Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer has long been recognized as one of the nation's premier football recruiters. Year after year, he recruits some of the best football prospects in the country.

You might question how well UT develops those players. You might question how well it disciplines them. You might even argue that some of its recruiting classes have been overrated.

But you can't argue that Fulmer is an outstanding recruiter. He has the players in the NFL to prove it.

Now comes his greatest challenge. He must recruit to a program that isn't in the top 10, the top 25, a News Year's day bowl or any other bowl. He must recruit to a program that has a losing record and a revamped offensive staff.

How will he handle that?

My best guess: Very well.

Sure, it's easier recruiting to a program that just won a national championship than one that just lost to Vanderbilt. But a good salesman is a good salesman. Never mind the product or the circumstances. He adapts. And he stays positive.

I expect no less from Fulmer. And I expect his recruiting visits will go something like this:

Recruit's mom: Come on in, Coach, and sit down on this sofa. In fact, I've made the bed in the guest room if you want a nap. I can only guess how tired you must be after this season.

Fulmer: Not at all. I've never felt better. On the plane, I figured out how close we came to playing for a national championship.

Recruit's mom: Are you sure you're all right?

Fulmer: We were this close (holding right forefinger and thumb an inch apart) to playing for the national title. If not for that interception against Florida, the punt return against Georgia, a couple of fumbles against Alabama, that field goal against South Carolina, a couple of interceptions and a punt return against Notre Dame, and a last-minute touchdown pass against Vanderbilt, we'd be unbeaten and playing LSU for the SEC championship. And we've already beaten them once -- despite spotting them a 21-0 lead.

Our strength of schedule would have gotten us past Texas into the national championship game. And I really think we would have matched up well against USC.

Recruit's mom: Are you on medication, Coach?

Fulmer: Not me. I've never felt better.

It's such an exciting time to be the head coach at the University of Tennessee. We just won one national championship a few years ago (1998), came so close to one (holding his right forefinger and thumb half an inch apart) this year, and I really expect we can win another one next year. We're pretty much set at every position except wide receiver, which brings me around to your son, Chuck. He could start for us at wide receiver next year.

Recruit's mom: Yeah, I'm sure he could start for you. So could our son, Chester, who did really well on his junior high team this year. So could our black Lab. But it kind of bothers me that we don't know who would be throwing the ball to Chuck. Who's your quarterback going to be?

Fulmer: Ever hear of a guy named "Peyton Manning?"

Recruit's mom: Huh?

Fulmer: Peyton comes back to campus every now and then. I promise you if Chuck signs with us, Peyton will throw him a pass next summer.

Recruit's mom: But who will be UT's quarterback next season?

Fulmer: Don't you worry about that. We've got so many good ones, we'll have to wait and see how they do in the spring and the preseason. But whoever it is, he'll be a great one. We'll wear Chuck out catching touchdown passes. By the way, where is Chuck?

Recruit's mom: He'll be right out. I didn't know he was going to be on the phone with Coach (Charlie) Weis an entire hour.

Fulmer: Yeah, we kicked old Charlie's butt most of the afternoon up there in South Bend. If it hadn't been for a couple of interceptions and a fumble, it's no telling how bad we would have beaten them. ... Is that your cell phone?

Recruit's mom: Excuse me for a minute, Coach.

Recruit's mom (returning to the room): I'm sorry, Coach, but that was USC. Coach (Pete) Carroll's arrived early and can meet with Chuck this afternoon. Would you mind coming back tomorrow?

Fulmer: No problem.

Fulmer calls an assistant coach as he walks to his car.

Assistant: How'd it go with Chuck, Coach?

Fulmer: Great. Hold your right thumb and forefinger about a quarter inch apart.

That's how close I came to talking to him.