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Bullard says 'Notre Dame was the best place for me'

By Dave Hooker (Contact)
Originally published 02:54 p.m., June 6, 2008
Updated 02:54 p.m., June 6, 2008

One would think Alex Bullard is totally consumed by football.

Not so.

The offensive lineman from Brentwood Academy in Nashville may have been at the center of a recruiting whirlwind, may be one of the top prospects in the state, but the gridiron wasn’t the only factor when he committed to Notre Dame over Tennessee and Michigan.

“I looked at it past football,” the 6-foot-4, 275-pounder said shortly after his press conference on Friday.

Bullard said a smaller student population and smaller classrooms both played into his decision.

“An environment like that helps me learn,” Bullard said.

Bullard’s actions before his announcement hinted of his intentions to head north. Bullard took two recent trips to South Bend, one to see Notre Dame’s spring game and another last weekend.

Football was the chief concern when he watched the Fighting Irish scrimmage. Was Notre Dame improving or the same team that finished 3-9 in 2007?

“After watching the spring game, that gave me a lot of confidence,” Bullard said. “I have every confidence that they will turn that thing around this year.”

That may be the case if recruiting is the determining factor. Notre Dame has signed two top-10 recruiting classes in the past two years.

Notre Dame’s recruiters are very comfortable in Tennessee, having landed two prospects from the state in 2007: safety Harrison Smith from Catholic and athlete Golden Tate from Hendersonville.

With seven commitments for the 2009 class, the Irish seem off to a good start this year, especially after beating out UT and Michigan for Bullard.

“It was really tough to say 'no' to Tennessee and Michigan,” Bullard said. “They’re both great schools and I built relationships there. Ultimately, Notre Dame was the best place for me.”

Bullard originally said he would just whittle down his many choices this month, as per his comments to the News Sentinel in May. That plan was quickly squashed when he called his press conference this week.

“It was becoming a little bit of a burden,” Bullard said of the recruiting process. “There was no sense holding it.”

The Vols had to think better of their chances before Bullard made his decision. Bullard spoke glowingly of UT coach Phillip Fulmer just weeks ago.

Bullard said he will now focus on high school academics and football with his decision made public. He expects other schools to back off -- although not completely.

That’s probably especially true for UT, which won’t be so apt to let a highly-touted in-state prospect leave without a fight.

“Coach Fulmer knows me,” Bullard said. “He knows I’m a man of my word.

“This is a solid commitment.”

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       82 Comments

Posted by dwolfcreek on June 6, 2008 at 3:04 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by GerryOP on June 6, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Real classy comment dwolf....

Posted by jasvol on June 6, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Smaller classes...that's an excuse. Let's face it he chose the lure of Notre Dame's tradition over UT's. What is missing is how he factored immediate PT into his decision. I'm a Fulmer supporter but over the last few years we have been losing alot of high valued in staters...

Posted by tigervol9802 on June 6, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's face it guys, for at least a couple of more seasons, Weis can walk in, show off the Super Bowl rings, and they are going to outshine our last national and SEC title almost 10 years ago.

Posted by agentorange on June 6, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ba is full of momma's boys. we need more pearl cohn firebirds.

Posted by wtnvol on June 6, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now that he's announced his decision, can we please not have any more articles about the kid? Enough already. Move on. There are plenty more recruits out there.

Posted by ncvol on June 6, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Moving right along to other things. Luck of the Irish to you. Go Vols!

Posted by TommyJack on June 6, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm ok with his decision. But there is something very annoying about HS kids calling press conferences.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wtnvol SAID.The turtle head has been cut.Now flush it.Good luck to you kid.

Posted by cdldoc on June 6, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a guy who could only dream of being a Vol, it is always hard for me to understand a local kid giving up a chance to help keep the Vols great. Worse yet, I just can't imagine playing for a coach who had a bad season because he spent the off season suing his fat reducing surgeons. And they, like almost everybody else, beat him last year.

Posted by ncvol on June 6, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cdldoc - too much information.I am sure there is more to that story but moving right along....Go Vols

Posted by Vol13 on June 6, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Alex - Best of luck to you buddy boy. I know you read here hourly. I just want to give you a big Go Vols! and tell you that we'll be thinking about you.

Sorry if I was too negative and caused you to sign with Notre Dame.

Posted by pdhuff on June 6, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll admit ol' JA is getting a lot of mileage out of a recruit going elsewhere. Three stories on what is a non-issue!

Posted by murrayvol on June 6, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ: You know you love it when they pick up the obligatory "fake hat" before selecting the real one. Riveting!

Posted by mempuss on June 6, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the Irish never win another game! This kid better be praying to football Jesus, he is going to need it if he plans on winning anything.

