Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on February 4, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Too bad...we really needed a quality DL. Oh well. Here's to hoping we pull some serious commits on signing day.

Two days and counting!!!

Posted by bigbluevol on February 4, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20....

Some good news...but it's a year away.

Posted by HotlantaVol on February 4, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OSU must have a lot in'vest'ed in Wells for him to head north to the Choke-eyes.

Posted by TommyJack on February 4, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

..and the beat goes on...
Don't worry folks, CPF doing a fine job. Stay the course. In Phil we trust.

Posted by superk on February 4, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys, I'm telling you for sure, we did not miss out on this guy. He will never materialize at big time D1.

Posted by govols57 on February 4, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course he did. Just adding to the list of people who don't want to go to UT. This is makes me want to vomit

Posted by GerryOP on February 4, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, guess it is time for Good Ol' Phil to hang onto the ol' horseshoe and live up to his reputation of having "magic dust" on Wednesday.

Posted by losvolsganan on February 4, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Doohhh!

Enjoy losing to SEC teams... sayonara.

Go Vols!!!

Posted by orangebass on February 4, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sure, why did OSU and ND offer....let's get real
another cpf failure, from elite to average, now avg to worse, just wait 3-4 yrs...

stay the course and work like heck to get better.

Posted by orangebass on February 4, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sure, why did OSU and ND offer....let's get real
another cpf failure, from elite to average, now avg to worse, just wait 3-4 yrs...

stay the course and work like heck to get better.

Posted by drone on February 4, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all the negative press and posters here, I'm shocked the direct link between the number of University of Tennessee players on the Patriots roster and the Patriots loss yesterday has not been expounded upon here. Been reading all this crap since August. Ya'll make me sick. GO VOLS!!!!!

Posted by TommyJack on February 4, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, but some of the faithful here are beginning to sound like gator99. If we LOSE a recruit, then he was no good anyway....See the pattern? gator 99 would be proud.

Posted by govols57 on February 4, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

drone,

Your ability to accept mediocrity makes me sick. Wake the $%@# up and realize that UT's ship is sinking with Fulmer as the captain.

Posted by pdhuff on February 4, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP -Ol' Phil will have to work like heck. Did Dupree screw up the charts?

Well, you can't blame it all on coaching if 2009 goes South. I'm not realy looking forward to tomorrow and listen to Bama, Ga and Fla trumpeting. Spin machine will need new gears.

Posted by drone on February 4, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

govols57 - And Johnny Comes Marching Home I guess! Sounds about like your style.

Posted by GerryOP on February 4, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone remember Crispian St. Peters? Good Ol' Phil on the recruitin' trail:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uojz4-...

Posted by superk on February 4, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have known of this guy since he and my son played against each other in 12 year old basketball. He is NOT a good athlete. He has size,but is not strong, is not overly fast. I would not say the ship is sinking because we didn't get this guy. Remember he had a big press conference to announce he was signing with FSU back a few months ago. Then they didn't show him enough love so he started looking around. Each school he mentioned he loved. He even said some schools offered when in fact they didn't. We will never miss a beat by not signing him.

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This was a big fish that we didn't catch! This one hurts! Lets just hope we get a few signees who we didnt expect to sign with us, especially on the defensive line.

Posted by pdhuff on February 4, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, at least Scout has up holding serve and Tenn-based Rivals locked us in at 37th.

Surprises could move us up or down. We'll know soon. Beat the Gators.

Posted by bugman on February 4, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee is a baketball school. Football is garbage.

Posted by TommyJack on February 4, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

govols57: The blind faith crowd wouldn't get it if it hit them in the head with a 2x4. Stay the course.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Consistant winning produces star recruits. With the exception of this year, the program has slipped a notch. Instead of being a consistant top 10 team, now we are more a consistant top 25 team. I believe that if we don't win the east this next year, then the program will slip another notch, which is consistantly not being in the top 25 and things will only get worse. We have to win the east this year again to show consistancy and once again compete for top recruits

Posted by volsrock54 on February 4, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Take your butt to Ohio state and watch another SEC team take home the trophy after the beat down.. Go Vols!

Posted by King53 on February 4, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

another one bites the dust...

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It was Ohio State all the way, we never had a chance. For all the blind orange kool-aid drinkers, what happened to CPF ability to recruit??

Posted by ONUV on February 4, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

how can the great pumpkin strike out so much this recruiting season? keep deferring blame sheep.

outermonvolia.com

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know how good Wells would have been for UT. Obviously the coaches wanted him pretty bad.

OTOH, UT really needs DT's rather than DE's.

... Second place... again.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ONUV, Who gets the credit for the class UT had last year or the very good players in this class? UT had like 5 players on ESPN's underrated watch... guys CPF and staff "discovered" while Rivals and Scout were concentrating on Fl, Tx, and Ca.

For instance, ESPN had an article basically saying that Poole is underrated and favorably compared him to Cadillac Williams.

Keep deferring the credit, right?

FTR, whatever the reason is that UT keeps coming in second with recruits, it IS CPF's responsibility and job to fix it... but this isn't like a historic problem. This year is the anomaly, not the norm.

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18, I was buying into a fast close by CPF but it looks bleak. It seems that raiding the JUCO ranks would have been easier if we were indeed shorthanded in recruiting defensive line players. Wonder what the recruits/parents are really telling the coaching staff? Which do you think of the following, recent arrests, coaches leaving, TDTN, on field performance or other is having the biggest impact?

Posted by drone on February 4, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What have you done for your UT lately? Done anything to help recruit or just sit around and grip like a bunch of old hens! An active Blind Faith is obviously better than the Chicken Little's who need to sit on their hands.
Make Yourself A Good Day - Make Yourself A Good Life

Posted by Phowell23 on February 4, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At least we have a top 10 and #1 in the SEC Men's and Women's Basketball teams.

