Six Tennessee football players are expected to enroll for the first session of summer school.
Five of them are getting a jump on their collegiate careers when classes start Monday.
One is getting a second start after a year in limbo.
Former Alcoa High School standout and Florida State freshman All-America tight end Brandon Warren is among the six players who will begin classes Monday, according to UT.
Defensive end Willie Bohannon (Mobile, Ala.), linebacker Herman Lathers (Baton Rouge, La.), defensive back Stephaun Raines (Dalton, Ga.), defensive back Prentiss Waggner (Clinton, La.) and wide receiver Rodriquez Wilks (Smyrna) are the other signees who are expected to begin classes Monday.
After leaving Florida State in January 2007, Warren spent the last year taking classes at Pellissippi State Technical Community College.
In November, Warren won his release from his National Letter of Intent, but it remains unclear what specific steps must be taken before he will be eligible at Tennessee.
Another UT signee, linebacker Gerald Williams, is at Pellissippi State right now.
Williams, one of Rivals.com’s top 10 inside linebackers as a high school senior in 2005, is enrolled at Pellissippi, according to the school’s registrar’s office.
It’s just another stop in a three-year journey to become eligible.
After signing with UT in 2005, Williams was yanked from the practice field that August after the NCAA Clearinghouse denied his initially eligibility. He then spent 2006 at Hargrave Military and 2007 at City College of San Francisco.
Williams could be another South Florida native to gain admission to UT after spending time at Pellissippi State.
Safety Demetrice Morley, who rejoined the team in January, regained his eligibility there after having academic difficulties at UT following the 2006 season.
Two of UT’s 18 signees, running back Tauren Poole and fullback Austin Johnson, enrolled in January and participated in spring practice.
With five members enrolling Monday from UT’s 2008 recruiting class, the Vols have 11 signees yet to arrive on campus.
Second session classes begin July 7, and the fall semester begins Aug. 20.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 66
ThurmondEppy writes:
first
ThurmondEppy writes:
first
movol77 writes:
Is Gerald Williams transferring to UT by the second summer session or fall semester?
txsvol#372416 writes:
I'm really pulling for Gerald Williams. Is he still MLB size, or will he move to DE or DT? Good to have the other six enrolled on the Hill, getting the GPA up during the non-football season. Go New Vols! SAVol
movol77 writes:
Warren is going to be a great addition. Williams would be great too, even if he's drawing social security. :)
Vol13 writes:
It's embarassing that we are still messing around with Gerald Williams. No disrespect, but if after 3 years this kid is not fully eligible to be at UT - he doesn't need to be at UT. Academically, he is a liability and it's not fair to him either for us to put him in a situation where he will struggle (the classroom). Some people were cut out for college course work and some weren't. It's sad. But that's reality. As much as I love football and sports, we are an academic institution first. They don't call it student-athlete just because it has a nice ring to it.
beachvol1 writes:
I know you think it is a waste for still getting Williams on the team but I admire his perseverance for not giving up and wanting to plan for UT and wear the Orange...tells you he wants to play in the worst way...as for Warren, have no pity for this one as he could have signed with the Vols on the getgo, but no, had visions of being a Seminole...we need guys with his ability but hate to be 2nd choice...
Vol13 writes:
I admire his perseverance as well. But the reality is that if this guy couldn't make a tackle, we would not be affording him the same opportunities as other Joe Blow students. If this were my son or daughter and they were wanting to be admitted to UT in order to go to college, they would have been turned down long ago. Even though they wouldn't have football and other activities to take them away from their studies.
I can just see this guy struggling to pass courses and being academically ineligible a year or two down the road, hurting our APR. If he can't pass remedial courses after HS, in prep school, or in JUCO in order to become eligible (or get a passing test score) I see nothing to make me think he can cut the mustard at a larger university with tougher academic standards. That is all.
IPOrange writes:
Best wishes, Brandon. Continue to get the job done in the classroom so that we'll be able to see you on the field this fall.
FWBVol writes:
The history of Gerald Williams is long and winding. If I remember correctly, the whole thing had to do with the NCAA clearing house not giving its OK, and thus the journey began.
As one who did struggle academically at one time, but was able to mature and finish my last four semesters with better than a 3.0, I say give the kid a chance.
Past studies have shown that athletes have a higher graduation rate than the rest of the student body.
