This week's list represents prospects from four states: Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. All areas will be key to UT's 2011 class and beyond.
Clay Burton
Position: Defensive end.
Size: 6-foot-3, 225 pounds.
School/Hometown: Venice (Fla.) High School.
Bio: Burton has said his top five is down to UT, Notre Dame, LSU, Georgia Tech and Clemson. That's good company to be in considering Burton is one of the top defensive ends in the region.
Watts Dantzler
Position: Offensive lineman.
Size: 6-7, 310.
School/Hometown: Dalton (Ga.) High.
Bio: Dantzler, who is one of the best offensive line prospects in the Southeast, will definitely take official visits to Georgia, Alabama and Auburn. That, however, doesn't mean the Vols are trailing. He stated via text to the News Sentinel that UT is "right there with those three".
Jaiari Dunaway
Position: Linebacker.
Size: 6-3, 218.
School/Hometown: Siegel/Murfreesboro.
Bio: Dunaway had been flying under the radar until he received his first scholarship offer - from UT - last week according to InsideTennessee.com. Other schools will come calling if Dunaway can answer some academic concerns.
Christion Jones
Position: Defensive back.
Size: 5-11, 185.
School/Hometown: Minor/Adamsville, Ala.
Bio: The Vols are in a trail position here. Jones told the News Sentinel that Auburn and Florida lead for his services. However, he did have good things to say about UT's coaching staff, but added he needs to get to know them better.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 57
tree_em_smokey writes:
Bring on the "Big Uglies". GBO!!!
CroKev writes:
When you look at Rivals' and Scouts' top recruit sites, UT is in the mix with just about every one of those guys. If we're in many of those recruits' "top 5," we'll certainly pick up our share of guys. If we can maintain top 10 (and the occasional top 5) recruiting classes for 2 or 3 years, we should be right in the mix again in that time frame (assuming our guys can coach!).
vol4gzus writes:
Be careful the 3 'junirs' can be very finicky.... All in guud humor of course. On topic, VOLS in play on alot of major players. The issue is just like with the previous administration they want to see the product on the field.
1974Vol writes:
Everyone struggles in league play in the SEC Dawg. Bama was NC and couldn't score a TD on lowly Vols last year and the mighty gators only got 1. Not singling the Vols out just know them better – another example Auburn’s high powered “O” struggled after they got in SEC play. And these are examples of the good offences. Poor old Miss State and Vandy could hardly make first downs against SEC defenses. The fact ya’ll ran through GT (the ACC Champ) like a dose of salts proves it was more about SEC competition being stellar than your O line being over rated.
vol4gzus writes:
So you are saying you think he might have a shot at 'Dancing with the Stars'? Maybe a part-time dance instuctor at a Fred Astaire studio? Can he do the 'Curlie' shuffle? Yes with both parents aligned with dawgland one would think he is in the dawghouse pretty easy. Ink drys next Feb so we will watch with dawg bone breath for the final results.
GerryOP writes:
106 -- Fear The Dooley Dude...
volfan#207874 writes:
Bring on the Mules! We need you guys dressed out in Tennessee orange and playing before a crowd of over 103,000 rabid Vol fans. Nothing can compare to the fervor of a Saturday in Knoxville, when the Big Orange are playing. It is even exciting to hear the PA announcer pronounce, "IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEEEEE!" GBO!
nocleats writes:
I dont care which of these players is the best. I want the one that has the most stars by Rivals and Scout. (sarcasm)
Ayres_Hall writes:
Watts Danzler would be a major get for Dooley but I don't see it happening with is legacy at UGA. Then again, he may not want to be bothered with the same issues that plagued Aaron Douglas.
V_O_L_S_GO_VOLS_GO writes:
Chill out there, trigger. You can take off your orange mask at any time and go back to Los Angeles with the fighting condoms.
osbymartin#581730 writes:
Just be careful because the school ties with the parents doesn't always work (see Aaron Douglas). Now I am not saying that he won't end up at UGA. LOL on a side note what was the point in stating that his mom was a coed? just wondering....
osbymartin#581730 writes:
He is a mountain lol! No there wasn't anything wrong with it..I was just giving you a hard time LOL!
