Photo by Larry McCormack
Offensive lineman James Stone of Maplewood High School tries on a University of Tennessee ballcap. Stone signed with with Tennessee on Wednesday.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Three weeks ago, Tennessee's chances of signing Maplewood lineman James Stone appeared slim.
But once Derek Dooley was hired to replace Lane Kiffin, the Volunteers' stock soared quickly.
Stone picked Tennessee over Alabama, the national champion, on Wednesday as ESPNU televised the proceedings from a crowded lecture hall at Maplewood.
"Tennessee didn't seem like a place where I would feel comfortable (under Kiffin), but now I feel like I will be comfortable with the leadership and I'll be able to really grow as a person," Stone said. "(Dooley's staff) seems more down to earth, more genuine people. I feel better taking coaching from them because they're going to be coaching and guiding me for the next four years."
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Comments » 28
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
Now go ink Glass and Rea, we coulkd use a little more beef up front..HBTV!!!
Willis writes:
http://sitelife.tennessean.com/ver1.0... My wife has KY basketball blood in her.
shaymous writes:
I suggest if you didn't read the whole article, then do so now. He is a very impressive young man. Not only a giant on the football field, but in the classroom and in his influence to anyone around him. I look forward to 4 years of football on the hill from this man. Great job to those that have raised you sir. Welcome to Tennessee Football...can hardly wait to see you in uniform, GO BIG ORANGE!!!
eprahm writes:
A class act! Hope he is able to have a positive impact regarding school work and work ethic on his fellow players. Kudos to his extended family for picking up the ball when his mom passed away. Sometimes life is tough but hopefully we learn from the tradgedies like losing a parent. Welcome aboard James!
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
Sounds like a fine young man who has his priorities straight. I had no idea he had lost his mother to pancreatic cancer. That's got to be the worst type of cancer there is. The boy went through alot with that ordeal, and I think he's become a man, not a punk like so many others are. When Travis Stephens returned after being with his father when he died, my father predicted he would be a changed person, a man among the boys. We all saw how that turned out. God bless this kid and his family and welcome to the Hill! Can't wait to see him on the field this fall.
lail#204076 (staff) writes:
Nice photo!
TxFatBoy writes:
About time we had some kids that care about character! USC will probably continue to thrive despite a staff completely bereft of character, after all...most people only look at the surface of what's being said.
Maverickman writes:
NICE TO HAVE YA MR. STONE, Let us sang !!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFwgzO...
Down_The_Field writes:
welcome to BIG ORANGE COUNTRY young man. glad to have you at home.
i thought stone was a priority. if you look at the top ten players in tennessee 3 or 4 were committed to alabubba and a couple more to 2 other sec schools. we only had 1.
the top ten players in this state can play in the sec and we need them. especially the linemen.
volfreak#210492 writes:
Dude, please stop splattering the boards with your blog. Do you get advertising dollars for every visit or something? You've hit every thread with this same post. Give it a rest, please.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
"more genuine people".
Nailed it, brother Stone.
What a twist in direction from Phil and Chavis thru the LA crew to Dooley and Wilcox.
Get ready for the ride Vol fans, its going to get really interesting.
TNvalleyVOL writes:
Yes, this article is short but powerful. "Genuine people" will attract genuine people. Someone with a 3.9 GPA has probably never made 2am runs to convenience stores unless it was to grab some more caffeine to finish the biology paper on time...Many thanks to Mike Hamilton for making such a great decision with CDD!
volfreak#210492 writes:
And I do have to say, Dooley's Southern accent sounds nice and is part of that charm... :)
V_O_L_S_GO_VOLS_GO writes:
"Once James found out that Coach Dooley was a down-to-earth guy and somebody that wasn't a crazy man like Kiffin, then he said, 'OK, this is a place I can see myself.' "
LOL I like this kid. : )
gaj619 writes:
As the owner of an ad agency and marketing company I have to say I am impressed with the relentless manner in which you push this site. You are either the owner or hired marketer for said site. My assessment is it needs work but your relentless push to get visitors will overcome a lot. Hope you do well.
gaj619 writes:
All the positive remarks about James Stone leave me with little to say but ditto. What a great get!
jovoljo97 writes:
Seems like a classy kid... he's gonna do some good things at UT.
mrvol2u writes:
Well, head west and buy you some garnet and gold and be prepared to sell your soul. The best part of U.S.C. being investigated and Prince Pete leaving was us getting rid of Lamo and his henchman "O". I am a huge Vol fan and want to win all the games we play but I will settle for less rather than stooping to the level of Lamo and "O". Do you really want that type of person representing your University of Tennessee? Not me! Go coach Dooley!
jcp201 writes:
I really like this recruit.
BigBadVol writes:
Welcome young man! The Vol nation embraces you. Study and play hard and great things will come your way.
tnsportsman writes:
Agree, James and his family are ROCK solid here in Middle Tennessee! Welcome aboard James!
GBO!
tnsportsman writes:
Most all of us were on that A-Hole's Train. Our Big Orange loyality is replaced by our Big Orange hate for the FORMER!
The nightmare is over, it's Day One of back to Tennessee Traditons, so get on board the UT Train! The UT train is on the right track and not headed towards an on-coming NCAA Train Wreck!
GBO!
TunnelHillVol writes:
I totally agree,the Lane train has derailed.I also am very happy to have coach Dooley,a real "class act".Now we won't have to worry all the time about being on probation.Pride IS returning to the hill!
Cldvols1 writes:
Thanks for the compliment, I think! LOL
kyvol98 writes:
Great recruit!
Anyone know what he plans to major in?
DooleyNoted writes:
Hey Kiffin,
Thanks for leaving so we can get back to recruiting quality student athletes. See you in the BCS NT game.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
3.9 GPA and 28 on the ACT!! This is the kind of kid who can have a powerful and positive impact on the entire team...future captain. Welcome to Vol Nation, James! Great to have you here!
VOLINTN64 writes:
WoW What a Rock Solid Recruit for The Tennessee Volunteers.Young Man We Appreciate Your Loyalty To Tennessee and Admire Your Character.If all our recruits are as grounded and talented as you we will be in good hands for several years.Coach Dooley will continue to mentor this young man and keep his character headed down the same path his family has worked so hard to instill.Great Choice Young Man and GBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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