Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on June 25, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll take him!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would be a good option.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on June 25, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on down young man. Tennessee's got everything you're looking for in a school. You won't regret it.

Posted by BAMABLOWS on June 25, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we like lady vol softball too. and defensive tackles as well. u would look good in orange buddy

Posted by Colliervol on June 25, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBleedOrange, you are absolutely correct. UT does have everything he should be looking for...including lots of playing time if he's a legit DT.

Posted by BSweet on June 25, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not trying to be negative or stir anything up, but what's the rule for contact between former players and recruits? Was any NCAA rule violated by him talking to Turk? I only ask because I seem to remember some controversy a few years back when Deuce McCallister talked to an Ole Miss recruit. Anybody know?

Posted by FishTacos on June 25, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BSweet...

I was just about to post the same thing. I was under the impression that recruits weren't supposed to have contact with former players. I believe this got UCONN in trouble for this with their womens basketball program. These people that write these articles should know NCAA rules before posting incriminating articles.

Posted by ctownvol on June 25, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad to hear this young man seems to be interested in the student part of being a student-athlete. C'mon to Knoxville and get an education on and off the field!

Posted by BAMABLOWS on June 25, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh did he say turk mcbride he meant to say dan williams yeah dan williams!

Posted by VolPride_13 on June 25, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

C'mon Chris, it already sounds like your sister is a Vol, why don't you commit along with your sister?
LOL!!

Posted by IceVol on June 25, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll take any kid with the character to take on football and a real curriculum at the same time.

Posted by cjraney on June 25, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Any football player who wants an engineering degree is a keeper IMO. Become a Vol Mr. Bonds.

Posted by FWBVol on June 25, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey guys, I could be wrong, but it is my understanding that McBride (any NFL player from any school) could not initiate contact with Bonds(or another prospect), say in the way of a phone call, or whatever. However, if a prospect happens to meet the NFL guy while on a visit theres nothing that prohibits the former player from answering questions and talking informally with a kid.

Posted by budd on June 25, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Next time you're thinking of skipping over an article on one of the "other " sports, remember this article. Because of the fine job done by the Weeklys in softball we have a shot at a fine student athlete that plays exactly the position we need. And he will contribute to the graduation rate. The kind of student athletes we should be looking for all the time. Thanks to Lady Vols Softball!!!

Posted by ronbliss on June 25, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I once saw Chris Bonds hit a baseball over the moon. His twin brother, Barry, is the all-time leading homerun hitter in major league history.
I also once witnessed his sister hit a softball over the sun.
Her, fraternal twin, Barry is currently unemployed in the MLB.
I witnessed the talk between Chris and Turk McBrizzle. Since he was not on an official visit, the rules state this: Bonds, Chris Bonds. Shaken, not stizzered.

Posted by yemmusdarb on June 25, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ronbliss: Never do that again

Posted by pdhuff on June 25, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wear the Orange, son, wear the Rocky Top Orange.

Posted by BAMABLOWS on June 25, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ronbliss straight broke us off a lil sumpin sumpin.

Posted by FWBVol on June 25, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CitizenWatchdog, I'm as much a Volunteer as anyone having worked as student assistant in UT's Sports Information Department, but it's not the job of the KNS to follow the NCAA rules. That job falls onto the coaching staff.

I find it hard to believe that McBride was in the complex and the coaches didn't know about it. Most of the time on these visits the kids are pretty much escorted from one place to another and the contact with McBride would have been common knowledge.

With all the former college football players in the pros that frequent their former schools and work out when on campus, it's hard to imagine these kind of encounters don't happen on a regular basis.

As long as Turk, or some other athlete has casual contact with a recruit in the course of every day situations there shouldn't be a violation. If it is, they'll have to keep all former players in the pros or that were in the pros from ever visiting their old schools.

Posted by ThaiVolFan on June 25, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ronbliss
thanks for clearing things up.
forget yemmusdarb...come back anytime!

Posted by givehim6 on June 26, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope coach brooks can haul him in, Brooks is the closet thing we got to a Def. recruiter UT has. I think this issue that needs looked at. GO VOLS!

Posted by FishTacos on June 26, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVol...

Thanks for clearing that up. When I see articles posted that raise red flags as this one did I cringe. Just didn't want iam4ua to see it. Hopefully Turk was just in the complex working out.