Posted by volster on February 4, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We can survive one mediocre recruiting year after the great class we had last year. Besides, some of these guys will turn out to be pretty good. Some of our recent 2* signees are Chris Brown, Inky Johnson, Ryan Karl, Ellix Wilson and Daniel Lincoln. Our recent 3* signees include Arian Foster, Marvin Mitchell, Brad Cottam, Jeff Cottam, Jon Hefney, Josh Briscoe, Dennis Rogan and Denarius Moore. None of them had much trouble competing in the SEC.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We still have some good defensive lineman on the board, so lets wait and see what happens before passing judgement on this recruiting class, however one things for sure, this won't be one of our better classes.

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

drone, with all due respect, I have defended UT FB now for 6 years running. Living outside the state, you really get a different look at the program (no orange colored glasses or drink). EVERYONE asks me the same question, you guys used to be really good....what happened? I have lived in Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and California and the questions are the same. Blind faith is foolish in relation to college football. The reality is that our program slipped badly after the 2001 season. Blind faith fans like you don't help either..what have you done to help?? Just attack the people that say anything negative about UT?

Posted by vol4jesus on February 4, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you sky is falling people really are entertaining ya know? this is a game played by young boys 18-21(some exceptions) who sometimes develop and sometimes don't for various reasons. I like to follow recruiting ,but life is so much more. I still think a slide year can be withstood due to last years class. However, the 2009 class would have to be very strong to keep from sliding as you all refer to. Call me koolaid drinker one more time and I will shout and pout for 15 minutes at least......then I will laugh it off as silly posters who have lost touch with the things that really matter.GO VOLS!!! Compliments of a blindly,orange-colored glasses supporter.

Posted by GreerVol22 on February 4, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr Wells, if you wanted to be an engineer, Georgia Tech is much closer, and has a much better program that OSU, so that a load of crap. Recent success? Big 10 title, check....beating Michigan, check....dominating the SEC....take a number chump. Do your self a favor and really get that engineering degree.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols, I don't know that it is any one thing. So many of these guys have been down to UT and 1 or 2 more schools that any of the issues you listed, the threats to CPF mid-season, or the losses might have made the difference.

I know people get upset over things like Wells... but he was a 3* DE. UT already has Fowlkes, Johnson, and Bohannon in this class as DE's. Gerald Williams may play there or MLB and is a much better prospect than Wells. They'll only lose Ayers after next season. Walker, Martin, Donald (?), Brown, etc will still be there. DE isn't a huge need.

UT really has two needs in this class: DT and OL.

They've signed one DT. I've heard Bohannon doesn't have the frame to add that much weight.

They've signed one OL that stands a legit chance of PT.

I am more or less now resigned to thinking of terms of how this year can be overcome than whether it can be salvaged. UT still has an outside shot at Jeremy Lewis and maybe a couple of other DL's. They have a decent shot with Thomas and McClain. There may be others whose recruitment has been much quieter... but barring a NSD coup this is not going to be a stellar year in the rankings. It will be even worse with regard to filling needs unless something good breaks.

Posted by redneckerson on February 4, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

not to worry ladies, there are still 4* guys lined up waiting for phil's call - just ask sphs

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols- your right, with the exception of this year, the program has slipped a notch. I believe a lot is riding on the next season! Win the east and have a great year recruiting and we are back on track, but less than 8 wins in regular season and someone will lose their job!

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

drone.

No offense, but you're sittin' there lashing out at everybody who doesn't jump up and down and clap if something bad happens. I'm hopefully not going to alarm you, but there is a significant and noticeable shift in Tennessee football over the past several years. Trumpet whatever nuggets you feel like trumpeting, but don't call people who speak the truth names. If you don't see something that looks different and foreboding, then really the problem is yours and nobody elses. Just a thought.

Posted by TommyJack on February 4, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All the guys pledged to FL & AL are chumps. We wouldn't have wanted them anyway. Stay the course. Fine job, Coach. Hay-zooos!

Posted by drone on February 4, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols: Actually I have lived out of state also for the past 12 years and have actually relished the past several years gigging the fine folks to the high heavens in my now resident state. I'm not attacking the naysayers per say. It just gets old reading it constantly. And what have I done? Any athlete I come across, no matter what sport, who has the potential to help us, I send whatever info is available on them to the athletic department in the interest of the student athlete and UT. I'll try to refrain in the future from making what some may perceive as a personal attack. I just made a general posting. I didn't call anyone here out. But I'm going to air my opinion also be it different from the doom & gloom. Later :)

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorangedude, I really hate this for CPF as it is apparent that he is working his tail off (no negative intent here) to get players. The 8 wins may be ok if they include FLA, ALA and GA. We especially owe FLA and ALA a payback. 2005 was the bottom and this past year was certainly a step forward. I've never seen a recruiting year go like this where we are missing out on so many prospects. Maybe vol4jesus and his blind faith, mind altering, orange colored drinking followers can solve it for us.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorange, eight wins?

IMO, anything less than 10 wins + a championship or BCS bowl should cost CPF his job.

I'm not like others here. I don't hate him or anything like that. However, positions should be earned by meeting standards of performance. His should be very high.

He was very successful in the 90's then poor leadership plus Sanders as OC led to a decline that resulted in 2005. Since then he and the program have shown signs of life but there should be no room for backsliding or plateauing. His early success should buy him the chance to turn it around. His later failure should ensure that there is a very short rope.

Just an opinion...

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash picked this one too, didn't he?

I wish we could get him on the phone with every recruit left on the board.

Posted by nafslov on February 4, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He's not going to be a VOL so.....why waste a forum on him....Who cares ?????

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolCR, if you want to pull for a team that has enough instate talent that the can sign a top 25 class without trying very hard then you should follow UGA, UF, Tex, USC, etc.

