With preseason practice starting this week across the SEC, it’s time to look at what each school was able to accomplish during offseason recruiting.
With only six months until National Signing Day in February, here are the midterm reports:
Alabama — The Tide have 11 commitments, headlined by 6-foot-7, 325-pound defensive tackle D.J. Fluker from Foley, Ala.
After signing a big class stocked with speedy prospects last year, Alabama is being picky and focusing on linemen. Six of its commitments are projected to play with their hands down.
Auburn — The recruiting world has responded favorably to Auburn’s change in offensive philosophy. The Tigers have 20 commitments, eight from skill-position players.
Quarterbacks Jamie Collins from Meadville, Miss., and Raymond Cotton from Fort Meade, Md., hope to lead the new attack.
Arkansas — The Razorbacks’ 2009 class looks like a team that just underwent a coaching change. With only seven commitments, there’s not a superstar recruit in coach Bobby Petrino’s first class. The closest is offensive lineman Colby Berna from Fayetteville, Ark.
Florida — The Gators are another team with limited scholarships to offer. Therefore, Florida is intent on securing nearby talent. Of its eight commitments, six are in-state.
Georgia — The Bulldogs have 12 commitments and stole a gem from Tennessee when they snared offensive lineman Austin Long from Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis in April. The News Sentinel ranks Long as the third-best prospect in Tennessee.
Kentucky — With a limited in-state talent base, Kentucky is forced to recruit near and far. Thanks to another successful season in 2008, the Wildcats have been able to do just that this offseason.
Of Kentucky’s 13 commitments, five are from Kentucky, four are from Georgia, two are from Louisiana, one is from Mississippi and one is from Texas.
LSU — The Tigers certainly are recruiting like a defending national champion.
Of its 15 commitments, LSU has pulled in talented prospects from nearby states (four from Texas, two from Georgia, one from Alabama, one from Florida and one from Mississippi).
Still, defensive tackle Chris Davenport, who committed this month, is the headliner. It will be interesting to see what kind of momentum the Mansfield, La., native can generate.
Ole Miss — With only seven commitments, it appears prospects are taking a wait-and-see approach with first-year Rebel coach Houston Nutt. On the bright side, Ole Miss secured a commitment from Gabriel Hunter from Kingsbury High School in Memphis on Tuesday. The running back is rated the News Sentinel’s eighth best prospect in Tennessee. As for in-state shortcomings, there’s the pesky in-state Bulldogs (see below).
Mississippi State — Coming off a winning season will certainly help recruiting, especially in-state recruiting. Of 15 Mississippi State commitments, 12 are from Mississippi. That’s making it tough on the Rebels.
South Carolina — Perhaps there aren’t as many quality prospects on the golf course as coach Steve Spurrier had hoped. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
Athlete Matt Coffee from Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is the headliner of this 10-member group.
Tennessee — The Vols are off and running with 15 commitments. That’s a strong start, especially considering UT has long been thought of as a strong closing school because of its limited in-state talent which hampers its early efforts.
The Vols haven’t been afraid to venture afar. Despite a remade offensive coaching staff and recruiting department, UT has secured highly rated prospects from Tampa, Fla., Middletown, Ohio, Upland, Calif., Manassas, Va., and Philadelphia, Pa.
Vanderbilt — The Commodores have nine prospects committed. Some groundwork has been laid but it will take some higher-recruited prospects to climb the recruiting rankings.
Back To Birmingham, Part I: When Georgia players charged the field against Florida last season, I immediately thought it would give the Bulldogs a boost in recruiting.
Sure, the move was a bit bush league, could have resulted in a brawl and left Florida fans outraged. But — quite simply — it worked. Georgia beat Florida and looked like a team that carried the exact same swagger that so many college prospects share and desire.
Prospects also saw a more animated Mark Richt throughout the season. So just how has Richt’s makeover been accepted on the recruiting trail?
“I think everybody has a different makeup, myself and also the recruits,” Richt said last week at SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala. “There’s some players that probably responded better to the way I was before and there’s probably some that respond better to how I am now.
“I really haven’t changed. Other than the emotions I have, I’ve been able to turn them loose a little more.”