Posted by givim6 on June 26, 2008 at 1:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is far too complex a topic for iam4ua to attempt to deal with.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on June 26, 2008 at 4:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember the old Grey Poupon commercials where the fella would wheel up in a rolls royce and ask for some mustard?

"Pawden me. Would you mind breaking off a little sumpin sumpin?"

"But of course."

It went like that right?

Posted by pdhuff on June 26, 2008 at 5:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Has any freshman DT ever made All SEC?

Would be rare, but just curious.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on June 26, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think we're looking for any starters this year. We need prospects this year to groom to step into the rotation next year and beyond. Of course if we had some injuries, might need a young stud to play sooner than later.

Posted by richvol on June 26, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A rare find this one...a kid big enough and tough enough to play DT yet smart enough to major in mechanical engineering. If he turns out like Darwin Walker he would be a great catch.

Tennessee needs young men like this, not just for their size, but for their GPA and leadership they can provide to others in the classroom. I sure hopes he picks UT. It looks like Coach Brooks laid a good foundation with him.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on June 26, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why am I not surprised Chavis didn't talk to him?

Clawson & Co (offense) - 11 recruits
Chavis and the ol' mustache group - 0 recruits

Posted by RichRollin on June 26, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What are you waiting on MR.Bonds? We love dominant DT'S and i even watch a little bit of girls softball also. Heck, come on up to BIG ORANGE COUNTRY baby!!!!

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on June 26, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ron Bliss...stick to www.tricitiessports.com

Posted by ctownvol on June 26, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iam4ua- Why would he pick Aladummer when all their fans are over here on a UT message board? Idiot

Posted by RichRollin on June 26, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As of June26@ 0339 Daddy vol became a new daddy!! 7lb.1oz. boy, SLAUGHTER!! Got 2 little ballers now, NICE!! With all these recruites coming,Bonds may as well come here. I'm not being negative but look at other top SEC 09' classes. Their classes look as good as ours, but we are on a roll. One guy like this commits and other top DT's and D-players will start to come.

Posted by VOLS85 on June 26, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our brigade is far too busy giving mustache rides...

Recruiting doesn't start for them until august...

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on June 26, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to DaddyVol...make sure you hold em back a year to get bigger for frosh tryouts.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 26, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The thing not mentioned in this article is that Bonds mom will have a huge impact on his decision.His mom actually sold hot dogs inside Neyland and always dreamed of Bonds wearing orange.He said deep down she wants him to choose Tennessee and that he is doing this for her.His official will be the Alabama game weekend, and he stated he liked UT & Alabama over UGA & VA.

DaddyVol ,congrats!

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 26, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is the rule opined about above taken from the official NCAA bylaw page...

NCAA Division I Bylaw 13.1.2.2 (g): Unavoidable Incidental Contact. An unavoidable incidental contact made with a prospective student-athlete by representatives of the institution's athletics interests, provided the contact is not prearranged by the representative or an athletics department staff member, does not take place on the grounds of the prospective student-athlete's educational institution or at the sites of organized competition and practice involving the prospective student-athlete or the prospective student-athlete's team (high school, preparatory school, two-year college or all-star team), is not made for the purpose of recruitment of the prospective student-athlete, and involves only normal civility.

Ole Miss problem w/ Deuce McCallister link:
http://www.knoxstudio.com/shns/story....

Here's my take...As long as the contact was incidental(which it appears he ran into him at the sports complex...not that unusual for a former player to be around during summer) it's simply incidental contact - as FWBVol previously stated . For example the Lady Vols' accusations against UConn stem from concern over multiple, prearranged meetings between a recruit and former players - not incidental contact. In Ron Higgins' article it states that the McCallister contact occured at a Meridian HS football game (not on the Ole Miss campus) w/ Meridian players who had verbally committed to Ole Miss. The situation was very complex as Deuce was a guest of the school's assistant principal - who was a cousin of one of Deuce's former teammates. As Higgins said, "This is just sheer stupidity." McCallister's problem was that he made incidental contact at the student-athletes' game. Bottom line, incidental contact is OK as long is it's NOT at the student athlete's HS campus or student athlete's athletic events.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 26, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Josh Boyd a 6'3 275lb 4* DT from Mississippi has also said he will make an unnoficial to Tennessee this summer.He has already been to Miss St and Michigan, and also plans a trip to LSU.All the big boys are atleast planning trips to UT and the facilities/campus speak for themselves.

