Part IV: The hunt for 2008

Sure, Tennessee's 2007 recruiting class will be tough to match. But don't think UT's coaches won't try.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer even commented on National Signing Day on Feb. 7 that his staff already had a good start on 2008.

This much we know. The Vols won't have to deal with 32 signees, as was the case in 2007.

The Vols have less than 20 rising seniors to replace. There will surely be some attrition, but 20 to 25 looks like a more likely number of signees in 2008. And with five commitments already in the fold, UT can be selective.

Although evaluations are far from complete, it would be a surprise if the state of Tennessee produced as much talent as it did in 2007. While there is a general upward trend among in-state talent, 2007 may prove to be a high water mark for at least half of a decade.

The Vols already have two in-state commitments: tight end/fullback Ben Bartholomew from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville and tight end Aaron Douglas from Maryville High School.

UT is also recruiting receiver Rodriquez Wilkes from Smyrna (likely the top prospect in the state), defensive back Brian Sommer from Alcoa and offensive linemen Preston Bailey from Montgomery Bell Academy and David Spurlock from Murfreesboro Riverdale.

Don't be surprised if UT ramps up its recruiting effort in Florida. That will depend on what Miami and Florida State do this fall after extensive coaching changes at both schools. UT signed three prospects from Florida last year.

Texas will also be a state worth watching. The Vols landed three prospects from Texas, where Trooper Taylor's ties are proving valuable.

Georgia could also become even more fertile recruiting territory if native son and incoming freshman Eric Berry becomes a star at UT. The Vols have already received a verbal pledge from one of state's best tailbacks: Tauren Poole from Stephens City in Toccoa, Ga.

With the inroads in place, here are some areas that the Vols will look to address in the 2008 class:

• Offensive line: UT only signed two offensive linemen in the 2007 class. That's because the Vols' most likely five starting offensive linemen (Eric Young, Anthony Parker, Jacques McClendon, Josh McNeil and Chris Scott) consist of one senior, a junior, two sophomores and a freshman.

Seeing as how any school plans its recruiting class for two years in the future, four-fifths of those players will need to be replaced via recruiting in 2008.

• Marquee quarterback: The Vols had to scramble to get quarterbacks Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer in 2004. They don't want to be in that position again.

Sophomore Jonathan Crompton is slated to be the starter in 2008 and 2009. That means a replacement could redshirt behind Crompton and be ready to compete once he's gone.

That's not to say that UT is overlooking redshirt freshman Nick Stephens or 2007 signee B.J. Coleman but the goal of recruiting is improving a team's talent. Neither Stephens nor Coleman were particularly highly ranked, meaning a big name quarterback could be brought in if he is convinced there is an opportunity.

Simple numbers and history would suggest that UT could see one of its current quarterbacks transfer once a pecking order is determined. At least that's what you tell a signal caller in 2008.

The Vols can also sell offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, whose stock continues to grow thanks to the success of former Vol-turned-Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning.

An early quarterback to keep an eye on is D.C. Jefferson of Winter Haven, Fla.

Stay tuned. Less than 12 months until National Signing Day 2008.