The last time Butch Jones stood before the media to talk about Tennessee football, he had only been in Knoxville for about four hours and was still learning his way from the football offices to Neyland Stadium.
Today, Jones will unveil a hastily assembled first signing class that includes at least nine players who committed after the new coaching staff came on board in December.
Because so many of the prospects Tennessee has targeted were originally committed elsewhere, this will be a busier National Signing Day than usual. Tennessee is still watching at least seven prospects, including at least four who have formal announcements planned for today.
As of Tuesday evening, the Vols were ranked 28th nationally and 11th in the SEC in the 247 Sports Composite Rankings, which uses a formula to average the rankings of all major recruiting sites.
A strong finish could push the Vols into the top 25 nationally and perhaps as high as eighth or ninth in the SEC.
1. Will Tennessee sign the maximum amount of players in this class?
Unless the Vols have a few more surprise players that they plan to unveil today, probably not. Teams are limited by NCAA and SEC rules to 25 signees per year, but the Vols undersigned last year and so will be able to "count back" two of their early enrollees. That means UT could sign up to 27.
It's unlikely Tennessee will reach that mark. The Vols enter today with 18 commitments. Defensive end Joe Sanders of LaGrange, Ga., was unlikely to sign with UT because of academic concerns and that became a reality when it was confirmed late Tuesday by govols247.com.
Coaches will be closely watching as many as seven players, so UT would have to land every target to fill up the class. A class of 22-24 is more likely.
That's not the worst thing, as it will allow coaches some flexibility this summer in case there are any late qualifiers or surprise arrivals. It also means coaches probably won't have to sweat the 85-man overall scholarship limit come August.
2. What areas of need did coaches successfully address?
Tennessee will add at least four receivers and two defensive backs and a handful of guys who could play either position. The Vols also added two tight ends, including a junior college player, to ease any concerns about that position in 2014.
Receiver could shift from an area of concern to an area of unexpected wealth in 2013, although the majority of the players will be in their first or second year in the program.
Similarly, there should be plenty of competition in the defensive backfield, which was one of the weakest points in the Vols' league-worst defense.
Receiver MarQuez North appears to be the most likely to find immediate playing time.
If the Vols can land five-star safety Vonn Bell, he would instantly become the most-watched player in camp this August.
3. Where do the Vols wish they had added more depth?
Former coach Derek Dooley's staff loaded up on offensive linemen in 2011, so they chose not to sign any in 2012. That made it important to land some big bodies this season. Instead, it appears the Vols will only sign three offensive lineman.
Dan Skipper, a longtime UT commitment, defected to Arkansas, where he was recruited by former UT line coach Sam Pittman. Junior college prospect Chongo Kondolo chose Nebraska over the Vols.
Tennessee has four senior starters this year, so the numbers crunch won't be felt until 2014. Expect the Vols to target juco players to balance out the class next year.
4. Of the roughly seven players still on the board, who is Tennessee most likely to get, and what players do the Vols need the most?
Let's start with the obvious: From a perception standpoint, if nothing else, signing an elite national prospect like Bell would be a huge boost. He also happens to play at a position where he can make an immediate impact.
In the non-Bell division, running back Johnathan "Rudy" Ford would be a huge catch for the Vols, even after coaches extended a late offer to former East Carolina commitment Jabo Lee, which he accepted Monday night. Ford says he's already made up his mind, but is saving his announcement for today. Most believe he'll sign with Auburn, although no one's counted him out.
Who are the Vols most likely to get? Defensive lineman Jaylen Miller has been considered a UT lean for weeks, and it would be a stunner if he went elsewhere. Defensive end Malik Brown is down to UT or Syracuse, which seems like an easy choice, but he's been committed to the Orange (the New York variety) for nearly two months.
Evan Woodbery covers Tennessee football. Follow him at www.Twitter.com/TennesseeBeat.
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Comments » 121
snowpeapod#263184 writes:
Bama fans expect Bell to sign with them whereas Vol fans hope he signs with them. It's up to our coaching staff to change those perceptions.
LCPanthers (Inactive) writes:
I was hoping for more,maybe Bellamy,Ford,Bell,Miller, and Brown and maybe some unknown we don't know about.