Posted by TommyJack on June 6, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

murray: Old school me.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 6, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ and Murray, you mean you guys just aren't enthralled when these kids play the shell game with those hats? For me, it's almost as exciting as American Idol or watching my yard wilt in the heat.

Posted by TommyJack on June 6, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley: Speaking of lack of ballz...none of you yaysayers will name the so-called haters. Why is that? Only haters I've seen is hiresanders and McGrim. Who are the other phantom haters, Ashley? Hmmm?

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on June 6, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to apologize to Alex for having such a strong influence on his recent decision to attend ND over UT. I still can't believe that Foolmore who is thought of as a great recruiter can't overcome criticism from my keyboard. I can't wait to see him try and overcome Meyer and co. in real life on Sept 20th. LOL!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on June 6, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley, already planning on trying to get free food and beer out of me. Typical.

Posted by murrayvol on June 6, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right Ashley. I did steal the Lindbergh baby. I am Josef Mengele.

Posted by TommyJack on June 6, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't know..you tell me, ASHLEY.

Posted by TommyJack on June 6, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not to worry ASHLEY...most, I suspect, pay no heed to anything you say...except for #of days.

Posted by TommyJack on June 6, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gee, Ash. That would be nice.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are a swell guy TJ.

Posted by TommyJack on June 6, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport: Aw shucks.

Posted by dwolfcreek on June 6, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gerryop , i thought it was nice .

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL TDTN.TJ is all right in my book. vols72 on the other hand well..He is not afraid of the adam's apple

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHCqQIeWriU

Posted by tigervol9802 on June 6, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley can't even count right. It's 87 days as I type until kickoff, not 88.

Posted by cdldoc on June 6, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Are there 3 tdtn or does this id*** just sit around and post all day?
Nice posts ashley.
I agree vols72.

I can just see you tdtn fans protesting in front of the stadium ...for about 10 seconds. Do it!! Please? No, you will be too drunk and you will be spending your time taking your own pictures and bragging about how much booze you can hold.
What a shameful waste of volunteer humanity. Reminds me of the drunk uncle, you wish would go away.

GO AWAY!

Posted by littleorange on June 6, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

An example of the John Adams and David Climer negative Vol reporting influences on impressionable young men and their families. His decision is made and I wish him the best....

Posted by RichRollin on June 6, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like fulmer, but we can't lose these in state guys!! I think alot of these guys do bleed orange. I also think that fulmer has a history of sitting local talent while he plays outta state boys, just because their parents are rich and can donate more money. These kids and their parents know this.

Posted by RichRollin on June 6, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eric Gordon and Marlon Brown are manditory. We have to get these instaters!!!!

Posted by grvol on June 6, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The girls are awfully ugly up there. Enjoy.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just found a video of vols72,Assley & cdldoc talegating in the tree's before Cal game last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPnGAd...

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guy's I will have to decline your invitation for the UCLA game this year.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stoli 1
Kingsport 0

Posted by RichRollin on June 6, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTennessee, my son turns eight this month and another born anytime now. So which one would you be refering to?

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Never been to Cali TD.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vols72 I bet we are closer than your butt cheeks are.

Posted by RichRollin on June 6, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN, leave the kids out of it. No need to take it to that level online.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Speaking of money.Did I see Fulmer wearing a Danny Ainge jersey in a luxury suite at game 1 last night?

Posted by KingsportVol on June 6, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DaddyVol I have two sons 3 & 2.Now that was damn funny.I won't even let my boy's eat KY jelly in the mornings because of Kentucky B-Ball.

Posted by bamacheats on June 7, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Who feeds their kids KY jelly?

Posted by KingsportVol on June 7, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It was a joke bamacheats.

Posted by PaulTheVol on June 7, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is one time where Fulmer's recruiting strategy hurts him. He is not the most popular person with in-state HS coaches because he went after out of state talent for several years at the expense of in state players. He is trying to correct that by emphasizing in-state recruiting but he still has a lot of fence mending to do. I think he has learned that he can't just stroll into a Tennessee high school and cherry pick who he wants.

After hearing the facts of the NE Patriots cheating scandal, I am convinced that Charlie Weis is a fraud and not the genius everyone makes him out to be. It is telling that no pro team has ever offered him a HC job. ND will get better because they have better players and because Weis has hired better assistants but I don't think they will ever be the dynasty they once were.

Posted by jcvet on June 7, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope he likes freezing his balls off most of the yr.

Posted by Volalumnus on June 7, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer just isn't the recruiter he was 10 years ago.
The other school are just doing a better job getting the top talent in.
Must be the current outlook of playing for teams with a chance to play for NC or has more limelight.

Right now, it doesn't look like we are on that teir of programs to those on the outside.
We are about where South Carolina is to everyone else. A team that can have a game to beat anyone and not shock anyone, but one that just won't be bet on to do it.

