Posted by grvol on October 17, 2007 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess according to our coaches if you're from TN you're just not good enough. Gotta go get those guys from CA, TX, OR, FL, NJ with 5 stars on the web who don't give a damn about TN just want to go pro bro!

Posted by newtonrail on October 18, 2007 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't know anything about this particular case, but being able to get into school academically factors into a lot of these recruits. However, if Tenn. was recruiting him, they shouldn't leave him "twisting in the wind", if they did.

Posted by FWBVol on October 18, 2007 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know what the story is, maybe the kid is telling the truth. But since coaches at any school can't comment on the players they are recruiting or have stopped recruiting, all we are hearing is one side of the story. As I said, the kid could be telling the truth. On the other hand, it could be sour grapes because he didn't get the offer he wanted from UT.

Posted by TommyJack on October 18, 2007 at 1 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tuff noogies. These pampered kids are just accustomed to having their butts kissed.

Posted by CrankE on October 18, 2007 at 5:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks FWB, that's exactly what I was thinking.

Posted by GreerVol22 on October 18, 2007 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

like our line talent is so deep....

Posted by chas_turner on October 18, 2007 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He was offered by UT early, and then Bama came calling. Spurlock said Bama was high on his list for months and months while seldom mentioning UT. Spurlock's star has faded, both Bama and UT cooled on him, and both went other recruiting directions. Spurlock could have committed Spring to either UT or Bama. He is paying the price for playing the recruiting game and has only himself to blame. JMO

Posted by 55Vol on October 18, 2007 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

chas_turner's opinion is pretty right on. Can you guys spell RIVERDALE? There is mnore to this story than just the cover as reported here.

Posted by mtnvol on October 18, 2007 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We just got one side of the story from a HS kid. I'm sure he is telling his truth (which may different from "fact"), but I'll reserve judgement until we get the rest of the story.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

grvol,

I agree whole heartedly. We're so concerned about being The University of the United States that we irritate good home grown talent, they go elsewhere and passionately want to beat us. Smart moves. Spurlock isn't the only one we pushed away. Instead, let's keep looking for thugs so that we can claim we're talented and tough...just as long as they stay out of jail. Try bringing in good kids from our State. You know...THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE!?!? Everybody trashing these guys who go elsewhere because our coaches are so frantically trying to find someone 2,000 miles away are only fueling their fire. Fire can burn. In fact...it can burn badly.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Take some time and look at starting rosters all over the Country. Lots of Tennessee guys. And while many continue to disparage Appalachian State and others, they have great Tennessee talent made greater by great coaching. The key: GREAT COACHING.

Posted by utcomvol on October 18, 2007 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TNGEOFF and GRVOL, Apparently you two don't know much about our other o-line commitments: Bailey from Nashville, which is in TN; Anderson, whose uncle Charlie played for UT and grew up a big UT fan; and a player who may end up on the o-line, Aaron Douglass from Maryville, which is also in TN. This year we have a very limited number of scholarships so we can't hand them out to everyone.

Posted by phi0129 on October 18, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah...sounds like sour grapes to me. TNgeoff: How do you know this guy is a good person? I wish we got more TN talent as well, but if we did then we would be at an even lower level than we are now. That's one side of the argument. But people such as Dennis Rogan, Corey Anderson, etc. show that HS players from around the area that don't necessarily have as much talent tend to come out and shine at their home school. In all actuality, we HAVE to recruit outside TN in order to compete at a national level. Sad, but true.

Posted by jweaver3 on October 18, 2007 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Touchdown, it says unofficial visit, which means he went to Kville on his own nickel. Learn to read you idiot!!!

GOVOLS!!!
BEAT THE TIDE
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

phi0129,

Don't get me completely wrong. I have been very impressed with many players we recruited from ouside Tennessee. I lived in San Diego when we recruited Foster and Ainge is worth his weight in gold as are many others. For me though...I'd like to see a concentrated effort to keep homegrown talen here as a matter of urgency. Great coaching will develop them every time. We spend so much time and money everywhere else and look at what has happened since our last National Championship. We could have recruited exclusively in Tennessee and gotten those results and maybe better. I would just like to see us Honor our own. THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE...not The University of The United States.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

phi0129,

Didn't mean to ignore the good person thing...I don't know him. But...when you look at Tennessee grown players around the Country, it is rare if ever that they are in the headlines for assault (male or female) and the other things that happen. That is my point.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We recruit the best in state talent and then try to fill out the roster with the best talent from around the country. Sometimes guys leave the state even though we recruit them (Patrick Turner, Santonio Beard, etc). If we're not offering this guy a scholarship, there's a reason for it. It says something that Bama is no longer one of his choices after he said it was between us and them. They seemed to have backed off as someone mentioned. We don't need to just take a guy from in state because he's from the state. We need to recruit the best players regardless of where they're from. I don't like the notion of leaving him "twisting in the wind," but as some have pointed out, it's only one side of the story.