The kid wants to be at UT mighty badly or he would have taken the easy road to a D II or NAIA school that doesn't have the higher academic standards of D-IA teams. Anyone that wants to wear the Orange that much deserves a shot to at least try.
txvolsfan writes:
Look forward to Warren playing for the Vols, Does anyone know if he will still be TE or move to DE? I'm rooting for Gerald, he really was impressing in his short time on the hill!!!
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN
mempuss writes:
Good job B warren......The Orangs Nation welcomes you!
ncvol writes:
Keep up the studies and we will see you on the field. Go vols...
Need_2_Know writes:
Ah, it's just good to be talking football on the Hill. Speculation is that we'll be strong offensively as long as Crompton can get the ball to the receivers downfield as well as short and sideline. The defense seems well staffed except for the d-line, specifically at tackle. We have some studs coming up at the end position, but we've got to generate some middle push to make them effective. Does anyone have a link to the depth chart coming out of spring camp? Bolden could be big, if he wants to be, but who else do we have there?
wyomingvol writes:
Two Words: Wooooo Hooooo!
Warren is a stud, Frosh on Campus and bring on Williams!
With Warren added to the last signing class rankings then Big O is top 20. Bobby B. didn't want to let this guy go for a reason, he is GOOOOOD.
DingoVol writes:
Warren will be a huge plus for the Vols. I live in Tallahassee and saw him play 3 games his Freshman year. He led the Seminoles in receptions and has great speed. They never use the tight end, but his talent forced them to. They are still crying about him leaving. Go Vols!
Goodvol writes:
As the state school, they try to give everyone an opportunity to attend school. Williams would have been able to attend school but not play sports. It was never the fact he wasn't smart enough to get into school. The NCAA questioned his academic standing. He did what he needed to do to get back into school and qualify to play football. I, for one, will cheer a little louder for him because I know how hard he worked to get into school and play football. I welcome him with open arms and he is a valued member of our team, as long as he gets over all the hurdles.
b_neas writes:
I'm pulling for Gerald Williams too. The NCAA can blows sometimes with all the paperwork and regulations. He must be a pretty solid kid character wise to keep persevereing through all this.
chrslyp writes:
i'm pumped about warren, he's a hell of a football player and a fellow alcoa alumnus.
Bigger_Al writes:
I think the NCAA gave Gerald the "Fetch a Rock" treatment - go do this; now go do this; now this; but it was never enough to overcome borderline academics and his high school's reputation.
If he was admitted originally, he would be either a SR. or Redshirt JR. this year. I guess he will be a SO. now or Redshirt FR.?
I'm glad he has persevered through all this, and I am excited to see him playing in the orange this season!
99gator writes:
warren's a stud.
thought he was the best player florida state had, regardless of position.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
does the new OC even use a TE in his play calling? coach cut always acted liked he did but it was only to answer media questions..... just wondering because we've only used TE to block the last 13 years... even witten was under used...
Huntingdonvol writes:
Just one question,a little lost here, why did Warren leave FS?
chrslyp writes:
he wanted to be closer to his mother in alcoa, who has health problems. the only reason he left for fsu in the first place was because he has always been a die hard fsu fan, couldn't pass up the opportunity.
Brama writes:
Good to see Brandon Warren Back home.Don't count your chickens before they hatch on Gerald Williams.
TommyJack writes:
Pray Warren gets eligible. Friend in Tallabygadhassee tells me Warren would be impact player anywhere. Fast.
BADGES0413 writes:
Warren had a build and speed similar to Tony Gonzalez of the Cheifs. Hopefully he is half as good.
Of course Gannon Goodson had the build and speed of Larry Bird, so it doen't always work out.
VolGraduate writes:
Vol13 smells like cabbage
tigervol9802 writes:
Can Warren or Williams play D-tackle?
99gator writes:
warren has nfl written all over him at tight end. i would not move him anywhere.
txsvol#372416 writes:
Had we have listed DeMo with *****, Brandon Warren & Gerald Williams with their **** each to the 18 recruits @ 2.94 average on scouts, we would have catapulted our class to #11, not just Top 20. (I worked out the math in mid-February--you will just have to take my word for it now.) 99gator is right, Warren should be left at TE, and thrown to early and often. If we have a ball control offense, with a quick strike capacity, it's amazing how much better our defense will be. Go Vols! SAVol
99gator writes:
let me put it this way....
i fear brandon warren (if he is ready to go mentally...learning tennessee's offense and such) a heck of a lot more than i do any of the other skill players that tenn brings to the table.
now, te's can't take a pass and go 80. but, warren has the talent to make plays in the middle of the field against college lb's and safeties all day long.
he was the one guy florida state had, that i would have like to have at florida.
