikes.

2. "offers from Tulane, Baylor, Ole Miss and Stanford"

not exactly Florida, USC, and Notre Dame we're beating here.

Posted by Hunter on November 28, 2007 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was really concerned about those two things two until I saw he played at Scotlandville in BR. They are TERRIBLE!!!!! That makes me less concerned and more confused, but the coaches make more money and have more rings than this armchair QB, so I'll trust them.....reluctantly.

Posted by osunut2 on November 28, 2007 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe he will be converted into a safety? Even if he bulks up, he will be an undersized linebacker at this level, even if he plays OLB.

Posted by volsoutwest on November 29, 2007 at midnight (Suggest removal)

AT LEAST MAYBE HIS GRADES ARE GOOD AND WE CAN HAVE HIM FOR FOUR YEARS AND NOT HAVE TO SEND HIM THE JUCO ROUTE.

Posted by andy112382 on November 29, 2007 at 1:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

" "offers from Tulane, Baylor, Ole Miss and Stanford - not exactly Florida, USC, and Notre Dame we're beating here."

Oh, boy...that time of year again, not this debate again...go back and look at the team rankings, lets say, 2004 for example: Missouri 36th, Auburn 31st, Boston College 42nd, WVU 53rd, Boise St. 72nd, Hawaii 82nd....... the top two teams in the nation didn't even crack the top 35.......just make sure we get guys who want to play football, know how to play, and will take advantage of being able to play, I would rather have a team full of real football players than ones just looking for an NFL launching pad because they know they are good.

Don't get me wrong, it works out with highly ranked guys as well, Eric Berry certainly deserved that #1 ranking last year and every one of those 5 stars, but once they hit campus, that all means nothing......bottom line, we'll be fine, plus don't forget some of the guys who we may get such as Demetrice Morley possibly, Brandon Warren, we sent a few guys to prep school from last years class, Gerald Williams (finally I hope!) Not to mention how young this team is, so we don't exactly lose a ton.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by Einstein on November 29, 2007 at 5:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tulane, Baylor, STANFORD!! At least he should be OK academically.

Posted by govols98 on November 29, 2007 at 6:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe his 3.8 GPA has something to do with our recruiting him...

Posted by why36knot on November 29, 2007 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys do know that 17 year old high school players gain weight and grow after they begin College...............don't you?

Posted by eb502us on November 29, 2007 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Again, where's the beef?

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on November 29, 2007 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Where's the beef?"...well it seems to be all over this board.

Posted by 3rdtenn on November 29, 2007 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

imangine he is really being recruited as an athlete not a linebacker don't yall maybe he is a return specialist or the coaches have lost their minds

Posted by callen825 on November 29, 2007 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

C'mon guys...give this young man a chance. He'll bulk up more, they'll change his position, and he'll contribute to the team down the road. Somebody sees something we don't...yet.

Posted by pdhuff on November 29, 2007 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

c'mon guys, we need someone to replace Karl. Remember you must have 11 on the field. He'll work "like heck" to get better and have "heart". Congrats to the young man, take that TULANE!

Posted by DSaVol on November 29, 2007 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The beginning of the end. But hey give credit where it's due - this staff went into LSU's backyard and got a guy right under the Tigers nose! So what if LSU wasn't even recruiting him! Great job fellas! Extend those contracts to 2020 Mike Hamilton!!!

Posted by vol4good on November 29, 2007 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mabye the guy is the next Bill Bates--I would hate to see what you guys would say if TN was recruiting Bill Today. I bet he didnt hit 190 his whole time at UT. Give me heart, desire and work ethic, anytime over a 5 star punk that thinks he deserves pampering. I know I will catch hell for this, but I hope his mindset is much like Robert Peace's. That guy gave his all for TN every time he got on the field.

Posted by powert on November 29, 2007 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would rather have size and speed since I still have visions of Herschel Walker stepping on Bill Bates chest on the way to the endzone and a Georgia victory. Had to watch it replayed on Atlanta stations for years. I also watched Robert Peace grab the ground where a player used to be too many times. Heart and desire alone won't always get you there in the SEC.

Posted by slovog on November 29, 2007 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We don't know that LSU wasn't recruiting Lathers. He is regarded as a player who has pro potential and the ability to make an impact on a high- to mid- major college team.

