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As the spring evaluation period comes to a close, we've learned one thing: Tennessee's new offensive coaches aren't afraid of any recruiting challenge.
Having recruited countless highly rated prospects, the Vols are showing they're not afraid to face off against Florida for a Florida fan, even in Gator land.
Receiver Lamar Scruggs from Fletcher High in Jacksonville, Fla., is the latest Floridian to show up on UT's radar. And let's just say he's well versed in the University of Florida fight song.
"It's a big factor," Scruggs said of his fandom. "I grew up as a Gator. I used to bleed Orange and Blue. I just want to get to know more about the school."
It's what he's found out that has Scruggs a bit concerned about Florida. The Gators like to rely on small, speedy receivers. Scruggs, by his own description, isn't that type of player.
At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Scruggs describes himself as a possession receiver. That discrepancy doesn't eliminate Florida, Scruggs said, but it's at least a reason to look around.
"Usually they have those small receivers to run those underneath routes," Scruggs said of Florida, "but that doesn't bother me a lot."
With the door cracked open, the Vols have stepped right in, with receivers coach Latrell Scott leading the way.
"I like Tennessee a lot," said Scruggs, who has more than 25 scholarship offers. "I could fit in good with their offense. I'm definitely keeping them in mind."
UT's isn't the only one. Scruggs said he's still considering Florida State, South Carolina, LSU, Illinois, Louisville, Clemson and West Virginia. With another Florida school in the mix, the Vols have a tough task in besting the Gators and Seminoles.
Scruggs said he's visited Gainesville and Tallahassee and isn't sure if he'll make any unofficial visits this summer. That may be key for any school, including UT, which hopes to lure him away from the Sunshine State.
Scruggs said he's not afraid to leave Florida behind for the right college.
"Not me," he said. "I'm very open minded. I don't mind leaving. I just have to adapt to wherever I go to."
Clawson's Call: As expected, UT offensive coordinator Dave Clawson spent much of his recruiting time during the spring evaluation period looking at quarterbacks.
The Vols seem most focused on Josh Nunes from Upland (Calif.) High, as he was one of the first high school quarterbacks who received a scholarship offer from UT.
Clawson, as per NCAA rules, can't comment on specific prospects, but was willing to provide some insight into what he's looking for in a high school prospect.
"At the quarterback position, it starts with the intangibles," Clawson said. "You want a guy that's a good leader and a good citizen. The next thing is the ability to make every throw we ask a quarterback to make and the athleticism to protect himself."
In other words, after character Clawson is looking for a passer. Much like the previous regime under David Cutcliffe, Clawson wants an athlete but not necessarily a running quarterback.
"There's got to be some degree of athleticism," Clawson said. "They can't just be a standing target."
Clawson said he has a history of adapting to a quarterback's strengths. At Richmond, Clawson said his offense relied on everything from sprinting a quarterback out of the pocket to sprinting receivers downfield for a laser-accurate pass.
Much of UT's quarterback recruiting success will be based on which sport signee Casey Kelly decides to play. If the Sarasota (Fla.) High athlete chooses professional baseball, that will be less competition for an incoming player.
If Kelly chooses football, much of the Vols' recruiting efforts likely will be lost as prospects see hefty competition for snaps in Knoxville.
That decision won't be made until after the amateur baseball draft in early June. But clearly, the Vols are preparing for life without Kelly.
The Vols' focus now is on finding the right quarterback. UT's coaches will spend the coming weeks evaluating tape and head into June with a short list.
Few Myles To Knoxville: Safety Darren Myles is quickly becoming a top target for UT. The star from Carver High in Atlanta has plenty of offers, but also strong ties to UT.
Myles' father, also named Darren Myles, has coached UT standout tailback Jamal Lewis and cornerback Inky Johnson.
But in order to land the younger Myles, UT will have to beat Georgia and Georgia Tech, both nearby schools that have offered scholarships.
TV Time: UT is benefitting from the increased broadcast exposure of its new offense, in the form of a televised Orange and White Game.
Before that, competing recruiters often told prospects exactly what they didn't want to hear about UT's new attack. If prospects wanted a pro-style offense, the Vols were only spread option and vice versa.
Now, the Vols have proof of what they're selling. A strong September will only improve the pitch.
Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He can be reached at hookerd@knoxnews.com.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by invisiblekid on May 24, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glanced at the headline and thought Hooker was doing a story on 99Gator.
Posted by imw8n4u on May 24, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought the same thing invisible. It'd be nice to pull a big time receiver right out from under the Gators.
Posted by RichRollin on May 24, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It would be sweet to land this guy, but I think Marlon Brown outta Memphis is the guy we need to get. West Virginia seems to be the wild cardhere. They did not have good recruiting classes the past 4-5 years, but suddenly they get Doc Holliday from Florida and they are on everyone's list. He is one of the best recruiters in the country!!!!
Posted by 99gator on May 24, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
never heard of this kid and am not aware of florida pursuing him.
Posted by TurboFan on May 24, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McBrim, the Rebels being in Jacksonville is a little different from Scruggs being in Oxford.
