David Cutcliffe and Matt Luke knew they were needed. Boy, were they ever.

Tennessee's newest assistant coaches have already made an impact in a class nearly a year in the making before they were hired.

Most assumed that Cutcliffe and his resume would provide a calming affect on recruits after a 5-6 season and the purging of three assistant coaches.

Mission accomplished.

Most didn't expect that Cutcliffe would get the Vols in the Mitch Mustain sweepstakes. He did, even though the star quarterback from Springdale, Ark. is looking like a long shot to come to UT.

The fact that Mustain would even consider the Vols with Erik Ainge and Jonathan Crompton waiting in the wings speaks to Cutcliffe's reputation for developing quarterbacks.

Then, there's Luke. Since being hired last month as tight ends coach, the former Ole Miss assistant has been on the road almost every day and helped convince commitments and prospects that the Vols will soon be a team to be reckoned with again.

Powell High School tight end/defensive end Lee Smith cited both coaches as primary reasons that he decided to cancel the remainder of his official visits and stay true to his UT commitment, which was made last February.

UT's coaches can take a deep breath after this weekend when contact is limited until January. Cutcliffe and Luke could use the break as much as anyone.

There hasn't been a game played or a practice held but, so far, UT's newest coaches have earned much more than a passing grade.

Top Flight Trojans: As one would expect, Southern California has been a formidable team to deal with during this recruiting season. The Trojans just seem to keep coming up against the Vols and any other program that is trying to land the nation's elite high school players.

UT lost out on linebacker Josh Tatum from McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., earlier this week when he committed to USC.

UT and USC are also vying for two stars from Glenville High in Cleveland, Ohio: wide receiver/cornerback Raymond Small and tight end/defensive end Robert Rose. The Vols lost out on wide receiver Patrick Turner last year when the Trojans came calling on the former Goodpasture star.

The Trojans only have seven commitments as they cherry pick the nation's top prospects. That means they have plenty of room to sign more top-flight talent.

The nation's top prospect, receiver Percy Harvin of Virginia Beach, Va., will announce Monday whether he attends USC or Florida. Harvin had UT among his leaders at one time.

Progress Report: How does UT's 2006 class compare to its highly regarded group from 2005?

Not bad overall, but not as top heavy.

UT had 13 commitments last season heading into the New Year. This year, the Vols have 12 commitments.

This time last year, UT had five premier prospects: tailback LaMarcus Coker, quarterback Jonathan Crompton, defensive back Demetrice Morley, offensive lineman Chris Scott and center Josh McNeil. This year, UT has one such player, lineman Jacque McClendon.

UT's 2006 class may well hinge on Jan. 13, its last and most attended official visit weekend. UT could host more than 20 prospects.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.