Initial impressions of Tennessee's 2010 recruiting class
by Joel Hollingsworth on Feb 3, 2010 12:45 PM EST
in Tennessee Volunteers Recruiting
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PrintWell, it's not even noon on National Signing Day, and most of the hay is already in the barn. Below is a list of Tennessee's current signees:
|
Position
|
Player
|
Rivals
Stars |
Scout
Stars |
| QB | Tyler Bray (EE) |
4
|
3
|
| Nash Nance (NSD) |
2
|
3
|
|
| Matt Simms (EE) |
3
|
3
|
|
| RB | Rajion Neal (NSD) |
4
|
3
|
| FB | Channing Fugate (EE) |
3
|
3
|
| WR | Ted Meline (EE) |
4
|
3
|
| Matt Milton (EE) |
4
|
4
|
|
| Da'Rick Rogers (NSD) |
5
|
5
|
|
| Justin Hunter (NSD) |
4
|
4
|
|
| OL | James Stone (NSD) |
4
|
3
|
| Zach Fulton (NSD) |
3
|
3
|
|
| Jawuan James (EE) |
4
|
4
|
|
| Marques Pair (NSD) |
3
|
3
|
|
| TE | Mychal Rivera (NSD) |
3
|
3
|
| DE | Martaze Jackson (NSD) |
3
|
2
|
| Corey Miller (EE) |
4
|
4
|
|
| Jacques Smith (EE) |
4
|
4
|
|
| DT | John Brown (NSD) |
4
|
4
|
| LB | John Propst (NSD) |
3
|
3
|
| Raiques Crump (NSD) |
2
|
2
|
|
| DB | Dave Clark (NSD) |
4
|
3
|
| Eddrick Loften (NSD) |
4
|
3
|
|
| Dontavis Sapp (NSD) |
4
|
2
|
|
| ST | Michael Palardy (NSD) |
3
|
4
|
| ATH | Marques Dixon (NSD) |
3
|
3
|
|
Total Signees |
25 |
As of right now (12:40 p.m.), Rivals has Tennessee at #8, behind four SEC teams and them thieves out on the west coast. Scout has us at #11, behind the same four SEC schools and that same band of scallywags.
More analysis to come, but my initial, knee-jerk impressions are that Dooley did a pretty good job and a fantastic job under the circumstances. First the bad news: J.C. Copeland signed with LSU, Glen Stanley signed with USC, and Ralph Williams signed with Ole Miss.
But the good really outweighs the bad, I think. Picking up Da'Rick Rogers was absolutely huge, and adding him to a corps consisting of Justin Hunter, Matt Milton, and Ted Meline is causing reasonable folks to declare that this might be the best wide receiver class in Tennessee history, which is saying something about a school formerly known as Wide Receiver U.
Losing out on defensive lineman Copeland hurt, but in picking up offensive lineman James Stone, especially when you consider it was between us and Alabama, you almost have to like that trade if a trade must be made. Going into today, I thought we were looking light on offensive linemen, defensive tackles, and wide receivers. Consider receivers handled, and although I think we're still a bit light on defensive tackles and offensive linemen, we at least got the ones we expected to get.
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Awesome rundown
Good work to you guys on the RTT Team :)
"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman
Does it make sense to say
That the class was a pleasant surprise but that signing day was a disappointment? I said when he was hired that I would applaud Dooley if he could stay in the top 15. So #8 sounds pretty good. But then all the good news leaked early, and the bad news (Copeland) didn’t, making signing day itself somewhat anti-climactic (I wouldn’t go so far as to say depressing).
That said, he filled needs excellently. I believe there are only two positions from yesterday’s roundup that were not adequately filled. Y’all wanted 6 O-linemen, and we got 4 (but the four we got had an average star rating of 3.5, and four guys ain’t exactly a small haul). We also whiffed majorly on DT. Staying healthy, keeping grades up, and developing talent (Jeffrey?) is now a huge priority, as is signing a top DT next year. But if there’s only one position you can criticize, it’s hard to knock this class, especially after all the adversity. Well done, coach Dooley. Well done, RTT.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 11:52 AM EST reply actions
We'll be podcasting tonight at 9
and talking about all of this in greater detail I’m sure…but I agree with everyone, other than at DT, we leave today in better shape than we really had any right to be three weeks ago. We should have some answers on the OL (and hopefully an immediate one with James as an EE) and should definitely find the WRs of the future among this group. Good job by Dooley – instead of having to defend what would’ve been an understandably shoddy class, he’s kept us right where we needed to be.