Posted by hiresanders on October 18, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We will watch him block for Spurrier's QB's as they beat us 4 straight years.

Posted by blhvols on October 18, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some prospects play cat and mouse and even switch their verbal commitments at the last minute. Universities also play cat and mouse to try and get someone higher on their board, and sometimes it goes for us and somtimes against us. It is just part of the recruiting process and bothsides get irritated. Move on to SC kid, you waited and it cost you. Commit early and you are in.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on October 18, 2007 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Chas as well as TommyJack, being a recruiter myself (military) I see it all the time where kids will give you the run around, which it seemed he did after meeting with Bama, then when you slow down the process with them due to wasting time with someone not ready to committ, they don't understand. Hey recruiting is a tuff world for these coaches, its a butt kissing job towards the kids and parents. They don't understand these coaches take time away from their family to be in someone elses home eating dinner and chatting. They don't like to be mislead anymore than the student does. So my advice to this kid is in life if yousee something you want you better grab and not think twice cause sometimes it isn't always gonna be there.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hiresanders,

That's what I'm talking about! How many California. Oregon, etc., etc. has Spurrier EVER had? When he was in Florida everybody said, "That's because he's in Florida. A great recruiting State!" Now he's in South Carolina with a lower numer of top talent prospects than the State of Tennessee...but he's DEVELOPING talent! Notice his teams have NEVER looked like The University of The United States. ALWAYS loaded with local and surrounding talent.

THE DIFFERENCE?

COACHING PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.

As the old saying goes, "In war men mean nothing, but a MAN means everything." We've had guys from all over (even from other Countries for Gods sake and we aren't winning big). The missing ingredient? You want to tell me you wouldn't want a guy who can get the most out of talent like that here or should we continue to suffer with players who collectively have not performed like Tennessee teams of old?

Post missing ingredient here:

Posted by Phowell23 on October 18, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't believe someone hasn't already mentioned this but in the article Spurlock was quoted saying UT told him they signed all the linemen they wanted in this class. Well what about OL Barret Jones from Memphis? He's the prize recruit that Fulmer wants so badly in this class. He's set to announce on Nov. 2nd and it's coming down between Alabama and TN. He'll be at the Alabama game on Saturday so hopefully TN can put on a show.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on October 18, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm TDTN!!!

I more about recruiting than anyone, including the UT coaching staff!!!

I have broke [sic] bread with the team!!!

I criticize Coach Fulmer when he signs too few guys from Tennessee!!!

I criticize Coach Fulmer when he signs too many guys from Tennessee!!!

I'm the only one who knows A) who the best recruits are, which ones are going to stay out of trouble, C) how to sign them, and D) how to coach them!!!

All bow to me, I'm TDTN!!!

Posted by orangebloodgmc on October 18, 2007 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"they said they've signed all the linemen they wanted to"

Um, pretty sure we did not tell him we have already SIGNED people.

Posted by parottthead on October 18, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to get into discussions with so many pros, but I just checked out the Gamecock player page to see where all of Spurrier's homegrown talent was from. I may have missed a player or two, but this should be pretty accurate. Most of his players are from SC and surrounding states, naturally.
It's obvious that Spurrier isn't recruiting from 'talent-laden' TN, but he does seem to like GA and FL. And Canada.
SC - 43
FL - 23
NC - 16
GA - 16
AL - 7
TN - 2
NJ - 2
ON - 2 (Ontario)
VA - 1
MD - 1
WA - 1
BC - 1 (British Columbia)

I'm no Vol historian, but I would guess that in the last 20 years very few Vol standouts have been from TN.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff - The state of South Carolina has a much higher number of top prospects than Tennessee does. That's why UGA, UT, FLA and others go in there to recruit. Spurrier has been in two states with deeper talent bases than Tennessee. As for not taking players from around the country, I hate to tell you, but Spurrier has. Grossman was from Indiana, Jesse Palmer wasn't even American. He was Canadian. When Spurrier needs to or wants to, he will take players from out of state. However, he doesn't have to do it nearly as much as we do because of the in state talent he has been surrounded with.

Posted by BigManVolFan on October 18, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So ole Phil is done recruiting lineman...What about the states top prospect..Barrett Jones...Does that mean Phil isnt going after him?

Something is a little weird here?