The point:I can sell a styrofoam house to a guy in Oklahoma, but not if I can't get him in the front door.

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 26, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SavageOrange...I think at least one DT/DE will see the opportunity for playing time, see the excellent facilities(aka styrofoam house), and find the University of TN his home. As the recruiting momentum continues to build, I say we get one DT/DE that is at least 4* - maybe more, maybe much more. The foundation for an outstanding class has been set...

Posted by foreverorange on June 26, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on down biggin!

Posted by RichRollin on June 26, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys know who Demarcus Knight is? 6'2", 230 MLB/4.6 40time, 3 stars on rivals from Morristown East,TN. I know his father very well, actually we put it in this kid from BIRTH. I saw Demarcus and his dad at O/W game and they said U.T. was recruiting him. We 've been busy seen since so I have not heard anything. So I look on Rivals and he has committed to Ole Miss in 09'!!! The vols should have pushed harder for this boy because he could play 2-3 positions, but heck 230 MLB 4.6/40 could help us. He gets 3 stars and has not been going to a bunch of camps, kinda like Daniel West did this year in B-Ball. This kid is a sleeper, and he bleeds orange!! I'm still glad to see him get the opportunity at OleMiss. Boys like this will always play harder for Tennessee because it's in their veins, yet boys like this play harder against Tennessee because they should have been givin a shot.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 26, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DaddyVol , I think Tennessee didn't think Knight would commit that early.Coaches have a board ranking prospects just like they do in the NFL w/ regard to drafting.If UT has 3-4 guys ranked higher than a guy like Knight then they have to wait.Problem is the 85 scholarship limit.In the old days UT would have pulled the trigger immediately on guys like Knight,Jackson,and Dabney.Unfortunately the kid usually feels slighted and disrespected, but doesn't realize these staffs have their hands tied.

However staffs sometimes make the mistake of thinking they can offer late and still get a guy.

Posted by DC_Vol on June 26, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee is in good position with Nunes, Giles and Stokes signing for the offense. Clearly defensive position players can see that the future looks bright for the 2009 class and for Tennessee football. I belieive we will see some highly touted defensive players including DT's sign in the future due to our success on offense. We will have a top ten class this year.

Posted by BSweet on June 26, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for the info RJ. I wasn't trying to start a panic but when I read the article it set off alarm bells. I was afraid we might have committed some infraction by accident. Glad to hear that we didn't.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 26, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad to see them play up the Darwin Walker angle.

Nice bit of information at 12:20 Savage O, every little bit helps and this makes me feel a little better about or chances to land him. It looks to me like we are definitely seeing a shift in recruiting strategies in going after some guys who might actually put the student back in student-athlete. Looks like the NCAA might have actually done something right with those APR reports.

Posted by givim6 on June 26, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WorkingLikeHeck: Read RJ_Vol 12:34 Post. That's why Chavis didn't talk to him.

I guess I'm an infernal optimist but I believe that the strengths of our defense, backs and backers, will give our line the ability to do a good job. We have some DL's who will show up this year, big Dan Williams for one.

Keep the faith bros, our D will be a lot better than last year.

Posted by marc_ash on June 26, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iam4ua,

How deep and dirty is the UT program? Dunno, how deep and dirty were the alabama kids running a textbook scam recently?

Posted by orange4ever on June 26, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all the stink going on in Tuskalooser,they will be going on a downhill slide,unless the recruits are so dumb they want to get involved with a coke slinging,pitbull running,gun dealing, bunch of low class losers whose coach is the biggest liar since Nixson, who said he didn't know what was going on.Also,whose fans want to stay on a U.T. site where there is something worth talking about instead of the latest imbreeding techniques on theirs.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 26, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like we just made the top 5 for DeOnte Arnett a 6'4 243lb 4* DE from Forestville, MD.The biggest competition will be from Maryland and Ohio State.Arnett runs around a 4.8-4.9 so he may get a look at DE and DT.We have also been named the leader for 6'3 217lb LB/DE Brian Johnson of Charlotte, N.C.

The June camp had around 100+ offensive players and only 30 or so defensive players.That number should be flipped in July w/ some big names planning on attending.Hope we have the same luck then as we did w/ the June camp.In all honesty UT could have the 09' class almost wrapped up by the end of December.That will allow the staff to get a good jump on 2010.