When Tn starts producing 10-20 4-5* players EVERY year like Ga does or 25+ like Fl does... then you'll have an apples to apples comparison. I think Tn had 5 total 4-5* players this year after a banner year of 10 last year.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On second thought, maybe 10 wins and a solid NYD bowl win should get him another year. IMO, the first 9 win or less season should definitely be the end of it.

He definitely should not be considered "in good standing" until he wins a championship or BCS bowl game.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stj18 the reason I say 8 wins or more is because back to back 9-3 seasons(with 1 east div title)is ok with most Tennessee fans because of how competitive the SEC is, but I don't believe losing 1 more game this season would cost Fulmer his job, but I believe a 7 win season would force his retirement (he will retire instead of being fired, thats the power of a Nat'l Championship under your belt).

Posted by TommyJack on February 4, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt: Welcome back. You been resting your carpal tunnel? I think ole CR has a point.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2008-2009 East Prediction

1- Florida
2- Georgia
3- Tennessee

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorange, I am not saying what I think will happen. I doubt that MH has that high of a standard in mind... It is still what I think it should be though.

I actually think that he keeps his job until he's ready to give it up... Which could be hastened if he really thought a large percentage of the big boosters had turned on him. IMO he would have to have a season like Nick Saban had this year to get pushed out.

This year's 10 win season was actually more like a 9 win season would have been before the extra game since most add a weak opponent as their 12th game.

Ten wins should be the minimum standard and not even that should be tolerated if he never does better. Ten wins + per season would keep UT in the mix at the top of the SECE and SEC as a whole. The rest takes care of itself.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, partly TJ. Mostly just not alot that was interesting.

Posted by D_in_Iraq on February 4, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, before I hit the hay, I have to laugh at some of the folks calling people Kool-aid drinkers, blinded by faith, etc... due to recruiting "rankings".. You guys slay me. For instance, remember these names... Lee Smith, Justin Garrett, Raymond Henderson, Todd Cox, Albert Toenia, Corey Campbell, Leon Pinky, Brandon Jeffries, Heath Benedict, etc... and the list goes on... like Brian Darden, ? These were 4 or 5 Star guys that never panned out (if they played much at all), but they were labeled the great saviors when we signed them.

Yet, we have 1 star guys like Chris Hannon, Jason Hall, etc.. and 2 Star signees, like Hefney (when he was coming out of HS), Antonio Gaines, Inky, Ryan Karl, etc... that played significant roles at UT. And such low ranking 3 Star prospects, Arian Foster the 70th best RB in the Nation, Ramon Foster the 69th best OL, and on and on...

Like I said, everyone wants 4 or 5 Star guys, but I think it's been proven year in and year out that these recruiting numbers aren't an exact science.

And wait, arent we expecting Morley and Warren to join the ranks in the fall also? Or was I mistaken?

And finally, the non kool aid drinkers made excuses last year when UT was a concensus top 3 in the "Mythical National Recruiting Championships". Some said it was because we signed 32, some said it was because of the skill positions, and excuse after excuse. It's funny, no matter what Fulmer does, you guys blast him.

Well, lights out and you guys be safe fretting over recruiting rankings. Amazing...

D Out

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorange, that's probably the way most will have it... which is also the way most had it this past season.

I don't know that I can predict UT at all until we actually see what Clawson can do. The D should be improved but who really knows how much?

My disagreement would be with UGA second. They may have a very good team but take a look at their schedule. They play what will likely be the top 3 teams in the West in addition to USCe away, UF, and UT at home.

IF they win the SEC with next year's schedule, THEY ARE the best team in the country even if they have two losses.

IMO, USC has a better shot at 2nd than UGA.

UF has a huge scheduling advantage with Ole Miss, Ark, and LSU. Only Ark is away. UT away will be their toughest test.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stj18- like you, as I fan I expect and want a 10 win plus season. I think this year was acceptable, 10 wins which included a bowl victory and an appearance in the SEC Championship. With the talent and tradition that we have, certainly 10 plus wins a year with an occasional slip up year of 9 wins I believe would satisfy most any Vols fan. But we always have to keep in mind we are in the SEC, which means it would be hard to repeat a undefeated season like in 1998

Posted by KingsportVol on February 4, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's done is done.Enjoy your cake walk schedule.Then get ready to get your ass handed to you when you have to play an out of conference team in your bowl game.At least he will be playing for championships.Weak ass Big 10.I can relate with jdcvols.I lived in Indiana for 10 years and had to hear the same ole crap from them year after year.Fulmer Robots how do you fix the problem?Wait til next year aint freakin working.

Posted by TommyJack on February 4, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

foolmore: yeah, but those 2009 guys visiting the enemy...we wouldn't be interested anyway. Stay the course. We cool.

Posted by invisiblekid on February 4, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Think I'll take the high road and wish the kid best of luck at The OSU or whatever the youngsters are calling it nowadays. I don't see this as a big loss for the Vols though, DE isn't a position of need yet. I wonder if this recruiting gig would have been easier if the Vols could have sealed the deal against LSU a couple of months ago and gotten the chance to use Hawaii as a punching bag in the Sugar Bowl? That's about as viable a theory as blaming some of the blowhards on this website for the state of recruiting. IMO, it's about time to start getting after some of these high school juniors and looking forward to next year. If recruiting is the lifeblood of a program, the Vols may need a major transfusion next year at several positions.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe Florida will beat Georgia next year and Georgia will beat Tennessee. Sure Georgia has possibly the best returning talent as well as one of the best recruiting classes, but in the end I believe Florida wins the east. I also believe Tennessee will lose to Florida in Knoxville, however that will be the game of the year for the Vols in my opinion, is Tennessee-Florida, it all rides on that game for Tennessee

Posted by hglover40 on February 4, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SEC east 2008 - 2009
FLA
GA
UT

Instate HS Talent
FLA
GA
LS
ALA
TN.

