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Closing speed gets Knight to Ole Miss
Morristown East linebacker commits
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Morristown East football coach Dwayne Hatcher knows the college football recruiting process well.
He's coached at a small college and at high schools in Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. So imagine his surprise when Ole Miss offered and received a commitment from his rising senior middle linebacker DeMarcus Knight in an expedited manner, a mere matter of weeks.
Knight, a 6-foot-2, 230-pounder, visited Ole Miss on April 12 for the Rebels' spring football game and was offered by new head coach Houston Nutt. Knight accepted two days later.
It was only early April when Hatcher was doling out the junior's film to colleges and recruiting services.
"I've been around longer and have seen how the process works," said Hatcher. "You'll send film out on somebody, and (colleges) will send letter after letter. After you get the film to them, you never hear from them again. That's not a good sign."
But Hatcher said Ole Miss offensive coordinator Kent Austin, who handles the East Tennessee area in recruiting for the Rebels, liked Knight's film and quickly showed it to defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix and Nutt. They concurred, and Nutt wrote a letter to Knight to express the impending offer.
Hatcher said he did "hand-deliver" film to the University of Tennessee recruiting office April 3.
"I told them, 'He's already gotten one offer from an SEC school. You might want to take a look at him,' " said Hatcher. "That's all I know and can tell you there. Phil Fulmer and his staff know who they want to recruit, and I'm happy that I have somebody that Ole Miss wants."
What drew Ole Miss to Knight, Hatcher said, was the closing speed, the urgency Knight had to stop a ball carrier.
"He only runs a 4.65 40 if you put him out on a track and just have him run," said Hatcher. "But when you put pads on and the ball gets snapped, he runs to the football. He's got football speed."
Hatcher also said coaches from Ole Miss are expected in Morristown today to look at two more of his players: rising seniors Jeremy Jones and Chris Lowe. Jones is a 6-1, 175-pound receiver/safety with abilities good enough for the track team. Lowe is "a legit" 6-4, 295-pound center.
"A lot of the time, you'll see 6-4, 295 (on a roster), and he's 6-1, 275 and fat," said Hatcher. "This kid, he can walk on his hands and flip out of it into a standing position. He's pretty athletic for a kid that size."
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by UTfan4life on April 23, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not care.. this post is irrelevant
Posted by BluetickBlues on April 23, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Somebody please direct our staff to the Morristown area. Does the name James "Little Man" Stewart ring a bell?
Posted by hdhurst on April 23, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone know if this is the same Dwayne Hatcher that coached football in Sevier County?
Posted by yemmusdarb on April 24, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to somewhat agree with UTfan4life... are we going to have articles on every East TN kid that signs with a college? If he were THAT good, trust me he'd have a scholarship offer from UT. I'm sure they politely passed on him due to his 4.65 (which is probably more like 4.8) or maybe some sort of grades/behavioral deal. Not that I know the kid, I'm just saying there has to be a reason he took one of his very first offers so quickly.
I will say the center sounds like someone to look at, although standing on your hands and flipping has nothing to do with football ability. Hell, I can do that.
Posted by Hunter on April 24, 2008 at 1:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Lord, I thought they were talking about Bobby Knight. I almost had a stroke......
Posted by eVOLution on April 24, 2008 at 2:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah the only "speed" i've seen in East TN football is already on UT's team wearing #41. This kid is probably in the 4.7-4.8 speed. But good luck to both him and Ole Miss.
Posted by txsvol on April 24, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
C'mon, guys! DD Lewis played at a Mississippi school three decades ago, and became a pretty good pro linebacker as well. Sometimes, for whatever reasons, Knoxville area players wind up elsewhere. Let's just hope that Knight does well, but the LBs we recruit do better. Still, it wouldn't hurt to assume that his coach knows that his player is a winner, and will do well at the collegiate level. Go Vols! SAVol
Posted by jimr07 on April 24, 2008 at 6:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BlueticBlues--Yes, every UT fan has heard of James "Little Man" Stewart. What does he have to do with this prospect?