GerryOP writes:
257 freakin' days until LOI NSD! Right now we are tied with Kiffin, Meyer, and every one of your other weak kneed heroes. We have signed exactly the same number of recruits for 2011 as they have ... zero, zilch, nada.
Look slick, why don't you just make it easy on all of us and yourself. Just come out and say you don't like Dooley, have no faith in his ability to recruit and coach, you wish Kiffen was still here, and then just zip your flappers until football season starts. Until then, go into a room by yourself and keep kicking that dead horse in silence.
Our country's founders were obviously not aware of boorish dolts like you when they drafted the 1st Amendment to the Constitution.
106 -- Fear The Dooley Dude...
allvols4life writes:
I agree with everyone that has replied to this moron. How can anyone call themselves a Tennessee fan and still praise Kiffin. Do I fault him for taking his "dream job"? NO! Did he do it in the correct way? NO! Thats the problem that I and most other Vols fans have with the scumbag. But to say that he is kicking Dooley's butt is ignorant. Its MAY!!!! How is any coach kicking anothers butt at this point? The season is still 3 months away and National Signing Day is 9 months away. Commitments don't mean much at this point. True, some will stay true to their original commitment, but many will flip flop between schools several times before signing on the dotted line.
osbymartin#581730 writes:
How can he LOSE a QB that QUIT? Stephens had been passed over by the previous 2 coaches and obviously wasn't good enough to play for this one either. A RB that wants to go home and an OL that has been reported to be depressed and feeling pressured. Yeah, I am sure that its Dooley's fault that Douglas is depressed and that Brown wants to go home. If McClain wanted to come here he would have. They went and talked to him and he said everything was well and then committed to Clemson. All that you referred to have NAMES. So in your words all the great recruiting classes that UT has had over the years can be attributed to 2 guys that were here for 3 years? You haven't lost anything that you don't actually have. As we have seen ALL OVER college sports a Verbal committment means absolutely NOTHING! I could list numerous players that decommitted and signed elsewhere when the pen met the paper. There were 51 such players in the SEC alone. You are taking things that have happened and making them all CDD fault. I don't think that anyone that knows anything about football can argue that California high school football is leaps and bounds better than Tennessee's. That was the point he was making not an excuse.
allvols4life writes:
Love this post. Good job!
tdvol1989 writes:
I think you are just trying to get people fired up because no real football fan could really believe what you are saying.
1) Kiffin did get Bray. However, Dooley got Da'Rick and James Stone. Kiffin would not have signed either of those guys. I don't think Kiffin would have signed Justin Hunter either. So, True Kiffin is a very good recruiter, but with no time and no proven record Dooley has proven he can sign 4/5 Stars as well.
2) As far as losing recruits, how do you know that he lost them instead of maybe not wanting them? Plus, neither of those guys has actually signed yet. Did you blast your beloved Kiffin for blowing off Taj Boyd when everyone knew we were hurting at QB?
3) And, your least intelligent comments are regarding the guys we lost. Regardless of those senseless statements about being a fan, Douglas did not want to be a post-Fulmer Vol. He barely stayed last year. Why you think Nick Stephens was a huge loss when the 3rd Coach in a row was not sold on him, I will never understand. And, Bryce Brown may have serious talent, but he certainly is no better than Tauren Poole. And compare his effort to that of Trent Richardson at Alabama. BB is nowhere near as physical. And, if that other kid that may quit that you are referring to is Nick Lamaison, you have got to be kidding. He has absolutely no shot whatsoever in ever contributing at all...period.
4) If you are going to blast Dooley for guys that are non-factors leaving (with the exception of Douglas), why are you not blasting Kiffin for his own recruits that he lost 3 months after they set foot on campus for the Parking Lot Pistol Caper?
At least be consistent. If you want to reminisce about our glorious 7-6 season, numerous secondary violations, hacking off the conference commissioner, and leaving the morning after without so much as a $10 bill on the dresser, go right ahead. But, you are wrong.