Anybody see how these list are tied together.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorangedude, I can accept what you said for CPF AFTER he wins a championship or BCS bowl. For now, he needs to re-prove himself. He MUST prove he can win again.

As for the "SEC is tough" excuse... well, yes it is. That's the fact of life... but can NEVER be acceptable as an excuse. You have to adapt, improvise, and overcome.

The new hires look like a step in that direction.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hglover40, You forgot USC. SC routinely produces more talent than Tn as does Mississippi in many years. Arkansas and Tn are on par but Arkansas has always done a good job of keeping kids at home. They do that partly by taking the kids that aren't so great. That maintains the HS relationship.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stj18- Your right, Fulmer needs a great year,(BCS bid) to quieten the naysayers. He has proven he can win, but fans want wins now! The 1998 National Championship was great, but maybe once the UT coaching staff achieved that dream, they began to relax too much, just a thought!

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolCR, The SEC was largely a two horse race for most of the 90's. UK, USC, and even UGA were not where they are now.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BigOrangeDude, I don't know that UGA does have the best talent. They lost more than UF, UT, or USC. Just off the top of my head: 2 OL's, Henderson, Bailey, Brown, and about 4 or 5 defensive starters.

UF lost the least probably follow by UT then USC.

FTR, I don't think he has proven he can win in the new CFB era of parity. I hope he can. I think he should be given a chance. But 2008 is a different reality in the SEC and NCAA than 1998.

Think about the coaches in the SEC and you'll start to see what I mean.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great, TDTN. The stadium isn't nice and the facilities aren't very good... but the administrators said they'd buy some fold up chairs for the aisles if we needed them and would pull some trailers in by the physical plant that we can use for extra weight training or offices.

The players are GREAT too. Only a few problems. Unfortunately, most of them have 40 times that are about the same as their ACT scores.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well I will say I'm pleased at the talent returning for Tennessee. If we get great QB play from Crompton or whoever starts, and solid play from the defensive line, then Tennessee will be competitive, no doubt. But I think most people like Georgia's returning talent mainly because of the key offensive positions (QB/RB/WR)

Posted by GoVol on February 4, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like all of the recruits realize Fulmer is on the 2-year plan also. He'll be gone after the 2009 season.

Fulmer's hard work simply doesn't cut it anymore. It's the results, not the effort alone that counts.

I give Fulmer credit for trying so hard, but he simply doesn't have what it takes anymore. Fulmer said it himself that 'recruiting is the lifeblood of the program'. It will be tough for us VOL fans over the next 2 - 4 years, but we'll get through it and will be stronger as a result.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GoVol, if they struggle like this next year, I'll agree with you. But in light of last year's class in a stable year, I don't think you can quite say he doesn't have it anymore based on this year alone.

Posted by getridoffoolmer on February 4, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this is a joke phat phil or foolmer whatever u wanna call him has let this program become a laughing stock! its unacceptable! lets hire bruce to coach football too!

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grtridoffoolmer- Give me a break, don't you think after winning the east and a bowl game with a 10 win season, that we should at least see what he can do next year before giving him the axe?

Posted by Rok_Etop on February 4, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Work that Magic Phil!! We Believe!! Not much positive coming from SPHS here lately. 2 days till payday I guess. Congrats to UT for continuing the Super Bowl Record yesterday. UT has had a former player on the roster in every Super Bowl Game. What about that for a recruiting line Phil!!

Go Vols.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey TDTN, I like Hughes. Would have liked him at Duke but he snubbed us after Phil got wind of him... Of course I couldn't have gotten him in under our academic standards. Plus, he doesn't have blue blood... He's not even nouveau riche.

Posted by FWBVol on February 4, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

getridoffoolmer, I say let's get rid of so-call fans that don't know upside down for next Tuesday. How can you say UT is a laughing stock with a straight face? SEC East champs and beat Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl. Some fans would be laughing for joy if their team did that, instead some of you complain no matter what. If this kid would have said he was coming to UT you'd probably be wondering why they want a 215 pound defensive end.

Posted by beaznvol on February 4, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In my opinion what is not being taken into account is the ACC. Until recently the ACC didn't have a conference championship game or a BCS bowl berth that was automatic. Those two things are huge factors in the recruitment pitch for a coach. Now with the SEC being so tough, kids may think the competition to actually get on the field may not be as tough in the ACC as in the SEC and they can retain the perks of a possible conference title game and BCS berth.
With more than a few coaches that get players into the NFL from that conference, geographical location in relation to big time SEC schools, things are dramatically tougher.
Kids aren't migrating down here from California the way they did in the past, ie late 90's. USC has become a power house and mor PAC 10 schools are receiving more national media coverage. Pickings will only get slimmer with the new coaching staff at UCLA too.
It didn't help that the Clausen's, which at the time were big names in CA highschoo football, arent' starting somewhere in the NFL right now.
You don't make the highlight reels with 4 yard counters and three point victories. This is the reason Patrick Turner decided that after his days at Goodpasture he would travels across the country to play football. This is the same reason a 5* RB is looking to put us on his short list when we already have some damn good backs.
Tennessee is still a great football school, but we fell a little behind. It's no where near the dire situation that people on here think. Big wins against two of the 3 (Fla, GA, & Bama) stop the bleeding when it comes to recruitment. Back to back SEC Championship appearances or an at large BCS berth brings the 4* and 5* kids back into the fold.
An important fact people are overlooking is this.. Frosh DL's don't make immediate impacts usually and we have a stocked team. Next year we will be able to give out lots more spots with a coaching staff that should be one of the most stable in the nation depending on the offensive production this year. I think ole CPF hired Clawson to "catch up" with the offenses in the SEC, strategy wise.

Posted by getridoffoolmer on February 4, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorange
exactly when you win the east and have 10 wins you SHOULD be in the top recruiting! but o no were not were not even in the top 25!