Posted by threehundredbowler on April 24, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We should have articles on every east Tennessee kid that signs with a major or Jr.college.As for those that delight in putting a kid down without knowing him or anything about him,well that is between you and whatever .Be happy a kid has a chance to get a free college education at any college with a shot at pro ball after that.Tennessee dosen't want everybody.Just because Tennessee didn't offer this early is no reason to believe the kid is not worthy nor that he would not have been offered latter.
Posted by pdhuff on April 24, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats to the youngster.
Never see an article on "hoss" DT wanting to play for the Vols.
But we have 37 DBs. And a 11th ranked SEC defense. LOL
Posted by GreerVol22 on April 24, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't be too concerned folks. Nutt couldn't keep his job at R-Kansas even with a McFadden. Why? Because his D stunk it up.
Our guys have done a pretty good job evaluating LB talent so....However we may be more apt to stop the run if our line was in a hand stand.
Posted by superk on April 24, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with GreerVol, It's not like Houston Nutt has actually won too many recruiting battles with UT. Of course his record would indicate that as well. Fact is not everybody can play for UT or any other school for that matter. Sometimes the kid just isn't a fit. That can be because of size,speed.intelligence,or just plain ole need.
Posted by volboy81 on April 24, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the last Morristown jewel UT got was that guy who got kicked off before school started! Cant remember his name, guess it doesnt matter...
Posted by pdhuff on April 24, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Greervol 8:22am -"Stop the run"!!! Where did you hear that? Is that an SEC concept that leads to field position and a D getting to rest?
The "handstand" concept bears looking into especially defending the 8 yd curl we saw 8,679 of last year. Especially on 3rd and 4. Good post.
Well, off to the barn to see how this batch of deep orange kool-aid is fermenting. Stir it with a boat paddle every once in a while.
Wonder if Dupree needs a job...........
Posted by Brama on April 24, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's go to California, or South Georgia, or even Florida & sign a kid that can't play. We have one in our back yard & we don't even offer. What about that pride of being from TN & playing for TN?
Good Luck at Ole Miss
Posted by GoVol on April 24, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad to see Fulmer has still 'got game'. He probably couldn't stay out the cracker barrel long enough to look at this kid!
Posted by mj54 on April 24, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great. The last LB from the state we ignored that went to Ole Miss was a first round pick in the NFL draft and the Def Rookie of the Year for the 49ers.
Guess we are looking for more Ryan Karl types instead of guys that knock people's heads off and play like animals.
Posted by wewhite on April 24, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Saw this headline and wondered, "Why in the world would Bobby Knight want to coach in the SEC?"
Posted by mparker on April 24, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
no offense to anyone, but I don't give a rat's butt where a kid is from if he can play. The only 'key' to protecting your backyard is that it should, in theory, be easier to recruit.
At least until this year with these b@stard hedge-fund speculators and oil, it was pretty easy for kids/families to travel, so I think a lot of the 'stay close to home' mentality has melted.
How many times have you heard of recruiters pitching 'don't get too far from mama' to poor kids?? Well, kids see and know more now, and look at where they can play and get a chance.
Who knows how many kids went to play football at Bama in the old days and never saw the field, yet would have had solid careers somewhere else.
Posted by BigOrangeVol29 on April 24, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DeMarcus Knight is a talented young man, who stepped up big time last season when Richard Montes went down. He has a nose for the ball and a motor that doesn't stop ala Ryan Karl, but with more athleticism. This kid will be very good for Ole Miss, and I'm sad to see a local kid(Born and raised in Morristown myself) get ignored yet again by UT.
Volboy, the kid you are referring to is Blake Garretson, who let off-the-field issues ruin what could have been a productive career. He is now serving in the armed forces and has cleared those issues up.
