Lots of hits, misses for Vols in Memphis

The Tennessee-Memphis game is a chance for both teams to gain recruiting exposure.

For Memphis, the Tigers can present themselves as an alternative to prospects who couldn't garner offers from higher-profile schools.

For Tennessee, it's a chance for Memphis-area prospects to see the Vols in action against their hometown team.

UT coach Lane Kiffin said this week that today's game certainly holds significance in recruiting. However, dominating Memphis doesn't ensure the Vols of winning a championship.

In fact, the Vols' track record of prospects recently in Memphis is marginal at best.

A breakdown of the Memphis prospects signed by UT since 2000:

2000

The Vols signed defensive tackle Mondre Dickerson from Melrose High. Dickerson failed to qualify academically and had to attend Coffeyville (Kan.) Junior College. He would return.

The Vols also signed tight end Courtney Rogers from Fairley High. Rogers never panned out and transferred to Jackson State.

2001

The Vols didn't sign a Memphis prospect in 2001.

2002

Offensive lineman David Ligon from Christian Brothers proved to be a consistent contributor for UT.

Defensive tackle LaRon Harris from Kingsbury High was compared to former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Warren Sapp. Those comparisons were inaccurate. His scholarship wasn't renewed in 2005 and he transferred to Oklahoma State.

Fullback Ruben Mayes from Ridgeway High was dismissed from UT and transferred to Grambling State.

Dickerson returned and contributed for two years but never seemed to reach his potential.

2003

Tight end Brad Cottam from Evangelical Christian School never reached his potential at UT because of a string of injuries. Still, Cottam was a worthy prospect. He was selected in the third round of the NFL draft.

2004

Ellix Wilson from Melrose High was a classic UT linebacker prospect under former coach Phillip Fulmer. Wilson was moved from the secondary to linebacker and had a productive career.

2005

The Vols snared a big duo from East High with defensive tackle Dan Williams and offensive lineman Malcolm Rawls. Williams has grown into a disruptive, All-SEC-caliber lineman.

Rawls transferred to Memphis before making an impact. He'll play against the Vols today.

Tight end Jeff Cottam from Germantown signed with UT. Like his older brother, Brad Cottam, Jeff has had more than his fair share of injuries to deal with. Splitting time with Luke Stocker, Jeff has two receptions for 25 yards this season.

Linebacker Todd Cox from Harding Academy was an exciting prospect but never got into UT because of academic shortcomings. He then changed his mind and enrolled at Ole Miss after prep school.

2006

The Vols didn't sign a Memphis prospect in 2006.

2007

The Vols secured linebacker Chris Walker from Christian Brothers. Walker was quickly moved to defensive end and has grown into one of UT's best defenders.

2008

The Vols signed linebacker Marlon Walls, who was originally from Memphis but moved to Olive Branch (Miss.) High. During a prep school stopover, Walls grew into a defensive tackle. He enrolled at UT in August and has shown flashes of potential.

2009

The Vols signed linebacker Greg King from Melrose High. King quickly worked his way into the two-deep and has 10 tackles, one for a loss, an interception and a pass broken up.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He can be reached at hookerd@knoxnews.com.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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