Charles to decide Friday

Top tight end prospect Orson Charles of Tampa, Fla., is expected to announce his college decision Friday. Atlanta Journal-Constitution recruiting reporter Michael Carvell has this question-and-answer session with Charles:

"Q&A with Charles"

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Comments » 71

dobber writes:

Charles will be a vol. Why do you think Kiffens moving Two TE's to different positions. Kiffen is promising playing time.

bigorange101582 writes:

in response to dobber:

Charles will be a vol. Why do you think Kiffens moving Two TE's to different positions. Kiffen is promising playing time.

After reading this link, there is no way we get Chalres. Number one he has a chance to play at same college as Aaron Murray, quarterback he played with in High Scool, who he probably already has chemistry with. (Not to mention the uncertainty of our quarterback situation.) Number two it sounds like Charles is a devout Christian and we know Mark Richt is....and it sounds like that means a lot to Charles. I don't think we have a chance. Hope I am wrong!

RUSTYVOLS77 writes:

I think Charles might go UT. If you read the article, he really had some great things to say about the direction of the program. Lus, some of the moves that CLK has made seem to indecate that he knows that something, or someone, is coming.

cgbtn writes:

I have no idea what are CLK's motives for moving people away from the TE position. It may simply indicate the TE will not play a significant role in his offense. It seems as it previous Vol offenses have gone decades without throwing to the TE. CLK is recruiting big running backs. Maybe he just does not utilize TEs. Until we see his offensive system, we can't know.

dobber writes:

in response to bigorange101582:

After reading this link, there is no way we get Chalres. Number one he has a chance to play at same college as Aaron Murray, quarterback he played with in High Scool, who he probably already has chemistry with. (Not to mention the uncertainty of our quarterback situation.) Number two it sounds like Charles is a devout Christian and we know Mark Richt is....and it sounds like that means a lot to Charles. I don't think we have a chance. Hope I am wrong!

You might be right! But with all the excitment going on with this coaching staff I just fell like we can get anybody. You can see the reasons on why he would go to any one of the three schools. Maybe its the fact that two months ago he wasn't even considering us, and now were in his final three

Voluvr writes:

Orsen has more choices than his buddies did at Georgia. They have kind of peaked out there. Now theyve lost their
qb and top rb. They are starting over.

The article had a GA lean but who was writing it? GA has maxxed out. Tennessee is now where all the big names are coming. I think he will too.

RUSTYVOLS77 writes:

I always wondered why Charles wasn't looking at any of the big three in FL. Here's a link that provides some reasons.
http://totaluga.com/news/articles/200...

SignalMtnVol writes:

To quote Johnny Majors, "Come home to Tennessee!". I would love to see Charles here, and I think Kiffin moving the TE's to the OL, and Warren to WR, is basically saying "You're our man, Orson! Come take advantage of it!"

TNfaninMS writes:

On a side note... Holy phooey! Have you all seen this kid? He is massive and we and MS state are the only ones to offer him so far. Take a look
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&...

bigorange101582 writes:

in response to dobber:

You might be right! But with all the excitment going on with this coaching staff I just fell like we can get anybody. You can see the reasons on why he would go to any one of the three schools. Maybe its the fact that two months ago he wasn't even considering us, and now were in his final three

He did have some good things to say about TN and our coaching staff. And maybe he doesn't want the same QB passing to him another 2-3 years. You have given me a little hope. We will find out soon.

MidTennVol writes:

Totally agree with other posters, this young man will play between the hedges for Mark Richt.

DisorientedVol writes:

I, too, unfortunately think Georgia. I doubt the TE moves have anything to do with Charles. We need offensive linemen and wide receivers, so hence the moves. Plus, Douglas was a tackle waiting to happen from what I understand (weight and father influence). And, I am no expert, but from what I have read, it does not sound like TE's are a huge part of Kiffin's offense. He will use more of a FB/TE interchangeable player. Again, this is what I understand from other's comments(and am likely wrong) but if anyone knows more, feel free to correct me.

ALock4UT writes:

Charles only sounds geniunely interested in Georgia. His talk about UT and USC is just flatter talk to me. I'm not going to get my hopes up.

andy112382#209793 writes:

Obviously, it wouldn't be a shock if he went to UGA, but only because they are in his final 3, as are we, so neither choice should be a shock.

I don't think his QB teammate being at UGA will make or break the deal, that QB went down early to injury this past season and Charles carried the team basically on offense, from what I have read.