Is he a Peyton Manning? Probably not. Could he be a contributor? We may find out. Will he be a distraction at UT? The evidence points to "no".

Does last year's class, as have many previous recruiting classes, point to the fact that this coaching staff recruits well? Yes.

We are two days away from being able to watch our Vols, a team that has gone from 4th in the SEC east in 2005 to 1st in the SEC east in 2007, play for the conference championship. I don't know what the result will be on Saturday, but I do know that signing day is several months away and these kids are 17 and 18 years old. I'll worry about recruiting in February.

Posted by wkjq on November 29, 2007 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sometimes a great player slips by the big boys when recruitng. The NFL is full of players from smaller schools. I'll let the coaches do the coaching, and I'll do the cheering. I'll bet nobody here knows as much as the coaching staff about these players.

Posted by mtnvol on November 29, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys, relax. Since we don't get paid to evaluate talent and haven't talked to this young man, we really don't know what's up. Spped kills and I'll bet this kid can fly. Herman, welcome to the Vol Nation!

HS's tend to put their best athletes at either QB or LB. For all we know, he's projected at DB for his college career. Besides, there has been plenty of discussion about schools that win the recruiting class but can't break an egg 3-4 years later.

Geaux Vawls!

Posted by webbofconfusion on November 29, 2007 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not concerned with size.. he is in highschool. He will get bigger. He is smart so he has the ability to learn and read offenses.
and who care if his highschool wins or loses, one player does not make a team.

Posted by wrvlvolfan on November 29, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not many coaches were looking at Foster when Sanders found him. I would say he was a great recruit.

Posted by GreerVol22 on November 29, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember Ryan Karl?....he plays a little football you know. Same size when he got on campus. He's bulked up to around 220 now.

Posted by hiresanders on November 29, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He's from Baton Rouge and LSU didn't even offer him...that tells me all I need to know.

Posted by bigbluevol on November 29, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah, perpetual negativity from hiresanders. Why don't you go and lick your wounds from this past weekend.

Posted by Singaporehillbilly on November 29, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sort of humorous, but when Tennessee does not recruit a local kid, and he signs with another school, according to some on this board the sky is falling. Now, we sign a kid in Baton Rouge, that LSwho was not recruiting, so he must not be any good.

Wake up. The coaching staff, the same one that has Tennessee playing for the SEC Championship, knows what they are doing. I do not demand all the faux vol fans on this board to drink the orange kool-aid, but quit drinking the hater-aid.

Welcome to the Vols Mr. Lathers.

Posted by TommyJack on November 29, 2007 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The fact that he had offers from tulane & stanford tells me he has brains...3 stars maybe, but how many 5 stars have we had that couldn't cut the academic mustard? Give the kid a break.

Posted by bigbluevol on November 29, 2007 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He runs a 4.3. That's pretty impressive. As someone pointed out earlier, just because he played linebacker in high school doesn't mean that's where he'll play at UT. He's got potential at several spots.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Savion Frazier was a 3* that flew under the radar and was just a little bigger than this kid in HS last year. He beat Walker and Donald for immediate playing time. Donald was rated by most as the #1 HS LB coming out.

I am somewhat concerned with this recruiting class as many of you are... but having them pick up a project LB with good grades makes sense. It isn't a position of immediate need anyway. OTOH, Rod Wilks is still being rated a 3* and alot of folks who've seen him play say he's much better than that. UF has shown interest but he's a Vol. The LB from Hickory, NC is also very good and smart. For whatever reason, he's a 3* too.

What we really need to watch for is what they do with their next 1 or 2 OL pick ups as well as DL. They need some DL's that can play within two years and some OL's that can at least be quality backups within two years.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on November 29, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've mentioned it before, recruiting focused on ability over character contributed to this program's issues. I like the fact that there seems to be more balance between pure ability and character even if we pass on a few 'can't miss 5*'s'. Intelligence and character will win us some games along with speed and football ability. Please, no more mercenaries punching the clock at UT on the way to the NFL.

Posted by martinvolfan on November 29, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Tennessee strength and conditioning staff have a way of growing players, so it's way too early to worry about the size of this recruit. He will grow! It's refreshing to see a possible signee that actually has some academic sense too!