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Definition of a bad recruiting class- "One that doesn't produce winning results"........Time will tell about this years class!

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN, Don't you know anything about Durham? The public schools are where Nifong's constituency sends their kids. The lacrosse moms only send their kids to private schools with sturdy gates.

Hughes is easily smarter than a 5th grader in Durham public schools.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVol, In all honesty, I AM wondering why UT invested so much in a 215 lb 3* DE. They didn't go after Martin that hard.

Posted by pdhuff on February 4, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack- Are we going to have to go to DEFCON 4 and put up the shield? Does anyone want to play for the Vols?

There's not even anyone arranging deck chairs anymore. I believe the stern is about to go in the air. Even sjt18's good insight is seeing the obvious.

Well, let's see how Phil finishes. I hate to lose out on 2 0r 3 star players. Beat the Gators.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Arkansas and Tn are on par but Arkansas has always done a good job of keeping kids at home.

yeah and arkansas always sucks,,whats your point.

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Trivia time. What folks does this guy remind you of?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0dV2ECMd66M

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stj18- Your right, Fulmer needs a great year,(BCS bid) to quieten the naysayers.

fulmer will leave when he dicides,,no one else period!

Posted by getridoffoolmer on February 4, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBvol,
No im woundering why with those results we CANT get top notch kids in here! I believe this kid was commited to UT for quite sometime and we couldnt keep him! What a shame! Plus it was Wisconsin for crying out loud! Arent they in the shame leauge as the chockeyes?

Posted by dfreeman on February 4, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember Cory Hall out of chattanooga?? Here's what the times free press had to say about him...

Since arriving at Northwest, the 6-foot-5 Hall has bulked up to 275 pounds, while maintaining a 4.65 time in the 40-yard dash. He has had contact with coaches from Florida, LSU, Georgia, Ole Miss and Mississippi State but said if he were able to sign this year, he would still honor his commitment to UT.

Will enroll this January!! This guy has a 2.8 gpa in the community college he's going to. Looks like he's going to be a stud for us when he gets here!!

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

beaznvols, Nice post.

The only problem I see with it is that UT loses at least two valuable OL's after this coming season and two DT's... when they really only have 3 that have proven they can play... 6 total.

DT is at critical mass. They needed guys THIS year so they could be red-shirted and brought into the mix as back ups in 09. UT is now VERY dependent on Sykes and Hall making it back from JUCO in good shape.

OL isn't critical mass... but it is close.

In both of those positions, you have to sign 2 to get one. The hit rate no matter what they are rated is only about 50% or so... 70% max.

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It ain't over 'til its over. Maybe we can get this guy!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xg11eyKx9do

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this is a joke phat phil or foolmer whatever u wanna call him has let this program become a laughing stock!

you part time sissy fans had your chance this year,fulmer knocked you the f.u.c. out,live with and whine on my little sissy boys.

fulmer will leave when hes ready.........period!

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff, I always knew a bad class was a possibility and said so. I just don't assume things WILL happen until they actually do... especially with so many players still strongly considering UT. As the board empties, the chances of getting a better class diminish... and I accept that reality just as I did the reality of all the possible outcomes two weeks ago.

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This guy is tough:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9bTQjLuOYuU

Posted by getridoffoolmer on February 4, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

posivol

not all of us are content with no bcs bids in 10 years now and no sec championship WIN in the same amount of time! and if he has a bad year this year NO he wont her WILL BE gone!

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman, you do mean next January for Hall, right?

FTR, that's a long time away.

He will be a player though. Sykes is similar.

Posted by LazhilUT on February 4, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another day...another recruit lost...
Even TommyJack is starting to see that the course is no good...

Stay the course...

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore---your such a clown w/ your multiple differant names you post all your b.s. under.get a life or get a gun and pull the trigger.

you make me want to puke---in your face.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oletouchdowntn,touchdowntn,volcr,crvol,foolmore ect ect ect,,all posted by the same friggin clown....this sites such a joke.

Posted by getridoffoolmer on February 4, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

poisvol for your info that FOOLMORE isnt me! but i DO like his name

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wasnt it just last nite another crappy coach was on the hot seat and the fans wanted his head,who was it.tom couglan super bowl champs,not shut the heil up.you dont even know what you have.

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

posivol, part time sissy fans and little sissy boys?? Come on, you can do better than that. Your just another one that "Can't handle the truth". IF CPF has another 2005 season, you can bet the farm, he will be GONE! The ball is in his court and it is up to him to bring this program back to national respect.

Posted by BallantyneVol on February 4, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys, think about how tough it is to recruit at UT We don't have much talent locally, no beach and no 365 days of sun..... Twice in the last four years we've had top 4 recruiting classes but the fact is we will have down years. Look at the Rivals or Scout 100 for this year...there's only one Tennessee player on the list compare that to Florida, Alabama, Georgia, even Mississippi. We're not gonna finish #1 or # 10 every year and that's just the way it is.

Posted by dfreeman on February 4, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 - I know it's a long way off. I posted that because it sounds like this guy is a monster!!

Posivol - "get a gun and pull the trigger."??
Take that BS somewhere else. I don't care how bad he ticks you off!! It's football get it?? He's got a right to his opinion right or wrong!!

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols---your way wrong dude,,fulmer will decide when he leaves.not you,not me and not hamilton.you need to go back and re read the letter written by 191 former players.

our all time fav son said fulmer will not go,you think any past alum out ranks him...get real!

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore--your name calls you a clown,,definitly not a fan...sissy boy!

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

After this season, I have a renewed hope in coach Fulmer. For a coach in the SEC to be the winningest active coach in college football (10 years plus coaching)is incredible. I can't believe some of you talk about him like he is the worst coach ever. I agree that I would like to get back to a BCS bowl next year, but most of you seem to be into numbers and stats, so don't overlook coach Fulmer's numbers and stats

Posted by KingsportVol on February 4, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman are you Cedric Wilson? Posivol - "get a gun and pull the trigger."?? LOL Good stuff

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman--i thought this was a lighthearted all is fun chatroom,dont take it literallly.

and on the other hand you may join him if you so choose.

