In the midst of completing its 2009 signing class, Tennessee laid a strong foundation for 2010 when Jacques Smith committed to be a Vol.
The 6-foot-3, 238-pound defensive end from Ooltewah High School made his decision on Tuesday. A Mr. Football lineman of the year winner, Smith is likely the top prospect in Tennessee for 2010 and expected to be one of the elite prospects in the nation. Smith registered 76 tackles last season, 28 for a loss, 13 sacks and 23 quarterback hurries as a junior.
"Physically, he's pretty intimidating," Ooltewah coach Benny Monroe. "He really has a lot of physical attributes - quick and aggressive. He has all the tools you look for in a college player. the best is yet to come for him."
Smith played tight end, linebacker and defensive end for Ooltewah. Monroe said Smith specializes in rushing the passer.
"The thing that's most impressive is that his motor never stops," Monroe said. "He plays as hard as he can all the time."
Monroe said Smith was strongly considering Georgia before he committed to UT. Smith fielded several offers from across the nation.
"I"m getting mail from everywhere on him," Monroe said.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee 60, Connecticut 57 men's…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 54
troubleinc writes:
Awesome
volnsc51 writes:
And they're off and running!
cainclifton23 writes:
WHEW!
The 2010 class is the big one.
and looks like were getting a good start :]
Orange_Julius writes:
He is fence post #1 for keeping state talent next year. Drive it deep and keep him happy all year. Hold his hand and whisper in his ear....he needs to pick UT for prom in 2010.
utvolz#637682 writes:
Welcome to the Big Orange Nation!
RockyTop writes:
Committed early. Stay strong with your committment and welcome aboard.
volinlouisiana writes:
yes.
1stPoliceJustSayNoToPosting1st writes:
Great start!!!
WELCOME BRO!
Colliervol writes:
Exactly. Of course, some dimwits would try to tell you that we win or lose with today's class. Obviously folks who have no clue what a building process is or how long it takes to do it.
volinlouisiana writes:
Hopefully he'll be one of those early 5* recruits for us who helps us recruit other top talent.
jakethevolguy writes:
Good news for 2010. And I second Rocky Top's comment. Welcome to the BIG ORANGE!!
SignalMtnVol writes:
Benny Monroe knows talent well. He has turned Ooltewah's football team a complete 180 since he's been there. He also won three state titles with the Cleveland Blue Raiders. I'll trust his judgment on this kid.
rollreadyvol writes:
Lets Just hope that his word is his bond
huntined#565710 writes:
Now we need BROWN this year
supersteve17 writes:
The coach is veteran Benny Monroe, not Moore. He has had a lot of D-1 signees through the years and says Smith is one of the best ever.
volsfan1076 writes:
Awesome news!
Adamkg12 writes:
ORANGE SWARM!!!!
cmoore7 writes:
*****************[Tennessee]**************
"The Fence"
12packvolfan writes:
THAT IS GREAT NEWS
VOLlivin_inbama writes:
Volquest just reported Robert Nelson has Signed!!!!
MrBamSeydu writes:
Wow, he's going to be a stud.
wildberry14 writes:
awesome surprise. i have seen this kid play. its like watching a comedy when you see people try to block him or break a tackle. huge news. kiffin is beast
VolInSabanLand writes:
As a fan whose dad played for the Ooltewah Owls, this is big news!!! Lets hope this young man continues to develope, grows, stays out of trouble, qualifies and signs when the time comes.
Welcome aboard - very nice start to what could be a great year.
givehim6 writes:
Yea, not only is CLK working on the 09' class but is building bridges for years to come. Plus, theses 09' recurits see this also, and might sway there thinking.
xvillefan writes:
6' 3"- 238 as a junior? He will be a defensive end in college.
smokey90 writes:
I don't think players from Chattanooga have burned us before.
Go to summer school. Graduate early. Play sooner. Take the GED play next year. LOL
Volunatic writes:
Glad to have you commit to be a Vol, Jacques! You will be a key to the Vols' future success.
GO VOLS!
