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ORLANDO, Fla. — Just minutes after Monte Kiffin and Ed Orgeron were officially named as the newest additions to Tennessee’s coaching staff on Friday, wide receiver Marlon Brown weighed in from Orlando.
“That is huge for Tennessee,” Brown said.
Much like Lane Kiffin did shortly after being announced as Tennessee’s coach on Dec. 1 , Monte Kiffin and Orgeron are headed to Memphis to visit Brown, who is the News Sentinel’s top prospect in the state.
Monte Kiffin, who was announced as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator, alluded to the trip during his introductory press conference like his son did a month ago.
The elder Kiffin said he’ll be alongside Orgeron, who was named UT’s associate head coach, recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach.
Brown is on the itinerary. The 6-foot-5, 205-pounder from Harding Academy confirmed after Friday’s practice leading up to the Under Armour All-American Game that he’s set to host UT’s coaches on Monday.
Brown said he’s not sure what to expect of Orgeron, but knows his reputation. Brown remembers Orgeron, then the head coach at Ole Miss, pulling Memphis offensive lineman Michael Oher and defensive end Greg Hardy to Oxford. Both grew from prep stars to NFL prospects at Ole Miss.
Before Brown faces the recruiting from UT’s coaches, he continues to navigate the recruiting in Orlando. With so many all-star prospects pulling at him, Brown is a wanted man.
“There’s a lot of people,” said Brown, who is considering UT, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State and LSU. “I can’t name them all.”
Should I Stay Or …: Alshon Jeffrey seems to change his mind from one moment to the next, literally.
At first talk, the 6-3, 215-pound receiver from Calhoun County High School in St. Matthew, S.C., seems bound to play for Southern California, the school he’s been committed to since June.
“I’m committed to Southern Cal. I don’t know about official visits,” Jeffrey said.
Well, it’s been widely reported that Jeffrey is taking official visits to UT and South Carolina in January.
“I’m from South Carolina so I just took a visit,” Jeffrey confirmed when asked specifically of his plans in January. “And Tennessee I just took it out there because I heard they had nice facilities, just to see how it is.”
Then, if one waits long enough and asks the exact correct question, the crux of the matter is unveiled.
“It’s the distance,” Jeffrey relented.
UT has a great tie to Jeffrey. Former South Carolina recruiting coordinator David Reaves, who accepted a position at UT last month, has been recruiting Jeffrey for months while in Columbia.
Jeffrey said he’s not been actively recruited by his all-star teammates. However, that statement was made with USC quarterback commitment Matt Barkley sitting close by.
“We don’t talk about it,” Jeffrey said. “We just go out and play.”
But would Jeffrey like to develop some chemistry with Barkley this week?
“We’ve got to get that chemistry together for when we get together at S.C.,” Jeffrey said.
Go figure.
Scouting Report: Brown has certainly been impressed by defensive back Branden Smith, who is from Booker T. Washington in Atlanta.
“He is the fastest player I have ever played against in my life,” Brown said. “He is so fast.”
Smith is considering Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Florida State.
Mostly Committed: Antwan Lowery from Christopher Columbus High in Miami is committed to Rutgers — sort of.
The 6-4, 330-pound defensive tackle will still take an official visit to Florida State this month and possibly a trip to South Florida.
But that’s as far as it will go; Lowery said he’s not considering Tennessee.
However, Lowery said he could see Florida prospects taking a harder look at the Vols with defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin in place.
“Once high school kids see that he’s worked with some of the big names guys, that might turn some heads,” Lowery said.
Case for Conner: Tailback Montrell Conner is a prospect schools could soon place a high priority on. The 6-2, 210-pound tailback from Ouachita High in Monroe, La., admitted that he’s a bit concerned about Mississippi State’s new offense under former Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen.
Conner committed to State in under then coach Sylvester Croom and his conventional running attack. Now, Mullen brings his spread option look to Starkville.
“Him coming from Florida, they have (quarterback) Tim Tebow as a big running back and quarterback and they use scat backs,” Conner said. “But I talked to coach Mullen and we had a long, interesting conversation.
“He was telling me there’s not another Tim Tebow in the world. I don’t have to worry about another quarterback (taking carries). When it’s time for the run, they’ll give the ball to me.”
Still, Conner is evaluating his options and taking a hard look at Southern Miss. SEC schools looking for a top-flight tailback should start calling now.
Giles’ Game: Former UT commitment Jarvis Giles won the Burger King All-American Skills Challenge. The 6-foot, 180-pound tailback from Gaither High in Tampa, Fla., de-committed from UT following its coaching change. Giles committed to South Carolina last month. The skills challenge consisted of a obstacle course designed to test skill-position players.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 40
volnbig11land writes:
Go get em boys!
allvolinatlanta writes:
Sounds good, great to hear we are back on the radar with a number of these top recruits that had crossed us off due to the coaching change.
alwaysorange81 writes:
started out good. Ended a senseless smattering of quotes and factoids with no real point.
annemarie writes:
With Monte & Ed sitting in his living room, how can he say no? UT has the BEST of everything! Go, CLK, CMK & CEO!!! Most importantly - GO VOLS!!!