Posted by RichRollin on May 24, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WD40plusvol, well said!! Marlon Brown from Memphis, #1 WR in USA! Wants to play B-BALL too and wants to play for UT. We need to finish the deal!!!!!!!
Posted by BillVol on May 25, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Lord, have mercy. Who cares about any of this nonsense until they sign on the dotted line. This recruiting business makes me ill. He likes the Florida fight song, but he wants to see other schools??? And this is supposed to excite us? This is even newsworthy? This is worse than the National Enquirer.
Posted by matrosscbc on May 25, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why has Tennessee not offered Mike Bowman, from Rossville Ga. Gonna be the number one reciever in Georgia. Offers from USC and LSU and only minutes from Chattanooga....????
Posted by sjt18 on May 25, 2008 at 3:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
UT doesn't have a lot of scholarships to burn on skill players this year. They're probably going to be somewhat selective and shut it down early. The exception would be if they got another solid commit then had to make room for Brown or another one of the really top tier guys.
Posted by PaulTheVol on May 25, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't we have enough possession (i.e., no top-end speed) receivers? I once heard an NFL coach say "Good things happen to teams with speed" and it has always proven to be true. Find some burners and put some fear into the defensive backfield and the running game and underneath stuff will open up. We have to stop other teams from walking their safties up to the line and playing press coverage against us all the time.
Posted by 99gator on May 25, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
having done some research....this guy is on florida's radar.
but, from what i can make out...he is plan c or d, not plan a or b.
they have five receivers they have made an offer too, and this guy is not one of them (marlon brown out of memphis is one of them).
if this guy is in florida's class, i would be surprised.
Posted by nicksjuzunk on May 25, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
invisible kid,
Ditto. Thought it was on 99gator but that's a bit weird. No offense 99.
Posted by 99gator on May 25, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
geez, i may have to go mcbrim for a little bit, just to re-establish my gator credentials.
Posted by TurboFan on May 25, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
McBrim, your point was easily grasped, albeit a bit flawed. Scruggs receiving 25 letters of offer in the mail doesn't mean he is seriously considering all 25.
Warmest wishes.
Posted by givehim6 on May 25, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe it's my imgination but UT seems to be going after the gators, thay got coach Drayton. Now there after some of there recruits, do you think this was coach Clawsons ides? Sounds like he has the competitive nature we been needing. GO VOLS!
Posted by DekanGator on May 25, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's face it Vol Fans. You can shake a tree in Florida and Lots of football players will fall out. They are all over the nation. All over the sec (bama Aub and LSU mostly) but Ohio St. Mich. ND. Penn state. Don't forget FSUcks and Miami are filled.
Posted by thesavageorange on May 25, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by invisiblekid on May 24, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glanced at the headline and thought Hooker was doing a story on 99Gator.
That was funny!
99gator , If he is plan b/c/d it's b/c of what Scruggs said.He is the prototype NFL size kid, and the system may not fit.With these guys NFL dreams on the line, they have to be smart when selecting schools.The problem for schools like UT is Meyer can afford to take a guy like Scruggs just to keep him away from another school.Scout has him listed running 4.55 40, so he's not a Blazer but not a slug either.
Posted by invisiblekid on May 25, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"geez, i may have to go mcbrim for a little bit, just to re-establish my gator credentials."
99Gator, don't do that, your cred is safe with the ulterior motives and all.
Special and Festive Salutations.
Posted by grvol on May 25, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope the dink and dunk is history. Its encouraging to hear the OC talk about being able to move around as a QB. Not just quickly dinking or dunking it out to a receiver standing close to the sideline along the line of scrimmage, who then gets tackled for no gain. Ainge: "Got rid of it coach didn't take hit." Cut: "Thank goodness."
Posted by IPOrange on May 25, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
invisiblekid beat me to the punch as well - I thought ole' 99gator had made the news.
Posted by pdhuff on May 25, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We do not offer anyone until all the charts have been studied.
Well, other than our 76 DBs and 105 O-linemen..........
Posted by 99gator on May 25, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
invisible
there is no question that for urban....
speed 1st
size 2nd
being in the 4.6 category doesn't thrill him. however, he does like one or two on the roster. currently, cornelius ingram and carl moore would fit that category.
Posted by IPOrange on May 25, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pdhuff - a team needs numerous DBs to play the 2-9 defense. Seems like a reasonable quantity to me...
Posted by pdhuff on May 26, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IPOrange-True, thanks for reminding me of Phil's and Chief's concept of d-fence. We soared to 11th last year.
Great Memorial day to you , sir and thanks the Lord for the chance to express ourselves.
Watching daylight creep in across a 19 acre field of rolled hay with a big lab asleep on the porch. The does have left my 12 tomatoe plants alone and are meandering around the rolled hay bales.
God bless America!
Posted by sjt18 on May 26, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
pdhuff, very serious question. Biblically speaking, what do you think the Lord thinks of cynicism?
I'm seriously not trying to incite an argument but really want your truthful opinion.
Posted by miamiVOL on May 26, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
schools this guy is currently considering...
