Steven Fowlkes will miss Trooper Taylor, but it won’t affect his decision to attend Tennessee.
Fowlkes, a defensive end from Banneker High School in College Park, Ga., has been committed to UT since August.
Fowlkes had been recruited by Taylor, who accepted a co-offensive coordinator position at Oklahoma State on Wednesday.
“I’m OK with it,” the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Fowlkes said. “I’m not going to change my mind.”
Fowlkes said he had mixed thoughts when he heard Taylor was leaving UT.
“I never had a chance to play with him so I don’t really know,” he said. “I do think it was a big part of the school but I’m still going to be there next year so I’m not going to worry about that.”
Fowlkes said he hasn’t been following Taylor’s situation as he received job offers from both Oklahoma State and Baylor this week.
Fowlkes said he first found out when another UT assistant coach informed him on Wednesday.
“I understand it was a business thing where he had to do what he had to do,” Fowlkes said.
He said he hasn’t been contacted by any schools hoping to change his mind.
Fowlkes, who had to cancel an official visit to UT this month, said he rescheduled the trip for Jan. 12.
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Comments » 21
wyomingvol writes:
Thanks Big'un.
rubbervol writes:
A true Vol---thanks champ !!!
vol4good#206163 writes:
Thought this was the dead period, how could another UT asst contact him?
GreerVol22 writes:
Sounds like this kid loves UT more than its coaches...nice to see a recruit with scruples.
4VolsnVA writes:
Welcome to Big Orange Country. Glad you chose to stick around.
@vol4good - good question.
turner_c writes:
Players can call coaches, coaches can't initiate contact as I understand it!
tennecwingrider writes:
This is the kind of class player we need. Thank you Steven for being a part of the program and thank you for putting the Tennessee Team first in your priorities.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Yes, real "dead" period. Ocean front property in Arizona, real car deal, pigs fly, "dead period", people are hired solely on ability, not who they know etc. Just beat the Badgers.
vol98 writes:
one call per week
HitnRunRick writes:
vol4good, recruits can contact coaches all they want during the dead period. Fowlkes said he was informed, not called. Hate to loose Trooper, wish him the BEST!!!
FWBVol writes:
As I said with another story, if a kid wants to play for a coach more than UT let him go. I'm glad Fowlkes understands what a wonderful opportunity it is to play for THE University of Tennessee in front of 105,000 orange clad fans on Saturdays in the fall. Here's hoping the next four years are everything he hopes for, and more.
volfan#207874 writes:
Welcome aboard Steven! If any recruit would come to UT and experience just one Saturday game at Neyland Stadium, I don't see how they could even consider any other venue to display their talents. It is an electrifying experience just to be a part of the Vol Nation. 105,000(+) rabid fans rooting the Vols to victory! Looking forward to seeing you in UT orange.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Maybe the reason he hasn't been contacted by other teams trying to sway his decision is due to this:
The guy is a 3 star DE who wants to play WR at the D-I level in the SEC.
**NOTE TO RECRUIT: UT doesn't ever use 6'5 WR's because they're normally only good as red zone threats and not suitable for running 5 yard outs, slants, and curls. If you really want to play WR, you'd be better off looking at Appy State. They run a spread formation, spread the ball around, and throw down field.
dewaynemac32 writes:
Someone help me out here. This is supposedly a site for UT FANS, not haters. Yemmusdarb, why don't you go a gators or dogs site and hate on the vols. I'm sure they would be happy to have you. I've seen this kid play, and believe me, he can flat out get it done on the field. Wherever he ends up playing, he'll make a contribution. I, for one, am glad to have him aboard.
budrhon writes:
It's about wearing that ORANGE for the school and team. Sounds like we got ourselves a true leader.
Oenoboy writes:
In the words of Douglas Adams, author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"...
"DON'T PANIC!"
Ironcity writes:
Yems your showing your ignorance. The spread is set for fast speedy guys not tall lanky receivers. This guy actually fits perfect in what we do. Ask Meachem, Washington, Harper and all the other big receivers we have had. If you are going to crack on him or our offense, at least try to be a little accurate.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
That's right Ironcity and don't forget David Martin who grew into a pretty good NFL TE. He was a load across the middle and 3rd down plays. Big receivers can also make good down field blockers. Ideally you want a mix of small/quick burners and big bruisers.
southernACmavs writes:
WELCOME to Tennessee , Where you pay more and expect less. Where we work like heck,and stay the course. Where the only thing we fear is CHANGE. And Money talks ,comman fans can sit down shut up and buy another hot dog. And last but not least where you will NEVER WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH PAW Fulmer , The Oil man, Thunder and the Puppet in charge... GO VOLS
movol77 writes:
WELCOME to TN! Where we experts post the same thang over and over and over and over and over and over....
volfan_in_mississippi writes:
southernACmavs: "And last but not least where you will NEVER WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH PAW Fulmer , The Oil man, Thunder and the Puppet in charge"
Granted it has been 10 long years, but I believe most of these people you mention were around for the last National Championship.
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