VolTex writes:
Who will throw the ball to him? He will be a junior before he might have a solid QB to get hi the ball.
Go4Two writes:
We need to bring in a few of these players
TommyJack writes:
Trust me, I get your point. But to me, Stephens attitude was that he gave a chit, while others acted like they didn't. To me he has the most upside with the right coaching. My amigo, PD, disagrees.
yeavols#228407 writes:
I susupect that Orgeron and Monte will have a list of high priority kids to target. One problem could develop though: The kids may see this as a low program right now and rebuilding. They may feel we might not have quality players to lead a championship team (e.g. no QB to throw to them, not enough good blockers, etc.). You know these kids, they have dreams of playing immediately and winning their division and going to the BCS championship. But then again, it may play in our favor if Kiffin squared allows all to get a chance to prove themselves and win a starting position no matter what class status they are. ANYWAY..GO ORGERON and KIFFIN..By the way, is anyone concerend we are just discussing the defensive side of the ball and the Offensive Department has been a little quiet?
yeavols#228407 writes:
I believe there was a concensus on player attitude from this 5-7 team. I am only hoping Kiffin can bring that attitude down and let them know they arn't as good as they think they are. Stephens did act like he cared while one was laughing and others looked like they couldn't be bothered. Crompton may bloom next season and take off. Like I said in the past, you don't know how this team is going to respond to the coaching change and if they will adjust to their new rules of actually practicing hard and staying out of trouble. One thing is for sure: It's a whole new ball game and everyone is on notice.
utchris writes:
Instead of all the gibberish at the bottom, maybe we can identify some more of the potential visits while in Memphis.
Marlon will obviously get a visit, but will not fly back in town until Monday, so that will leave some time to visit other recruits bright and early.
Aubrey Phillips - OL/DL - Olive Branch - comitted to UT, but has recently said he will take other visits.
Greg King - LB - Melrose - good uncommitted prospect at 6-3, 200lbs, and runs a 4.5. Not sure why he is only rated a 3 star by rivals as a lot of big schools are calling.
Barry Brunetti - QB - MUS - 2010 QB prospect who's stock has been sky rocketing of late. Kiffin has already visited once.
Austin Long - OL - Briarcrest - committed to UGA (seems pretty firm) but Kiffin came calling once already and given Orgeron's success at Briarcrest (see Michael Oher and Greg Hardy) it would not surprise me at all. Also, his younger brother is a rising 2011? prospect on the OL.
kiffinfan writes:
the q.backs we have got has never had a coach to see and coach the tallent they have got till now, go kiffin and staff, who knows what we have got under this type of offence.
budd#207344 writes:
I think this will be a very interesting off season. Compton expected to be the starter. I think that attitude is gone. He now knows he must compete. My guess from what I saw last season is that BJ is the most physically talented. But I do think Stephens has the attitude to win.
On another note this Cotton Bowl is intersting. The SEC team is the one scoring the points. Guess it shows what playing against a real defense will do for the magic of the pirate. And how bout those Ole Miss kids. Who recruited them anyway?
Ole Miss 47 ttes 28. Think the money they are paying O is worth it now? Players on offense and defense.
kiffinfan writes:
TEXAS TECH IS GETTING A RUDE WELCOME TO THE S.E.C, AND REMBER THESE ARE CEO PLAYERS, WELCOME COACH O, MY SEASON TICKETS IS READY TO BE PUT TO GOOD USE FOR ONCE IN LONG TIME.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
budd, I agree completely.
The Cotton Bowl is exhibit A of why I didn't want Leach. He is nice for Texas Tech, wrong for Tennessee.
For 99gator and DCgator...I believe this is a preview of what Florida will do to Oklahoma.
Texas Tech just got an up close look at "SEC Speed"...and it is on the lines.
Harrell ran for his life all day.
JBruce writes:
If we could somehow pry Austin Long away from Georgia, that would be absolutely HUGE!
As much as I would love to get Marlon Brown, Austin Long is the best player in this state, at a position that we desperately need help in.
Tennessee needs Austin Long!!
orangevolz writes:
I know CLK has visited Brunetti once, but I will be surprised if it was more than a get acquainted visit with the high school and coach. He is interested in getting his foot in the door in Memphis by establishing relationships with the coaches. If you watch the film on Brunetti, he is definitely not a pocket passer. He is a dual threat QB with a decent arm, but his strength is running the ball. When he does drop back, he shows little patience in the pocket. Since Kiffin turned away Taj Boyd who was one of the top dual threat QBs in the country, it would not make sense to go after Brunetti as a QB. I don't know his 40-time, but at 6-2 and 210 and still growing, CLK may be looking at him as a WR.
MrBamSeydu writes:
This recruiting news is worthless, except for the Marlon Brown comments. I don't want to hear about the recruits who DON'T have us on their list (Lowery, Connor, etc).
