Photo by Bob Andres
"It's Twitter time" said Da'Rick Rogers, right, after signing with Nash Nance. They put on Tennessee hats after their signing ceremony.
Nash Nance and his family were just collateral damage.
After all, Georgia fans couldn't have been mad at the quarterback from Calhoun (Ga.) High School for committing to Tennessee considering the Bulldogs never offered him a scholarship.
But when Nance's teammate, highly rated receiver Da'Rick Rogers, signed with UT in February, well, that threw Nance in the firing line.
"We got crucified a lot on the Internet," Nance said.
Once Nance and Rogers signed with UT, some recruiting fans accused Nance's father, Mike Nance, of steering Rogers to UT.
MikeNance maintained he was simply an unbiased sounding board for Rogers. Georgia fans didn't believe that even though Nash and Rogers had a relationship that predated their college recruitment.
Now, the two will continue that bond at UT.
"I can't wait," Nance said before arriving for the first session of summer school last week. "I've been waiting ever since signing day. It's been wild. I'm just ready to get everything set and get up there."
And get away from those that nearly crossed the line.
"There weren't any police calls (by the Nances or Rogers)," Nance said. "(But) there were a ton of threats."
Social media networking was the easiest way to send a nasty message.
"Da'Rick and I both got a lot of Facebook messages and wall posts that were insane," Nance said. "Nothing was ever serious - I don't think."
Some fans were brazen enough to send emails from their work accounts, which made them easily traceable.
"I knew it was going to be like that," Nance said. "I guess from an outside point of view I can see where people are coming from (but) not as harsh as they were."
Nance stayed off the computer and didn't answer his phone for days before and after signing day, when Rogers finally went public with his much-anticipated decision.
After the hubbub died down, there eventually was support for the two and their decision. Calhoun coach Hal Lamb was one of the first to back his players, even if he was privately disappointed by their decision.
Lamb has strong ties to two SEC coaching staffs. Both were caught up in the debate.
Lamb is very close to Vanderbilt's coaching staff, according to Nance, who was committed to becoming a Commodore before UT came calling.
Lamb's father, Ray Lamb, is the director of high school relations at Georgia, where Rogers committed before his last-second reversal.
"I'm sure they all wanted Da'Rick to go to Georgia," Nance said. "But coach (Hal) Lamb was real accepting of the fact that we signed with Tennessee. I don't know about his dad. He's a little different breed than our coach."
Rogers, still a bit reclusive, couldn't be reached for comment by the News Sentinel so Nance offered some insight into his decision.
"The (UT) coaches are a lot more professional," Nance said, comparing UT's and Georgia's recruitment of Rogers. "He had a lot of bad dealings with Georgia coaches."
Nance said he knew that Rogers was reconsidering his decision and liked UT, but wasn't sure who he would sign with until signing day.
"It wouldn't have surprised me if he would have pulled out a Richmond scholarship, signed it and gone there," Nance said.
That was one of the rare, recent miscommunications for Nance and Rogers.
The two were known for their on-field chemistry at Calhoun as Nance set most of the school's passing records and Rogers set several state receiving records.
"It's crazy really, just some of the stuff we did during the season together," Nance said. "I knew where to put the ball and he knew where the ball was going to be before he turned around."
It would be asking a lot of Nance to contend for playing time this fall as a freshman, but the Vols may need help at quarterback.
Junior college transfer Matt Simms leads mid-term enrollee Tyler Bray after their spring practice competition. Neither cemented themselves as a starter.
As for Nance, he believes he is ready.
"I think physically I am," Nance said. "Mentally and the speed of the game, it's going to be a lot different.
"I believe I'm ready to come up there and play. I've just got to get used to the difference (in levels). It's going to be a big change but I'm ready for the challenge.
"I'm glad we picked the right school."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 63
RJ_Vol writes:
Men, welcome to Big Orange Country!
clausenforheisman writes:
Let me be the FIRST to welcome you fellers to Tenucee!
clausenforheisman writes:
Dang, make that second. Don't get high speed here in Maynardville.
