Southern California offered a scholarship Wednesday to Webb School of Knoxville sophomore defensive back Todd Kelly Jr.
The 6-foot, 180-pound Kelly confirmed by text message that the offer was extended by coach Lane Kiffin and assistant coach Ed Orgeron.
That made offer No. 11 for Kelly. He also holds offers from: Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Duke.
Kelly, son of former Tennessee linebacker Todd Kelly, was an all-state performer this past season for Webb. He was named the 2011 KIL Sophomore of the Year by the News Sentinel.
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Comments » 80
thevoice writes:
If Dooley has any sense, he'll recruit this kid like mad, if nothing else, just to prevent a statement from being made if USC plucks him out of our own back yard. It is encouraging USC wants him, however.
PUL4VOLS writes:
NO BIG DEAL! You just keep inciting the anti-TwinkyBoy(former head coach) Vols fans. You must really enjoy it!
keepitreal4vols writes:
Dooley has no sense, you don't take players to prove or prevent a statement and USC is not the measuring stick.
and if anyone says recruiting doesn't start early, then go hide under your rock and let the big boys battle for the services of 14 year olds.
SATCHMOE writes:
Calm down people the kid is good and you can bet that he will be in the SEC somewhere. Kiffin does alot of things to aggrivate but yet you have to respect a coach going after talent.Tennesse is in good shape with this kid as he will play where his father did and for the home crowd.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Everyone relax, including you trolls.
If the kid has any smarts he'll be crossing the
surfer dude and his kind off his list.
voloffaith writes:
This article is way too big for us lil east tennesseeans to handle....He's back with his humble sidekick egor the red bullmeister....ahhhhhhhhh
Bigger_Al writes:
Only 23 more months to sweat out this decision.
GreerVol22 writes:
I'm beginning to think Kiffin is a bit spiteful in his actions. I mean he really doesn't have a shot at this kid but it does make great fodder for gullible KNS writers. If it's one thing Kiffin knows when he sees it, is a sucker.
kevin151 writes:
Why do they still obsess about Kiffin???? Move on KNS!!!
Pullingguard writes:
Never count them out.... I also thought they had no chance of pulling the best LB out of KY, one of better players from Fla and highly
rated player from Ga., but since he went to USC they somehow, someway get some of the best under their exsisting NCAA conditions.
DonK37920 writes:
I hope he comes to UT also and I suspect we have the upper hand considering his father. However, time to let Kiffin go. He's gone so stop the petty insults. It makes you look like a jealous school girl. At this moment, Kiffin is better than Dooley at recruiting, coaching, and getting players to the NFL so the petty insults are both laughable and make us look stupid!
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say dont look into his eyes young Kelly!! Witch Doctor say he evil! lol. Witch Doctor say SoCal girls hard to say no too! Witch Doctor say I guess he will be sending the USC Trojan hostesses in...not good~! lol
Bones never lie.
SATCHMOE writes:
Attention Please! May I have your Attention Please! All Dooley Haters please exit at this time,your worthless comments are no longer needed or heeded. We in Volville are taking back our team and we will remain positive.KNS could it be possible to follow above instructions?
VolFanInMO writes:
Just a thought but this article may be more about a Knoxville star player than about a college coach. Congrats on your success, TK, Jr.
ball1523 writes:
Even if lane kiffin wasn't the usc coach this would be news for a number of reasons. For one its not every day an east tn high schooler gets an offer from a pac 12 school. Let alone a school with the history and tradition of usc. 2 he's a player that we (ut) has offered. That makes it news.
mountainbrook writes:
"We" might have a shot? LOL. What position do you play? Waterboy...Bench Warmer...or just Drooling Troll?
lemme_axya_this writes:
One of the first articles about this kid mentioned the bond between his family and Trooper Taylor. That would seem to make Auburn a factor as long as Trooper is there. Kiffin ain't got a chance.
lemme_axya_this writes:
Exactly, Kiffin bailed on U.T. but he seems to be the one with the chip on his shoulder. The KNS will print everything Kiffin does because it will sell papers.
SummittsCourt writes:
This just goes to show you how little class weasel boy has offering this kid just to stick it to UT again.
It's bad enough he had the gall to challenge UT to a game at the beginning of the season 2 years ago knowing the mess he left, it's bad enough he suckered Tee Martin into his abyss, but now he is going after UT recruits.
Anyone who considers weasel boy good must be a spawn of demons.
CroKev writes:
I remember watching a movie about a "waterboy" who turned out being a darn good LB...
borovol1956 writes:
Well here comes that punk again. Not to worry, won't be long before he figures out a way to wear out his welcome at USC too.
Navaloranges writes:
New name, same drivel. Poor little Troll. I've been meaning to ask you packer (jf), did a certain news outlet ask you to TROLL for the hit count, or are you just being "simple" on your own? Helping out with the "award" are you?
volaholic45 writes:
Anybody else getting the idea that Kiffin delights in goading his former employer and its fans?
VolfanClinton writes:
Kiffin is a great coach and recruiter !! If Kelly is smart he would sign with USC instead of the idiot coach we have in Dooley !!
Navaloranges writes:
Another "award winning" TROLL. It's funny posts get removed when you call a Troll an "idiot", but the POSERS can call coach Dooley one all day long. Hmmmmm...
BankerVol writes:
You need to change your name to IdiotClinton. You are no Vol fan but you are a worthless POS loser!
BankerVol writes:
Then I guess my last post won't last long...
Navaloranges writes:
Kiffin passes wind while flying over Tennessee on a recruiting trip. GVX article number #579 on the topic of kiffy.