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 26, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice work, savageorange. Very informative, thanks! That's encouraging information. Go Big Orange!

Posted by thesavageorange on June 26, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RJ_Vol , My pleasure.

Posted by pdhuff on June 26, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Talked with the one Tenn insider I know today for about 30 mins. He said Williams is the real deal on D-line, others are borderline SEC material.

He also said that we must stop the UCLA run early, period. He expects a better offensive output as he was not a Cutcliff man. Said Cut did save someone's bacon in somehow engineering 10 wins, gnats poots and all. Forde at ESPN said either Spurrier or Fulmer will go after this year and he would suspect Spurrier has had enuf.

Also said Mayo will be missed big time.

Very interesting fellow with a big $$$$ stake in UT.

Posted by ncvol on June 26, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope he chooses Rocky Top ! Go Vols !

Posted by BigOrangeCrush on June 26, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iam4ua,
THE UPSWING!! If you consider having one of your players selling powder cocaine in the parking lot of the practice facility, SATAN has them on a HIGH!! If that is the upswing it's not for us.

Posted by FWBVol on June 26, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Upswing at Alabama equals seven wins instead of six.

Posted by Colliervol on June 27, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen marc ash. Not to mention the lack of control that Saban and his coaches are showing. They didn't have a clue that some joker was selling drugs in their own athletic complex? Amazing.

PD, I thought Spurrier had had enough after last season. This one should just about do him in. Of course, if UT were to lose to UCLA, Florida, Georgia and Auburn, look out. I don't expect that but one never knows.

Posted by RJ_Vol on June 27, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PD...Were you just talking about DT's? I have to think Ben Martin is a little more than borderline material for the SEC. He has the frame, strength, and technique to be one of our best at DE. Additionally, we better stop the run early in every game - and get good field position. It makes their offense play to our defense's strength. Also, I was a big fan of the hurry-up, but not so much now. I felt quick "three and outs"(while we were in poor field position) put our D in even worse straights. I feel our defense will be hard hitting. However, we must "flip the field" in our favor w/ special teams, offensive production, and turnovers to help them out. Few have talked about punting(PD I think you mentioned it a few days ago), but a rookie at that position is an understated wild card.

Posted by pdhuff on June 27, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol- Re those four you mentioned, I am concerned we can win 2 of them. Many count UCLA a done deal, but I don't. All the hoop-la goes out the window in a hot West Coast Stadium in September.

Think offense will be good for 30-35 ppg unless defense is getting killed. Then, of course, you won't have the chance to score 35 due to time of possession. This season could (hopefully won't) turn out to be monumental in the future direction of this program. Only 30 d-players coming to the first camp is a telling stat many choose to ignore.

We'll see soon....

Posted by pdhuff on June 27, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol- Re those four you mentioned, I am concerned we can win 2 of them. Many count UCLA a done deal, but I don't. All the hoop-la goes out the window in a hot West Coast Stadium in September.

Think offense will be good for 30-35 ppg unless defense is getting killed. Then, of course, you won't have the chance to score 35 due to time of possession. This season could (hopefully won't) turn out to be monumental in the future direction of this program. Only 30 d-players coming to the first camp is a telling stat many choose to ignore.

We'll see soon....

Posted by General_Watermelon on June 27, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I haven't seen any articles on Duke Football lately. Bummer. Go Dookie.

Posted by dw0731 on June 27, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savageorange, Rivals has him as the 9th best at his position. You seem to be up to speed on recruiting, who else are we in the definite running for on defense?

Posted by pdhuff on June 28, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gen F, it has been rumored that Dook is considering a glamor series with the Catawba Tree Worms followed up with an annual tilt at the Tugaloo Carp.

Not confirmed as of yet.....

Posted by douglasawilliams on June 28, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm optimistic about the upcoming season. Don't know why. A totally new offense I guess is part of it and I really hope it is consistently successful. A mobile quarterback is another reason to create offense when the receivers are covered. The defense should be much better I'm hoping. Wes Brown and Ayers should put more heat on opposing QB's this year. The hope is that Demonte Bolden will play to his potential and actually plug some running lanes. If that happens and opposing offenses throw more and the secondary led by Berry will be poised to make interceptions. The return of Morley who is a tremendous athlete will also make plays that will result in wins in tight games. The loss of Mayo was huge but the linebackers should at least be average.