Posted by BigVolinCarolina on February 27, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope he can tackle. It'd be nice to have someone besides Eric Berry who knows how to wrap up.

Posted by hiresanders on February 28, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He's Crimson Tide bound....

Posted by threehundredbowler on February 28, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree.He will choose the Tide.

Posted by sjt18 on February 28, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are almost a year from NSD. I've heard it both ways. Some have said that he's going to Bama. Some say UT.

The truth is... if he doesn't know then none of us do either.

Don't know abut 300bowler but I'm pretty sure hiresanders was among those saying Abrams-Ward was definitely not coming to UT.

Posted by RockyTop1 on February 28, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Too far away....relax and enjoy the basketball for now. What's next 6th graders considering Alabama or Tennessee. Not much of a story....GO VOLS!!

Posted by Huntingdonvol on February 28, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey RockyTop,this is true and i read it,Southern Cal got a commitment for an 8th grader early this year!

Posted by vol4jesus on February 28, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Committed because they had best Ibox system for playing Rush games. Gordon said appreciated Vols were first to offer. Lotsa time to do stuff and sights to see, so hold on boys and girls...

Posted by sjt18 on February 28, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not trying to disparage Gordon in any sense. I'd love to see him a Vol... but Marlon Brown, Tait, and the big OL from Nashville are probably higher priorities.

On a different note, there seems to already be some good activity but UT's recruiters in Va.

Posted by thesavageorange on February 28, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good story on volquest.com about a letter Kevin Simon wrote to Phil Fulmer.Here are a few parts of the story.
So after exhausting his playing days and assessing what was the next step in his life, Simon decided on coaching. After counseling with his father, Simon phoned Fulmer.
I'm glad to see Simon back in orange.Didn't know he was a Grad asst.
And soon thereafter, he authored a poignant letter to his former coach who welcomed Simon back into the Volunteer family as a graduate assistant.

"It was easy just because it's true. It's not like trying to come up with a fictional story for your English 101 class," said Simon, who notched 115 tackles during his standout '03 sophomore season at UT. "There's a lot of truth and thought that went into that letter, but really it flowed right out. It was a good opportunity for me to express to Coach Fulmer just how I felt about him, and I feel like there's a lot of times that these coaches, they do a lot and they've touched a lot of lives, and I don't think it's too often that they are told the significance of their involvement in a young man's life such as myself."
"Basically when you talk about leadership and developing character, and really just becoming a good citizen, I felt like this was the best place in the country for me to go," he said. "Coach Fulmer is a very good mentor."

So good, in fact, that Simon let it be known in writing.

Posted by thesavageorange on February 28, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Marlon Brown out of Memphis (6'5 205lb 5*receiver and a 5* shooting guard) was in town last week.In an interview he said he visited w/ both BP and CPF.He kinda laughed when talking about BP, and how cool and funny he was.Also said he liked how CPF was laid back.Folks, BP isn't just our b-ball coach, he is also fast becoming one of our best football recruiters.This kid is being recruited by Drayton.

Posted by sjt18 on February 28, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't be true savage... the players don't know anything... only members of the media and kneejerk negative fans truly know about CPF and how he runs the program.

Thanks for posting that. Simon should make an outstanding coach.

Posted by thesavageorange on February 28, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No problem sjt18.Just trying to add some common sense and objectivity.

Posted by JackCrevol on February 28, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tennessee got a committment (reportedly) from an eigth grader once.....

remember that hoo ha?

JC is probably the biggest bust of this decade,

hopefully he can swing it the other way, but, I just don't see it.

Posted by thesavageorange on February 28, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also Logan Heastie (6'1 181lb 4.3 sec 4* WR)is coming in for a second visit, and hopes to commit to someone over the summer."I actually just got off the phone with coach Scott at Tennessee," Heastie said. "I talked to Florida coaches and West Virginia coaches earlier today. I just like to stay in touch with them because I want them to know that I am interested in them."

As for his relationship with Scott, Heastie said it is good.

