Matt Darr from Frontier High School in Bakersfield, Calif., took an official visit to UT this week and is scheduled to depart Knoxville on Wednesday.
Darr, who is a Fresno State signee, was the nation’s No. 1 punter in the Class of 2010. John Baxter was the special teams and tight ends coach at Fresno State, but his contract was not renewed.
It’s not clear if Darr is still planning to attend Fresno State and the implications behind an official visit by a signee.
“We have never signed a special teams player with the raw natural ability that Matt has,” Fresno State coach Pat Hill said on signing day. “He’s a powerful player and has the ability to change a game by quickly by changing field position with one swing of his leg.”
The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder initially committed to Southern California but reopened his recruitment after coach Pete Carroll left for the NFL two days before signing day.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Comments » 42
RoadTrip writes:
So what does this mean, Hook? Just an observation? A big scoop?
Mobbdeep4life writes:
I must say that is different for a signee to take an official vist to another school.
Would help the punting game. Field position can be an equalizer.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Matt Darr would be a big deal. At least he's looking.
FEARinSEC writes:
Yep... Dooley's gettin' it done... Just a matter of time......
BillsBrother writes:
It will be sad if our best player is the punter...
bigorange61 writes:
Palardy's high school punting average was better than Darr's. But Darr's team punted the ball alot more. Darr also played offense and defense. Heck of an athlete it sounds like.
I can't find any rating service that says Darr was the nations number 1 punter. Someone kindly show me if they know.
paden312 writes:
He's the number 1 punter and a 4 star on Scout.com in the 2010 recruiting class
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
No recruiting news "really matters" in June.
Another update that comes as no surprise:"Shen 24 is a troll".
bigorange61 writes:
Thanks. Rival's just calls them kickers, where Scout seperates punter and kicker. Palardy averaged 5 yards more per punt last year on 15 punts. Darr punted 33 times. Both these guys are great kickers.
largeandincharge writes:
go to youtube and watch palardy. he had punts with hangtime of 5.5 to 6 seconds.
NoSirRee writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
nola_vol writes:
Long way to travel just to taste the BBQ.
Maybe the ghost of George Cafego still haunts the recruiting trails...
RockyTopVolFan writes:
Matt, WELCOME to Rocky Top!
Matt would be welcome anywhere with his punting skills, but he would be extremely welcome here. GEN Neyland believed in the kicking game and made it a priority. I have read that Coach Dooley emphasizes the kicking game too. Matt would be following many fine kickers we have had in the past and desperately need in the present.
Come Aboard Matt!
GO BIG ORANGE!
txvolsfan writes:
Don't want your kicker to punt and possible get hurt
sol_way writes:
one thing is for sure, U T has put alot of punters in the N F L,good punters sure come in handy, hope we can sign Darr
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
Geraldo Orta, a 5'-11" 175lb DB from Valdosta, Ga is now looking at UT along with other schools. This kid gave a verbal to Clemson, but has since told the staff that he wants to look around and make sure of his decision. As of now he says he is a "soft verbal" to Clemson.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
2003; UT at Miami; game is an offensive stalemate; UT gets a break and goes up 10 to 6..Less than 2 minutes in game and Dustin Colquitt hits a mile high wobbly kick angling towards the sideline. The Miami returner can't handle it and the Vols recover to seal the win. I vividly remember telling the UM fans as we left the orange bowl; "what can I say; our punter is our best player." That day he was; 2003 D. Colquitt 1st team AP all american punter
DC_Vol writes:
The players are starting to transfer from USC, hopefully, after these first few, the flood gates will open encouraging many more defections. Lane you reap what you sew and you shall reap the whirlwind for your misdeeds.
Here are the first two transfers from USC hopefully there will be many more.
http://isportsweb.com/2010/06/21/jarv...
http://www.courier-journal.com/articl...
Does anyone know if UT has contacted any Junior or Seniors from USC?
orangecountyvols writes:
Speaking of attitudes, you'd do well to take yours and just...............disappear. Whenever Vol fans see your user name, we know the message is going to be baseless and.........worthless as well.
easleychuck writes:
Hooker states that "after coach Pete Carroll left for the NFL two days before signing day". Maybe this will get changed in a few hours but if Carroll left just two days prior to NSD, how did 'wonderboy' bolt from UT around 3 weeks prior to NSD. Carroll left officially on Jan.11. Hooker please get the facts in your articles correct so folks can at least take what you write half-way seriously.