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Spurrier: 92 players from surrounding and close by States. 7 from elsewhere. What I said was close by.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Local and surrounding talent" Not Nationally. Everybody will have a few...but HE doesn't waste time and money running around scared to death that he won't field a team that can win. We do. The results. They speak for themselves. He develops anybody who wants to be developed and then some. THAT'S COACHING.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would bet that Spurrier could take the team we have now and go undefeated or one loss only. I bet he could have done that the last eight years and year in and year out we would have been in the Conference Title Game and several National Title games. Because he can coach kids to win. Imagine the talent base we have had and what he could have done with it? If you feel that is in error you are only fooling yourselves. Hate him or not...hge is a great coach. By the way. How many times has controversial, self absorbed, tenaciuous, aggressive, outspoken Steve Spurrier been fired? I can't remember.

Posted by Phowell23 on October 18, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Another big OL recruit they are recruiting is Antoine McClain ... 6-6 313 lbs. He's being recruited by almost everyone including USC. He'll also be at the Alabama-TN game this Saturday. Either the kid was misquoted, he misunderstood TN, or TN told him a lie because TN is definitely still recruiting Offensive Linesmen in this class.

Posted by parottthead on October 18, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not sure why the top prospect at any position in TN, or any other state, should be considered THE top prospect for UT. Barrett Jones may be TN's best lineman but he may not be in the top 10 nationwide or even the southeast.

As far as bashing Fulmer for recruiting outside the state, it seems like some of our best seasons were led by players from out of the state.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff - Spurrier has been fired once. The same as Johnny Majors. I don't think Phil runs around recruiting out of state kids because he's "scared to lose." I guarantee that Spurrier couldn't take our in state kids and turn them into the juggernaut you think he could. As for recruiting surrounding talent, we do. We go into GA, SC, NC, AL, some into KY, FL, LA, Arkansas. We also get players from Texas and California. We get the best players we can from anywhere we can. Spurrier doesn't because he'd rather play golf in the offseason. He's admitted that.

Posted by Phowell23 on October 18, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Barrett Jones is UT's top prospect this year because the OL is UT's top priority in this recruiting class and Barrett Jones is the #9 OL in the country (#41 overall prospect according to Rivals.com) and #1 prospect in TN.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry, Spurrier wasn't fired from the Redskins. He resigned. Just like Johnny Majors. My mistake.

Posted by jlange on October 18, 2007 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Love that Fulmer ran Spurrier out of the SEC with that win in '01. Now he's back, but with no pressure on him. If he wins 7 games he's a hero. He couldn't hack getting beat by Fulmer when UF had more talent. Now at SCar, if he beats UT he's the ole ball coach doing his thing. If he loses, what do you expect, right? Irrespective of coaching ability, if Spurrier was the man Fulmer is, he'd still be at UF.

Posted by hiresanders on October 18, 2007 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer has been taking Spurrier's shaft for years now.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hiresanders, do us a favor and go root for UK and your beloved Randy.

Posted by LazhilUT on October 18, 2007 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Another kids that we're making mad and that will come to haunt us...

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol,

I'm sorry too. I meant in college ranks. I should have been more specific. The reason? Because in College Football, those traits are what people like to say get people fired. Not pro ball. That is a whole different dimension. In College the players that WANT to be developed are wide open to development. In pros its a different story. Their agents do their talking.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Spurrier was fired at Georgia Tech when Bill Curry came in to coach in the early '80s. Fulmer has developed plenty of players. Look how many of them are in the NFL. Of Spurrier's great players, how many are in the NFL? How many have been superstars? Spurrier had an edge for a long time because he came into a largely run based league and introduced a pass happy offense. Teams caught up. It's the same scenario facing Urban now. Eventually, teams will slow that system down. In the recent games against Spurrier, the results have been close when we haven't won. The '99 game was a two point loss, I believe and we were stopped with a chance to win. 2000 we almost won with much less talent on offense (save Travis Henry). '01 we won as a huge underdog. 2005 we lost by one point because of turnovers. Last year we won on the road. Spurrier is not as far out ahead as he was. His coaching now is not what it's cracked up to be. Even the games he's winning this year are largely a result of defense (which he is largely uninvolved in) and not offense that he is renowned for.

Posted by hiresanders on October 18, 2007 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

littleboybluevol, Spurrier took the coordinators job at Duke before Curry was named coached and talked to Steve about staying on. Bill shared that story when he was calling the BSU-UN game this past week. Always glad to share my vast knowledge with you folks.

Posted by hiresanders on October 18, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At least people want Spurrier to coach them, if Fulmer leaves, guess how many programs are in line to ask him to coach them...ZERO! If Miles leaves for Michigan, look for LSU to come hard after the Head Ball Coach.

Posted by hiresanders on October 18, 2007 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, when was the last time a Tenn assitant got hired by another program to be a head coach?? Anyone?? And Tenn hiring Foolmore to coach them doesn't count! Cutcliffe and he got ran out of town, it's been almost 10 years!!