Dooley may not be the greatest football coach of all time, but then again, he just might. As for me, I will give him a few years before I say anything negative. I am pretty sure he wants to be successful and live up to the family name. At least he looks at Tennessee as the opportunity of a lifetime. Kiffin had no respect for the school, the conference, the fans, or even you.
TLepage writes:
yeah, i saw an article on another site saying your entire coaching staff showed up to one of his spring practices....
givehim6 writes:
Hay guys, my conputers been sick for a few days, got it back few hours ago. Did I miss anything? Last news I knew Vols got second commit. Dang spell checks gone, sorry.
VolinCalif writes:
Well zz44.
That weenie of yours must be where you get the 44. 44 mm long just lets you pee on you hand like those statements you are making. 1st Dooley has never coached a SEC game, and I don't think he played FL, Al, Tenn, S.Calif or Oakland Raiders while coaching at La Tech. With your mouth running pure S@@@ about Tenn just where do you get this "Our Recruits" BS. Dooley played a hard schedule at La Tech and his teams played very well against SEC schools. As a matter of fact they played well in all their games. Dooley has a great staff from top to bottom, an OC who is as good as they come and a DC who is the top young DC in the country. You only want to bad mouth while there is still a change the Vols will not shine this year. So that you live up to the Big part of your handle. The Vols will do just fine this year so you need to start looking for another school team to try being a whizz kid about.
VolinCalif writes:
No! No! NavaO.Don't be sorry about the book. It's a best seller. I bought it twice.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
like we care. Go elsewhere for UGA updates and spout them to fellow fans of emphysema-born wimpy wrinkly dogs.
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
HMMM....seems strange that BIGGUNZZ44 showed up about the same time that gatorzz vanished!
Both just like to antagonize UT fans...
My vote is that it is the same loser using his latest name.
VolGrad writes:
You and your love affair with Kiffin are an inspiration to us all. Keep it up, GinormousHowitzerzz44.
Go Volzz!!!
VolGrad writes:
Your insight and intelligence are stunning.
Go Volzz!!!
allvols4life writes:
Please never use the words "we" or "our" to refer to the University of Tennessee. It is obvious that you are not a true fan. Support the coach regardless if he was the first choice or the 78th choice. Who cares at this point? He is who we have, so either support him or leave. I prefer the 2nd option for you.
VolGrad writes:
O yeah, there's nothing more I appreciate more than the twooth.
Go Volzz!
RespectTradition writes:
Just curious, but if Coach Dooley can land a top10 class in '11 will you eat your words? will you admit your ignorance? will you stop the negativity?
Are you intellectually honest?
Notice, I didn't say 'when', I said 'if'. That's because I try to be honest. I hope for it. I expect it. I choose to be optimistic about it, but I don't guarantee it.
Can you say the same? Will you root for Coach Dooley to be successful? He can only be successful if UT is successful.
Here is the question: are you really a fan? And no, I am not saying you have to say absurd things like 'he is the best coach ever' or 'he will recruit 20 5starts this year' or 'he will win the east this year, the sec next year and a NC the year after'. All I am asking is do you hope for those things? Do you want them? Will you support him in the attempt?
A true fan doesn't have to believe that the good things will happen. He just has to want them, hope for them, and believe that they CAN happen.
Where do you stand? With the Vols, or against them?
Go Vols!
VolGrad writes:
Sorry, man, but that is like asking an atheist to believe in something bigger than his own little interpretation of the world. There is nothing beyond his own senses, his own reason, his own existence. And even that is in question.
Faith may be fuel for the hopeful, but it is foolishnezz to the logizzian.
And that is the twooth.
537081 writes:
Log on to USC's web site I bet you would fit right in.
RespectTradition writes:
I can understand your frustration with the way Hamilton handles things. However, I don't understand wishing ill will on the Vols. Those kids work their butts off and don't deserve anything less than our support.
Why does the HC pigmentation matter? Racism will continue to tear at our society until we all, every pigmentation, stop looking at skin and look at the man.