Posted by alfrizzle097 on November 29, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know that ratings aren't everything. Look at what Ron Zook has done at Illinois. This is the trick to recruiting: find the ones that no one else sees. Rogan wasn't expected to ever make the field by most. Look now.

Posted by jcvet on November 29, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Usually small players have much more heart and hit much harder per lb. They will put some wt. on him. Pollock at GA wasn't that big and he ran over both out 300+ tackles. Most big players are wusses and get by on size or they would hurt people.

Posted by bigbluevol on November 29, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just because he plays linebacker in high school doesn't mean that he's an NFL caliber linebacker. As someone said earlier, a lot of times the best athletes play qb or lb in high school. I'm just going off of the numbers that are available and since everyone is willing to accept his rating as a 3 star why is there hesitancy to go with his 40 time? Unless he gains significant weight, he's not going to play linebacker. Sounds like a possible wr, db or even rb.

Posted by jlange on November 29, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Eddie Moore, Karl, Eric Westmoreland-- how many undersized LB's have contributed in UT's system? Even the whiners admit CPF can recruit. Getting players who can run and tackle in the open field is paramount in today's game.

Posted by jacksonvol on November 29, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe this kid will be our secret to defending the spread offens!

Posted by BigOrangeVol29 on November 29, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like this deal and I hope this kid turns out to be a good player. I've long criticized this coaching staff for falling in love with athleticism and not recruiting smart football players who are in the right place at the right time, which I think are imperative if Chief insists on playing a soft zone against a lot of these teams. I'll give the kid the benefit of the doubt and bet he ends up making an impact for this team in the future be it special teams or on defense.

Posted by mtnvol on November 29, 2007 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CR, trust me when I say I'm not trying to pick a fight. Do you know this kid or see him play? 4.3 is really quick, but not unheard of. Just wondering. Besides, there is "track fast" and "football fast." I think 40 time and bench press, while being indicators, are overrated as tools for judging talent in any sport.

Posted by jdcvols on November 29, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If this guy reads some of these posts, he will end up someplace else. How can we go after a high school kid from another state who wants to wear ORANGE<

Posted by bigbluevol on November 29, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How do you know he doesn't run a 4.3? Did you go to LA and clock him? He could gain weight, you're right. He could not. Until he gets up there, it's all speculation which is what I was doing.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Most players said to run under 4.4 don't. If he does in fact run a 4.3 or 4.4 then he's probably going to be a DB.

OTOH, a LB that runs a 4.3 or even a true 4.4 would be extraordinary. It would be a guy that could cover any back and couldn't be blocked by an OT on a blitz.

Posted by slsmithsr on November 29, 2007 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

6' 190 lbs....put 10 more lbs on him and he's Eric Westmoreland and Eddie Moore coming in.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, the 40 times became even more unreliable this year when the NCAA imposed a rule that colleges couldn't time recruits. Now you are depending on the accuracy of HS timers who probably seldom use electronic timing or consistent hand timing techniques.

Posted by TommyJack on November 29, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

put 10 el bees on him and he could be the Nose Tackle chief needs for the 3/4. lol

Posted by bigbluevol on November 29, 2007 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right, sjt. We are depending on inaccurate timers. However, so are the recruiting services who use that information to help them make their evaluations. Then, we as fans rely on these less than accurate ratings and decide we're having a bad recruiting class because Tenn isn't getting enough 4 and 5 star recruits. The point is that the coaching staff is evaluating talent and deciding how the player will best fit in. Obviously they believe this guy will work out well.

Posted by marc_ash on November 29, 2007 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

6'0 190? Um, sounds more like a WR or DB than a LB. Baylor, Ole Miss and Stanford....let me see...last place in their division, last place in their division and last place in their division.

Posted by dfreeman on November 29, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I sure hope this kid isn't reading some of this crap! We didn't recruit Chad Pennington either, but I believe he played more in the NFL than Clausen didn't he?? Give him a chance! With this kid we know we aren't getting a head full "Ima Star" attitude!! He'll be hungry coming in and just maybe they see a diamond in the rough!!