Posted by IBleedOrange444 on April 24, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To hell with the linebacker. I want to see this 6' 4" 295lb center who can walk on his hands and then flip to his feet!!! Hey coach Hatcher, can you put that on youtube for me 'cause I won't be able to believe it until I see it?
Posted by thesavageorange on April 24, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The UT staff must feel pretty good about where they stand w/ alot of recruits this yr.They have yet to offer a few player's who are ready to commit,siting they had to improve their academics.Unfortunately they can't afford to give out offers to every kid who plays ball in the volunteer state.If colleges could only sign instate talent, UT would get pounded pretty consistently, and UF,USC, and Texas would trade titles every yr.
However, this kid is eerily similar in size and speed to Patrick Willis, another Teneesee kid whom only had offers from Memphis Arkansaw St, and ,you guessed it,Ole Miss.
Posted by dburgVol on April 24, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You guys remember LaRon Harris. He was a lot of trouble when he was here and got kicked off, but he was recruited by a lot of schools because he could do backflips @ 300 lbs. THAT is a feat! But he couldnt keep his head straight.
Posted by BOASoldier on April 24, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seminoles star arrested on drug, weapons charges
By BRENT KALLESTAD, Associated Press Writer
Apr 22, 6:06 pm EDT
Buzz Up PrintTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)—Florida State star Preston Parker was arrested late Monday and charged with carrying a concealed .45-caliber pistol and a small amount of marijuana.
The 21-year-old receiver arrested shortly before midnight Monday for carrying a loaded semiautomatic .45-caliber pistol wedged into the dash of the car next to a bag of marijuana. Police also found a container stuffed with marijuana, according to the arrest report.
Parker told police he didn’t know anything about the marijuana. However, he admitted the gun was his, purchased for him by a friend before his birthday earlier this year.
Parker was released Tuesday from the Palm Beach County Jail, Palm Beach Gardens Police spokeswoman Ellen Lovejoy said. The gun charge is a felony.
It was unclear if Parker had a lawyer. Florida State sports publicist Elliott Finebloom said Parker did not return text messages left for him Tuesday. There were no phone listings for a Preston Parker in Delray Beach.
Florida State’s disciplinary policy calls for suspension of any athlete facing criminal charges and prohibits any student-athlete charged with a felony, absent extraordinary circumstances, from competing until the charge is resolved.
“Once we’ve thoroughly reviewed the details of the incident, we will handle the situation according to that policy,” said Randy Spetman, who was named athletic director earlier this year.
The Seminoles already have six starters sitting out suspensions from a classroom cheating scandal last year.
Florida State kicked Randy Moss out of school in the mid-1990’s for being caught smoking marijuana in a West Virginia jail.
Parker was also apprehended by Tallahassee police in 2006 for swiping a $10 DVDat a Best Buy store.
Parker, who is from Delray Beach, was named Florida State’s Most Valuable Player last season after leading the team with 1,513 all-purpose yards and 62 receptions.
Posted by BOASoldier on April 24, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dangit Phil what were you thinkin
Posted by adamsck on April 24, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hate articles like this. The implication is that we missed out on a kid. Then I look at the numbers. 6-2 and 230. So good so far. 4.65 40? What? Nutt can sign all the 4.65 40 LBs he wants. I don't care how much desire you have or your "game" speed you ain't catching a lot of SEC backs with 4.65 40 times.
Am I the only guy who remembers that LB from Pigeon Forge who's Dad played for UT? We didn't even recruit him and he started at Michigan for 2-3 years. I never remember his name. He was not fast enough for Chavis' system. Sorry to say but that's the case here.
Yawn. How bout a story with this much info regarding a kid we have signed? There's a thought. Maybe Adams and the guys should run midnight windsprints. That'd learn 'em.
Posted by adamsck on April 24, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Patrick Willis was a lot faster than 4.65 in the 40 IIRC.
Yup, just looked it up. Willis ran 4.45. And .2 makes a huge difference.
