LOS ANGELES - Like L.L. Cool J, Tennessee is headed back to Cali - or California that is.
And that has nothing to do with UT's season opener against UCLA on Monday. No, I'm talking about going back to Cali to recruit some of the nation's top prospects.
Led by offensive line coach Greg Adkins, the Vols are already off to a strong start in California. UT has two commitments and has laid strong groundwork for another pair of prospects.
Here are the California prospects that UT is focusing on.
Committed
Edwin Herbert: The Vols spotted talent early in Herbert, a defensive tackle from City College of San Francisco. And it's certainly not the first time UT has targeted prospects from the northern California junior college. Safety Gibril Wilson and offensive lineman Albert Toeiania come to mind. UT linebacker Gerald Williams spent last season at City College as he waited for his chance to play for the Vols.
Give the Vols credit for jumping on Herbert early. Now Herbert just has to prove that those first three schools to offer him a scholarship were on the mark.
UT, Nebraska and San Diego State were the first to extend an official invitation.
Herbert was also being recruited by Wisconsin, Arizona, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and San Diego State.
Josh Nunes: The Vols received a commitment from this Upland High School quarterback in July. Nunes is widely considered one of the top-20 pro-style passing quarterbacks in the nation, selecting UT over a handful of West Coast schools.
He has since become a centerpiece in UT's recruiting efforts, both as a future teammate and a recruiter.
Undecided
Shaquelle Evans: This could be the crown jewel of UT's recruiting efforts in California. This 6-foot-1, 205-pound receiver from Inglewood High has a long list of suitors.
It's hard for UT fans to imagine just what the future might hold if the Vols can secure Evans and highly touted receiver prospect Marlon Brown from Memphis.
Akiem Hicks: UT would love to land another junior college defensive tackle from California. Hicks, who is from Sacramento Community College, is 6-6 and 300 pounds.
The Vols already have a strong pipeline into San Francisco. They're trying to open another into Sacramento.
If UT lands both Herbert and Hicks it would be one of the major stories of the 2009 class: two mature defensive tackles who could play immediately. Immediate help at defensive tackle is a priority. Remember, only junior Dan Williams returns next season from UT's top three tackles. And there doesn't seem to be a great one waiting in the wings.
Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He can be reached at hookerd@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 20
Ironcity writes:
We need that tackle
givehim6 writes:
Would be great to get Evans and Brown both, nice targets for Nunn! The future shins bright in big orange contry.
txvolsfan writes:
Did you say DT? That's what I'm talking about!!!
TXVOLSFAN
jawjavol writes:
Saturdays Atlanta Journal & Constitution reported of Fridays night Milton HS game against Chatahoochee that Tennessee recruit RB Toney Milton ran for 64 yards on the games first play before finishing with 6 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving TD.
The 6-foot-3, 221-pounder finished with 340 yards on 40 rushes with runs of 64, 43, and 40 yards and a 27 yard TD reception. Milton had not beaten Chattahoochee in 10 tries.
Can I get a Go Vols here?
Volnation writes:
It's Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie) that sang Going Back to Cali. Not LL Cool J, Get your facts right Hooker.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Gee, here I thought it was Carol King that did it back in '71.
Out of curiosity, since I know little of nothing about either gentleman, LL cut his in 1988 and B.I.G. was in 1997 according to their discography. So I guess that Hooker was correct after all! You kids and your crazy music.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
We need those big guys from California now.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
After 2 DTs, say it ain't so!
Come and play, fellows, no pine time needed.
We'll waive the usual pecking order.
AlpharettaVol writes:
Toney Williams will be the first Vol to come from Alpharetta GA and I think it goes without saying that everyone here is very excited about his prospects in Knoxville. My daughter graduated from Milton High several years ago and it's safe to say the school is not known as a football powerhouse. In fact, while she was a student there they lost more than 40 games in a row. The crowds just got bigger and bigger because everyone wanted to be there when they finally won a game. It happened her senior year and the next Monday everyone was wearing t-shirts that said "I was there!"
orangebloodgmc writes:
JawjaVol, so was this indeed our recruit Toney Williams who rushed for 6 tds or was this a Toney Milton who I don't remember being a commit to us? I'm just a little confused.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I asked the porch beagle about P J Cool Whip.
He said he was a 3rd cuzin to Dupree by way of TDTN's side of the family. P Diddy quit flying private because of the $$$, according to AJC.com.
Best last doldrum story on AJC.com is men parachuting into wrong stadium with game ball.
You can't make that up.
VOLINCALI writes:
After the SEC showed up big yesterday, monday night could be huge for us.
Boys, come out with a chip on your shoulder and make a statement for 60 minutes. All business. Eye on the prize.
Keep the California pipeline open for recruits.
richvol writes:
California produces some of the best athletes in the country every year and it's easy to understand why they would want to play in the best football conference in the land. We need to open a branch office out there staffed with recruiters.
huckle309#634494 writes:
Hey VolNation, why don't you get your facts straight. LL Cool J does sing Goin Back to Cali..I have the CD
orangebloodgmc writes:
This corroborates what jawjavol and alpharettavol were talking about:
http://www.volnation.com/forum/tennes...
If Toney Williams continues to run wild like that, it should kill any talk of him playing any position but running back for us.
TommyJack writes:
PD: Re the parachute..sometimes truth is funnier than fiction.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/spo...
gohawks1 writes:
A quote from TJ's article link about the parachute jump:
“In about five years, maybe this will be funny,” Steinbacher said.
Mr. Steinbacher, believe me when I say, it's already funny.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
IPOrange 5:42 - agreed - it was funny this AM and its still funny now. This should get the Stupid Award if there is one.
Almost up there with ol' Whitelightening stealing the Wisconsin donut truck with the police video showing glazed spilling on the road.
Right afer the bowl game in 2007.
BigOrangeVol writes:
They should have contacted the Elite Frogs! With over 100 years total experience and 30,000 jumps, SEALS Teams don't miss!
Cut, next time call the best...Chuck Janicki, the Team manager, at (814) 882-9262.
orangesox writes:
Volnation- Those of us over 18 know that it was indeed LL. Maybe Biggie did some two-bit sample as he was at times known to do.
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