UTByrd writes:
I'm not trying to disrespect anyone, but Tyler Bray is going to be the man to beat. I'm still very happy to have both young men aboard, or should I say three (Tyler, Nash, and Da'rick)?
peyton4prez writes:
Nash Nance may suprise some folks. He doesn't have th big arm like bray but he is very coachable and it has been said that coach chaney likens him to his former diamond in the rough, Drew Breese. QB is the hardest position to evaluate out of high school. Anyone remember Brent Schaeffer starting ahead of Erik Ainge the first game of their careers. Probably best to take a wait and see approach with our young QBs instaed of annointing one of them starter today.
CroKev writes:
I was surprised to hear about the coaching comparisons: I can certainly understand UT's staff being very professional but it was interesting to hear that UGA's wasn't. It sounds like Nance and, particularly, Rogers were both disappointed in the coaches there - especially their HS coach's father in charge of HS relations. I wonder if that was just the case after Rogers started considering bailing on the Dawgs...
RockyTopVolFan writes:
Welcome to Knoxville Da'Rick & Nash!!!!
GO VOLS!
Welcome aboard!!!!!!!
dvhill100 writes:
Southeastern football fans, love them or hate them, they are nuts about the sport. It is a shame they can't put it in perspective. These young men shouldn't have to put up with this nonsense. Unfortunately, they do. At every school (maybe not Vandy).
MidTennVol writes:
Nash and Da'Rick: You guys are brave young men and my hat's off to you. If you were my sons being recruited by UT, FL, GA, AL and others, I would want you to choose the school that you felt was right for you. And I would support your decision 100 percent, no matter which school you chose.
If you went to FL or AL or GA, would I become fans of those programs? Of course not. But I would always be YOUR biggest fan on game day, even if that meant making plays against UT.
Making a choice like this is part of growing up and becoming men -- hopefully, thinking men with independent minds.
You're off to a great start -- welcome to Big Orange Country. Just remember: your success starts in the classroom.
cloudodust writes:
I simply concur with Nance's words. 98% of the mutt fans down here went ballistic on the blogs bashing everything and anything Rogers and Nance, even to the point of posting Mike Nance's email address and company phone numbers to voice their collective opinion. They also whined loudly about Tennessee 'stealing' Da'Rick as underhanded recruiting. Dumb Dawgs didn't stop to think CMR does the same damn thing to other schools committs. Nash, welcome to Tennessee.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
99%??
I don't think so. Only a relatively small percentage of any teams fans blog. Of that percentage, there are still only a few that are total morons. The rest might be mildly upset, but have some class.
and hell, we burn mattresses and act like we lost a baby and wife in childbirth when a godd@m coach leaves.
tell you something about fans??
OrangeBeer writes:
Great get Dooley and staff... hope you both live up to the hype... we will see
Joevolsxtra writes:
Heck far! We can run a ware(that means "wire" for all you Knoxville people) from up here in Tazewell and get che hooked up!
DaddyVol writes:
Anyone whose name begins with Nash...belongs nowhere but Tennessee.
The IGNORANCE of the Georgia fans, just further proves that he made the right choice.
Our stock is going up, while the leg hunchers is going down.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
We need everyone of the frosh to aid this program.
Welcome aboard, lads.
V_O_L_S_GO_VOLS_GO writes:
"The (UT) coaches are a lot more professional," Nance said, comparing UT's and Georgia's recruitment of Rogers. "He had a lot of bad dealings with Georgia coaches."
I love it. What a statement. :) I've met both of them a few times b/c I work close to Calhoun, and I've seen them at Caravan events. Both are pretty classy kids. I think we have some winners here.
GerryOP writes:
The kids are arriving on campus, workouts are starting, it's getting closer...
Here's a little warmup...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ce4Eq...
90 -- Fear The Dooley Dude...
nocleats writes:
Has Rogers qualified yet?
volsgirl writes:
Ignorance of every one out there.
This is your life do what right for you and your.
