Tennessee's football recruiters were like telemarketers selling heaters in Alaska last year. This year, successful sales will require a bit more legwork.

"When your record is good ... you can commit them by phone," UT running backs coach Trooper Taylor said. "Now we're going to have to really get into the homes and do a great job of selling the program."

Selling the program might be harder than it's been in some time. The Vols (4-5) are on the verge of their first losing season since 1988.

"Because the tradition that's been here, they know that it's not going to be a losing deal where it completely spirals down," Taylor said. "That's the thing that we've emphasized. We've won a bunch of ball games here, and we're going to continue to do that.

"We've got a good foundation. We're going to need a few guys to come in here and help us. Obviously, the kids that are watching our games think they can come in and help."

UT plays Vanderbilt today with plenty at stake, such as bowl eligibility, a winning record and avoiding last place in the SEC East.

But what about Tennessee's recruiting momentum? Only months after being one of the hottest programs in the nation, it's hard to imagine Vol coaches solely focused on landing players in December instead of winning a bowl game.

With one more loss, that will be the case.

"It makes a big difference," Taylor said of the importance of closing out the season on a winning streak. "It's hard to sell a losing season. The product that you're selling obviously makes it easier for you when you're going into homes.

"So if you can go into there and talk about a bowl game and winning a bowl game, that's a selling point."

Taylor and his fellow coaches will have to answer more questions about losing than they've ever had to in their tenure at UT.

"It obviously doesn't help but I don't see it having a big effect because, really, it's about relationships," Taylor said. "Once you get in those homes and establish relationships, it will make a big difference. That's what I do.

"You've got to remember I've been in Tulane, Baylor and New Mexico. Losing, I've dealt with. This here is a whole lot different. The big difference is the tradition and the stability of the head coach."

The big difference in assembling the 2006 class was UT's recruiting reputation. Tennessee was viewed as a program that was willing to give young players immediate playing time, thanks, in part, to playing two freshman quarterbacks.

With a record flirting with .500, prospects should see the same opportunity this year.

"I don't have to say that," Taylor said. "They tell me. When they see things, they say, 'Coach, I think I can help you.'

"That's the attitude you want. They all understand that we signed a great class last year and that's going to be a good foundation for the future."

Stephenson's Stars: UT has made up some serious ground in the recruitment of two stars from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Ga. Jermaine Cunningham and Kelvin Sheppard both left Knoxville from their official visits last week with positive impressions.

Before his visit, Cunningham told the News Sentinel that Florida was his leader ahead of UT, Auburn and Virginia Tech. Now he has an "unorganized top four".

"It's just this one season," the 6-foot-4, 215-pound defensive end said of the Vols' struggles. "They can compete amongst the best for SEC championships and get some good recruits coming in. Also, they're rebuilding their offense."

As for Sheppard, he said UT has closed in on LSU, the school he committed to in October.

"They're almost neck and neck, if not the same," the 6-2, 218-pound linebacker said. "I have a good relationship with all the coaches at both schools.

Sheppard said he is also considering Florida and Maryland.

Neither of the Stephenson stars seemed bothered by what most UT fans would consider a sparse crowd against Memphis.

"It was pretty good there," Cunningham said. "I liked the crowd and the environment and the coaching staff. It gets packed with all those fans."

Top Honors: Offensive lineman Andre Smith from Huffman High in Birmingham, Ala., has been named one of the 16 nominees for the Parade High School Player of the Year Award. Smith is considering several schools, including UT.

Official Visitors: UT will not host any official visitors this weekend. Their next official visit weekend will be Dec. 9. Several UT coaches were on the road evaluating prospects Friday night.