DT's
Heard John Brown may have grade issues. Any info? We NEED him.
by springtime-of-my-senility on Feb 3, 2010 12:01 PM EST reply actions
Signing Day on ESPNU
means more of the best commercials on the planet. Screw the Super Bowl, they won’t have the patent pending Perfect Brownie
But do they have the Freedom Tray?
I don’t have ESPN U :(
So Sayth King Zach I
by kingofzachland on Feb 3, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
John Brown is officially signed
VolQuest has a story about Dooley’s in-home visit making the difference ($)
This feels like the time when
Ditka traded all of his draft picks for Ricky Williams, only it’s too cold to go golfing. Strange to be done at noon.
The shrewdness of undersigning?
So, when I finally got around to taking a shower (first class at 2), I got to thinking a little more about this class. Does anyone else think that undersigning might’ve been a shrewd move? We had 27 spots, plus 3 for non-qualifiers or grayshirts, making a total of 30. If we had used all 30, next year’s class would’ve had 22 spots (plus possibly three more for grayshirts or non-qualies). As it is, next year’s class will have 27 spots (plus possibly three more, for 30).
Couple that with our biggest needs being in positions with a lot of young guys. Many project two sophomores to start next year at DT (depth: a pair of seniors, but no juniors), and I’m not sure how surprised anyone would be to see four sophomores starting on the offensive line (with only one senior in the rotation).
With those facts in mind, do you think that Dooley might’ve thought that the risk of waiting one more year at these positions wasn’t too bad. He got a good haul at OL, although most wanted 1 or 2 more bodies, and he did pull a stopgap at DT. But he probably figured that he could fill those extra five spots with good talent next year instead of settling for 2* and 3* guys that he doesn’t rate highly just to add bodies this year.
In short, does the reward for waiting one more year to fill those last couple spots outweigh the inherent risk involved with having a small roster? I think it may.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 12:32 PM EST reply actions
Quite possible.
At the very least, he didn’t panic and take the equipment manager out of Podunk High as an additional D-tackle or anything. And yes, to a degree, it’s better to leave a slot open than fill with with somebody you don’t really want. That only loses 1 year of a scholarship, not 4 or 5. And that also leaves a scholly open for a standout walk-on to earn.
by David Hooper on Feb 3, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
right
as long as he thinks we will be adequate, say on the O or DL, then he can save those spots and go after more talent next year.
by my assessment, a 3-4 looks very plausible this coming year
I keep hearing that a 3-4 requires big (~260-280 lb) ends
If that’s true, we don’t have the personnel. Although we still may have better personnel for that than a 4-3. Who knows? And we also don’t know what Wilcox (if he ever becomes official) will want to do, since he hasn’t run a 3-4 much in the past (although he went three down against TCU). Lots of questions, not a lot of answers.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
relatively big ends...
in a 2 gap scheme, it’s important to be able to size up with offensive linemen. we’ll see how it goes. it seems like we have a lot of tweeners, so we’ll see which way they fall this spring
I think we can swtich between 3-4 and 4-3 prior to the snap if we need to.
There’s some flexibility there for situational purposes, but a full-out 3-4 is another class away yet.
The 1-6
You forgot about Unblockable. He’s still around.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
that's true
He can take the 5 OL leaving the LBs to deal with the backfield
That seems to be my impression as well
We have a lot of guys whose size are 4-3 end and 3-4 linebacker, and another several whose size indicate 4-3 tackle and 3-4 end. Being able to switch without subbing is a big thing.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
I want to sit and think about it for a bit.
I’m still not certain we’ll be able to handle a 3-4 for a whole game. That’s a lot of stress on a NT if he’s not fully built for it.
Wow....
I really don’t understand what y’all are talking about. I like watching football, but I don’t really know what I’m looking at!
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
Ah.