Posted by utchris2003 on November 29, 2007 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Two recruiting websites have him running a 4.5 and also have LSU and Alabama being on his list of schools along with the others mentioned here!

One year in the Tennessee weight room will easily get this kid in the 210-215 range. Probably moves to safety.

Kid from harding Academy of Memphis for 2009 (next class) is ranked number 11 overall (#2 receiver) in the new Rivals ratings. Big time football and basketball player. I heard they told him he could play both at UT....that would be a big pick up!

Posted by LazhilUT on November 29, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Rivals has our recruiting class ranked at #40 in the nation and we only have 12 commitments this far...This upcoming class is very very disappointing with the bad quality and low level of players that we are bringing in...Hopefully we will win the SEC this weekend because if not, the future looks very dark for us...Wow, I never thought we would have a recruiting class no in the Top 10...

Posted by mtnvol on November 29, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Laz, is it signing day? Why throw a wet blanket on recruiting when we still have two months to go? Frustrating, yes, but these coaches tend to deliver on signing day so give it time.

Posted by dfreeman on November 29, 2007 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer always makes a push for some of the higher players. Besides with Gerald Williams, Dustin Lindsey, Brandon Warren, and some of the others arriving a little late we'll be ok!!

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's true dfreeman. There are going to be guys in this class that probably won't count toward the rankings. If Warren does count, he'd have to be a 5* TE considering he was a Fr All American at FSU. Morley won't count but he was a starter before getting the boot. The baseball player may be an immediate contributor and there's probably no way he could be accurately rated... and will be a walk on to start with anyway.

CPF almost always makes a late push. Trooper is in with some top recruits and will almost surely land one or two.

This won't be like last year since UT recruits by need. OL's, TE's, and FB's typically don't rate as highly as WR's, RB's, QB's, and defensive players.

UT won't take a QB unless it is a blue chip like Pryor. The fact that they dropped a FL WR to take Wilks suggests they aren't going to load up on WR's. The seem to be focused on Poole at RB and showing little interest in others.

DL is a focal point and DB's as always. The #1 DB in this year's class is reconsidering his commitment to Mich. UT is apparently getting a visit and ranks highly with him.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, I think it is a mistake to not recruit top RB's this year. UT can boast one of the top OL's in CFB and guarantee an opportunity to compete for immediate playing time considering Hardesty's injury problem.

Posted by Ironcity on November 29, 2007 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Players on bad teams and its my understanding he plays on a bad team never get high star ratings. I am ot worried about his size because what you read and what a player is once he gets to UT is never the same.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN, if Morley and Warren come in with this class they will be like free JUCO's. Morley could be a starter next year and a walk-on.

There are some really good DL recruits considering or leaning UT. This class will be OK. Probably not as good as last year unless lightning strikes with Pryor but still good.

Posted by 55Vol on November 29, 2007 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18...WIlks will do alright in the SEC. He needs to learn to work harder but will catch some TD's before it isall done unless he is moved to DB like Vinson was. He plays that position also.

Posted by newtonrail on November 29, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are going to be in a numbers problem really quick, especially if DMo and B.Warren are eligible for schol. Mr. Lather's GPA looks great, but I didn't notice anyone mention that 17 ACT. That doesn't come close to cutting it. Those looking for a top rated class are going to be disappointed. We can't take enough additional highly rated players to raise ranking. We need DTs. Period. If Williams finally gets here, he may play inside some. At the least he'll a DE, and not LB. Auburn and the "old" Nebraska are good examples of how rankings can be deceiving. Neither ranks or ranked in Nebraska's case in top of Recruiting Rankings, but they got players that would fit there system. I'm sure Carl Stewart is a nice young man, but I doubt he would have succeeded anywhere else. At Auburn, he has contributed because he's coached in their system. Anyway we need strong, fast DTs, and the problem is that everyone else in country wants them also.

Posted by utmdm on November 29, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is not over til it is over on recruiting. We all know that there are several defections at the last minute once these young guys see how they fit in the recruiting classes at various schools and also how the coaching shuffles land. We may very well be seeing some effect of our own "CPFis staying/CPF is going" travail.