Posted by GoIrish on June 7, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cheer, cheer, for old Notre Dame
Wake up the echoes cheering her name
Send a volley cheer on high
Shake down the thunder from the sky
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over the Vols
While her loyal sons are marching onward to victory

Posted by pdhuff on June 7, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Goodby Mr. Bullard, enjoy South Bend and losing to Purdue and Mich and Navy and .........

P.S.- There are no more Ara P.s close to Touchdown Jesus. The ship has sailed.

Posted by dw0731 on June 7, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't cry over spilled milk. We need a great DT has anybody heard how we are doing with Darrington Sentimore? That could change the VOLS fortunes and give us stops up the middle that we have been lacking

Posted by golfballs03 on June 7, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Girls at Notre Dame are all trolls

Posted by thesavageorange on June 7, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by GoIrish on June 7, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cheer, cheer, for old Notre Dame
Wake up the echoes cheering her name
Send a volley cheer on high
Shake down the thunder from the sky
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over the Vols
While her loyal sons are marching onward to victory.....3 times a yr.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 7, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dw0731 , We will be a player for Sentimore.His biggest want is playing time.That is the biggest edge we have over every big time program recruiting him.Don't look for him to commit early though.He is in summer school and won't be able to take any unofficial visits except LSU, whom he has brought up their mass of depth being a concern.Don't count out Chris Davenport or Isaac Holmes either.They both will use one of their 5 officials on Tennessee.Alot of folks think were a close #2 to LSU for Davenport.

Posted by pdhuff on June 7, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savageorange 1:33- Correct- If he wants playing he would be like a duck in water in Knoxville. We can hope.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 7, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff , I am faxing him our depth chart as we speek.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 7, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

W L PF PA STR W L W L
Navy 8 5 511 473 L1 4 4 4 1
Army 3 9 203 364 L6 3 2 0 7
ND 3 9 197 345 W2 1 6 2 3

The following was pulled from Scout showing the standings last season for the Independent Schools. I guess that catchy song didn't wake up many echoes or shake down thunder from the sky.

Posted by murrayvol on June 7, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage: 3 times a year? I think they're chargin' from the gate in 08'.....at least 5 maybe 6. Clausen for the Hypeman!

Posted by TommyJack on June 7, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can love'em or hate'em. But to think that ND is just gonna fade into oblivion is not real smart...will always recruit...if the large one can't cut it there, they will find someone who can.....forget about his fat contract. Plenty of $ to buy him out and maybe throw in a Golden Corral.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 7, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agreed TJ on ND although I fall squarely in the hate 'em camp. I am also not sold on Weiss not being able to coach yet. With their recruiting the past two years, this year should tell the story.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 7, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ is right about ND.They will return to power at some point.

My problem is not w/ ND itself but the northern biased media/BCS numbskulls that kept ranking them in the top 10 every yr, and putting them in BCS games they had no business even sitting in the stands at.

Posted by miamiVOL on June 7, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

“After watching the spring game, that gave me a lot of confidence,” Bullard said. “I have every confidence that they will turn that thing around this year.”

I agree, after watching Jimmy Clausen go 8/20 with a pick 6 really built confidence in the Irish's chances this season, R O F L

Posted by invisiblekid on June 7, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage, it's not just the media bias for me, it's the fact that the BCS has it written into their rules that the Irish are guaranteed a spot at the table in all matters BCS. No matter how big they are, one school shouldn't have the same say as entire conferences.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 7, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid , Agreed.

ND 7 wins = 20+ point BCS bowl loss.
ND w/ 2 losses will get them in the title game 8 out of 10 yrs.It's all about the money.

Posted by slb on June 7, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on guys talk about the good things we have and the great kids who come to Big Orange Country.

We have the best of all worlds so leave all the negative comments and crap to those amongest who can never be happy.

The Negative folks are just miserable and want to make all the rest of us miserable as well. We will get DT and what else we need so Chill the sun will rise tomorrow.
From the heart of Gator Country, GO VOLS!

Posted by pdhuff on June 8, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ 4:33 - Are you trying to hint that if the wheels come off, do something about it?

Or even when you notice it wobbling!

Or is it better to just rah-rah for ol' Siwash, drink the koolade and sniffle, "It'll get better".

Posted by TommyJack on June 8, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: The ND faithful (no pun) will not put up with their fat-boy too long. Especially the way they recruit. Must be nice to have that kind of recruiting power after a couple of dog seasons.

Posted by sjt18 on June 9, 2008 at 1:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, Weis contract saved his job when many wanted him gone last year. He's going nowhere soon.

Bullard's choice is still disappointing. It is his to make and may have nothing to do with anything other than specifically what he said... and it is STILL disappointing.