3-4 means that there are three defensive lineman lined up on the line of scrimmage (with one hand on the ground) and 4 linebackers (behind the lineman and standing). 4-3 means 4 linemen and 3 linebackers. Last year, we ran 4-3.
You’ll see the numbers include defensive backs as well (cornerbacks and safeties – usually an umbrella around everybody else and lined up farthest from the ball). The numbers always add to 11. E.g. a 4-3-4 has 4 linemen, 3 linebackers, and 4 DBs (usually 2 cornerbacks on the far edges and 2 safeties behind everybody else).
Hope that’s helpful.
Thanks...
that does help, as a beginning. I really need to study some before next season and become a more intelligent fan.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
At least part-time.
I could see some switchups for matches, a la Saban.
by David Hooper on Feb 3, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
I could see a lot of things with "a la Saban" in them
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
This was touched on yesterday, but
Wilcox was a master at scheming and adapting his defense to the personnel — he used six DBs and played a DL at MLB in the Fiesta Bowl
-Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman
If he does become our DC, I have faith in his “creativeness”
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
Ah yes, the word I was reaching for.
My mind’s stuck in organic chemistry, forgive me?
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
I_S
Wondered where you were. Expected feedback.
by springtime-of-my-senility on Feb 3, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
Ok, this is just weird.
What’s the story?
by David Hooper on Feb 3, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
See my comment
I am amused, at the very least.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Hi, Dad
Now with an account, it’s even easier to check up on me via sports blogs!
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
AH.
Got it now.
And I’m amused as well.
Welcome, Dad! :-D
by David Hooper on Feb 3, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
So Brown will put us at 25 total?
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
Wierd names run in the family
Always trying to keep track of you.
by springtime-of-my-senility on Feb 3, 2010 12:41 PM EST reply actions
Now this really is a family blog.
So Sayth King Zach I
by kingofzachland on Feb 3, 2010 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
Haha
Nice! Bet all the folks at Old Mexico are really kicking themselves.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of which . . .
Ambles’ twitter still shows a UNC hat and says “Go Trogans!” (joke #2 of NSD). I am not upset about his loss.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
I keep reaching for an ex-girlfriend analogy with Smith to (something)
But I can’t make the connection, its that bizarre.
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
Exactly.
The question is with who, or better what?
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
Interesting note:
Although Scout has us ranked #14 overall, they have us 5th in number of top 100 recruits.
by Incipient_Senescence on Feb 3, 2010 1:20 PM EST reply actions
Gee....
why would anyone want to do something so mean?
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
wesrucker / twitter:
I do believe the #Vols could be announcing the hiring of Boise DC Justin Wilcox today. Starting to hear things.
So if indeed, he does sign today? Then what positions left do we have to fill, I’ve lost track.
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
Gotcha
So Offense is all shored up?
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
well kind of
the positions are pretty much divied up… not quite sure who will be the RB coach. I’m guessing that will be Dooley’s focus since he is the only one on staff w experience coaching that position
He also posted this afterwards:
“Boise DC Justin Wilcox is coming to the #Vols. Should be announced today. I believe he is en route to Knoxville.”
And Josh Ward posted this: “Josh_Ward RT @wesrucker: I do believe the #Vols could be announcing the hiring of Boise DC Justin Wilcox today. Starting to hear things.”
Looks as if this is a done deal – we will wait for a real announcement though. I heard there is a PC set for 5:00pm today
The Sheriff
by SheriffOfNottingham on Feb 3, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, ESPN just gave us a nice shout-out
Said we and FSU have made major splashes today, accompanied by a triumphant image of Da’Rick donning the cap.
Nice Ya'll
I’m off to class, but thanks to the mods & everyone who has commentated. This has been Great. Go Vols!
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
Hit refresh
I’ve added a poll to the body of the post asking y’all to grade the class, all things considered.
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Feb 3, 2010 1:38 PM EST reply actions
Rating classes on signing day...
… is like rating your Christmas presents before opening them based on the size and shape of the boxes.
“Ooh, look at the pretty bow on that one! A+!”
Lou Brock loves Lamp.
Oh, sure take the fun out of it.
While you’re at it, rank our 2007 class!
(It was #3 in the nation, even!)