Wellcome to Knoxville you guy....
Georgia_Dave writes:
Interesting article. I've been hoping for some inside info on the Rogers recruit. I know our leading candidate is the son of an all pro, and the second is a high recruit that we somehow landed, BUT, wouldn't it make a great story if this young man (smart enough for Vandy) beat them both out to become our QB. I like pulling for the underdog and this fits the bill. Actually, neither Matt or Tyler impressed me terribly in the O&W game, perhaps there is hope for Nash. Either way, good luck to both of these young men - welcome to TN!!!
Because I live in GA, I heard some of the talk. I was grateful that we got Rogers and hoped to pick up some more BIG linemen. GBO
murrayvol writes:
A bit of divine intervention might help.
cloudodust writes:
You may not think so but I know so. I can clarify the 98% (not the 99% you typed in) of bashers as fans ' posting ' if that makes more sense to you. BTW, where in this specific story was matteress burning mentioned..? Nash confirms what I said. He and Rogers were crucified down here and I saw the posting in one of the AJC's blogs that had an email address and a phone number for Mike Nash's business. That, my friend, is fact and I stand pat on it...
murrayvol writes:
Recruiting has an ugly underbelly. When a top shelf recruit from an SEC state commits to a rival, kevlar is a must.
Colliervol writes:
Georgia fans have short memories. It all evens out in the wash. I seem to recall one Marlon Brown signing with Georgia after Fast Eddie O botched his recruiting. Funny how one's perspective changes when it's your ox that gets gored. Life's tough Dawg fans, get a helmet.
orangebloodgmc writes:
We got the Nash, now we need to recruit a Crosby, a Stills and a Young.
TommyJack writes:
Yeah, has he?. Someone will know.
xliveitup writes:
"Some fans were brazen enough to send emails from their work accounts, which made them easily traceable."
Leave it to Georgia fans to be so stupid.
GOBIGO72 writes:
Wise words...also whoever is not starting will be the most popular for the next couple of years and whoever beats fl or al first will be the biggest hero since Peyton.
seventysevenvol writes:
There is so much more to this story than is being told, it would take a 3 page spread. Here in Atlanta, there is a much different set of facts and background. Nash is a quality young man, intelligent, with good mechanics but 0 arm strength; he might develop into a fine career-long back up QB by his Jr. year. UGA didn't offer simply because he wasn't material. We "stole" Nash from Vandy? Enough said. Da'Rick is another case...Remember Nu'Keese? Potential version 2. Sit down tight on this one early Coach Dooley. Discipline. No Youtube videos and twitters...listening? TREMENDOUS potential for great things on the field...but. (ok,yes; every kid deserves a fresh start). However, after the past two years of legal turmoil and player super egos(Hint:"I'm not touching the ball enough",etc.) I just want some placid times for my Vols.
givehim6 writes:
In a way it's funny, I conceder it pay back because there is a TN receiver on UGA's roster named Brown that Ed Orgern ran off. The bulldawg trolls taunted Vol fans about last year. So I say let the Dawds cry!
murrayvol writes:
Just make sure it's the 60s/70s version.
murrayvol writes:
Amen....but some of us don't get to the games as often as we once did. Time takes a toll on bones & joints, Doc.
HtownVol writes:
I am just SO EXCITED anout the WRs we have. This roster may not have a Meecham (yet) but it is definately up there with the Meecham, Swain, Smith group. We are so deep at WR. I like Jones and Moore, but Moore has had some painful drops and Jones gets hurt often.
It will be sweet to see these guys (Rogers, Hunter, Meline, Milton grow and be major threats for the next 4 years.
Hunter and Rogers will likely be the studs, but I am really hoping that Milton turns out to be a good one. At 6'6 if he can run and catch he can be such a threat.
Maybe we can get back to the Manning days and put 4 wide and be a threat to go to any WR at any time. If we had that it would open up so many plays for us. From what I see though CDD doesnt seem much of a 4 WR offense kind of coach,
BTW, I keep seeing posts about CDD running a 3 TE set...Correct me if I am wrong but isnt this Jim Chaneys offense? I thought that we were glad to see the kid go and we were tired of him running the offense. Is CDD going to do the same thing?