Come on Hooker, I know you're better than this garbage.
As for Alshon Jeffrey, he will be making a mistake by going to USC. Tennessee is building the same thing as USC now, and it's much closer to home. South Carolina just got drilled by a weak Big 10 team in their bowl game. So to me, he should have UT #1 and USC #2.
lburgvol writes:
I cannot remember the exact game but I swear I saw Stevens get in Fulmuers face on th4e sideline and he was very limited after that... please no more Crompton !
jobrando#216494 writes:
Glad to see Mr Fulmer has a job with ESPN Half time show. Heck of a job. Tonight he has on a blue shirt and tie. What can be made of this?
JBruce writes:
Ole Miss is definately a program on the rise.
I would much rather see them on top of the west than Alabama or LSU.
jobrando#216494 writes:
and who recruited many of the OLE MISS players?
orangevolz writes:
Disagree. All recruiting news is good. Young kids change their mind day to day. You may care about UT commits only, but most folks that really follow recruiting like to hear it all. Keep it up Hooker!
Go4Two writes:
I agree Phil can be a voice for the program not to many coaches have the NC ring
orangebloodgmc writes:
TommyJack wrote:
"But to me, Stephens attitude was that he gave a chit, while others acted like they didn't. To me he has the most upside with the right coaching."
Man, I believe I agree with you 100% on that. I don't know how the qbs will shake out, but I think I recall seeing Stephens getting passes in the hands of our receivers more often than anybody else did. I'll take a little spirit from a player; if it goes too far they'll let him know.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Au contraire, Texas seer.
I think Stephens is the horse to ride. Had enuf of blank looks. Coleman is ????
We'll see in how many days?
heatcoach3030 writes:
why don't you bite a crank
rabidvol1998 writes:
What color represents "good negotiator" or "good agent"?
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
idiotic comment--------when u get fired from you job I guess you are going to refuse the severance pay and the vacation pay due you, right---you haters are just too much
TommyJack writes:
245 days til W.KY
lomas98 writes:
If I am Marlon Brown, why would a visit from the DC and DL coach persuade me to come to UT? He is a WR. I just can't see where 2 other coaches that will not coach him will help him make a decision to be pro UT.
NoogaVol55 writes:
Orgeron is the recruiting coordinator also. I know one thing, if I was a player (regardless of position) and arguably the best DC and best recruiter in football came to visit me...I would pay attention. I think it is genius actually. To have M. Kiffin and ED O come to me and say "Son, you are so good I don't want to have to setup my defense to stop you, I would rather have you on my team." I think I would listen. Reel them in ED O and Kiff!!!
utchris writes:
Kiffin was told on his visit that Brunetti wants to be recruited as a QB and nothing else. There are plenty of other big teams out there already recruiting him in this respect.
I am going to have to disagree somewhat with your assessment. Most of the tape of him is from his sophomore year to my knowledge. I had the opportunity of watching him play about 5 times this season.
He has a big time arm (saw him fling it about 65 yards on a roll out without his feet set and it was on target). Pocket presence and patience have improved as well as his accuracy. He is definitely a threat with his feet, but I have talked to many coaches ( a couple of whom have coached and or played in college) that seem to think that he could be a good fit in either a spread or a traditional offense.
I think that he might be more of a shot that Boyd because of the big arm.
I do agree that he was building relationships, but I was told that he showed a strong interest in Brunetti. Only time will tell.
luvorange writes:
Good showing for the SEC except for BAMA, which I chuckle as I type. They got rocked. Utah was very impressive. Hope Whittingham doesn't end up in the SEC. That guy can flat coach.
HonoluluVol writes:
Your kidding right? So, tell me your prototypical QB hgt and wgt? The kid is a QB. Why would he be looked at as a WR? He's already in the ESPN TOP 100 for 2010 as a what? QB go figure.
HonoluluVol writes:
so that 3 former NFL coaches can tell him the same thing. That he has NFL potential and that they can develop him and get him were he wants to go.
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
I think it will be Crompton after playing very poorly last season. He did play better his last 2 games showing some of his athletic ability finally. Whatever CLK fields next season should be an improvement in the offense. Looked like the offensive line never grasped the new system. They couldn't open running lanes and our receivers frankly weren't that good as well. Now Ahmad Paige gives me hope for next season that he could be a go to guy.
rstewar6 writes:
MEAT MARKEEEEEEETT!
DadwasaVol writes:
Nice scouting report, Chris! I figured if I read enough of these posts I'd find someone who has actually viewed a prospect, and talked to coaches, first-hand and isn't just repeating what he/she has heard third-hand.
cjraney writes:
So he hears from every single UT coach - "We are not messing around. We will get the best players and we will win championships. We want you to be a part of it and bring glory to your home state."
Sounds good to me.
cjraney writes:
Congratulations to Jarvis Giles. That's the last title he will win if he sticks with USCe.
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