I voted A
another good DT and I would have voted A+, but none the less a solid A. The way this staff has been able to perform damange control and get us a top 10 class ( i think) I just do not see how anbody can complain.
Copeland
Anybody heard why Copeland chose LSU at the last second? I was really wanted to hang on that guy after he was quoted saying he just wants to “attack people.”
Pandemonium Reigns
by Pandemonium Reigns on Feb 3, 2010 2:08 PM EST reply actions
A for me too
Sure we don’t have a top 5 class and we’re still behind a lot of SEC schools in the rankings, but if you consider what all this football program has been through in the past month…this is a great first recrutiing class for Coach Dooley. He continues to impress me and I’m excited to see what he can do with his assembled coaching staff and players heading into spring practice!
For an A+ I wouldn't expect any defections on signing day plus pick up a surprise in a need area
an A could have some defections but make sure out needs are completely satisfied (DT)
An A minus because he had a couple defections and we probably could have used another DT.
Do I sound too negative? Don’t get me wrong, I think he did an outstanding job! Of course, the early enrolees helped a lot
I voted A- as well
He did a great job all things considered, hopefully he has a class that he can build upon in future years.
So Sayth King Zach I
by kingofzachland on Feb 3, 2010 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
I voted an A
If he had had longer and this were the result, I might say A-, but with all the crap we’ve had to go through, staying in the top 15ish is absolutely a win.
Tennessee Fans: We win at teh Internet!
Chaz Green
Any word on this kid? About the only one left on the board that we MIGHT have an outside shot at.
A+
No doubt about it.
When I saw Lane Kiffin was leaving, I was gonna be suprised if we had 10 signings total today.
Remember when we were all worried about losing the mid-termers?
To think that Dooley came in and in two weeks kept mostly everyone on board AND picked up Hunter, Rogers, and Neal? wow……..
"I condone fun things" ~~ Cortland Finnegan
I agree completely.
The A+ I gave was also for the entire month of January. I certainly did not expect to feel so optimistic about things in February.
Sapp
only a 2* on Rivals. Probably the lowest rated player as he didn’t have any other good offers. Regardless, he’s a Vol and I wish him the best.
I'll take him considering Scout gives him a 4*
Not sure why the large discrepancy, but we need CB almost as bad as DT’s
"I condone fun things" ~~ Cortland Finnegan
Scout
also has him at 2*. The kid’s a Safety anyways, not really a cornerback. Agree with golfball above, it would have been nice to use that spot on an underrecruited DT.
One of somebody is wrong
I had it backwards, but according to the chart up there,
Dontavis Sapp (NSD) 4 2
That’s 4 rivals and 2 scout
"I condone fun things" ~~ Cortland Finnegan
I think the problem is that, on Rivals's page for him,
he has both a 2* and a 4* ranking.
The 4* is from fan voting, and was probably mistakenly grabbed here. I’ll fix later, but have to go now.
I give
a solid B due to the hand we were dealt. We really needed Copeland and Willis. Chaz and Cullen would have been great too. We’re going to be hurting at the DT position the next couple of years.
I don't get this
How is an 11th ranked class a B in any context? Let alone ours.
Our biggest need, three weeks ago
…was a bushel of miracles. Now we’re not even talking in those terms any more.
I’d say that warrants an A+.
A- from the Rev
Another DT, LB, and OL would have made this effort an A+. Very proud of the work of Coach DD and his staff. Congrats to all who have chosen to wear the Orange.
Vinnie Testaverde is always remembered for Tennessee kicking his ass.
I went A-, only because of the D-tackle issue.
The only problem is that I don’t know if Dooley could have handled it any better. I have a feeling that, without a DC on staff, he really didn’t have a chance.
But I could just as easily call this an A+ for the same exact reason.
my thoughts
as well
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
Josh McNeil
Anybody know if Josh McNeil is pursuing a medical redshirt? I had heard he was wanting to play a final year of football, but that was back in September and he never made it back. He redshirted in 2005, so he would need a 6th year. Anybody know the status on that? It could really ease the burden on this class if he got a 6th year and came back.
Henderson to USC
Gag!
"We've got weapons, we've still got weapons... That's terrible, I apologize."
- Bruce Pearl
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