Back To Birmingham, Part II: Vandy coach Bobby Johnson has seen some significant improvement in recruiting during his seven-year tenure with the Commodores.
“We’re a whole lot better but it’s still very tough to do,” Johnson said. “Those traditional powers, they have the history and they have the stadiums and they have the facilities that we don’t.
“Sometimes it’s hard to overcome that. But we have an education that can’t be matched in the SEC. We feel like that’s a great draw to our program.”
But those powerhouse programs that are beating Vandy can also help the Commodores.
“We sell the fact that you’re going to play against some of the best players in the country in the SEC,” Johnson said.
Dave Hooker covers football recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knoxnews.com.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Memorable moments in Pat Summitt's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 176
volwalk writes:
Nice article, Hook!
volunteer_cowboy writes:
i think we lose a close one to georgia because of to many holes up the middle
MrBamSeydu writes:
I'm going to predict 10-3 with losses at UGA (we get outcoached), at Auburn (same), and upset at USC (again, outcoached). I think we'll "upset" UF at home and, personally, I think we'll beat UCLA by 3 TD's. The only other game worth mentioning is Bama, but we owe them big time and at home I see us beating them by 6 pts and intercepting a last minute attempt towards the end zone.
We will beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
USC (11-1) wins National Championship over Oklahoma (12-1).
andy112382#209793 writes:
yemmusdarb - what makes you think we get outcoached by UGA, they certainly couldn't do that three of the last four games! Likewise with the SC game, outcoaching has not exactly been the Ol' Ballcoaches way as of late the way they stumbled from mid-season on last year, hard to out coach someone when you don't have a QB, too.
Thank goodness the games are actually played on the field and outcomes are not produced by the ramblings of people online or elsewhere!
GO VOLS!!! No prediction from me as far as a record, none of us has any clue what is in store this coming season! I just expect a team who won the SEC east and returns almost everyone to do very well!
andy112382#209793 writes:
Hey, anyone catch this ESPN prediction (of all places)....I sure hope he is right!!! I'll take it!
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec/0-1-10...
wyomingvol writes:
ORANGE ROAD PANTS!!!!!
gnm53108 writes:
Going back to the SECCG,but winning it this time.Odds are we will slip up somewhere.
I'm trying to drink enough koolaid to think otherwise.
Cold and frost Brewed.
steve22043#233791 writes:
I've never been that impressed with the Scout or Rivals "stars" or newspaper rankings. Whats more important is coaches getting the players they want and that seems to be happening this year. I don't know how high this recruiting class will be ranked (definitely looks above average at this point) but regardless I'm optimistic about how they'll contribute to Tennessee success
GreerVol22 writes:
Once again the tone of the article says it all. Good info but with a Tennessee dig hidden behind a lot of the comments...ala the "headlined" D-tackle commit for none other than Hooker's boss' favorite venue...Alabubba....not to mention all those "stolen" recruits from Memphis.
By the way, if Miss or Arky either one would like to adopt Memphis, feel free.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True, GreerVol22-7:24 I also caught the "play with their hands down" zinger.
WereInTrouble writes:
Its not even August and there are five or six football propaganda stories every day!!! Trying to get the blind sheep all built up so they will rush out and but tickets, eh? Give it a break until the season starts.
Ironcity writes:
The next time Richt out coaches Fulmer it will be the first time Yems. Werein the tickets are sold! You can do better then that.
vol4gzus writes:
Help me! How do we but tickets? I'mintrouble ya see. Get'em in school, in practice(we're talking practice man), keepem in class doing what they ought to do anyway. Put'em on the field and let's play futbol and see who wins. Recruiting...ah yes the lifeblood of a program. GO VOLS!!!
andy112382#209793 writes:
mcbrim1998 - John Adams lives in Knoxville and covers the Vols, that doesn't always translate into some sort of bias, towards the Vols at least.
Vol13 writes:
http://tennesseevolblog.blogspot.com/...
Pretty good write-up at Vol Blog on SEC predictions. Don't agree 100%, but it's a fair assessment and the writer brings up some valid points that I had not thought about.
BillBrasky writes:
wereintrouble-
Shut up. You live in a city where football is king, and always will be. Stay home this year, nobody needs your pessimistic views on things.