You seem to harbor a lot of resentment and hate. I am not sure what has been done to you, but know this, I will pray for you.
Go Vols!
allvols4life writes:
I agree with your assessment of racism. I could care less what color of skin the coach has, as long as he is putting out quality teams that compete for championships.
DaddyVol writes:
You sir...are a racists bigot.
IF you were a TRUE Tennessee fan, you would want the best coach...even if he was tiddy pink with green polka dots.
Why does he necessarily have to be black (or white for that matter) for us to win.
Volunteer fans have pulled for black athletes for years, and have NEVER waivered in their support of our athletes regardless of their race.
You have played the race card, and by so doing, have shown your true bigoted self.
DaddyVol writes:
I have ALWAYS been a Kippy Brown fan.
However...he has HAPPY FEET.
He has had a history of having "the grass is always greener in the next pasture" syndrome.
While he was in the mix for a possible job at Tennessee, he was actively seeking other employment. And that is unsettling to athletic directors.
I DO NOT think a single Tennessee fan would have any reservations about hiring a (not black but American) head coach if he was the best prospect for the job.
When will bigots like you quit calling people black or African when everyone else is just simply...a red blooded American!!!
Kippy Brown was born in Tennessee...not Africa!
DaddyVol writes:
Grambling has NEVER interviewed a tribal member from Cherokee.
So what's your point?
DaddyVol writes:
Naval...it's impossible to deal with people like this.
Big er um I mean littleunz is nothing more than a SEIU ACORN plant sent on here to stir up people (of all colors) who bleed orange.
They have to brainwash minorities into thinking they are nothing, in order to keep control. In other words...it's the old divide and conquer concept.
If our nation falls, it will be from within by idiots like this one. While he is unsuccessfully pitting AMERICAN blacks (they weren't born in Africa) against whites...they should be more worried about the southern border.
And one last thing...
I wonder how that first black (or is he white) President working out for him???
DaddyVol writes:
Why do they have to be black???
This only proves your racists bigotry.
Why don't we interview Chinese, Greeks, Scotch, Norwegians, Tongans, Samoans, Thai, Navaho...or a Latino.
America is more diverse than 2 colors you idiot!
In fact I know a great man who is worthy of being head coach.
Let's hire Fuad Reveiz. He also bled for U.T!
But...can he coach...or...does he even want to.
One more thing...take a look at the contribution levels of past black U.T. athletes versus white.
DaddyVol writes:
Well stated.
I am white (because that is what God created me to be), and if anyone doesn't like their race, they should take it up with Him.
Meanwhile, there is nobody whom cheered more for Kippy Brown and Trooper Taylor than myself.
As I have mentioned before...IF they were the best choice to be our next head coach, they would be sitting in the big chair today...even if they were covered in polka dots.
There is a lot more than blowing a whistle that goes into coaching these days. You'd better darn near have CEO level experience...because you ARE running a small company basically.
Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and their Marxists SEIU ACORN backers have done more harm to this nation than the original slave movement did.
The race card...poor pitiful us...we are still victims 233 years later phooey is over.
That ship has already sailed, and it's not coming back to port.
Get over it bigotunz!!!!
DaddyVol writes:
Oh yes. I remember how Croom made Bama pay for not hiring him.
He was such a powerful force to be reckoned with, he's no longer in coaching.
So there's yet another example of a university being forced to hire a coach based on his color rather than his abilities.
I think you have answered your own internal debate.
You just need to get over it and move forward.
No one is making you remain on this site. Go purchase Alcorn State tickets and have a good time.
As mentioned before, the RACISM...poor us...our people were slaves 233 years ago Marxists SEIU ACORN brainwashing junk is over.
That ship has sailed, and it's not coming back to port...ever!!!!!!!!!!
DaddyVol writes:
You know good and well that Vandy can never hire a black coach. They will use the same old excuse that their academic requirements are too high.
But yes. I agree with you
GO VANDY! All the way to the Sunbelt Conference.
Uh oh...I almost forgot...that's where their nemesis MTSU is.