Posted by WCT59 on October 18, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me start off by saying that there are a few comments about this article that are way off base. I can assure you that everything that David has said is the truth. Some of you talk about a possible attitude problem, grade problem, or his waffling with recruiting process. Let me assure you that nothing could be farther from the truth. Yes, Alabama and Tennessee both offered David early, and he wanted to take his time before deciding. Is this asking too much? Personally I think this is very mature thinking for a 17 year old? I do not think there is a problem with Tennessee changing their mind about offering David a scholarship. These coaches like any other coaches keep their jobs based on their recruiting. What I do have a problem with, and what David stated he had a problem with, is the lack of professionalism shown by the U.T. staff by not informing him directly of their decision to rescind the offer. As I told David, "When one door closes another one opens up." This is not the first time a school has changed their mind about a recruit, nor will it be the last time. The reason that I wanted to respond to this article was because of all the asinine comments that were being made about someone that is very close to me. I do agree with David, however, I hope he has an opportunity to show Fulmer and his staff that they made a mistake.

Posted by skinalive on October 18, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

C'mon guys. This kid is mad because he didn't get offered. End of story. Tennesse high school football is second rate at best.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How's Orgeron doing since they ran Cut off? Sanders, you don't have vast knowledge about anything. As for programs not wanting Fulmer, I didn't realize you had an in with all the Athletic Directors around the country. Anything you say is automatically discredited by your name.

Posted by hiresanders on October 18, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

littleboyblue, Orgeron had won as many championships as Fulmer has since he's been at Ole Miss.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WCT59,

Thank you for the additional background and level headed input. If David does go to South Carolina he'll have the opportunity to play for a coach that leads young men to exceptional performance and helps them maximize their individual and collective potential. I wish him the best.

Posted by auttat on October 18, 2007 at 12:52 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hiresanders, you're right. Orgeron also has the same number of championships as Belotti, Tedford, Leach, Leavitt, Richt, Miles, Saban, Spurrier, Tressel, and Stoops, in that time period. That's just to name a few. Cut had Ole Miss winning games, Orgeron can't even do that.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on October 18, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmm...assuming this story is accurate, sounds like the coaching staff screwed up. Whether we wanted the kid or not, he should have been told where he stood. Taking the scholarship off the table and not telling him is not cool.

As a result: 1) the kid's motivated like heck against the Vols, and 2) he's Spurrier's to lose. That might show up in his performance against us in the future -- IF he emerges as an SEC-caliber player.

Who dropped the ball, coaches?

Posted by newtonrail on October 18, 2007 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have never been a big supporter of Coach Fulmer for reasons that are irrelevant here. However, those who bring up whether he has been offered other college jobs are way off base. Coaches who are either at their Alma Matre or have been at the same school for a long time aren't usually asked more than once.(Tenn., WVa, PSU, FSU,Wisc. under Alvarez, Spurrier at Fla,etc). Pro jobs maybe. Although it's been proven pretty well that Pro and College coaches don't interchange very well, except for a few failed examples on one side or the other(Pete Carroll). It's best just to "Dislike" Coach Fulmer than to for example say offense is outdated, when it's basically the same offense the Super Bowl Champs run. That's where you can critique player development and specific calls, but there is nothing wrong with the offense.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat,

Good grief. Recognize someone who is talented and isn't at UT and get cursed at? What a weird response. Shall I pretend that Coach Fulmer gets the most out of his players? auttat, you really should at least TRY to realize that everything outside of Tennessee that does well with limited resources isn't anything except worthy of recognition. Like so many here say, "Whether you like so and so or not." Same applies to someone like Steve Spurrier. No matter how much you dislike him...he's a winner.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He doesn't do it with "limited" resources. SC is a loaded state. So was Florida. Fulmer has gotten plenty of players to the pros. Has he always been the best game coach? No. However, players don't come to UT and waste away, getting nowhere. If they did, high caliber recruits wouldn't keep coming here. Fulmer has more former players in the NFL than Spurrier and has coached pretty well against him of late. Spurrier is a winner, but he won't win as much as he did his first go around because people have caught up to him.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol,

First of all. Thank you for a civil response absent of curse words. In terms of the program that Spurrier took over at South Carolina, the cupboard was not full. The program was in decline. He started with limited resources and made a pretty good accounting with those players. Now he has had some time and is getting better players. To tell you truth, I'd rather have less NFL Players and more Championships. Once they're in the NFL they do us very little good. The last eight years have been very revealing for us. That is hard to deny. We need to win. PERIOD.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So far, he hasn't done anything that Holtz hasn't done. He might at the end of this year, but only time will tell. I would rather have more championships as well, but so far neither Spurrier nor Fulmer have one this decade. I just don't think it's accurate to say that Fulmer doesn't make players better. He might not be as good at it as someone else, but he does accomplish it.

