While Tennessee is on the verge of signing another nationally ranked recruiting class, this is an appropriate time to update the 2007 class.
It’s 4 years old now and looking considerably worse for the wear. In fact, it’s barely recognizable.
In 2007, Rivals ranked it as the No. 3 class in the nation. It also named then-UT assistant coach Trooper Taylor as one of college football’s top 25 recruiters for his role in assembling a class that supposedly could help return the Vols to national prominence.
Oops.
In fairness to all those involved, it should be noted that Taylor and Rivals are doing just fine. UT’s class? Not quite as well.
Eric Berry became a two-time first-team All-America safety, the fifth player taken in the 2010 NFL draft, and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. No one else in the class has made first-team All-SEC. By their fourth season, only 10 of the 25 signees were still on UT’s roster.
Here’s the player-by-player breakdown:
Anthony Anderson — The former Austin-East star has at least been a contributor, which distinguishes him from a number of the more high-profile recruits in this class. He led the 2010 Vols in special-teams tackles and provided depth at cornerback as a junior.
Eric Berry — The Parade All-American from Fairburn, Ga., started and starred as a true freshman defensive back. Although he played only three years, he’s regarded as one of the best players in school history.
William Brimfield — The former first-team all-stater from Norway, S.C., left UT before spring practice in 2010 and transferred to Division II North Alabama, where he started at offensive tackle this past season.
B. J. Coleman — The all-state quarterback from Chattanooga didn’t make it through the Lane Kiffin era, much less the Derek Dooley era. When he didn’t win the starting quarterback job in the spring of 2009, he transferred to Chattanooga, where he became an immediate starter. He passed for 2,996 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2010.
Kevin Cooper — Another all-stater from Chattanooga, he stuck around through three UT coaches and started 24 games at fullback. He lost his starting job to freshman Channing Fugate in the last month of his senior season.
Lennon Creer — The two-time all-state running back from Tatum, Texas, rushed for more than 600 yards in two seasons at UT before transferring to Louisiana Tech. He rushed for 1,181 yards with the Bulldogs in 2010.
Chris Donald — The Parade All-American linebacker from Huntingdon was rated as the No. 1 linebacker prospect by Rivals when he was signed but was later regarded as the biggest bust of the class. Like Coleman, he benefited from a transfer to Chattanooga, where he led the team in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (12.5) this past season.
C.J. Fleming — A two-time second-team all-state defensive back in Richmond, Va., he has one season remaining at UT, where he has played in six games the past three years.
Savion Frazier — He rushed for more than 1,400 yards in his senior season in Woodbridge, Va., but has been used exclusively at linebacker by the Vols. He made five career starts and contributed as a back-up linebacker and on special teams in his four seasons at UT.
Josh Hawkins — A first-team all-state running back at Loudon, he moved to linebacker at UT but played in only a few games before quitting the team last spring.
Gerald Jones — The 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year in Oklahoma, he was a three-year starter at wide receiver for the Vols. He led the team in receiving the last two years and finished his career fifth on UT’s all-time career receptions list.
Tyler Maples — The all-state wide receiver helped lead Maryville to three state championships but played sparingly at UT before transferring to Furman. He had 19 pass receptions last season.
Ben Martin — A Parade All-American from Cincinnati, he missed the 2010 season with an Achilles tendon injury. Martin, who started at defensive end in 2009, will be a senior in 2011.
Nevin McKenzie — A junior college safety from San Antonio, he switched to linebacker at UT, where he started as a senior in 2008. He led the team with five sacks and also had 10 tackles for loss.
Rolando Melancon — A first-team all-state defensive lineman from Gramercy, La., he’s the answer to a trivia question: Who’s the only UT signee to be kicked off the Louisiana Tech team by current UT coach Derek Dooley? He failed to qualify academically at UT, later signed with Tech, but was dismissed by then-coach Dooley in 2009.
Denarius Moore — A Texas all-state receiver and state-champion hurdler, he used his speed to become one of the SEC’s top deep threats as a senior. He averaged 21.2 yards per catch in 2010, and had 40 or more receptions in each of his past two seasons.
Kenny O’Neal — A regular vagabond, the former five-star wide receiver started out at Florida State, transferred to junior college, then to UT, where he had two career catches. He struggled academically before leaving the program in the spring of 2008.