AtlantaTide writes:
Stop the insanity pls. You've got quite a pot-stirrer / thread hijacker on your side. And you guys want the trolls to be eviscerated?
Physician heal thyself. :)
easleychuck writes:
"That's what you get when you spend the money like Florida, Bama, and USC.
Nah, it is just too easy. On second thought, I have not heard of the g@ytors of paying players.
Last time I looked, Coach Dooley's current record at UT is 0 - 0. Go figure.
easleychuck writes:
Littlepeashooter, if you were not so predictable and obvious, you might just be dangerous.
From your recent diabtribe, it appears in no particular order:
1- You hate Mike Hamilton.
2- You do not like lawyers.
3- You, especially, do not like white lawyers.
4- And, you must really hate rich, white lawyers.
5- You do not like 'good ole boys' and you really despise ones that hail from Georgia.
6- You are an expert on the Civil War.
7- You do not use bus transportation.
8- You have knowledge that UT has left the SEC.
9- You have a serious mancrush on former Coach Fulmer.
10- You have a serious mancrush on former Coach Kiffin.
11- You have a serious mancrush on Charlie Strong.
12- You have a serious mancrush on Kippy Brown.
13- You are too clueless to understand that calling someone a 'token' is racist.
14- You are amazing in that you know the names and color of every single coach that the various UT administrations have ever contacted about their head football openings over the last 100 years.
15- You have the ability to predict the future.
16- You know about a 'white club' that appears to exist at UT that even Saban and Meyer are allowed to be members of, who knew?
17- You believe that the 'inner circle' is fine with UT fielding a lousy football team.
18- You have knowledge that all black people at UT do not have access to automobiles, and as a result just ride around on, and I am only assuming here, an extemely large bus. Heck you even know they prefer to ride only in the back of that gigantic bus.
19- You have an infatuation with 'guns', apparently the bigger the better.
20- You do not care for 'a damn Dooley', whatever that is.
Not sure what your beliefs have to do with recruiting 8 plus months out from NSD but, at the least, this confirms that you really appear to know practically nothing about very little.
orangecountyvols writes:
Easleychuck,
You really nailed your post. Very accurate indeed.
Unfortunately, those bar bells apparently fell on Littlegunnzz' head, since no true Tennessee Volunteer can ramble as he does, running down the school he supposedly attended. Truth be known, someone has rubbed him the wrong way and little hints at his problems are slipping out. He is an extremely jealous individual. As the more intelligent posters have pointed out, the first game has not yet been played and here's someone who knows it all in May, 2010 saying what's going to happen.
But the bottom line is here we have someone who definitely has some problems..........and they need to be taken care of ASAP.
easleychuck writes:
You are right about him. And the saddest part about the littlepeashooter is that he does not have the foggiest idea that he is clueless.
easleychuck writes:
And with all that strength, you do not have the good sense to get out of the rain.
DaddyVol writes:
You are a pompous piece of shid not to mention a racists bigot.
Volunatic writes:
zz is just a little bit frantic because of all the offseason turmoil in the gators' program.
easleychuck writes:
Couple of points:
Vandy grads are not that stupid (think about it) it will come to you.
As long as the 'stepsister' can cook who cares if she is 'ugly'. I know that this concept is difficult for you to grasp but it will be a few years before the verdict is in on whether your mancrush, Kiffie, or the University of Tennessee's head football coach, Derek Dooley is the better hire. Maybe you can channel your make believe Vandy wife, the nurse, and have her explain to you how games actually have to be played prior to one knowing the results. I know, I know tough concept for you to comprehend, but just humor us hillbillies. By the way, most East Tennesseans are not insulted by being called hillbillies. It just seems, for whatever reason, that snobs, like Vandy grads, (channel that make believe wife and she'll confirm) hate having their arses kicked by us, ie. hillbillies.
Lastly, 100K for a Vandy degree is chump change. So when you spin your story in the future bump up the salary to at least 200K.
AtlantaTide writes:
He is playing you boys like a Stradivarius...
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