There are a couple of good signs, I think. If it was so certain about UGA, why would he take a trip to UT and USC afterwards? He said he didn't intend to drag it out this long, but between the playoffs and test taking that he had to do before signing somewhere as required, he had no choice. So, if he could have said 'UGA, done.' He could have.

It'll be interesting to see, but we are in the final three for a five star player with a coaching staff that was finished with under a month left before signing day, that should get anyone who likes Tennessee the slightest bit very happy about the future of the Vols!

RollTideJoe writes:

in response to dobber:

You might be right! But with all the excitment going on with this coaching staff I just fell like we can get anybody. You can see the reasons on why he would go to any one of the three schools. Maybe its the fact that two months ago he wasn't even considering us, and now were in his final three

You keep hearing about all the excitment with the coaching staff. First, they haven't proven anything on the field. Second, numerous good coaches in the league haven't gone anywhere, so expecting this staff to sweep all the prospects off their feet won't happen. You will get your share, but get real...there are still good programs and recruiters around for these kids to have loads of opportunities and with programs more established until Kiffin proves something.

DennisVols writes:

1) GA recruited and got 2 of the top QB's in the country so nothing is promised to Murry as far as him getting to play. CLK tried at the last minute to persuade Murry to de-commit and come to UT.
2) The TE position is wide open now and Charles would be a good fit. He spoke highly of his feelings about our new staff and what he feels is going to happen here.

Right now it is anybodys guess. This kid is going to go with what he feels God is leading him to do and I for one admire him for following that conviction.
I hope he is wearing the UT Orange this fall.

GahLee writes:

in response to dobber:

Charles will be a vol. Why do you think Kiffens moving Two TE's to different positions. Kiffen is promising playing time.

He moved those TE to try and put some sort of depth on the d-line, all signs point to him being a Dawg, he did after all go to high school with Georgia commit and future QB Aaron Murray.

RoyaltyVol#280778 writes:

I think he will be a dawg. Hope I'm wrong!

dvhill100 writes:

in response to RollTideJoe:

You keep hearing about all the excitment with the coaching staff. First, they haven't proven anything on the field. Second, numerous good coaches in the league haven't gone anywhere, so expecting this staff to sweep all the prospects off their feet won't happen. You will get your share, but get real...there are still good programs and recruiters around for these kids to have loads of opportunities and with programs more established until Kiffin proves something.

You have valid points. The proof will be on the field. I do think this coaching staff is not only superior in recruiting, but also in coaching. LK has cherry picked the best he could get. I for one think they are very good.

Recruiting has to figure large because TN is a smaller state and doesn't have the home-grown talent FL, TX or other states have. The staff put together a remarkable class in the short time they had. Whether any of the final three will commit to here, who knows?

The SEC is the best conference in college football because as you pointed out, we have a murderer's row of coaches. National titles abound, and the quality of play is second to none. We proved that in the bowl games, with only AL getting smacked. No insult, it happens to everyone now and then.

golfballs03 writes:

in response to Voluvr:

Orsen has more choices than his buddies did at Georgia. They have kind of peaked out there. Now theyve lost their
qb and top rb. They are starting over.

The article had a GA lean but who was writing it? GA has maxxed out. Tennessee is now where all the big names are coming. I think he will too.

I think most people have expected him to sign with Georgia, however there was a report from sources in Tampa, that he was leaning towards Tennessee, and I think a lot of it had to do with his dialogue with Tony Dungy (i dont know why?). He's going to stay in the south, but he is going to consider playing time. At Tennessee it is pretty much assured - not so at UGA. The TE position was non existent last year, and even though Richt promises to resurrect it, they have AJ Green and Marlon Brown, Michael Moore. Is Richt really going to diminish their role? Then at TE they already have Aron White who is really good and Athur Lynch - a star recruit. I think when he said a clear front runner was emerging that actually doesn't bode too well for Georgia. If they have been recruiting him for this long, and they weren't already the front runner then it could be that Tennessee is it. Who knows...

utmdm writes:
Docrok writes:

in response to Orange_Man:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

I will say 10

RoyaltyVol#280778 writes:

in response to VolunteerFear:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

No problem! I'll just be glad when its over, I'm sick of all the guessing!

Docrok writes:

in response to RollTideJoe:

You keep hearing about all the excitment with the coaching staff. First, they haven't proven anything on the field. Second, numerous good coaches in the league haven't gone anywhere, so expecting this staff to sweep all the prospects off their feet won't happen. You will get your share, but get real...there are still good programs and recruiters around for these kids to have loads of opportunities and with programs more established until Kiffin proves something.