Ahmad Paige — A two-time all-state wide receiver from Monroe, La., he seldom played in two years at UT before transferring to Louisiana Tech. He caught 16 passes last season as a junior.
Dennis Rogan — An all-state running back at Fulton High School, Rogan became a solid defensive back at UT. He started at cornerback for two seasons before declaring for the NFL draft after his junior year. He wasn’t drafted.
Rae Sykes — The three-time all-state defensive lineman from Alcoa attended junior college after initially signing with the Vols. He played in eight games as a back-up defensive tackle last season and has one year of eligibility remaining.
Daryl Vereen — A three-time all-conference player in Charlotte, N.C., he switched from running back to linebacker at UT. He has another year of eligibility after starting one game and making 15 tackles in 2010.
Brent Vinson — An outstanding football and basketball player from Hampton, Va., Vinson started 10 games in 2007, was hampered by injuries in 2008, and was kicked off the team at the end of the 2009 season. He transferred to the University of North Alabama, where he had three interceptions, broke up six passes and made 20 tackles last season.
Chris Walker — The PrepStar All-America linebacker from Memphis moved to defensive end, where he overcame injuries to become a two-year starter and team leader for the Vols.
Rufus Williams — The all-state defensive end from Mims, Fla., failed to qualify academically. He played linebacker last season for East Central Community College in Decatur, Miss.
DeAngelo Willingham — A PrepStar All-American from Saint Matthew, S.C., he arrived at UT following two years in junior college. He started at cornerback for the Vols in 2007 and 2008. He was not drafted, and has been signed and waived by five different teams since leaving UT.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com. Follow him at http://twitter.com/johnadamskns.
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Comments » 58
Bigger_Al writes:
"Tuscaloosa John" Adams smiles his Grinchly smile and tries to write something that can be used against UT less than 3 days before signing day. But like many in the media, he pompously overestimates his own power, and will be dismayed when recruits come to UT anyway.
In case you're wondering, I call him "Tuscaloosa John" because of the similarities to Jane Fonda being "Hanoi Jane" because she was a tool used by the North Vietnamese in the war. Supposedly she represented the USA, but the ememy broadcast her anti-US rants on the radio as propaganda to pump-up the communists and demoralize our soldiers.
Where's Rommell?
Observer43 writes:
Typical Adams, taking another shot at Fulmer.What will you find to write about in another year?
How many articles have you written that didn't get many clicks? You are a very poor sports reporter and journalist.
MikeTheTiger writes:
Facts are facts.
ITISWHATITIS writes:
This is a good example that being able to evaluate talent is more important than rivals stars
thevoice writes:
Like the Tiger says, can't dispute facts. If anyone wonders how our program got to where it is, the disintegration of the No. 3 2007 class is a good place to start. Lack of development, coaching changes, suspect maturity, transfers, yada yada yada.
CroKev writes:
I was amazed at how often grades play into the scenario. This is even more amazing when you consider the fact that they have so many tutors available to help with homework, papers, etc.
volmeat writes:
Kiffin also did a number on the class, telling some they should leave because they weren't his style player and then giving his recruits favor over the several that stayed.
Vol_in_VA writes:
I don't understand the complaints about this article. This is really interesting. I've read lots of stories that always talk about how so many people left, but never saw the details all together like this. This was a smart article.
By the way, a newspaper reports news, it is not a cheerleader.
Razor784 writes:
This is the class that started the downward turn in UT football, a few good players, but not coming close to the number 3 ranking they received
volsfannsc writes:
Informative article. The common theme is most of these players were not ready for Div. 1 football- academically or maturity. I've never been impressed with the rivals 'star system' simply because of the origins of NFL players. Take a good look at the pro rosters and you will see a big diversity of schools. I think this article may well benefit Dooley rather than make him suspect. I believe CDD will bring in what we need rather than to simply go after stars.
PUL4VOLS writes:
John Adams continues with the NOT motiff regarding UT football. What a surprise. As Cousin Eddie said to Clark Griswold on Christmas Vacation, "Just a big surprise!" NOT John, you keep your string agoin'!
jimr07 writes:
Yes, but which decade?
crimsonviper writes:
Good post.
Huttdawg100 writes:
"In fairness to all those involved, it should be noted that Taylor and Rivals are doing just fine. UT’s class? Not quite as well." This was clealy a shot at Fulmer. Subtle, but still a shot... Was it necessary? Ummmm, how does this article help us as readers? IDK.... We already know what happened.