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
OSU worries me more than Bama, because Urbie can promise immediate PT same as the Vols..We'll see, but I'm thinking Bell is definitely leaning UT's direction..GBO!!
Shake_Bake writes:
As everyone knows, we are desparate for help on defense! Ford is a running back, but all the others on your list would help us tremendously on defense! I'll take every one of them on your list,...and if we are lucky throw in Levenberry also. GBO!!!
voloffaith writes:
Doesn't Levenberry announce tonight?
VolFanInTheBoro (Inactive) writes:
Yes, he will announce at any time now
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
That's what they said this weekend..However, these young athletes change their minds faster than my wife trying to decide which outfit to wear on our night out.
VolunteerLifer writes:
It's seven hours drive time from his home town to Knoxville. It's twelve to Tallahassee. Big difference if you want your friends and relatives to see you play home games a lot. One is driveable on a weekend. The other is not.
N2TheVOLS writes:
Levenberry chose FSU per Rivals
GloryDays writes:
What an oportunity some of these guys have to come to Tennesse. Get in on the ground floor. Many postions are open for playing time right away. Seems like Ford or any other RB would love to run behind a big strong OL. Vonn Bell could be a star. Finish strong Big Orange!
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
I didn't see it..According to Rivals he had a verbal from last April, but it looks like UT missed out on Levenberry none-the-less.
Rumblefish writes:
I'm a bit concerned that kids these days do not have the idea of coming into Tennessee and "laying the foundation for the future" as is needed.
Rather, they want to to win...and win now. Which Tennessee is in absolutely NO position to do. Gonna take some good sellin on Butch's part to convince them of being able to do that.
UTvols33 writes:
It's good to be loaded at WR, however I am concerned that we will have an inexperienced QB so I don't know how much they will be utilized. Happy to see a lot of defenders in the mix, but I feel we are in desperate need for a quality RB in this class. Hoping for Ford, I guess, if he is the best of who is interested. Go Vols!
cloudodust writes:
Smart woman going out with you in the dark of night instead of the bright of day...just kidding, just kidding.
dvols writes:
ugh....
VolGrad writes:
Jayson Swain tweeted: "These poor recruits. In 6 months they'll be beat up, cussed out and crying for mommy. Life is about to get real." RT by Leonard Little.
:D Go Vols!
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
No, I'll be the first to admit she's way over my head..But, I can impersonate Gene Simmons..Just sayin'
exlineman writes:
For all the 4 and 5 star watchers, don't be upset by the lack of stars on some of these athletes. Jalen Reeves Maybin should be a 5 star. Before he leaves UT, the fans will be surprised. He is an electrifying player on offense and defense. He has been used to playing a full game offense and defense and did most of the running for Clarksville N.E. this year. He out performed Jalen Hurd this yr. against Beech High. and came out hurt, missing one play with the temperatures in the 30's. The type of cold, when hit on your shin, has a tendency to sting in cold or hot weather. Jalen Hurd is a 5 star and whether we get him depends on the coaching staff, I have heard he likes Tn., but also is interested in Ohio St. and Bammer.
Don't know where coach Jones plans to play Jalen Reeves Maybin, but you can rest assured he will be a starter either way, would be a great running back as well.
billyvolsfan writes:
I remember Coach Phil getting who he wanted. Now I remember a idiot in a helicopter and now we have a ambulance going around. What a got dang joke we have become and you fans did this to our great program. This is a joke. Coach Jones tells kids, you are the best SS in the game but we need you to play where we need you to play,,,how would you like to be a running back kid? What a joke we have become
billyvolsfan writes:
Of course they want to win now, if UT can not provide that then 8 other SEC teams can. Who in the heck wants to not win now?
billyvolsfan writes:
Only one way to end this nightmare. Now that the NCAA is investigating themselves,,,,that leaves a opening! We need a bucket full of cash and strike while the NCAA is to busy looking into themselves
billyvolsfan writes:
Come to a program that has not have a winning season in forever. Don't kid yourself. Nobody wants to come to this phooey hole we have created, we need some cash and a lot of it to fix this problem
thevoice writes:
Tomorrow is the first day a player can sign, not the last.