If UT comes back and lands a top 10 class.... it will still be disappointing.

Posted by TommyJack on June 9, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A sub-par year this year and Weis is gone, contract notwithstanding.

Posted by sjt18 on June 10, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If he shows improvement, which will be almost impossible not to do, Weis' contract will save him again. I'm thinking 7-5 maybe 8-4... and promises of a BCS bowl in 2010.

Posted by volboy81 on June 10, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish he had of picked Tennessee. We dont need to be losing good players! Wonder who the head coach will be at Notre Dame when he gets there?

Posted by Vol13 on June 10, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I bet Weis in the HC at Notre Dame longer than Fulmer is the HC in Knoxville. Any takers?

Posted by sjt18 on June 10, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13, I agree with you. Whether he's successful or not, I don't think Fulmer will serve out the contract he has. If he's successful then I believe the plan will play out and Clawson will take over.

If Fulmer fails and is pushed out, I think you all will get what you've been clamoring for... a ride on the coaching carousel. Barring some remarkably unlikely "lucky" choice... UT will fade into REAL mediocrity for an extended period. They'll go through several coaches seldom getting close to a championship before finding one with the magic touch. The faithful will be proud of the years their team gets a NYD bowl... even one starting before noon.

Posted by Vol13 on June 10, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt:

You are correct. By 2010, our talent level will be back to where it was about 1988 relative to the modern day SEC. It won't matter who they hire and I fully expect us to go through 3-4 coaches until we pass through the SEC wasteland. Remember Georgia, LSU, and Auburn when they got down in this league? I am prepared to weather about a 10-15 year drought with the hopes that it will all come together sooner.

I don't agree on Clawson being the savior. I think he'll be one of the first people pushed overboard. Fulmer will have to be dragged out of office kicking and screaming. He won't go quietly into the night, IMO. He's in business deals with Hammy and several powerful BOT members. This is going to be Ron Polk ugly when the ball gets rolling. Fulmer will throw any and everyone under the bus in order to keep his status as long as possible.

As for mediocrity, it's all relative. 8-4 is mediocre to me and I think we are already there. Regardless, I don't think we'll slip below 7 wins at any point in the Rebuilding process. We're a perennial 8-4 or 9-3 team going forward and we can usually get enough talent to maintain that. We are living in Groundhog Day and barring someone else's slip up we are usually not in control of our own destiny. We'll see.

Posted by sjt18 on June 10, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm obviously more hopeful about Clawson's potential than you are. He is an extremely intelligent guy which is one of the common factors in success in CFB today. There's been more than a little speculation that he was MH's guy... so pushing him overboard may not be the automatic you assume. It could definitely turn into a power struggle but I'd expect Chavis to go first.

When did UT go 8-4? I missed it. The last 8-4 season was 2000... shoulda fired Sanders then and there. The last 8 win season was 2002... again another opportunity to unload Sanders before 2005 was unavoidable.

As for talent, I think UT has enough proven talent to win championships right now except for one critical position- Defensive Tackle. That will be the question mark next year as well.

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

ND will go no worse than 8-4 this year...9-3 or 10-2 and a BCS game is a real probability for 2008.

Posted by hiresanders on June 11, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ND will go no worse than 8-4 this year...9-3 or 10-2 and a BCS game is a real probability for 2008.

Posted by Vol13 on June 11, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chavis has lain in foxholes with Phil. Clawson is the newcomer and the easy out. Don't count on Fulmer throwing Chavis out in front of the train anytime soon. Now, I don't doubt that Chavis might retire on his own. But Fulmer would never force him out, IMO.

I know you were being subtle about 8-4 to me. That's okay. Neither one of us will be laughing when the Vols bottom out. We're miles (no pun intended) closer to being upset by Vandy or KY than we are to beating Florida. But maybe you know that and don't want to post it here for fear that it may hurt recruiting.

Posted by pdhuff on June 11, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, this orange koolade ain't bad on a hot day.

We'll all get thru the doldrums.

Aug 30, the battle will be joined.

Posted by sjt18 on June 12, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No Vol13... I don't believe that UT is closer to Vandy than UF. I will believe that when games like last year become the rule rather than the aberration. The game two years ago was far more indicative of the series than last year's game. I might even start to believe that when Vandy or UK signs a top 25 recruiting class rather than it being the aberration when UT doesn't.

IF UT bottoms out, I won't be laughing... I'm not all that certain about you. That's the advantage of preaching pessimism (credit to Geo Will)... you are either right or pleasantly surprised.

OTOH, I don't like that "win/win" for negative people. I'll be reminding you and others daily of how wrong you were... assuming you don't disappear... IF UT continues to improve and wins a championship or BCS game.

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