"We talk a lot," Heastie said. "He is a really down to earth guy and he keeps it real. He doesn't just tell you stuff that you want to hear. He is straight with you."
"I went to their spring game last year," Heastie said. "I like the school. It was really sweet down there. The stadium is huge and the people are nice. They like to throw the ball around. I loved my trip down there last year."

Rivals.com ranks Heastie as the 22nd best prospect in the country.

Posted by thesavageorange on February 28, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry ,I'm bored, so I'm just posting stuff for the people who pass through and read.What Je'Ron Stokes (a 6'1 178lb 4* 4.44 sec 40)said about Tennessee.Tennessee: "I've been down to Tennessee during my freshman year. I went with my pastor and his son Mark Jones who played there and now plays for the Tampa Bay Bucs. I got to meet Coach Fulmer, tour the facilities and talk to the players. It was lovely down there. I even did the Vol walk. I really enjoyed myself and now that they offered that makes me happy about it. I've got to research the academics and things like that though. They definitely stick out a bit because I've seen the facilities and know they are in a great conference."

Just thought you folks might want to know what some high profile kids are saying about UT and it's coaches.He is being recruited by Slade.

Posted by pdhuff on February 28, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's wait till the ink is on the page.

Sjt18, are there any DT prospects out there. I know its a tuff position to recruit, but how did Saban get that flock he rounded up. They can't all play, can they?

Posted by thesavageorange on February 28, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff ,Wasn't my question,but I know UT has offered atleast 1 5* and 2 4* DT's.Jamarkus McFarland TX,Corey Adams AZ,and Chris Davenport LA.Bad news is D.J. Fluker ,a 4* DT has already commited to AL's 2009 class.Maybe some of their DT's will defect.

Posted by bigbluevol on February 28, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for all the info savage. Good to hear that Pearl and Fulmer are putting on the full court press. He's one that I think we really need to land, for a variety of reasons (need, in-state kid, perception, etc.)

Posted by bigbluevol on February 28, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Left out the name...been a long day...I'm talking about Marlon Brown in my previous post.

Posted by thesavageorange on February 28, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol ,No problem.You are right about (need, in-state kid,perception, etc.)
It's amazing how ,when, you sign a big time prospect the others just start rolling in.My GOD,whatever happens,Don't let that kid go to AL!!!

Posted by 99gator on February 28, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

some of you react like when hank hill of "king of the hill" found out he was born in ny, ny.

it's interesting to see which prospects are sniffing around and might be future players, etc.....

but, to be so sure they are or are not coming a year in advance. why put yourself through that kind of hell?

just look forward to the 2008 season and enjoy.

Posted by threehundredbowler on February 28, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18,just for the record,I have never commented on Abrams Ward.Must have been someone else.

Posted by waterskier3 on February 28, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

why are some people still trying to defend fulmer???? the guy has made his bed... he chose to keep all the defensive staff in place.... good or bad...( i think bad) and he went in a direction that left some wondering and some happy.... so lets focus on basketball and fulmer will gets what coming to him..... its only a matter of time.... and unfort we all have to watch in pain...... so go vols... stay the course and enjoy the BB ride because football may be ugly next year...

at least BB mens and womens will keep UT in the spot light and feared in at least one sport...

Posted by rubbervol on February 28, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Vols

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on February 28, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good job waterskier, go ahead and start the neg. crap B/S 12 months ahead of time so all the high school kids can see it on KNS!!!

Posted by posivol on February 28, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

here you go waterfly,much on this during the doldrums!

I was bored yesterday, so I did some research. Considering the BCS is now 10 years old, I put together some numbers for the SEC over the last 10 years. Georgia has the most wins (97) over that stretch, followed by Florida (93), Tennessee (93), and LSU (89). Those 4 teams would be the "first tier" of the SEC. Auburn (83) almost makes it, but they had one great season (2004). LSU has a solid lead in championships, with 4 divisional titles, 3 SEC titles, and 2 BCS national titles. Tennessee ties LSU for divisional titles with 4. Every team in the West has finished a season with at least a share of first place. In the East, only Georgia, Florida, and Tennesse have finished first. There have been 5 outright East champions, and some combination of the 3 teams tied 5 times. There have been only 3 outright West champions (not including Alabama in 2002, when they were disqualified). Since 2001, LSU has won the West every other year (in odd-numbered years).I know these numbers don't mean much, but there they are. In the last 10 years, only 2 SEC teams have gone unbeaten--Tennessee in 1998, Auburn in 2004.

and who was it again that coaches the vols!