BADGES0413 writes:
Wereintrouble,
Glad to know that we were in trouble, that must mean everything is OK now. By the way all games are sold out except 2, so no need to quote Gerbels and Stalin (football propaganda).
Vol4gzus,
I think butting tickets is the new in thing this year.
McPerch,
Hard at work again with his keen insight. Actually found a Tennessee writer that had some positive things to say about the Vols.
BigOrangeManiac writes:
This program is turning around and heading in the right direction!! I can't wait till it is offically football time in Tennessee!!
Vol13 writes:
DC - If Florida gets by Miami, I think they have a good shot to go undefeated this year. With their speed, they are going to be a difficult matchup for 90% of the SEC teams this year. LSU would give them a good game, but they don't have a QB. So edge to Florida.
Tennessee's swing games are Alabama, SC, and Mississippi State. I think they will lose to Florida, Georgia, and Auburn.
miamiVOL writes:
lol @ DA U, UF beats them by 3 tds +
Vol13 writes:
DC - The Gators will beat us. New QB. New OC. No true #1 WR in the lineup. They'll stack the line and play press coverage and make Crompton beat them. Clawson has never been a coach in any capacity at the major college level (D1AA and Ivy League). The odds of him being very successful as a playcaller vs. a team like Florida the first time out are 1M:1. And throw in Crompton who won't know what to check to and the Vols will have a hard time generating offense and points.
The big advantage will go to the UF offense vs. our defense though. Too much speed to defend and this won't be one of the quicker defenses we've had. Plus, Meyer will motion and misdirection them to death and have them playing on their heels anyway. I think Florida wins pretty easily.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TJ,-GerryOp- I did not author the blog Vol13 posted at 8:40.
It is eerie his 7-5 matching my predict some weeks ago. We disagree on SC and UCLA. I had them swapped.
Hopefully we'll both be very wrong.
Back to koolade brewing and stirring.
Some have already reordered.....
waterskier3#226480 writes:
man I say we're off to a good start in recruiting but if tn produces on the field and looks good doing it they will get the recruits... they had a 10 win season but recruits could see they still have issues on defense( name it secondary getting burned, DL can't stop the run) and offense( can't run the ball at critical points in the game), coaching issues....so come last years signing day they didn't pick UT.
If UT loses 5 games then some of this talent will go eslewhere if they win 10 games again it will only get better.
Not a fulmer hater just a fact!!! GO VOLS!!!
Vol13 writes:
Wait and see sjt. Florida will run by this unit like they were in quicksand. You are going to be disappointed when this defense is worse than it was last year.
vol4gzus writes:
Dc ma man I ponder the question of why you are on this blog to start with. Too bored on Gator site? Or just want to stir up and agitate VOL fans.
TommyJack writes:
PD: Vol13's picks would put full pressure on making the Big Lots Bowl the Rollover Bowl. Wow.
TommyJack writes:
vol13: A PhD living in Vermont. Speaks volumes.
Volchaz writes:
I agree with you Marc_ , I think UT's year will be set through the first game of the year. If we have that killer 'road warrior' mentality and can handle the Rose Bowl atmosphere, then it should carry over to those tough away games again Auburn, UGA, and SC. Let's see how Crompton handles game #1 with a new Clawfense.....:)
vol4gzus writes:
Vol13 could you please stop being so optimistic(sar)! I'm so glad you are a VOl fan(?) Is your cup you are holding now half empty or half full? No room for doom n gloom! Go VOLS!!!
TommyJack writes:
Please don't feed the interlopers.
richvol writes:
DCflorida- I don't mind you posting on here at all...as a matter of fact your comments are usually well thought out and you give respect where it's due.
That being said, Tennessee is going to rough Florida up in Neyland this year. They have too much pride to let what happened last year go. Florida better come prepared to strap it on because Tennessee will be ready.
CoverOrange writes:
DC,
1. Agree. KNS didn't get an award for nothing.
2. Hard to belive given how much we whine and complain about the writers and posters on here.
3. Arming? Are you going into battle?
4. Many opportunities here.
VolGraduate writes:
greervol is a loser and......
chris lowe hates tenn....
do your homework playa
vol4gzus writes:
In Vermont vol13 with a Phd? Worked three summers while at UT in Chittenden in 72,73, and 74 at Mountain Top Inn. Great experience for life. GO VOLS!!!