Navaloranges writes:
Depends on which way the winds blowing, and how many FACTS are in the way of the Troll arguments. If the Posers' are getting hammered too hard with facts...
dvols writes:
sooner the kid learns that the hot cheerleaders in the sweaters are a dime a dozen.....
the better!
orangecountyvols writes:
NavalOranges,
You said it friend. Know what, the whiners/trolls who are intimidated by CDD look so laughable on this site.
Kinda' like the "Clinton"Vol the other day. Quoting him, he said " I really let Dooley have it. I told him exactly what I thought of him.
Of course, he wasn't there, but I did it anyway to make myself sound tough."
What would be great, would be for several of them to give us a break from their insecure rambling, and get up the guts to address Dooley himself.
That........I would love to see.
clvolfan writes:
You're right bro,guess he's trying to take down the fence around Tenn.,that he was not here long enough to finish.IM4JSUS too.
us43137415#376444 writes:
Kelly, son... don't do it.
Don't go play for Kiffin.
Your family has too much class to play for a cheater, times 2.
I can see Kiffin laughing if you accept.
Don't do it.
SevenT writes:
It would be extremely embarassing for Tennessee to lose one of the most exciting players out of Knoxville in a very long time. And the embarassment would be ten fold if USC swooped in and picked him up.
volcraze writes:
Thank You---My thoughts exactly
manniesghost1903 writes:
I think it is important for UT to actively recruit brothers, sons,nephews and grandsons of former UT stars, when they show interest and ability in any of UT's major mens programs. While in some case the children/relatives of former Vols may not have the talent and skills of their father, uncle, brother or grandfather for that matter, it is always worth the time to make offers and show interest in the families that previously brought success to UT sports. At other times,these off- springs may be just as good or better (for example Eric Berry). In the long run, it has worked for other College programs (most notably Penn State).
I was greatly disappointed about Aaron Douglas leaving the university. UT's inability to successfully counsel Douglas or identify the motives for behavioral problems may have played a part in his unfortunate death. I did not see Aaron Douglas play football at Maryville. However, I did watch his play for the Maryville High School basketall team during the State Tournamemt. It was obvious to me he would be an outstanding college athlete.
If UT is to return to the upper tier of college footbal teams, it is incumbent on the Athletic Department to make every effort to obtain unwavering commitments from Todd Kelly Jr. and Eric Berry's twin brothers. Failure to do so would be a sign the current "rebuilding effort' could possibly take decades to be successful.
spvol writes:
Young Mr. Kelly will stay in the SEC. He knows that is how you get to the pros. Hope he decides on Tennessee like his Dad did.
wigmeister writes:
Hope he decides to stay home. He would look great in Orange!
orange_eVOLution writes:
Vol. Now can we focus on the NEXT recruiting class instead of the NEXT NEXT?
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
Do you guys really think Kiffin is offering this kid to stick it to UT? LOL! You guys are funny. He's offering Kelly because he could very well be the top DB in the nation for the 2014 class. If not the top, one of the top 5. Look at his offer list. Perhaps Saban is doing the same. Both Kelly and Akeem Cooperwood, the 6'7" 310 lb OT from Knox Fulton are a MUST in the 2014 class! Along with the Berry twins. However, there are concerns that Dooley is dropping the ball on the Berry twins. Getting Kelly would be Huge! Good to see a local boy getting national love.
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
UH, no. Kiffin's offering him because hes one of the top DBs in the nation for his class. Some have questioned if he would be the top. Kiffin recruits dudes he think will play pro ball. Like him or not, dude has an eye for talent. Character and talent are two different things. He'll recruit thugs as well, but he won't offer someone unless they are elite.
Vol43 writes:
Frankly, I don't think he wants your praise DBreath.
SATCHMOE writes:
Not asking you or anyone to praise him, just stop cutting him and making remarks that don't help in where we are going. Its as easy to be positive as negitive.Unity does a whole lot more than division. Being better always start with the individual wether its coach, player or fan
jawga writes:
CDD cannot swim with these sharks. His only shot was to offer 1st & he let Chizik beat him to the punch on that one. He panicked & followed with an offer but too late. Agree that the next UT coach has a better shot.
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
I keep hearing we are seriously lagging on the Berry twins. What you hearing down in GA?
jawga writes:
Richt is the master of pkg deals. Like taking the long snapper from FL last year then p/u his younger bro the 5* OT this year. It's a GA/TN battle. With a coaching change after this season TN could p/u the Berry twins & Kelly Jr. CDD has no shot.
Vol43 writes:
You seem to be well connected and have all the answers. What is a good georgia web site?
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
Don't dismiss Dooley's ability to swing a package deal. He pulled Nance Nash who has yet to see the field and Da'Rick Rogers who turned out to be a serious head case. Just sayin.... You guys dodged a bullet with DaRick
crutch1966 writes:
i don't hate kiffen. i hate orgeron.
Fighton writes:
Lane Kiffin isn’t recruiting Todd Kelly Jr., just because he wants to stick it to UT. Seriously, give Todd Kelly some respect. He is going to be one of the top DB recruits in the country in two years and that is why USC offered. Todd and his family should be very proud that USC made an offer, because they are very selective.
In your opinion, what is Lane supposed to do? Say, “This kid is really, really good, and is exactly the type of player we need on defense…but he lives in Knoxville. So I guess I shouldn’t, they might get mad.” Really?
And if you think USC doesn’t have a chance at the get, think again. Lane Kiffin already said that Tee Martin is USC’s lead recruiter in the Southeast.
Tee Martin will be with Lane Kiffin when they sit in this kid’s living room, so don’t think for a second that USC won’t have a chance. This is exactly why Lane hired Tee Martin, for situations like this. He may be arrogant, but he is not stupid.
and by the way, I am not the spawn of demons...
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