Posted by hiresanders on October 18, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FIRE FULMER!

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol,

I will agree with you on that post. Time will be the truest test for Spurrier. And I'm glad we agree about more championships. There's nothing about me that isn't all about Tennessee being successful. I went there and participated at the Varsity Level in sports. I'm just not pleased with the direction we've been going and if nobody says anything. Or if nobody listens. Nothing will spontaneously change itself.

General Norman Schwarzkopf Quote:

"Somebody's got to do it. And if you don't, who will?"

Posted by auttat on October 18, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You want Tennessee to win, PERIOD, yet you think a kid will be better off playing somewhere else.

Hey, all I'm saying is drop the tn infront of your name and add ssc.

I'm through apologizing for you.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sanders, hush. tngeoff, I agree that things haven't been where we'd like them, but I do think that Fulmer should be given the whole year before a final decision is made. Let's enjoy the season and then see how things go. Let's beat Bama.

Posted by auttat on October 18, 2007 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"We" huh? What are you doing to affect the outcome, exactly?

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat,

Why? I went to UT and want them to win as badly as you do. We can't differ on certain subjects? That's all I'm saying. I respect Coach Spurrier for all he has accomplished. I don't support the University of South Carolina...nor would I wish Spurrier to beat us. I just can't hide my head about what he has done in his career. I don't want anybody to beat us. But, over the past eight years things have gotten a little slippery, wouldn't you agree?

Posted by auttat on October 18, 2007 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Obviously you didn't pick up on the acronym.

We can differ, but you cross the line when you think a kid will be better off playing somewhere else.

Posted by Ironcity on October 18, 2007 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The kid had a chance to commit and he didn't. If he waits until February my guess is a schlorship could become available but he decided to move on. I see this as good news because UT must believe they are in line to add one or two significant O linemen between now and February.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat, I don't know if you were addressing me, but the "we" I was using is as fans. I love UT and I want them to win every game. I know that's not realistic and I like Fulmer. I want him to stay, but with the climate right now, I realize he's in more danger than he's been before. I am rooting for him and the team.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Thank you for the additional background and level headed input. If David does go to South Carolina he'll have the opportunity to play for a coach that leads young men to exceptional performance and helps them maximize their individual and collective potential. I wish him the best."

Here is the quote of mine that you seem to be referring to. Where do I say "He'll be better off?" The deal isn't even firm yet. I said he will get striong coaching. Nothing against anyone else even implied there. Simply that "if" he goes there he WILL get good coaching. Did I miss anything else, because I'm not following your implication that I "think a kid will be better off playing somewhere else." Maybe just a misread. I don't know.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This column is saying he got the shaft. I presume that means he's not coming here. If not...shouldn't we wish him well anyway? He's a young man about to embark on an exciting opportunity...no matter where he goes!

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For the record...BEAT BAMA!

Posted by auttat on October 18, 2007 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I'm just not pleased with the direction we've been going..." is what I was referencing bigblue. Everything I've commented on has been directed toward tngeoff.

"I would bet that Spurrier could take the team we have now and go undefeated or one loss only. I bet he could have done that the last eight years and year in and year out we would have been in the Conference Title Game and several National Title games. Because he can coach kids to win." Quote I'm referencing along with the one you thought i was.

tngeoff, just be who you are. Like I said, I'm through apologizing for you. When someone else says UT fans are idiots, I will agree with them.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat,

Thanks for the previous apologies for me anyway.

Posted by spam247buster on October 18, 2007 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If he had committed when he was offered, then he would have a scholarship waiting for him at UT next year (if he qualifies academically). If Fulmer arranged his "unofficial visit", then Spurlock definitely could have committed then. He didn't, however-- he waited over a month before calling back. UT doesn't have an unlimited number of scholarships to give out.
I have no pity for him. He wanted to keep looking at other schools, and it bit him in the rear. TS.

Posted by chrisw2967 on October 18, 2007 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol Spurrier is a winner, but he won't win as much as he did his first go around because people have caught up to him.

I guess nobody has caught up with Fulmer ? and he is winning and unstopable ? The game passed Fulmer by a long time ago , when Fulmer was decent in the 90s ,Spurrier was killing Fulmer then head to head but now they have caught up with Spurrier and not Fulmer ?
Fulmer gets these 4 and 5 star recruits and does nothing with them , he doesnt bring out the best in them or make them even better , who cares how many he has put in the NFL that doesnt win Championships for Tenn , that only helps with recruiting in which one they get these recruits they are no better when they leave than they are when they arrive. Spurrier has forgot more than Fulmer has ever learned. When Spurrier was at Fla he didnt have the talent that Tenn had and he killed us. I would take Spurrier any day than have Fulmer , he will bring out the best in a recruit or he wont play.