VolGraduate writes:
vol13 is a retard
yardboy#538962 writes:
Im a VOL from Florida of many many years! Florida is going to rip us a new one if we go in half cocked. Unlike Tennessee, they mean business. Got some real mean boys down here......However, Tennessee will go undefeated this year and play for National title...... WRITE IT DOWN, YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!
Vol13 writes:
Tommy:
I didn't write that on Vol Blog. Somebody linked it to another board yesterday and I saw it and thought it was thought-provoking.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
yardboy, You've obviously been in the sun to long. UT has at least 2 losses.
GerryOP writes:
pdhuff, I think that all of us negos/haters/antis/downwardspinners/whatevers agree that anything within 6-6 and 9-3 is entirely possible. The sad thing is that if Good Ol' Phil ends up struggling home at 8 or less, the powers that be will give hime a free pass due to new QB, new OC, new offense, yada, yada, yada ... and ... Good Ol' Phil will go out and do the same thing in 2009 -- 6-6/9-3. Of course, at 9-3, the loyalists and lemmings will scream redemption and hallowed be Good Ol' Phil.
It's kind of like October 2005 when three major hurricanes passed within 5 miles of my Florida retirement home. Each time we survived the last one we considered ourselves fortunate ... until we looked at the Weather Channel only to see the next one heading our way! Such is life with Phil. Lulls of 9-3/10-4 between disasters of 5-6 and humiliations handed out by Florida and Alabama.
If we make it through September....
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
SavageO, Where are you? Need some recruiting updates.
TommyJack writes:
vol13: Sorry then. My bad.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
marc-ash, I too am concerned about the AU game. Especially if we beat UF and come in over-confident. I think if we beat UF we lose to AU and vice versa. Emotions will be high after UF and it will be hard to duplicate that the next week in Auburn. Also it seems like every one of our divisional opponents have a by week before they play us.
FWBVol writes:
Vol13, 9:31 post said, "UT has no true No. 1 receiver." Don't tell Lucas Taylor that. Last year he caught 73 passes for 1,000 yards. That sounds like a No. 1 receiver to me.
As for the sheep boy in Vermont predictions on the blog, it seems as if he had an allergic reaction to wool. I would love for us to win every game, and think it is possible, if not probable, but there's no way we drop five this year.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
GerryOp, 10:36 - be at peace my son. Just always remember 8 is all that is expected to go into the JoPa range. No more is asked. 8 out of 13 is roughly 60%. Enuf.
Drop UCLA and their ilk for Siwash and Austin Peay and koolade sales will approach the success Enron enjoyed.
Have you heard Mikey the H mention the Grail lately?
I'm sticking with my 7-5.
TommyJack writes:
PD: 7-5? You would deny us the Rollover Bowl?
auttat writes:
Wow, comparing football to hurricanes that destroyed millions and took lives...for some reason I don't think it is that serious.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Did Yahoo buy this site last night or something? What's with the logo pasted all over the place?
Vol13 writes:
Lucas Taylor had 5 TD's in 07. His biggest games came against Mississippi State, Kentucky, Arkansas State, and Southern Miss. He's playing #1 because that's all we have. We are far removed from being known as Wide Receiver U. The trio we'll start this year at WR would not have started for most any team from about 1989 until now. That's how far our talent level has dropped. And Gerald Jones has the potential to be very good. But in the Fulmer "You Stay, You Play" system the three in front of him will have to screw up royally to be unseated. Especially since two are seniors.
It takes big-time talent in this league to get big-time results. And we don't have it. Surely, I am not the only one who sees this. Our starters are not terrible and we have a few really good players. But when you get into the 2nd and 3rd stringers, we don't come close to stacking up with the Big Boys and that's where the evidence will be this year. Sure, we'll look great at practice and against lesser opponents. But I expect this team to struggle a lot this year.
auttat writes:
"...my Florida retirement home."
Says I all I need to know about you, GerryOP. Be a Florida fan
TommyJack writes:
Caution: Interloper crossing ahead. Do not feed.
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