Linebacker Robert Nelson from Stone Mountain (Ga.) High School had been ready to commit to Tennessee for more than a week. Yet the Vols were forced to keep him waiting as they in turn waited on other linebacker prospects.
When linebacker Tana Patrick from North Jackson High in Stevenson, Ala., told UT Wednesday that he intended to sign with Alabama, the door was open for Nelson.
"I got a phone call from (UT defensive coordinator) Monte Kiffin. He asked, 'How would you feel if you were a Volunteer?' " Nelson said. "I told him 'I'd feel very good and be very happy and be excited to do so.' "
"He said, 'Congratulations. You've got the scholarship.' It came down to them, Auburn and South Carolina. I got the best feel for Tennessee."
Nelson said he was ready to commit last week if offered a scholarship during his official visit on Jan. 30. That trip came and went with no scholarship offer.
"It's been pretty hectic," Nelson said. "It got me thinking that I wanted it to hurry up and be over. I wanted to find a home for myself."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 23
MikeTheTiger writes:
I like a guy that will wait it out. Good luck to you Robert!
I hope you do great.
MrBamSeydu writes:
I like this kid. He seems like a high character kid who just wants a chance.
Regulator writes:
Prove the doubters wrong, Robert.
smashmouth98 writes:
We definitely need help at LB!! Could get some early PT.
VolGraduate writes:
I like this dudes demeanor and commitment
cjraney writes:
This kid gets to the ball very quickly on his video. Welcome Robert.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
you do get a good feeling about, like he'll want to prove he belongs on the field.
we all know the ratings don't mean squat now, and now it's about grades, work ethic, character, and HITTING.
Goodvol writes:
If you watch his video he hits the hole hard and then hits his man really hard! I like his aggressiveness. I think Monte will make him a great player before he leaves.
jphilli5#240013 writes:
I love you man!... and so does all of Tennesse. Thanks for wanting us.
FWBVol writes:
I'll take a three star with this kid's stats, and most of all his "WANT TO" to play for Tennessee over a 4 or 4 star waffle case any day of the week.
When you look at certain numbers such as size and 40 times, some of the 3-star kids are just as impressive in those areas as the 4 and 5 star guys.
Stars are subjective, but nobody can deny 150 tackles or a 4.5 or 4.6 40 time.
I saw Trent Richardson in a local All-Star game here in Northwest Florida and, at least for that game, he wasn't even the best back on the field. So it's all a matter of opinion in the number of stars beside a kid's name and the quality of a recruting class.
Let's see how this class stacks up to the guys Saban, Miles and Meyer signed in three or four years after all the kids have been coached up a little bit.
bluetick writes:
Everybody seems to have mutual feelings about this guy. Crowd favorite 'underdog'? Hope he gets out there and works hard and gets playing time. We need more people like him. Hats off to you dude! Welcome to BIG ORANGE COUNTRY!
RockyTop writes:
If you don't like this kid then something's wrong. I can't speak for everybody else as far as being a crowd favorite, but he's definately going to be one of mine. Welcome to Rocky Top!
gnm53108 writes:
Agree.
Welcome aboard Robert.You just joined a very large and mostly happy family.
Except in October when we see red.Then we arent happy at all.
Thats when you need to get mean,REALLY MEAN.
memphistnvol writes:
Thanks for becoming a Vol, Robert. I hope you have a wonderful college experience, and realize all your dreams on the football field.
mtnsvol44 writes:
Thanks for waiting and you have great character vs the liars who committed to Vols and then ran to other schools!
huntined#565710 writes:
Welcome to big ORANGE Robert...
We are glad you are going to be here..
usnavyvol writes:
It's great to have a young kid that WANTS to be here and willing to do what ever it takes to excel than a kid who's not sure where he's going and how to get there. His attitude alone is inspiring. Don't care if he pulls a Rudy or not I will be a loyal fan and support this kid and program no matter what. GO VOLS....
illinoisvolfan writes:
Home Sweet Home, Robert. Welcome to Big Orange Country!
givehim6 writes:
Welcome to BIG ORANGE COUNTRY mr. Nelson. Now learn the plays beef up, because with your fire you might be UT's next Al Wilson!
invisiblekid writes:
All due respect to the rest of the class, but Nelson is already one of my favorite players from the group. I think he was underrated by the recruiting services and expect him to be a great player. Also got to appreciate the fact that he truly wanted to be a Vol as he could have gone elsewhere instead of sitting back and waiting. Hopefully, I can pat myself on the back for these comments in a couple of years.
jasvol writes:
Nelson, please be a force on the field! I like to root for true ORANGE BLOODED players. I'll take you over less hearted 4 or 5 star players anyday. That's why I like Reviez.
bobbytodd writes:
Pick a number so I can get a jersey. I wanted this kid on the team more than most.
yeavols#228407 writes:
ESPN has us rated a B+ in recruiting..I can live with that..while others can't. GO VOLS!!!! Now comes the coaching part and re-assembling a new team.
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