Well that is true, but as is the case with any recruit and any school there are many factors that determine in a kids decision! The only thing you did was prove that Nick Saban nor Urban Meyer can monopolize the recruits!

Docrok writes:

in response to VolunteerFear:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Good Point Fear!!

kevin151 writes:

I really do see UT on this one!

johnsoncityvol writes:

I would really like to see this staff win a recruiting battle with Georgia. So far, we have lost our #1 recruit (Marlon Brown) and a defensive lineman (K. Geathers) who would've helped with our lack of depth at the position. Even if Charles doesn't pan out, I think Kiff and Co. need to win this battle to prove that we are going to go head-to-head with the heavy weights in the SEC. Not trying to take anything away that has already been proved: Richardson/Teague (Florida), Jackson (LSU), and Myles Jr.; just saying Georgia needs to be beat on the recruiting trail as well. Go Vols.

VOLorado writes:

a lot of people feel like the ajc article is a little biased.
i feel like they write as many positive articles (if not more) about the Vols as kns does... and they're usually a few days ahead of kns too.

Docrok writes:

in response to marc_ash#231781:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Or it could be that Kiffin has spoken with him and the guy is downplaying it because he knows his audience! I think that if it was UGA he would have done so by now! I am not saying TN is the leader, but I dont think UGA is either!

Docrok writes:

in response to johnsoncityvol:

I would really like to see this staff win a recruiting battle with Georgia. So far, we have lost our #1 recruit (Marlon Brown) and a defensive lineman (K. Geathers) who would've helped with our lack of depth at the position. Even if Charles doesn't pan out, I think Kiff and Co. need to win this battle to prove that we are going to go head-to-head with the heavy weights in the SEC. Not trying to take anything away that has already been proved: Richardson/Teague (Florida), Jackson (LSU), and Myles Jr.; just saying Georgia needs to be beat on the recruiting trail as well. Go Vols.

Good Point! I would like to see TN win this one, just because the staff has had the time to recruit him and UGA did take Marlon Brown!

musicjl#606296 writes:

in response to RollTideJoe:

You keep hearing about all the excitment with the coaching staff. First, they haven't proven anything on the field. Second, numerous good coaches in the league haven't gone anywhere, so expecting this staff to sweep all the prospects off their feet won't happen. You will get your share, but get real...there are still good programs and recruiters around for these kids to have loads of opportunities and with programs more established until Kiffin proves something.

You know Roll Tide.... You are correct. But, as you can remember, not too long ago in your own school history, it's good to have something/someone to be excited about again. Things in the TN program had gotten very lax and status quo. But, I certainly remember record crowds showing up for Alabama's spring game after Saban was first hired. Even though he hadn't coached a game for AL, and was coming off a losing record in the NFL (just like Kiffin) fans were ready for a change, and to see AL football get back to the prestige and excitement of past years. And, although Kiffin doesn't have the resume that Saban had, he does have a lot of great experience and pedigree, and we're seeing him do some great things already to change the lazy, melancholy attitude of our team and the program. You're right, we won't know anything until they get out on the field. Or probably even in the first year for that matter (even AL went 7-6 Saban's first year), but at least we now have a reason to be excited. If nothing else, our new coach is full of energy and passion for the game. Something we've lacked in our program for quite a while.

Ironcity writes:

in response to ButchIsBack:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

You're a loser

dvhill100 writes:

I have no problem with MR's faith. I would only remind him of a Civil War General's response to praying for victory: "God is on the side of the big battalions."

ROCKYTOP10ECVOL writes:

Regardless of where he goes I hope this kid is sucessful. After hearing about all the ugliness that goes on in sports today it is nice to hear about a kid who seems to have a good head on his shoulders and his feet flat on the ground. However since God is a Vols fan, we should be in good shape!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Basketball_Jones writes:

I don't think anyone should make fun of a person's beliefs or what they pray for or about.

This Charles kid seems very genuine with his decision, hell he ruled out Florida so he can't be all that bad. I hope he comes to Tennessee but where ever he goes I wish him well. The same pundits on here saying he is gong to Ga are the same ones who said to "Book it" about Gaethers coming to UT as Marlon Brown. The truth is only Charles knows.