Posted by dfreeman on February 4, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorangedude - you opened a can of worms with that post!! LOL

Posted by getridoffoolmer on February 4, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

posivol,
you are a joke dude if he has another season like 05 he WILL be gone i DONT care if the president writes a letter!

Posted by dfreeman on February 4, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kingsportvol - that was a quote from posivol!!

Posivol - you think that was lighthearted?? Your name is POSIvol as in Positive?? I'd hate to see you when you are in a negative mood!!

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore---i was just kidding bout the gun part,dfreeman is wrapped to tight.

i just prefer to be posivol.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer will be gone when a significant group of the top level donating boosters send someone to tell him it is time to retire or else when he decides to quit.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we have a great team coming back and if clawson is as good as he has been,crompton steps up to the plate,we will win the s.e.c.,just remember where you heard it first at....alright...posivol!

Posted by dfreeman on February 4, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You think I'm wrapped too tight?? By the way that's TOO tight not to tight!! Anyways, make that joke at the airport!! I'll drive you there!! Maybe your name should be poisovol!!! And FTR I think Fulmer is fine right where he is!! Haven't jumped ship yet!!

Posted by skinalive on February 4, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are missing the point on defensive recruits.

It ain't the Pumpkin, it's the Chief. Does Chavis ever, I mean EVER, revruit anybody? His name is never ever linked to a big defensive recruit.

It's time to shine the light on the right possum - Chavis.

I say Chavis gets one more season to turn this abysmal defense around or the ax falls on the real reason for our discontent.

Posted by vol52 on February 4, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With this class Fulmer has lined up I see trouble ahead. Phil needs top 10 classes to compete.

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One of those top level donating boosters got mad at Mike Hamilton this year during the losing streak because he didnt publicly endorse coach Fulmer. The boosters are on the coaches side for now!

Posted by KingsportVol on February 4, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry dfreeman.I didn't read that far back.

Posted by TommyJack on February 4, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: We wuz told it was just a little iceberg.
Hopes fade. Women & children to the lifeboats. Hope I'm wrong. Stay the course.

Posted by dfreeman on February 4, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KingsportVol - It's all good!! No worries!!

Posted by ATLVOL1 on February 4, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WELLS WAS THE BEST ATHLETE LEFT OUT THERE

WATCH HIS TAPES, HES THE TRUTH

Posted by murrayvol on February 4, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

D_in_Iraq: Hope you got a good nights rest. Your point is well taken. I've heard it before but I'm willing to bet a box of oreos against 1 three day old Krispy Kreme that more 1 & 2 stars go bust than do 4 & 5 stars.

And where the hell is sphs. I need another snort of that magic dust. My faith is fadin' fast.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

getridoffoolmer--just out of curiosity,what have you done for the program for the last 34 years,or anybody else on here that cares to comment.

thats what i thought now s.t.f.u.

coach fulmer would make any of your past 34 years look like the losers you posts represent you to be....bwahahahahahbwahhaaa

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman, I mentioned Sykes and Hall earlier. UT has to hope they get those guys back in good shape or else a class this year without another DT will be a huge hit. It won't be good not to get 2-3 DT's this year as it is... without those guys it could be near disaster.

UT seldom loses a JUCO/Prep/CC player so I'm a little less worried about them de-committing than I am that they still won't qualify.

Anyone notice that it is mostly the high profile D players that are saying "No thanks" this year? Some of the negative folks here are still Chavis fans... Why don't these highly regarded DT's want to play for him?

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman---still living off that 1957 spelling bee runner up....huh

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Talk about rude, why do people call coach Fulmer names (Pumkin, Fat Phil, etc) Probably most of you who are typing those words are sitting there on your computer with a cigarette in one hand, and a beer in the other and your belly flopping over the keyboard which is why you misspell all the time *LOL*

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

skinalive--i agree,,past time for this fellow to step up or step off.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorangedude---yeah it was the 7-11 king,,gas prices up and he thought he had a little more pull...he was wrong!

Posted by dfreeman on February 4, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

poisovol - LOL My parents were kids then!! The question is how old were you in 1957?? What do you take for senility?? Do you remember??

Posted by getridoffoolmer on February 4, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

posivol,
WHAT have YOU done? aight then! why get your panies in a wad for? am i not intidled(sp) to my own opinion? i believe so and i NEVER said that he DIDNT do good! but there becomes a point in every coaches time when its time to hang it up! just like the bobby bowdens and the Joe Paternos of the world

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolCR, Don't violate the rules and you won't be kicked off. Of course, your third re-invention of yourself after being tossed suggests you have contempt for the rules to start with... No surprise there.

... and I was really, really trying to be nice to you now.

Posted by TommyJack on February 4, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorangedude: I resent that. Don't smoke.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman--well at least a got a chuckle out of you....posivol rocks!

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

getridoffoolmer--everone is most definitly entitled to their opinion,regardless of the negative nonsense they continually spout.

my new name should be getridoffoolmerposter---kind of stupid...huh

now take a long look at your name,is it really an opinion or just more nonsense?

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chavis supposedly does well with recruits on campus but not on the road.

It was widely rumored that he didn't like Trooper because TT was ambitious and wanted credit for all the recruits.

Fact of the matter is that TT's ability to connect with guys personally more than likely did help bring many of them in.