In spite of what one thinks of his game day coaching CPF IS a top recruiter and if he says it is so on this young man, that is good enough for me.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

newton, UT's best recruits committed late last year to include some of the instate guys. They got 3 guys I think at the Army AA game.

Warren will probably be awarded a scholarship immediately but Morley won't. He won't count against the limit.

I don't necessarily think they're recruiting system players... I'm not entirely sure what they are doing but that doesn't seem to be the case. They could be recruiting project players or maybe think these guys are underrated.

Maybe they are actually beginning to limit recruiting to kids they think they can keep in the program for four years... ?

Posted by vol98 on November 29, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i think what we are seeing on the field this year is the payoff for recruiting guys who are a good mix of talent and integrity. I think after that summer of like 11 arrests, PF put an emphasis on getting good kids who will take initiative and direction. I think that pays off in playing a team game, and may not always reflect in the 'rankings' of players.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not a bad point vol98... what you are also seeing are the results of Jr and Sr classes depleted by non-qualifiers and discipline problems.

From those two years, eight of about 23 4* recruits are no longer on the team or never made it. Two of them G Williams and Morley are trying to make it but the rest are gone for one reason or another.

Another thing to consider is that many of last year's signees are being redshirted. In fact, some of the best are like Donald, Coleman, and Langley.

Posted by pdhuff on November 29, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18- I love it! "I'm not sure what they're doing" should be on a plaque behind the Vols bench. Apparently there will be no Berrys in the on-coming class. Take a look at Rival, Scout, etc. Don't like them, well look at AJC top Southern 100. Man we're getting ready to clean up there. ONE PLAYER outside of the 2 or 3 from Tenn. We're not known for "coaching 'em up" other than QBs wth Cutcliff. Well, h#%l, what do I know, the Culhanes were a success on Hee-Haw. Jr Samples made more money than 99% of us. Vols, don't let the wheels come off this fairy-tale ride Saturday afternoon. I only have 23 Buds! Fear the Phil, Miles.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i love, The one thing I don't want to hear is that a kid needs to learn to work harder. Those kids don't make it at UT. One of the best recruits they picked up a few years ago was Slick Shelley. He transfered because he never showed the coaches the right work ethic.

Posted by UTvols12342000 on November 29, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone know where to find a free online video feed of the championship game friday?? anyone know if ESPN360 or yahoo or someone is gonna carry it like other games this year? I am in Holland and would really appreciate any help

RTYAB

Posted by mtoms1272 on November 29, 2007 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think andy from a previous post needs to be aware that we are not talking about recruiting stars on this kid. He is in LSU's backyard and not being recruited by them. And if your hope is that Fulmer and his staff are going to "coach him up", you should be even more worried.

Posted by west_tn_volfan on November 29, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At this point, the class doesn't rank very high but, as was mentioned, linemen O or D don't rank very highly. A team can get many of the best linemen in a given year and not break the top 10. A great line can make average backs look very good on offense and defense. I hope we bring in some very good D linemen. As far as this kid, he could bulk up and play linebacker or he could play safety but if he's smart and can run well he can be a good player.

Posted by bigbluevol on November 29, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LSU has requested film on him. He is also not done taking visits and it's a long way to February. There was a great article in the Chattanooga TimesFreePress about recruiting and how UT appearing in the SEC championship game generally helps produce a solid recruiting class. As with this season, why don't we let it all play out before we start with the doom and gloom.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mtoms, Would you consider V Richard "coached up"? How about Karl? C Brown? D Willams?

None of these guys came in highly recruited and there are others as well. I've heard that knock alot but have largely found it to have little truth.

I think CPF, Chavis, and occasionally Cut do a poor job of playcalling and in-game adjustments... but by and large the players are taught the skills they need to play.

One good example is the improvement in tackling over the course of this season. A team embarrassed by Forsett largely shut down the NCAA's best RB... by tackling him well.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LSU isn't recruiting him?.... Hmmm... They are kind of in limbo right now wouldn't you say?

Who can Miles or Pelini recruit until they make their decision outside of guys already committed?

Miles is also one of the more arrogant guys around on the recruiting trail. It wouldn't be surprising if he missed someone right under his nose.

Posted by cdldoc on November 29, 2007 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UTvols12342000, you should at least get Audio at http://www.utsports.com/home/. Check out the multimedia screen in the upper right hand corner of the page.