UrbanStopCallingMe writes:
Rivals reports that Nu'Keese Richardson signs letter of Intent with UT.
http://tennessee.rivals.com/viewprosp...
rockytop4ever writes:
Build that fence kiff!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Foolmore would have slow played this gosh darn young man....
feathersax writes:
Well said Orangeluvr! Is that dude related to one of our ex-coaches or Jimmy Hyams' ferret?
UrbanStopCallingMe writes:
From Espn:
2:00 p.m: After conflicting reports about where he will end up, wideout Nu'Keese Richardson is heading to Tennessee -- as per ESPN's Chris Low. Kiffin and his all-star recruiting staff certainly are making some noise on signing day. Richardson is a smaller wideout, but he may be one of the quickest and most elusive players after the catch in this class. Richardson should create mismatches in space if used early in Knoxville, as well as provide a spark on specials teams.
lomas98 writes:
As we have seen this recruiting season, this commitment means absolutely nothing. This is why they need an early signing period for football. He could change his mind a million times between now and then.
Down_The_Field writes:
at 6'-3" 238, there's no telling where he'll play and when he does, it's years out. guess position will depend upon his speed. i like the comment about "his motor never stopping." this is the guy who never gives up on a defensive pursuit. ohhhh, i like that.
polymer writes:
Orange_Julius writes: He is fence post #1 for keeping state talent next year. Drive it deep and keep him happy all year. Hold his hand and whisper in his ear....he needs to pick UT for prom in 2010.
No guarantee a 17 year-old won't change his mind on a whim, but as for whether UT now has coaches on their staff who know how to stay in touch with a "verbal" over the long haul -- read Bruce Feldman's book on Coach O ("Meat Market")
BobbyGraham writes:
i heard that he was committed, but come signing day, there was going to be a change.
Ooltewah_Vol writes:
I have been watching this kid since he was in the 6th grade. He is the real deal and has a nose for the football. Way to go Kiffin and crew!!! Go Vols!
ROCKYTOPTENN writes:
I'm starting a poll, I think butchisback is the dumbest person on this site. anyone disagree???
Raynoch writes:
Who cares. As we have learned, commiting early means nothing.
gcscvol writes:
He has my vote. Did you ever wonder what makes a "man"?
enjoy being such a @#$%^&*()?
Butch is back...just go away...
yeavols#228407 writes:
The WIZARD of VOLZ, Lane Kiffin, strikes early for next year's recruits...GO KIFF GO..
highVOLtage writes:
Stay on him Lane & company. UGA & Saint Richt are not allowed to sign any more top players in the great state of Tennessee after the Former staff's sleeping at the wheel in 2008.
vols4ever93 writes:
Now you have done it. I don't post often but what I say I mean every itme you post from now on it beeter be something nice. Have your parents never told you if you don't have something nice to say don't say it? I promise if you don't get positive I'll find your post and cyber pimp slap you. I may be late doing it but rest assured that I'll do it and slap hard. Every time you post something negitive,I'll be there!
Maverick1921 writes:
Unfortunately I'm pretty sure my home high school team has to play this guy next year. But from everything I hear, this guy is awesome. Latest I have heard on him is he is an honor roll student who will likely graduate in December and enroll early at his college choice.
gnm53108 writes:
Good luck.
You are going to be very busy.
gnm53108 writes:
Dont know.
areyoufiffinme.
hiresanders.
welovetennessee.
There's others....
ps:be carefull with polls,you might unleash tnbig's wrath.
illinoisvolfan writes:
No question about it...
If butchisback, it does lead to two questions...Where the h*** did he come from? And can we send him back there?
illinoisvolfan writes:
Sounds like another Marsalis Teague-caliber young man. Fantastic!
Welcome aboard The Big Orange Express...coming soon to a chamionship game near you.
illinoisvolfan writes:
Or course, I meant "championship." Spelling was never my strong point...
Whatever, I'd rather be a Vols fan and misspell an occasional word than be an Alabama or Florida fan with perfect spelling.
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
Hopefully he keeps his commitment. He sounds really excited about the Vols now, but so are lots of early commits that blow UT off after getting lied and sucked up to by the other elite programs.
At 6'3" 238, he's actually big enough to play DE now. He'll probably be around 250+ when he gets to Knoxville.
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