As far as Kiffin moving guys around like Douglas and Warren, did anyone ever think he was moving them to maximize their abilities and put the best players on the field regardless of how long they been on campus.

I trust this staffs ability to judge talent more than I do the previous ones. I really think this is a 9 win team with victories over Georgia and Bama (not Florida lets just be honest)

Docrok writes:

in response to marc_ash#231781:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

I dont know, I read the loserwithsocks article from the other posters link and I tend to agree with him! I doubt seriously that God really cares where Charles plays football! I think the guiding Charles will be given will be his own conscious, which will be swayed by all he experiences at each University and what his Family and friends relate to him. And he will take this as God speaking to him!

dc_4_ut writes:

If he goes to Georgia it won't be because of Murray. My bet is Murray doesn't see the field until his RS JR year if ever. I think Mettenberger, the other QB prospect, is the better QB.

Docrok writes:

in response to Basketball_Jones:

I don't think anyone should make fun of a person's beliefs or what they pray for or about.

This Charles kid seems very genuine with his decision, hell he ruled out Florida so he can't be all that bad. I hope he comes to Tennessee but where ever he goes I wish him well. The same pundits on here saying he is gong to Ga are the same ones who said to "Book it" about Gaethers coming to UT as Marlon Brown. The truth is only Charles knows.

As far as Kiffin moving guys around like Douglas and Warren, did anyone ever think he was moving them to maximize their abilities and put the best players on the field regardless of how long they been on campus.

I trust this staffs ability to judge talent more than I do the previous ones. I really think this is a 9 win team with victories over Georgia and Bama (not Florida lets just be honest)

I like you views and agree with the victories over AL and GA. But I disagree about expecting a FL loss! Will I be upset if TN loses? No as long as the team competes and the doesnt quit! But I also dont expect to lose! I think if the team picks up the concepts and executes the offense and defense, I think TN can play with any team!

beachvol1 writes:

Unfortunately, he will follow his high school buddy to Georgia....be surprised otherwise...

NUCLEARVOL writes:

in response to utmdm:

Fun at Saben's expense?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/13...

Ok...I am very confused! Is this even an accurate article?

DisorientedVol writes:

This has nothing to do with the above article, but this quote from Monte is awesome "I don't hunt, I don't fish, I don't play golf. I don't do this or do that. I would coach forever." That dedication is why we are excited in Knoxville. Go Vols!

http://tennessee.rivals.com/content.a...

RoyaltyVol#280778 writes:

in response to dvhill100:

I have no problem with MR's faith. I would only remind him of a Civil War General's response to praying for victory: "God is on the side of the big battalions."

Tell that to Gideon!

dvhill100 writes:

in response to NUCLEARVOL:

Ok...I am very confused! Is this even an accurate article?

Tongue-in-cheek.

bobbyutvol writes:

I dont like that Kiffin has not talked to this kid in a while.... Why has Kiffin not stayed in touch with a 5 star recruit Really dumb

tripper writes:

No one knows. There are valid reasons for each team. UT (playing time), UGA (very comfortable, distance) and USC (championship program year end and year out). I just hope to hell he doesn't go to UGA. I would rather lose him to USC. I hate Georgia with a passion !!!

dvhill100 writes:

in response to rammerjammer987:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

On a football question, who looks like the successor to JPW for ya'll?

tripper writes:

in response to dvhill100:

On a football question, who looks like the successor to JPW for ya'll?

Second of all, I hate Alabama !!! This is a UT thread about a UT recruit. I don't care about Freaking bangs or Bangs in waiting. Why don't you PM him and discuss their quarterback situation outside of this forum. And it's y'all not YA'LL.

dvhill100 writes:

in response to tripper:

Second of all, I hate Alabama !!! This is a UT thread about a UT recruit. I don't care about Freaking bangs or Bangs in waiting. Why don't you PM him and discuss their quarterback situation outside of this forum. And it's y'all not YA'LL.

Second of all? Where was first? I seemed to have missed that.

Thanks for catching the typo, missed the mark on the apostrophe.

I don't care about your feelings toward Alabama.

I have seen plenty of discussions about non related stuff on this site, with nothing to do with any kind of football. If you don't like the conversation, skip it.

tripper writes:

in response to VolunteerFear:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Your right, I need a Xanax. I just feel this board has been highjacked by a few interlopers and the UT posters just keep perpetuating their existence through grade school rants. But your right, I'll take my Xanax and wash it down with a couple of Red Bulls; hopefully, that will do the trick!

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