Posted by govols57 on November 29, 2007 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All of you who are already down on this kid need to know that LSU did recruit him, go to www.volquest.com and click on his name down at the bottom under recruits. It shows all the schools that offered, with stats, measures, and highlight tape. The kid is extremely fast and is more than likely going to be a safety. Just watch the highlight tape!!

Posted by volguy615 on November 29, 2007 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you people dont know if the ball is blown up or stuffed. I had rather have a kid his size that a 2 minute 40 over grown oaf. its amazing that in just a year the staff has gone from genius to stupid over night. No wonder kids are reluctant to sign with UT, the hell they catch her is un-called for.
GO VOLS LEAVING FOR HOT LANTA TOMORROW. GIVE'EM HELL PHIL

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope you are right govols57 but that isn't typical for UT. They usually take guys that size, add weight, and make them LB's. If he's really a 4.5 or 4.6 guy then he's definitely an LB. If he IS a 4.3 or 4.4 guy then they might turn him into a project DB. He'd have to learn how to cover from scratch though which means he won't play early.

Posted by volguy615 on November 29, 2007 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GREAT RESEARCH GOVOLS57, at least you think for yuorself and nmot just jump in and say something crazy. More dedicated fans like you are needed.

Posted by thesavageorange on November 29, 2007 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think this kid is ranked a little low b/c they are ranking him as a middle linebacker.We have already got 2 commits from higher ranked ILB's.One is 6'4 245(Gerald Williams)The other is 6'3 235(Author Johnson)Think someones trying to stop Tebow up the middle?Lathers will be moved to WSB to utilize his speed against the spread.I think he would be rated higher if he was listed at WSB.The only thing that worries me is DT.They have to close the deal on a couple.

Posted by thesavageorange on November 29, 2007 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry his name is Austin Johnson.

Posted by marc_ash on November 29, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on folks, we aren't even CLOSE to the end of recruiting. Tennessee ranked 40 so far by Rivals, so what. This team will have a top 10-15 recruiting class by the time its all said and done. If UT wins the SECC, watch what happens.

Posted by marc_ash on November 29, 2007 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who all is heading to ATL tomorrow....anybody getting together somewhere?!?!

Posted by fullbackless on November 29, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

scout.com has this guy listed as 6'1/2 205 and runs a 4.5 40.With that speed he could play safety. It also says LSU recruited him.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Careful with Scout. They are notoriously poor in their research of off the path southern players. They do much better with west coast and Fl players. Rivals is usually better with southern football.

If he runs a 4.5 then he's a LB at UT. Nevin McKenzie was considered the best JUCO safety this past year and was too slow to play safety at UT. When CPF offered him the choice of being a slow S with little playing time and a fast LB with alot of PT... he opted to convert.

I am very, very surprised that Johnson isn't at least a 4* though Rivals has him right on the verge. He'll probably be bumped up after the season.

G Williams is more than likely a DE at UT. I would love to see him at MLB since I think UT is undersized there most of the time... but they've projected him at DE ever since they first recruited him out of HS.

Posted by jmatt62 on November 29, 2007 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If he's 6', 190, he's not an LB in the SEC. He would be a SS or CB, cause if he's got those wheels in the 4.4 range he can probably cover.

Posted by thesavageorange on November 29, 2007 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18:I agree on all above.I would like to see Williams at MLB also.He has the look of one of those Ohio State type Linebackers.AJ Hawk 6'2 247 and the one they have now James Laurinaitis 6'3 240 just to name a couple.

Posted by thesavageorange on November 29, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jmatt62 :Based on this staffs history they will make him a WLB.They have been doing it for years.It may depend on whether D.Morley actually gets to come back.On most teams he would be a safety.You never know though.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT has several very good replacements for Hefney on the team and getting significant playing time.

Rogan and Kemp have both shown up. With Johnson back and maybe Fleming from last year's recruiting class ready to play a back up CB, they may move Willingham to Safety. Wardlow and several others could still get back into the safety mix.

Gaines may even get an extra year of eligibility though I find it hard to believe that he'd beat any of these young guys out now that they have experience. I'll be interested to see how good Vinson becomes when he isn't playing with that shoulder and the pain.

