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Taylor's departure doesn't change Fowlkes
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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.
© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by brdteton on December 20, 2007 at 1:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Big'un.
Posted by rubbervol on December 20, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A true Vol---thanks champ !!!
Posted by vol4good on December 20, 2007 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thought this was the dead period, how could another UT asst contact him?
Posted by GreerVol22 on December 20, 2007 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like this kid loves UT more than its coaches...nice to see a recruit with scruples.
Posted by 4VolsnVA on December 20, 2007 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome to Big Orange Country. Glad you chose to stick around.
@vol4good - good question.
Posted by chas_turner on December 20, 2007 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Players can call coaches, coaches can't initiate contact as I understand it!
Posted by CatScratchFever on December 20, 2007 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh you can bet that other schools are making ways as we speak to get in touch with this player.
Posted by tennecwingrider on December 20, 2007 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by pdhuff on December 20, 2007 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by sjt18 on December 20, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He made a verbal. I think that allows a school some leeway.
This is a pretty big deal. Fowlkes is one of those guys whose rating is probably hurt by the fact that his college position isn't determined. He could be a TE, DE, or WR. He was one of the first names that came up as someone who might de-commit. It was commonly thought that TT was his reason for choosing UT.
Posted by vol98 on December 20, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
one call per week
Posted by HitnRunRick on December 20, 2007 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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!!!
Posted by FWBVol on December 20, 2007 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by volfan on December 20, 2007 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by yemmusdarb on December 20, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by marc_ash on December 20, 2007 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Folkes said it correctly..it's a business. Not only for the school and the coaches but also for the athletes coming. They have to look at whats best for their perceived future.
I think a lot of Vol fans put their heart into players choosing to play for (or not play for) the University. Thats not a bad thing per se, but keep in mind most recruits come in for themselves and not the glory of Rocky Top.
Posted by sjt18 on December 20, 2007 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NOTE TO yemmusdarb: Fowlkes is going to UT because they're the one D1 school that saw something in his receiving skills good enough to give him a shot at it... and that kind of commitment NEVER happens without CPF's endorsement.
This kid if he were specialized at one position would probably rank higher. Like Frazier from last year, he's hurt by not having a "true" position.
Posted by dewaynemac32 on December 20, 2007 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by budrhon on December 20, 2007 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's about wearing that ORANGE for the school and team. Sounds like we got ourselves a true leader.
Posted by Oenoboy on December 20, 2007 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In the words of Douglas Adams, author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"...
"DON'T PANIC!"
Posted by Ironcity on December 20, 2007 at 11:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by VOLinDAWGland on December 21, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by Plasticman on December 22, 2007 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He's a defensive end guys! Looking forward to him wearing the Orange. Don't get caught up in the recruiting rankings, they are a joke.
Posted by southernACmavs on December 23, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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
Posted by movol77 on December 23, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WELCOME to TN! Where we experts post the same thang over and over and over and over and over and over....
Posted by volfan_in_mississippi on December 23, 2007 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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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