Posted by tngeoff on October 18, 2007 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

chrisw2967,

Good points. Especially, "he will bring out the best in a recruit or he wont play." Very true. No nonsense with Spurrier.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never said that people haven't caught up with Fulmer. I don't think the game has passed him by, as evidenced by the fact that we have been in every game we've played the last few years (with the exception of UF this year). Spurrier had as much talent as UT did. Weurfel won the Heisman and Anthony and Hilliard were outstanding college receivers. They revolutionized the SEC, but his system has been solved. A key that people forget in our games with Spurrier are the number of turnovers. A lot of which came from playing too tight. That's a coaching issue, but it's not happening against Spurrier now. I can name plenty of high profile recruits that Spurrier had in which he failed to bring out their best. As I said, I would love to have more championships. However, Fulmer does help to develop these players. Could he be better at it? I am sure, anyone can improve.

Posted by chrisw2967 on October 18, 2007 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we are in evet game we play in , but being in every game and winning all those games is a different story. what is Fulmers record against teams ranked in the last 7 or 8 years ? you also said turnovers were the reasons we lost ? not even close , we got out coached.Fulmer does helps develope these players ? and your point is ? If this is what he is developing then he is failing at his job. thats my point.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

chris, against the national champions we lost 21-20 after our best cover corner had been lost for the season. Against LSU, the most talented team in the conference we lost by 4 without our starting qb. That's coaching, too. As for the turnovers not being an issue, you're incorrect. Every game against Florida that we lost in those years we had a substantial number of turnovers. Those turnovers resulted in a short field and quick scores that really deflated our team. Has Fulmer been outcoached in his life, yes. Has he outcoached others, definitely. Fulmer can improve, I agree. He's done a good job over the years, with one exception. Spurrier is not as far ahead of Fulmer as everyone thinks he is, that's my point.

Posted by utnutt on October 18, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SPURRIER IS A GREAT COACH. LOOK HOW WELL SC IS PLAYING THEY HAVE LOST ONCE TO LSU AND THEY HAVE BEATEN KENTUCKY. AS FOR SPURLOCK THE COACHES MADE HIM AN OFFER. DID HE THINK IT WOULD BE THERE FOREVER. DID HE THINK HE WAS THE ONLY LINEMAN THEY WERE RECRUITING. IF IT WAS A JOB HE WAS OFFERD AND DID NOT ACCEPT DO YOU THINK THAT THE BUISNESS OWED HIM AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT APPLIED A PHONE CALL TO TELL THEM THE JOB WAS FILLED. MR.SPURLOCK JUST LEARNED A LESSON ABOUT LIFE YOU ARE NEVER AS SPECIAL OR IMPORTANT AS YOU THINK YOU ARE AND OPPORTUNTIES COME AND GO AND ITS UP TO YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM. I HOPE HE HAS A GOOD CAREER AT SC.

Posted by chrisw2967 on October 18, 2007 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

but those are games we should of won ,and had won ? all we had to do was stop them on those last 2 drives ? we couldnt and your not telling me cause we lost 1 player that was deciding factor for that lost ? and those games your telling me about are against ranked teams and whats our record against ranked teams ? it isnt good. Fulmer has got outcoached more than he has outcoached or we wouldnt be as bad against ranked teams like we are. dont say we beat Ga that was ranked 12 this year cause thats not a good Ga team this year. like they say team that make the least mistakes usually wins ? well turnovers are mistakes right ? the job as a coach is to teach not to make mistakes and make players a better player ? well again it goes back on the coach or coaches.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 18, 2007 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

chris- you're telling me that going into those games, you were under the impression that we should win? Florida, I thought we had a shot. During the game, it was obvious that the two teams were pretty evenly matched. We had two interceptions. They had a huge one that was called back on a bad call. The LSU game was a great effort with some great coaching calls. Could we have won, yes. Should we have, maybe. The fact that we were even in a position speaks to the coaching. You do have to count UGA because they were ranked. It doesn't matter how good you or I think that they are. If we had lost to UGA people wouldn't say that the loss to a ranked team shouldn't count. Turnovers are mistakes. However, you can't tell me that all interceptions are the coaches' fault. Sometimes players make bad decisions. Sometimes a ball is deflected by a great defensive play. Sometimes the QB trusts his arm too much. Fumbles can be caused even if you have the ball tight. A well placed helmet can knock a ball out. Those things happen. Coaching is about putting your team in a position to win. More often than not, Fulmer has done that. Sometimes he has failed. Sometimes mistakes that can't be attributed to coaching have happened. That's life. That's football.