You never hope for injuries but the depth UT should have with everyone back looks good for the secondary.

There's a near embarrassing wealth of talent at LB.

For those who doubt CPF's ability to find underrated players, consider Frazier and Davis. Neither guy was ranked high. Both guys became contributors on ST's and spot play on D during their Fr years.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage, Alot of teams are now doing what UT does... especially in the SEC and ACC where speed rules. There are some teams in the Big 12 doing it too.

The Pac10 and Big10 are still pretty stuck on bigger, slower MLB's.

Posted by thesavageorange on November 29, 2007 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18:Totally agree.That's why D-lineman are so important right now.You have to have guys that demand double teams to keep lineman off of smaller Linebackers.Our DT's got better , and Mayo started going nuts.I just like the thought of a big nasty linebacker, especially if he can run.If he can't , move himto end , and if he is a ball player, he will be fine.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like it comes down to the DT's again. Before the season I said that UT would have a very good year if they found some DT's. Before they did, it looked bad. Since those guys picked it up, they've gotten better.

I'm not certain how hopeful to be about next year. Williams, Bolden, and Fisher seem pretty solid but they really need a guy to emerge as a Dorsey type of beast. We don't hear anything but I'd be curious to know how the development of Langley and Brimfield is going. Sykes and Hall will probably come back as DT's but not until 09.

If Trooper can work a little magic and pull that kid from Miami, UT may get a true Fr that can play minutes right away.

I think those first 3 or 4 guys are servicable... but that won't be good enough to get the middle pressure against UF to beat UM's spread.

Posted by sjt18 on November 29, 2007 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not that worried about DE btw. With Williams, they're probably outstanding. Without Williams, they are still very, very good with Brown, Walker, Mathis, Ayers, and Martin.

Posted by utvols1 on November 29, 2007 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you can "train" on the weight-you can't "coach up" speed. I'll take light and fast anyday.

Posted by thesavageorange on November 29, 2007 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

utvols1:Instincts ,and savvy are very important as well.Didn't realize how good M.Mitchell was until he was gone.Wasn't very big , but knew how to get to the ball.

Posted by thesavageorange on November 29, 2007 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I ment not that big in weight.They listed him at 6'3 235 at Tenn , but He never looked that big to me.The saints list him at 6'3 249.Maybe he was that big.By the way when Robert Ayers arrived at Tenn , he was listed as a back up ILB at 6'3 235.

Posted by Colliervol on November 29, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As posted many times before, only worry about the "commitments" when the fax machine quits running on signing day. UT historically is slower to announce commitments than most schools anyway and we are about where we usually are at this point in time. Haven't seen many years when they didn't close with a rush.

Posted by pdhuff on November 29, 2007 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Greervol22 8:29am - Sjt18 - errr. Karl, now I'll agree great heart and effort, but SEC LB, no way ,Jose! (Is that politically correct)? tries like h#%l, but man, noshow vs Ga (zero tackles), name not called vs Ky. Looked like me being forced to cover WRs. Heart and character will serve him well in life, but Lord, watching Hester run by will kill us arm-chair QBs. McCoy little better, but Mayo is a one-man wrecking crew OUT OF NECCESSITY!!! Our LBs are, well, they have heart. Go Vols!

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on November 30, 2007 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff...don't totally disagree with you, but the Karl does play SLB which means he's typically playing against the TE. This position, like the NT is more about occupying blockers and holding the edge than it is about making a lot of tackles. The WLB is supposed to be the disrupter and I haven't seen as much as I thought we would from McCoy in that spot. I've seen a lot more #7 in plays late in the season, perhaps with the DL coming on and his learning curve are coming together.

Posted by easton3 on November 30, 2007 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, Dave Hooker.
"They were showing me the most love the whole time"
(quote from Herman Lathers on his committment to TN from Scout.com) "most love", I thought you were a big fan of the sniff test. Tennessee must have paid this guy, right? Is this not the same thing Donta Hightower said about Bama? Where is your unbiased journalism? Weak, dude. You owe someone an apology, and I am not talking about myself. How about the 18 years old kid who's reputation you slandered. Be a man.

ROLL TIDE !!!!