BADGES0413 writes:
99, He will also make our receivers better by drawing the safety away from double teams. Our receivers need all the help they can get. I saw a few highlights of him at FSU and he runs with a purpose.
I think Tigervols earlier post was wishful thinking. We really do need some DT's, hopefully a JUCO is available similar to Jesse Mahalona.
99gator writes:
sjt18
put the kool-aid down. take two steps back and put your hands in the air.
gerald jones looks like a pretty good player, i'll grant you that.
however, gerald jones couldn't carry percy harvin's jock on his best day.
TommyJack writes:
txsvol: Doc, are you saying 3 and out stresses the defense? We once understood that. I'm gonna forward your post to Cutcliff. lol
thesavageorange writes:
sjt18 , It's all about test scores.Everybody is eligible gradewise at this point.the only 2 that have to improve their score is Walls & Hughes.Walls has been working w/ a tutor and hi coach said his practice scores have been very good, and doubts he will have any trouble.
Williams being at Pellissippi was the plan all along.He will be at Tennessee in time for scheduled practice.
Warren has some work to do in the weight room.Hubbs said he has lost alot of weight, so TE may be a more natural position for him ,atleast this yr.I agree w/ 99, Warren can give this offense another deminsion.If Clawson is as advertised, the O could be one of the best since the Shuler/Manning eras.
TommyJack writes:
99: Showing your gator ballz, huh? Like it.
99gator writes:
tj
"i keeps it real"
seriously, if college's could pull off trades....a percy harvin for gerald jones trade would get someone fired at florida and promoted at tennessee.
thesavageorange writes:
BADGES0413 ,Great point on Warren.
sjt18/99gator, both of you put the kool-aid down.lol
99gator writes:
savage
i am on a kool-aid high. like pac-man after eating a power pellet.
thesavageorange writes:
99gator , At this point I can't argue Harvin is on another level, however Harvin is not a better pro prospect than Jones.Harvin is probably a kick return specialist in the NFL.But, I will give the devil his due,Jones has proved nothing and this is college not the NFL.
By the way, a friend of mine is a huge Gator fan (born in Florida) and said Rainey may be faster than Harvin.Any truth?Also is he a RB or receiver?
txvolsfan writes:
I have to agree with 99 until Gerald proves he belongs in that class, he is no where close to Percy
TXVOLSFAN
thesavageorange writes:
99gator ,If I were a UF fan, and looking at my talent level and the schedule I would never come down off of that high.
VolByBirth writes:
http://3rdsaturdayinblogtober.wordpre...
99gator writes:
savage
rainey is faster than harvin.
jeff demps is faster than all of them. don't know if he will redshirt or if they will play him at all.
BADGES0413 writes:
99, I saw Rainey in the FLA spring game, he can fly. Is Harvin going to be ready for fall practice after his surgery?
thesavageorange writes:
99gator ,I don't know if even UF fans realize how good that team can be over the next couple of yr's.If the defense comes around.....watchout!
I was just messin w/ you about Harvin in the NFL.If he puts on some muscle he could be effective, and I hope he is.Once a SEC player from another school leaves for the NFL, I usually become an instant fan, unless they were a total jerk.
orangebloodgmc writes:
"Rainey is faster than harvin. Jeff demps is faster than all of them."
And just think how much faster they will be after Tebow tells them he's gonna do a little procedure on them.
99gator writes:
savage
i actually agree about harvin's pro potential. i think he is a better running back, if you will, than route runner and pass catcher. but, he is as dangerous with the ball in his hands as anyone florida has ever had.
as far as the season is concerned, i don't think florida's defense will be national championship good in 2008. but, they should not have to be. if they can hold teams under 30, they will be tough to beat.
99gator writes:
badges
harvin is supposed to be fine by the time fall practice starts. his surgery supposedly went well and i have not heard anything indicating there have been any problems with his recovery.
so, he should be fine.
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