Posted by volster on October 18, 2007 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just think it's great that we are getting enough talent for the OL that we can turn away the #9 prospect in the state. But really, the only thing in the world that matters right now is beating bama. GO VOLS!

Posted by DadwasaVol on October 18, 2007 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The kid had a chance to accept the offer, and didn't. Guess he didn't want to play for Tennessee that bad. But like a job that is filled, a coach needs not inform the unlucky applicants, although I tried to as an employer. As for Fulmer, it is really stupid and counter-productive to the program to be so, so, negative DURING the season. Changing coaches is fine but the appropriate time is at end of the season. The name-calling at coaches is just plain junior high immature. And recruits must be real impressed by the intellectual discourse exhibited here!

Posted by Mclevenger1682 on October 18, 2007 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Damn how I hate you TDTN, your posts are always hate driven, I have not even seen a single "nice" comment about anything. I am so tired of hearing your mindless drivle. Go away. If you love Spurrior move to Columbia. You would fit right in with the GameCOCKS!

Posted by DadwasaVol on October 18, 2007 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We still pray - for hiresanders and TouchdownTN. About all you can do for them.

Posted by WCT59 on October 18, 2007 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to say to DadwasaVol, are you serious? Fulmer like any other coach is look upon as being someone who should be trusted, and with integrity. You state that the "kid" had a chance to accept the offer, but are you aware that these offers are not binding? You my friend need to take off those "blinders". Offering a kid a scholarship is nothing like offering an adult a job. Usually when a job is offered, there is a deadline. When there is a verbal scholarship offer made, you expect to have at least until the first game to make a decision. As I stated earlier, I do not have a problem with U.T. pulling the offer,however, I do have a problem with their staff being so "gutless" in not contacting the player directly and letting him know of their decision. Now I am sure some of the Orange clad football fanatics with take offense to my comment, but after all this is my opinion. Personally I have no respect for Fulmer or Cutcliffe. You see it was Cutcliffe who initially made the offer. So all of you Fulmer haters can go ahead and lump Cutcliffe right in there with him.

Posted by vol52 on October 18, 2007 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People are starting to notice the decline in Tennessee Football.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...

Posted by grvol on October 18, 2007 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe, but I may be wrong, the 85' team had more than 15 starters from TN.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on October 18, 2007 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff,
Let me restate what you claimed in one of your thousand posts today, just to make sure I fully understand what you're saying. Here is your quote: "I would bet that Spurrier could take the team we have now and go undefeated or one loss only. I bet he could have done that the last eight years and year in and year out we would have been in the Conference Title Game and several National Title games."

So what you're saying is that, if Spurrier had been coaching at UT for the past nine years, his record would be something 117-0 and 108-9. Wow.

I understand that syphilitic fever causes dementia. You may want to get that checked out.

Posted by dpnlpn on October 19, 2007 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

L&N VOL Patrick Willis the eleventh pick of the 49ers from 'Ole Miss is from Bruceton, TN. UT recruited him sort of. He is a class act with no trouble or problems at all. He was one point shy of his ACT but went to tutoring one hour every morning before school started since his freshman year. "Ole Miss told him if he made the score they would take him. UT was cool and really pursued the LB, Brooks I think his name was from Jackson Central Merry. He had a history of trouble. Patrick made his score through hard work and went to "Ole Miss. Brooks went to UT and was kicked off the team. Willis was the best LB in the country and starts for the 49ers as a rookie. I guess character, hard work, staying out of trouble,, coming from a small school, etc. eliminated him from serious consideration at UT. By the way he was and still is the only player in the history of the award to win Mr. Football on both offense and defense.

Posted by tngeoff on October 19, 2007 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BigOrangeJeff,

Thank you an intelligent and well thought out post.

Posted by sjt18 on October 19, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The really meaningful post was early on. Spurlock had offers and could have committed early. Alot of kids that aren't all that highly ranked do because they know this can happen.

This sounds like the kind of sour grapes attitude that might have turned UT and Bama off to start with.

I don't know the kid but it sure sounds like he was trying to lead UT along while he looked elsewhere. Why does he now blame UT for finding other players they won't.

I don't blame him for being upset but nowhere did I see him take any responsibility at all.

Regardless of what the Fulmer haters say, UT behind him has a solid reputation of being up front with recruits. There are an occasional aberration but generally they are well above average in integrity in the recruiting process.

PS- I'm not exactly sure whether his comment concerning their having taken all the OL's they're going to take is accurate or not. UT is actively recruiting a couple of kids from SC and Barrett Jones. They may have cut it off for all but a handful of blue chip guys... but I wouldn't be surprised if there were two more OL's in this class.