Posted by PLEASEGETRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE on February 28, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volunteer_cowboy

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

You sir are a clown.

Posted by murrayvol on February 28, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator: We actually love going through that kind of hell. It focuses the mind. At least for those among us who have one.

Posted by drwfocus on February 29, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage - thanks for doing the media's (KNS)job. That recruit info is good and we all want to hear/read it, especially this time of year. It may not mean anything next February but it keeps the Big Orange heart thumping through the doldrums. Maybe you should start a site!! GO TN beat KY

Posted by Rok_Etop on February 29, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bama has us beat. ESPN.COM list an article today that Bama has had 8 players arrested/in trouble.suspended etc. Its very unfortunate that it happens, but it does happen everywhere!! It just seems as though the KNS likes to blow it up!! Leadership from the team ranks will help control this. Go Vols!!

Posted by sjt18 on February 29, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff, If I read correctly, there may be a couple of decent DT's in Tn HS next year. I also think that both UGA and UF will be more limited on scholarships this year. Saban and Tuberville just had huge classes too as did Ark. There'll be more players in those states looking for a home... I don't necessarily like it... but the economics favor UT more this coming year for recruiting the SE.

Cory Hall is apparently ripping JUCO up and seems to be as orange as a pumpkin. He could be the next great Vol DT... and since they didn't sign but one DT that we all hope was terribly underrated this year... Hall BETTER be great.

Sykes needs to gain a little weight but he should be back too with 3 years of eligibility. He RS'd last year at Coffeyville. I hadn't thought about it... but I may try to go watch him and Rufus play this fall. They should play somewhere close by me.

Posted by thesavageorange on February 29, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Junior day is this weekend , and here is a little of what Hubbs said."That is a really solid list of quality names who have given an indication that they are coming. Now we will see who all shows up, but that’s a quality list. In fact, it’s one of the most impressive lists that I have seen for a Tennessee junior day, and if they all show up it will be the best ever turnout of talent that I can remember in Knoxville unofficially, especially this early in the game. And the good news for the coaching staff is that it looks like the weather is going to be terrific this weekend".Since D-Line is still a priority, I'll list the ones of note.DE Chris Bonds 6'4 265,DE William Ming 6'4 250,DT Derrick Lott 6'4 265, and DE Sam Montgomery 6'4 220.The surprising thing was ,the only one we haven't offered is Lott the DT.Although(by looking at size,40's etc..)only one looks like a DE,Montgomery.He runs a 4.4 40.All are said to be atleast 4* guys, and have all been offered by the who's who.

Posted by sjt18 on February 29, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage, I think it would have been nice to sign one more OL this year but am fairly pleased with the two main guys they got. Any word on Massie or any other highly rated guys. Next year that moves from a want to a need IMO. Had Parker and Foster moved on we would have been at critical mass right now.

I read that they are pursuing RB's hard. That's interesting for several reasons considering the relative youth of the group. Are any of those prospects planning to attend? I heard the coaches spent considerable time not long ago in St Louis talking to Wingo.

Posted by sjt18 on February 29, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just realized how mangled that first paragraph was... Sorry. OL moves to a need for next year's class IMO. Are any of the top OL prospects coming?

Posted by thesavageorange on February 29, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 ,There are atleast 5 big names of OL that are coming.Ronnie Wingo has been offered ,but is not here for jr day.(as far as I know)I'll try to get the info and names together for you tommorrow.Don't know about Massie yet ,but I'll check it out.

Posted by jasvol on February 29, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage: keep posting this stuff from volquest.com.
I'm too cheap to pay for the site.

Posted by easton3 on March 1, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Since you are too cheap, I will help. You will not get William Ming. He will choose Alabama, bank on it. This will be a good year for recruiting for you guys though.

ROLL TIDE !!!!