Posted by vintonvol on February 4, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's amazing how one bad recruiting year brings out the wolves. Since 2002, looking at the major recruiting services, Rivals has UT at an avg. of a top 10 or 11 finish and Scout has an avg of 8. Considering the talent level in Tennessee is not that high, we have to talk kids out of going to their home state universities. And to show the over emphasis on recruiting classes, in that same period Va. Tech has an avg. finish of 28 for Scout and 31 for Rivals, but their players seem to be pretty good. The rank of the class doesn't always mean the players are actually good. Kansas had a good year with classes the last three years that never ranked any higher than 35. Granted, they aren't playing in the SEC and that makes it twice as tough for UT. For all the great classes Florida and Georgia have had, it was Tennessee that won the East last year, not them. Let's just see what happens. As for Fulmer, I'm not the biggest fan in the world, but before you go firing him, who are you going to bring in? Nick "the Traveler" Saban? Charlie Weis (he's turned around Notre Dame). Be careful what you wish for, you might get rid of Fulmer and bring in Buzz Peterson (remember, he was all the rage.)

Posted by bullfrog07 on February 4, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another high rated recuit going elsewhere. Who could blame this kid, go play for a four loss team or go play for a team that is regularly in the BCS Bowls. Good decision - picked the better program. Maybe we'll get a few more guys away from the Kentucky's and Ole Miss's - seems like we can beat those schools but the good program's are wearing us out in recruiting.

Stay The Course - we've won alot of games doing things this way. Go Phil!!! Maybe Phil will win the election on Super Tuesday and head to the White House.

What kind of coach will Phil be with a top 50 recruiting class? He's proven he can lose four games per season with top ten classes let's see what he can do with a top 40 class.

Posted by getridoffoolmer on February 4, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bullfrog,
AMEN

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18--i agree chavis has gotten to complacent w/ recruiting.i would imagine this year is his last free pass.

we have a dynomo new staff and expect recruiting to fly off the charts starting next year.the trick will be to keep these guys around for awhile.

price of recruiting and keeping the right folks has doubled in the last couple of years and going up faster than head coaches salary.

alumni listen up,donations needed urgently,price to play in the sec sandbox is going up up up.

Posted by dfreeman on February 4, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bullfrog07 - you think he picked the better program?? I think Vandy would've had a 9-3 record in the Big Ten!! That Ohio State team got thumped by a team that struggled against us!!

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Face it guys. It's all gonna' come down to this:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WujXSBBJVTQ

The lines have been drawn.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vintonvol--your my new best friend.

highly intelligent well thought out post,,,thank you!

Posted by bigorangedude on February 4, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its funny how as 5 pm rolls around everyone gets more irritable. It must be close to quittin' time *LOL* I'm outta here..........Be Nice!

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore, I didn't tell them it WAS you... How could I? I don't have that ability. I did think that it was, as did several other posters who arrived at that opinion without much help from me.

I'm the girl? OK. You're the one still crying though.

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Get your phrases down:

http://www.cougartown.com/slang.html

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, we didn't have people calling CPF names or referring to his weight 5-6 years ago. This has all been a recent change. Why? Well, it started with the 2001 SEC Champ Game, coupled with some very poor showings in bowl games, zero BCS games, zero SEC Championships and then 2005. We could list many things that caused the decline but ultimately it falls on CPF. Now we are a house divided and it really escalated during this season, fortunately, the team turned a corner and we finished positively. Now comes the recruiting, and we are not used to being ranked 30th or 40th? Do not want to argue recruiting rankings but I would have to think there is a big difference in Top 10 rankings and Top 30ish. This issue and the recent arrests has raised back the division and doubt with many VOL Fans about the direction of the program. It's ok to be on either side, but don't be blind one way or another. There are compelling arguments on both sides.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bullfrog007--play for a team that is regularly in the BCS Bowls.

the ohio state (owned by the sec) university.

like i said,if you cant step up,step off!

he knew his capabilities and how much heart it takes to play in our league,he stepped off!

Posted by GoVol on February 4, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 - your 2:55 post suggests that my previous comments about Phil being on the 2-year plan is a result of this year's poor recruiting. Poor assumption.

My comments about Phil's 2-year plan comes from the direction we've been headed and still going. Poor results and not being competetive in big games.

I agree that Phil will have the opportunity to leave on his own, but only if he realizes he needs to step down and actually does. Otherwise he'll be asked.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolCR, I don't have the ability to determine it was you. I did ask them to make it stop and suggested that you might be doing it.

If I was wrong then I apologize.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols--There are compelling arguments on both sides.

sorry but imho their is no such things as part time fans.

just ask new england,where did all the love go!

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols.

That was very well said.

Posted by pdhuff on February 4, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tngeoff- Just put in an order for 300 fritters to be distributed overnite to selected recruits. This should end any waffling. NCAA said nothing in rules covered fritters, so I should be okay with that.

Good to see ol' sjt18 jousting again.

Study the charts closely.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

govol--My comments about Phil's 2-year plan comes from the direction we've been headed and still going. Poor results and not being competetive in big games.

poor fan--big games are not just the ones we lose...gafc.

Posted by 99gator on February 4, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sphs_vols is hanging by a string.

two more days to signing day.....then nothing for six months.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GoVol, you are entitled to your opinion.

However, CPF and his team are not going in the same direction they were between 2001 and 2005. I don't know if they'll be successful or not but things HAVE changed.

In spite of the recent rash, off the field discipline problems have diminished and they did so before Cut was rehired but after it was clear that Sanders was gone. I think he's learned the value of discipline off the field... and if he hasn't, I think MH has more or less given him some rigid guidelines and direction.

On the field discipline under CPF, Chavis, and Cut was markedly better... and contrary to the constant accusation against CPF... They did more with less over the past two years.

His hiring of the new offensive staff was outside the "family", risky, and bold.

There are still some philosophical things he'd better change if he's going to make it. For one, when will he learn that you can't sit on a lead in CFB any more? (For most of the same reasons the pros can't) Offenses are too good to leave wins to your D alone in this day and age.