They may have silent commits from some guys too.

Posted by sjt18 on October 19, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff said:

"Now he's in South Carolina with a lower numer of top talent prospects than the State of Tennessee"

I actually agree that Spurrier would have done more than CPF has with the talent UT's had prior to Cutcliffe re-entering the picture. OTOH, part of Spurrier's offensive problems at USC however are related to his complete dictation of everything.

But concerning the comment above... It simply isn't true. SC probably produces more D1 prospects relative to population than any other state.

UT has had numerous great players from SC to include their current starting LT. In fact, UT has made a pretty good living off of NC, SC, GA, and AL players. A kid from upstate SC plays more competitive hs football and is closer to K'ville than a kid from Memphis.

UT does recruit nationally but they still get a large number of players regionally... which actually strengthens the program with new fans as well as players.

Posted by WCT59 on October 19, 2007 at 10:38 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by tngeoff on October 19, 2007 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18,

Good points well taken.

Posted by tngeoff on October 19, 2007 at 11:02 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by sjt18 on October 19, 2007 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WCT59, This kid indicated he was interested in UT, right? He then went and showed interest in other programs, right?

We don't know when the decision to withdraw the offer was made. Perhaps it wasn't made until he came back and said he wanted to commit. Maybe while he was looking for something better, they were too. How exactly is that "unfair" to the kid?

I understand him being upset that the offer was withdrawn but the part about not being told until he called is bogus... He didn't claim they had been talking daily then suddenly pulled the rug out from under him. Even from what he said it almost sounds like it was a surprise to UT.

It is unfortunate that he got his feelings hurt... but there have been far worse things done by other schools in this respect to include pulling offers with a few days of NSD.

Posted by sjt18 on October 19, 2007 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, There IS something up with this kid implicit in all of this. UT has several times told similarly rated players that they remain interested but that other players are higher on their list. YES. They've been that candid about it. They've basically told them we're giving so-so until this date before we're willing to take a commitment from you.

The fact that they cut him loose completely suggests that something to do with his play, character, or academics has come to the surface.

The fact that Bama has backed off affirms that idea as well.

Posted by WCT59 on October 19, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

What part of this do you not understand? As for this "kid's" characer, play, or academics, this had nothing to do with the vols decision. I have a nephew who had a class with a former vol, and the football player never attended class. He of course was eligible throughout the year, and declared ineligible when bowl season came about. Let me inform "Jethro Nation" of one thing. Tennessee will be alright with their decision, and Spurlock will be alright with their decision. Let's let this thing drop, and let's play some football. Very exciting weekend ahead.

Posted by tngeoff on October 19, 2007 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just curious. The quote from BigOrangeJeff I posted that you removed on this story was still...today...on the original story about the time of the South Carolina game. Why remove it from here and not there? Just curious.

Posted by jdcvols on October 19, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WCT59, the only issue is that UT offered and the kid balked. UT should not be obligated to sit around a wait for a Tennessee high school player to decide to accept. Are you kidding me? He should have jumped on it or turned them down...period. It is two way street.

Posted by 55Vol on October 19, 2007 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought Spurlock got the shaft when Riverdale lost to Smyrna last year?

Posted by WCT59 on October 19, 2007 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah ilove, it was kind like the shaft that the vols got from California and Florida this year. What was the Florida score? Wasn't it 59-20? Man that was a great big shaft.

Posted by mtoms1272 on October 20, 2007 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in Murfreesboro and this Spurlock kid is a good player. Phil must not like recruiting kids he has to develop. Auburn has been picking off players from middle TN for years, and if UT doesn't watch it Bama will get the rest of them. Bear Bryant always wanted kids from AL even if they had less "talent" because they understood what it meant to put the crimson jerseys on. Big mistake not taking this kid.

Posted by THECHOOSENONE on October 21, 2007 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have seen Spurlock play, and yes UT has made a huge mistake! They took a commitment from Preston Bailey, and they think they really got a big time commitment.Please, I have seen High School Juniors pancake him. He is way over rated.As far as kids committing early, why would they? If they do that then they would never know who was interested.Just take a look at Rivals, you will see that most of the players have multiple offers.If they had made a commitment when the first one offered, they would never get any others.I hope Spurlock the best.And everything he said about is the TRUTH.

Posted by fatmike265 on October 25, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fulmer hasn't got a clue,he and the rest of the staff have lost all obvious good old tennessee common since.One instate recruits cost the school less money if only on paper, two the student is closer to home ,no getting home sick or losing focus there.Come on Riverdle is one of the top high schools in Tennessee if not the Nation year after year the kid nows how to play ball.