Posted by thesavageorange on April 24, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
adamsck ,I don't know where you saw that Willis ran a 4.45,and he may now,but he didn't coming out of HS.Both rivals and scout listed him at 4.6....
http://olemiss.rivals.com/viewprospec...
http://mississippi.scout.com/a.z?s=17...
Rivals rated Willis a 3* & Scout rated him a 2*.Boy did they whiff on that one.Hope Montori Hughes is the same kind of story.Didn't know if anyone else saw it ,but Knight was at the O&W game, and after commiting to OM said the UT coaches were sorta stuck-up.Now that's a first.
Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on April 24, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hunter...lol...I had the same reaction!
Posted by yemmusdarb on April 24, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, I was about to paste the same links for adamsck. Willis ran a 4.6 out of high school. He ran a 4.47 at the NFL combines. The crazy thing is he's gained about 25 lbs at that point.
Posted by General_Fritter on April 24, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Me too Hunter. I thought old chair throwing player strangling, referee hating Knight was headed for Ole Miss and I was floored.
Posted by General_Fritter on April 24, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I once had a house built and the builder's wife did some interior decorating mainly with fixtures and such for my wife. The builder's wife's sister was divorced from Bobby Knight. Man did I hear some stories about that old coot.
Posted by General_Fritter on April 24, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can remember when a 4.6 was considered fast for a linebacker. Wow, these kids are becoming super human. However, few can fish as well as Dupree or run as fast to a "BlueLight Special."
Halls Has it!
Eat More Fritters
Posted by mcbrim1998 on April 24, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vols announced last week that they signed a 1-star (Allen) and the Vols fans on this page thought it was the second coming of Favre, in fact, one even said so.
Now you lose a really good player, and everyone posts that he sucks.
What gives?
Posted by jasvol on April 24, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who cares about LB! We got tons of great ones in the fold. We need more DL. That's what the coaches are looking for... OR are we going to fatten up the linebackers and put them on the line?
Posted by thesavageorange on April 24, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mcbrim1998, UGA has commits from 3 supposed 1*'s.Will they stay that way?No, and neither will Allen.
Posted by mcbrim1998 on April 24, 2008 at 4:29 p.m.:
Now you lose a really good player, and everyone posts that he sucks.
What gives?
Uhh?Knight is a 1* too at this point.What gives?
http://georgia.scout.com/a.z?s=135&am...
Ohh well, I know you're just trying to get under Tennessee folks skin.
Posted by adamsck on April 25, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The numbers I found were from the NFL combine I guess. But it doesn't change my point. UT does not take chances on kids that run 4.65 out of high school. Ther result of that is that they will occassionally miss a kid. I'm fine with that. Let Nutt work to develop this kid. I hope he is a star. While that is happening let Chavis continue to sign the types of kids he's signing. The problems we have faced on defense are not relted to lack of talent, speed, or effort at LB. Of course the other point is that the tenor of this article is that UT missed on this kid and that is typical of KNS. We sign a couple of surefire LBs and they write about the one we "missed." Keep up the good work KNS. How about an in depth article on somebody we ARE recruiting. There's a thought.
Posted by hiresanders on April 29, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jevan Snead will make Ole Miss an 8-9 game winner this year. Nutt has never had a DC like Nix before either. It will be interesting to watch him coach all the talent Orgeron could recruit but could never coach.
Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 3:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nutt's DC at Arkansas was a good one. At least as good as Nix. Nutt's problem is Nutt.
I happen to think Ole Miss will have a decent year too. They'll slip up a beat someone they're not supposed to beat in the process IMO.
Nutt isn't a very good coach though and his character issues will eventually sour things there too... but he should have a year or two of success. As you mentioned, Orgeron did a very good job of recruiting. As bad as Nutt can be, he's still better than O.
Posted by General_Fritter on May 2, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Agree with your last statement. Nutt is better than O.
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