An ancilliary he also needs to learn that while it may have not been considered good sportsmanship in the past... running up the score when you have an opportunity is necessary. Poll voters respect it. Recruits respect it. Opposing coaches expect it... and consider it stupid when you don't do it.

A 49-10 victory over Cal(as it easily could have been had the dogs not been called off mid-3rd qtr) two years ago could have changed a whole series of events and prevented us from sitting here arguing about having a poor recruiting class.

Fulmer in part needs a marketing adviser.

Posted by VolnDothan on February 4, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Said very well jdcvols! As a proud alumnus and a faithful Vol follower, I've felt the changes coming too. I couldn't see beyond orange in the color spectrum and would defend CPF against everything. I've changed in that regard...whether for better or worse. I try to be objective in my criticisms but years of arrests, second place finishes, and dwindling resruiting have left me wondering what's going on. Good comments though....

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

posivol, any argument that included NE with a coach by the name of BeliCHEAT does not hold any merit. No room for dishonesty. Who said anything about part time fans? See, people like you assume that you cannot say or write anything negative about the football team and be a fan at the same time. In fact, what you don't want to happen is have the fans just go away like customers in the business world. You want fans and customers to communicate or how else do you solve problems or better yet stay ahead of your competition. Our football program is not the same as the late 1990's and early 2000's. That is why we have such a debate going on every aspect of the program...field performance, grades, coaching ability, behavior off the field etc. It is all open for discussion.

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Chart

February 04, 2008

Wells to commit today. Worked like heck...gonna get the reward. Cash in the chips.

Outcome: WHAT? He committed where???

Dear Diary. Today it finally happened. I saw the trouble swirling around and around. Blow out games. Players arrested as fast as I can pass out punishment. Recruiting going down in flames. All my hard work. I stayed the course! Why? Why? Why is this happening????

Who keeps airing our dirty laundry anyway? They're to blame! Not me!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9Uu8ga3IDsM

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolCR, yes. I wrote someone at the board and told them that someone was posting under my screen name and asked them to stop it. You and I had been arguing so I said it might be you.

Your demonstrated character suggests that you aren't above non-sense like that.

If you don't like the reputation you earn... you are the only one that can change it.

BTW, I don't have any reason to lie or deny anything.

Posted by 99gator on February 4, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

as the debate continues......

what would a successful season be for tennessee in 2008? and what would be unacceptable?

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

govol--My comments about Phil's 2-year plan comes from the direction we've been headed and still going. Poor results and not being competetive in big games.

sorry buddy but your post was not written for discussion,it was written as a statement.

i gave you my reponse to your statement,not open for discussion.

govol you have been DISMISSED!

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know 99gator, I was one of those Vol Fans that thought we would rule the SEC EAST when Spurrier left. He just had our number for the most part and seemed to be the best coach. Those wars with FLA during the mid 1990's-early 2000's were incredible even though we didn't win the most. It was like the BAMA game back in the 1970's-1980's.

Successful Season- getting to a BCS game for me.

Unacceptable- 8 wins or less.

Posted by newtonrail on February 4, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just signed on and don't have time to read all these posts. I have no idea whether this kid will be a stud or dud, but I'm proud as a peacock to see the positive comments he made about Coach Caldwell. Will "Here today, gone tomorrow, Petino, Myer, etc. always have such things said about them"?

Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

I think I may have found the truly best fritters anywhere. Not to diminish the obviously delighful morsels mentioned on here from hither and thither and yon, but a place called Johnny Appleseeds in New Market, VA has got to have THE BEST EVER! You may want to cancel the big order and inquire there first. In recruiting, quality is at the forefront of success!

By the way, Olé got a secret video of what he said was one your beagles. I feel compelled to release it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cO_P8iFkEFI

5,005!

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore -- well lets see,exactly the last 2 years the 3rd place sec team recvd a bcs bid while the sec runnerup did not.

humm,,maybe theres a fly in that ointment.

Posted by invisiblekid on February 4, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jdcvols, well-stated positions as usual but arguing with brick walls generally leads to a headache at the end of the day.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

isnt it all a popularity contest anymore,,negativity does not beget popularity.are you so sure that in some small way your not contributing to the problem.

Posted by sjt18 on February 4, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolCR, Is that really... really the best you can do? "Little girl"? OK.

TDTN, can you clear up for me again what you aren't one of?

Posted by 99gator on February 4, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i know tenn went to the sec title game.....but how do you take a 9-4 tenn over a 10-2 georgia for a BCS game?

georgia was ranked in the top 5 too.

the bcs took a lot of heat for taking a 3 loss illinois.

Posted by jdcvols on February 4, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid, I know. Arguing with Stop Signs doesn't work either. Let's win the SEC next year and all get back on the same page!! in the meantime, we have two excellent BB teams right now. Hopefully after Wednesday, we can shift all of our attention to them. Go VOLS

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator--well other than that 9-4 team spanking that 10-2 by 35-14 i would imagine your 2 best teams are playing in the championship game.

not my rules,but it does make sense.

Posted by 99gator on February 4, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

posivol....understood, but you could go round and round in circles with who beat who, etc, etc, etc....

georgia had a better record and was ranked higher.

i know it stinks to see a team you crushed get a better bowl bid, but in my opinion, there really was no other choice.

Posted by 99gator on February 4, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

regarding 2008, in my opinion, after looking at georgia's schedule....they are going to have to be a dominant football team to get through their schedule. i have nothing against that team, talent wise, but the schedule is brutal.

so, that would leave tenn and florida. and the game is in knoxville. so, if tenn wins, in my opinion they would be in the driver's seat in the division even if tenn lost to georgia.

again, georgia's schedule is brutal.

now, if tenn does not beat florida....i just don't see tenn winning the division (yes, i know it happened this year). so, i don't know if not winning the division would be satisfactory for you all in 2008.

Posted by posivol on February 4, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator--playoff would be a much better choice.