I think that Chaney would be best to run the offense that he wants to. Which may be what CDD wants. I just hope that the O-Coordinator does his job this year and CDD is not calling the plays.
From what I seen Chaney has a lot of talent when running a offense.
Sorry to get off topic.
Thanks Nash and Da'Rick for coming to UT! Give it all you have and UT fans will support you in everything you do. Good Luck!
GO VOLS!
tnsportsman writes:
Da'Rick and Nash both have qualified and are cleared to enroll and play.
Welcome Young Men to TENNESSEE!
GO VOLS, WE ARE UT!
hueypilot writes:
Thanks. I needed that.
hueypilot writes:
Reference the "Tennessee coaches were more professional" or something to that effect. Isn't Rodney Garner still at GA? Word was that when he was on Fulmer's staff he could get next to high rated recruits but was a virus on the staff and most all were glad when he left. Might have been something to that.
crimsonviper writes:
He qualified a week ago TJ.
Trifecta_Storm writes:
And lets not forget that we have thousands that will badmouth (ie Jon Crompton) if you don't live up to their expectations!!!
TommyJack writes:
Thanks, Vipe.
VolGrad writes:
"It all evens out in the wash."
Now you're mixing your metaphors, figuratively speaking. :)
Go Vols!
crimsonviper writes:
Does anybody know if there is a live stream for the LV's today?
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
We welcome both of you! See how those Dawg fans are??
Tenn_Dawg writes:
The two situations are totally different. Marlon was never committed to UT...never. Rogers on the other hand was a UGA commit for over a year and changed his mind the last day before signing day. You guys ripped Marlon as being a momma's boy, a traitor, etc and booed him unmercifully in Knoxville last year. Now imagine if he was committed to UT over a year and pulled a signing day switch-a-ru to Georgia.
Rogers signed with UT and Georgia folks were upset. Anybody (UGA fans, UT fans, Bama fans, etc.) that take it personal needs to grow up. So I certainly don't approve of what may have been said about the Nash's or D' Rogers but don't act like a big part of your fan base was was civil about the Marlon situation or that the two are the same.
Slystone writes:
At least he has a Star's name that may be called out on Sunday one day. Nash Nance has a Pro feel to it already.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
No. 1: you aren't my 'friend'.
No. 2: cite sources for your stats; you're full of it.
No. 3: In case you have forgotten: WE burned mattresses. You know, UT fans???
No. 4: To ascribe what you say to ANY fan base is just non-sense. Most fans are mature enough to not wish harm to 18-year old kids making decisions about college.
OrangePsyched writes:
Welcome to Big Orange country dudes. Rogers and the other receivers should form some kind of threat. Count me as one of those who think Nance is a potential starter. No doubt Bray has all the talent in the world and I hope he's the man after he puts on some lbs. Nance is a cerebral QB who I bet will be a good game manager. Either way I am so ready to see these guys run through the T and hear Rocky Top.
ACWLY writes:
It may take a few games but this duo WILL BE STARTERS, Rodgers is a first class receiver and we should see him right from the start, it will take Nance a few games but I see a diamond in the ruff with this guy.. Great recruits!
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
I would expect that Nance will end up in a diff. position rather quickly. With his intelligence, possibly LB or safety.
vols2#227315 writes:
If Doodley want's to win any games, then Sims need to be sent packing with all of his interceptions; turn the real game over to Bray and Nance(can't throw as many interceptions as Sims). If Sims doesn't tranfer we will have 3 bad years looking in our face.
Bogus writes:
Um, Simms is a junior. Two years bro. Don't worry, Bray will probably get a few starts. With this inexperienced line, chances are the QB's will get roughed up and all three will play. Not knocking the o-line, I think they're talented, but just young. I'd say next year the line will have gelled enough for one guy to make it an entire season.
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