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
According to Tony Basilio web site, Chaney/Thompson are in a heated battle with the Kiffin and his hired ape over USC players that have interest in UT and have talked with our staff. Kinda ironic that they tried to take UT recruits when they bolted, but they are bitter over the same thing.
Bubbanuts2010 writes:
Well see
DaddyVol writes:
Now think about this question long and hard before you answer...but...
DO WE REALLY WANT THEM?
CoverOrange writes:
Some NCAA basic questions: If he signed with Fresno St last Feb 2010, does that means he can't sign (or play) with anyone else till next May/June 2011 if Fresno St releases him? Would he have to sit out 2011 as a transfer and not be eligible until 2012 season?
PHAT_VOL writes:
Why is our football program in the state it is in? Because our athletic director bit on a used car pitch and bought it. Now the Vol Nation owns his decision. And lets not forget the Vol basball program that he took another direction.
GO VOLS !
bigorange61 writes:
Good point. I can remember when our quarterback, Andy Kelly would punt in short field situations. That was enough to make one a little nervous.
DC_Vol writes:
I agree how ironic, Kiff and O steered several UT recruits to USC and caused another defensive end not to enroll. I believe O was encouraging the DE to go to USC in the end the player went to UNC.
I would love to recruit a few USC players to UT. I believe they have elite talent, that we could pencil into several starting positions at UT especially along the offensive and defensive lines. Also, I love the whole Kiffin reaping what he sews story. I love the overall life lesson here.
iowavol writes:
Sad, but very true. I remember ranting on Hammy when he was hired because I thought he was the worst Director of Marketing in college football. I got an email from KNS asking me to get off his back and give him a chance. He's had his chance. His accomplishments - Bruce Pearl, higher ticket prices, higher donations required, empty seats, a baseball program that doesn't matter and Lane Kiffin. There is only one positive in that list. Most folks would have been fired long ago.
DaddyVol writes:
They may also come with unwelcomed baggage.
And any time there is baggage, there are reporters snooping around to keep the controversy alive.
When controversies are kept alive, focus is taken off of what really matters. WINNING AT TENNESSEE!
So once again I ask...DO WE REALLY WANT THEM?
tnsportsman writes:
Depends, if he hasn't enrolled at Fresno State (I assume he hasn't yet in July) then Fresno State could release him and he could play this year somewhere else.
The question is, would Fresno State release him?
GO VOLS, WE ARE UT
tnsportsman writes:
I agree with you on your take. But there might be 1 or 2 players that could help Tennessee since we only have 75 scholarship players. Being down 10 scholarship players is like probation.
Something the Liar Surfer Dude will know real soon at USC times 3 (30) over 3 years, HELL YES!
CDD only has 1 or 2 2010 scholarships left, if my numbers are correct. So any incoming transfers need to be studs or walk-ons.
As CDD said the other day, it will take 2 years (2011 & 2012) to replace all the scholarship players with only 25 signees per year and the attrition of losing the senior classes.
GO VOLS, WE ARE UT!
Pullingguard writes:
Please tell me the justification for this statement. What has he done or what is he doing that has you so giddy. A recruit from Calif who has already signed with another school; would that not mean he has to sit out year before being eligible? And I find few 4/5 star players who really have UT in strong contention come signing time..
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
And I think even Heath Shuler even quick-kicked a couple of times.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
I say NO WE DON'T WANT THEM.
But it would be nice if 1, just one, comes to Knoxville knowing what that would do to lk's innards.
DaddyVol writes:
If he played for Johnny...he quick kicked LOL.
DaddyVol writes:
Yeah...I suppose one would be alright...just to cause Little Kiffie to increase his Prilosec consumption.
VolunteerLifer writes:
A good punter can be the most important (even if not the 'best') player on the field. Used properly, a good punter can be a huge weapon. Every great football coach has understood this -none have understood it better than CDD's father, Vince Dooley.
The kicking game is crucial to success. That's why they call it football. I'd love to have this kid or a couple like him on our team.
DaddyVol writes:
Shen...who is your team?
CoverOrange writes:
Once. Soph year. For 31 yards.
PHAT_VOL writes:
Ernie "G" was very instramental in the hiring of coach Pearl. So there is reluctance to give him credit there. However the other accomplishments you mention for sure he is worthy of those. Its good to know I'm not alone here.
GO VOLS !!
BlueTickLady writes:
I am hearing it is done deal. Anyone else hearing the same?
oskie_score writes:
What??? Did the Colquitt pipeline run dry? JK
Seriously, field position is such an important aspect of the game, especially so during a re-building period. Having a punter that can both "boom" and "place" the 'ball is invaluable to the team.
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