2011 class: word on the Scout Message boards is that Jernigan and Dawson had both their families (mom, grandma, dad, etc.) visiting with them. Rucker said in a tweet about Jernigan: "Kid had a blast". Dawson still has remained fairly quiet, but him having his family there is a good sign. We'll see, but those two guys would be HUGE!
westennvol writes:
Not an Adams fan, but he is just reporting the facts in this one. That class was a bust. However, I would suggest he write at least some semi-positive articles about UT in the future. He doesn't have to be our media cheerleader, but some positive press is always welcome. This maybe too much to ask of Adams though.
196SVol writes:
It is recruiting season. Excellent article looking back at previous classes. Explains a lot about the W-L ratio. Quit whining about JA, he isn't going anywhere.
Sovol writes:
You obviously never read Tom Siler or Marvin West, two writers who were real UT fans.
lomas98 writes:
Agreed. Who knows if Fulmer was allowed to stay, guys like Creer, Paige, Donald, Coleman could have really contributed. There is no way to predict coaching changes or kids adjustments to college. I remember when Ben Martin signed it was the steal of the class from Ohio St. He has really been a disappointment. Now if you want to talk about the start of the downfall, do an article on the 08 class after Cutcliffe left. That class was not only bad, but short on numbers as well. Combining 07 and 08 along with some players leaving/kicked off, etc. is the reason the talent was so depleted this year.
rootin4volz writes:
Always searching for that silver lining, aren't ya, Johnny boy?
CrankE writes:
Still waiting for John Adams writing to move beyond 2 stars.
GerryOP writes:
Adams is just reporting the facts. If he did not report them, they would still be true.
HoustonVol writes:
This is why I never have believed that just having a high star rating will turn into wins. 1- because most of the 5-star athletes are the skill players; QB, RB, WR, DB, and CB. Those positions, while they look good on paper, will win you few games. What separates good teams from bad, are the lines. It is rare to see 5-star linemen coming out of high school. They just are not physically ready most of the time. Usually if they are great athletes - they are playing skill positions and have to grow into the line. They might be a RB or TE in high school, but will grow into a lineman or linebacker. Those players do not show up in the star reports, but it is what separates a good team from a great team. Not even the best QB can play if they are flat on their backs every game. I have faith in this class that Dooley is putting together. It might not have flash, but it does have substance. Which is more than the past 4-5 classes have had.
baldingalum writes:
We have to pick up the collective discussion on these posts. The Adams bashing is ridiculous. You look like myopic buffoons. It's an appropriate article given that NSD is a couple of days away. It also sheds light on an important challenge - it's extremely difficult to determine who will succeed and who will not.
If you want "homer" articles start your own blogs but don't pollute the site any more. You give SEC rival fans too much fodder.
arkyvol writes:
i'm guessing that these sorts of results are more the rule than the exception among the big time schools. in four year hindsight, that class would be probably ranked no higher than 25-30. which brings up another question: how do schools like boise state, t.c.u., utah, and oregon pop up the polls like corks? they've probably never had a class ranked in the top 25. getting players is one thing. coaching them is another.
lomas98 writes:
I am convinced the recruiting websites rank the players based on the schools they are interested in and who is heavily recruiting them. Also shows that star rankings don't mean anything regarding on field results. Coaches and players buying into a system are what wins games. a good schedule doesn't hurt either in 3 of the 4 teams you mention.
Volunatic writes:
The "downward turn" happened prior to the 2007 recruiting class/season.
Volunatic writes:
Good answer. The Statler Brothers are CLEARLY the ones to blame.
MusicCityVol writes:
Adams is definitely right about one thing...the time to evaluate recruiting classes is 4 years later. Trying to do it now is an inexact science, at best. It sure is fun though.
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orangeman1 writes:
I agree . Thought it was a very informative article and dont see it as a slam towards Fulmer. Many players that transferred are doing quite well and other ones had good college careers or are still contributing. There were busts like in every coache's recruiting classes.
volroadwarrior writes:
As much as Adams loves LSU and Bama, the article was very informative and highlights the reason for the state of the program now. It would be interesting to have the same analysis if the 2008 class.
fundamentals83 writes:
Rogan declared himself eligible for the draft then went undrafted. Guess his self image was skewed from reality.
phippo writes:
to all of you negative "experts" out there, look at how many yards arian foster gained his senior season. and look where he is at now.
ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:
Shame on Adams! Why couldn't you hold that story until Feb 3rd?
CrankE writes:
This is the same article that's written every year about this time to review where the class of this year minus 4 are now. Just change the names and voila!
No different than the "Majors Still Bitter" article every August.
Yawn.
alvol writes:
John must have used KNS archives to research this. Same article appeared some weeks ago. He may have written that one too. Can't recall.
MiddleoftheRoad writes:
Wouldn't it be interesting to know the star potential of the 'student'-athletic academically? Sometimes, some of the sites lists their GPA. This is truly the most interesting because it gets exhausting as fans for us to support a player who fails out. I just assume have a 3* with a great GPA than a 4* with a borderline one. Same with character, but I suppose this is much tougher to rank.
CoverOrange writes:
Yes, JA presents the facts but what is missing is any analysis, just the conclusion that 2007 isn't contributing.
By my analysis of JA's facts: 12 are gone due to Kiffin (3), Dooley (4), academics/behavior (5). Of those 12, only 3 might have stayed around if Fulmer had (Coleman, Creer and Paige). 4 that left after Dooley probably left because they didn't see their chances of starting improving and couldn't wait another year to find out.
What is interesting are the 4 players that came in as outstanding RBs and were switched to defense (Frazier, Hawkins, Rogan, Vereen). A 4 star RB doesn't necessarily translate to a 4 star LB or DB, especially not right away. What also stands out is that 5 DL were signed but only one OL, and of those 5 DLman, only 3 made it through 2010.
BigOrangeSmoker writes:
i see your still trying to be a reporter adams, your a waste of time and money
bkgunter writes:
Welcome to Adams' no-context-zone. This wrap-up isn't compared to any other year, or a summary of any set of years. A quick run through looked like the usual bunch of busts, "never was-es," surprises, and draft choices. How does it compare to other schools' high rated classes that year? Don't expect Adams to help. It may have been a lesser year than ususal, but this run down is just a chance for Adams to sh** on these kids one last time. And don't read another word of any writer who evaluates college talent by draft choices alone. Look at who actually sticks in the NFL and how they perform. NFL draft busts are as common as NCAA busts (Brady Quinn, Jamarcus Russell). And the NFL is still stuffed with CPF era players--including Mr. Berry..
OldNumber7 writes:
Actually, although you don't like the analogy, you have just displayed your ignorance and insulted the men that suffered for Jane's stupidity and treason. And you are very naive if you don't think we know very well why our recruits never panned out and that man is no longer coaching.
Bigger_Al writes:
Get bent, Troll.
DancingOutlaw writes:
Still makes me sick to think about Dennis Rogan declaring for the draft. What a completely stupid move.
JACK8254 writes:
If there is a message in these mostly incoherent ramblings- I think it is "recruiting rankings dont matter" and that is WRONG. There is a correlation between how high your class is ranked by Rivals,etc. and the likelyhood that your team will be in a BCS bowl game in 3-4 years. Mr Adams is usually on the mark- not this time.
JACK8254 writes:
That was a head scratcher at the time. Hurt MR Rogan and hurt this years team. I think that he will eventually make a team, but he would have had a much better chance by waiting. ( Hindsite , I know)
Willis writes:
John, your bulb grows dimmer by the day.
Colliervol writes:
Not to mention developing it.
AlWilsonFan writes:
Eric Berry, Gerald Jones, Denarius Moore, Dennis Rogan, Chris Walker... I don't get how this class is a bust.
Colliervol writes:
I don't have a lot of use for John Adams but all he's saying is that top 5 signing classes don't always translate into championships. And it can contribute to a disaster if it isn't developed properly. How many top 5 classes did Florida have before this season? Did it do them any good?
Our "#3" class in 2007 went around the bowl and down the hole with the exception of about five players and that was supposed to be Phil's turnaround class. It is now one of the reasons that the 2010 squad was left with less talent and even less depth. Facts are facts and sometimes the truth hurts.
Colliervol writes:
One would like to think you'd get 15 contributors out of 25. Not 5 out of 25. Maybe it wasn't a bust but it was either severely overrated or the coaches didn't develop the talent. One or other.
Bigger_Al writes:
Yeah? But what Tuscaloosa John didn't address was the attrition caused by two coaching changes. Misses the obvious sometimes. Well, most of the time.
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