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Auburn
Boston College
Clemson
Florida
Florida State
Georgia Tech
Illinois
Indiana
Louisville
Maryland
Miami
Michigan
N.C. State
Purdue
Rutgers
South Carolina
South Florida
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
West Virginia
UCF
Marshall
Posted by pdhuff on May 26, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18 - very serious answer.
Believe He has bigger concerns that Vol football.
Also believe that He allows us to have our own opinions regardless of what "terms" someone else may apply to it. I believe inaction solves nothing, just more of the same.
Following blindly along, bleating, my friend is not my style, as you may have noticed. Phil is not my idol. He is not Tennessee, just a part I believe is not doing its job.
Be well.
Posted by pjhaddix on May 26, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Invisible, I too thot, "What? An article about 99gator?? Cool!" Yes 99, you have more fans on here than most vols. pj
Posted by txsvol on May 27, 2008 at 2:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator is the kind of opposing team fan that most of us could invite to a weekend game between Florida and UT and enjoy the game. Although passionately a Gator, he is willing to concede the merits of the other team. I confess that I, too, thought this article would be about him. Back in the late '50s and early '60s, my Dad had a Georgia Tech fan/huge supporter that planned for us to see the UT-Tech game with him at Grant Field in Atlanta, and Dad planned for him to be with us when the game was in K'town. Go Vols! SAVol
Posted by sjt18 on May 27, 2008 at 3:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"sjt18 - very serious answer.
Believe He has bigger concerns that Vol football."
The question isn't about Vol football though God is sovereign over that too. The question is about you and what you believe a Christian's attitude and communication should be like.
Football may not be a big concern but our attitudes are.
We will be judged on how those line up with the commands and principles of scripture. Even our opinions and especially our expressions concerning football, basketball, gardening, working 3rd shift, or rainy days... Matthew 12 says that every idle word will be accounted for... and that one's words are a manifestation of their own heart- evil or good.
"Following blindly along, bleating, my friend is not my style, as you may have noticed."
A good Christian or person never should... nor should one assume that others are doing so because they disagree with certain conclusions.... nor should one portray others that way simply because they don't share a negative or cynical point of view.
Negative doesn't always equal realistic. Positive doesn't always equal a lack of realism... however when someone is almost completely one way or the other you can usually assume they aren't being realistic.
Posted by pdhuff on May 27, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A good Christian person doesn't judge others with a different view.
You should be known by your works or lack of them.
Be well and let's leave the sermonizing to Rev Ike.
Posted by VolGraduate on May 27, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
great...a religious argument after a football article. Go Vols!!!
Posted by Brama on May 27, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We are wasting our time recruiting the reciever from Flordia, and I think we have had enough of those California QB's
Posted by 99gator on May 27, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
heck....i'll say it.
KNS should do a story on me. maybe, i can find a way to get tix to the game in september.
Posted by TommyJack on May 27, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18: With all respect, I doubt the Lord is real interested in this board. Other pressing problems, I suspect.
Posted by TommyJack on May 27, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I prefer the most reverend, Creflo Dollar.
Posted by pjhaddix on May 27, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed, 99! An article on you could be more interesting than some things we've read on here. Of course, there would be those who would complain about reading about a gator...but those same people would learn something important about life if they did read it. Thanks for spreading the love. BTW, did you graduate in '99?
Posted by pdhuff on May 27, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TJ, I liked Rev Ike when he said, "the Lord did not ever want to hear any change hit the collection plate".
Well, here's hoping ol' Phil is up to the challenge of bashing the Dawgs, Gators and Bama's not to mention the Bruins.
99gator, if you have the gelt, you can get a ticket to the game. If we should by some miracle, lose to the Bruins, they'll be cheaper
Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 27, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brama-
Recruiting in Fla is not a waste of time. How could you even say that with all of the talent that they have down there? Did it ever occur to you that some kids in Fla may hate all the state schools and want to get out of there? I think we got Morely out of Fla as well as other quality Vols over the years.
Posted by sjt18 on May 30, 2008 at 2:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TommyJack, why would you think God isn't interested in any and all expressions no matter where they are or what the topic?
Posted by sjt18 on May 30, 2008 at 3:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"A good Christian person doesn't judge others with a different view."
And I'm not doing that... though I wouldn't claim to be "good". Matthew 7 is NOT a command to avoid all matters of judgment. It is a command not to judge by a personally contrived standard. There are numerous passages dealing with confronting other Christians based on the Bible- God's standard. I believe cynicism is contrary to that standard. Do you?
'Judge not lest ye be judged' is one of the most abused and misused of all scriptures perhaps because it is so easily taken out of context.
"You should be known by your works or lack of them."
Partly. Personal morality/holiness are at least as prominent if not more so than "works".
But isn't that what I've asked you about? Cynicism is a "work". It takes effort and time to come here and express it... Is it a work consistent with what the Bible reveals as pleasing to God?
I'm honestly not trying to be a smart aleck with you or anything of the sort. You have made some suggestions that you were Christian or I wouldn't bother casting pearls before swine.
Posted by pdhuff on May 30, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Deo Vindice.
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