billyvolsfan writes:
heck yeah thevoice we may get our butt kicked tomorrow but i bet we can win signing all the scrubs that were not offered a s.ship to sign with us after tomorrow. We can claim we signed the scrubs left over after tomorrow as our new battle call
redskinvol1 writes:
The best staff in the country should be able to land a top fifteen class this year.Dooley landed a top fifteen class his first year and I expect coach Jones to do the same.Coach Jones needs to deliver in the morning so the fans have some hope for the next three years.If coach Jones does not land a top fifteen class then his staff is no where near the best in the country.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Not really expecting too many suprises tomorrow,,Would be sweet to get Bell and great if we can steal Dobbs from ASU,,Jones did land some top notch WRs but it looks like we are gonna be a bust again on getting a 4 star RB which still just baffles me..Dooley was a decent recruiter but Jones is proving to be a relentless worker and it shows in how he got visits and interest from some elite committed players,,He's already out there make visits and calls for the 2014 class
GloryDays writes:
Yes, I am a little disappointed at this point, perhaps tommorw will be a better day. Derek Dooley is to blame for much of lost 4 star players. I am sick of people defending this loser! He made 10 million dollars for 3 miserable seasons. He quit recruiting and building bridges because he knew his sorry rear was about to be canned!
The mark of a good coach is making players better, overachieving, Coach Jones will have this opportunity this year. Everyone needs to give him a chance! It's not going to happen overnight but I really believe he is going to get this thing turned around.
tovolny writes:
A good or great running back would be making a mistake not to come to Tennessee. Go to Bama and be third string or deeper. South Carolina, LSU, Georgia, and Clemson have questions at OL. We do NOT. Whoever shows up to play RB, will probably be on the All Freshman Team in the SEC. If Jones' staff can eliminate the ROMPS allowed by our defense the last 4 years, then we are ready to compete for SEC East top sport.
billyvolsfan writes:
heck yea lickn, we got nothing this yr but this yank is the man for the job
billyvolsfan writes:
Dooley is to blame? LMAO our lame program is to blame. ppl like you that do not know football is to blame clown
Orangeblood64 writes:
In two months CBJ has done some serious work and traveled alot of miles. His work ethic is 2nd to none. Good things are coming. this year might not be to great but if we give him the support he needs good thing will happen. VFL
billyvolsfan writes:
We need a bucket full of cash and need it now!!!!
billyvolsfan writes:
He got us nobody so if that is his serious work then he needs to go ASAP
GloryDays writes:
Are you a sorry bama troll or a Ohio state troll? You know nothing about the history of Tennessee football! I would run circles around your sorry rear!
billyvolsfan writes:
u idiot ohio state or bama, our program so messed up i would be a vandy troll, no i srry i would be a high school troll to mess with UT. got that fool, we so bad we are a joke and no trolls on here we are the trolls that mess with others because our team is a joke.....Got that fool?
billyvolsfan writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
billyvolsfan writes:
we had battle, ran his butt out, we had johnny who drink and thought the game was still playing during the sunday show. we had coach phil who owned the sec and we have fans like glorydays who is a idiot. that is our history in a nutshell.
VolGrad writes:
CBJ got some awesome news a little while ago. I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out about it, eh?
Go Vols!
Rumblefish writes:
Kentucky
billyvolsfan writes:
The minute you dumb butt fans say you are sorry for running off a legend like Coach Phil then and only then can this mess be cleaned up
VolFanInTheBoro (Inactive) writes:
thankfully fake Vol fan, trolls like you won't be our future
billyvolsfan writes:
the minute you fake fans like you say sorry for firing Coach Phil nevermind idiots like you are just that
billyvolsfan writes:
We are not going to get back until we get a bucket full of cash. shot from the hip i do.
Rumblefish writes:
cash comes with wins. not vice versa.
billyvolsfan writes:
We need some cash and need it fast to do some things. That slime ball nick got ran out of the nfl when he could not use a bucket full of cash, we need some money right now to make a charge in the sec
9willbesofine writes:
Phil never "owned" the SEC. Just ask Spurrier.:)
EIGHT
billyvolsfan writes:
and we dont need this mommy boy cops trying to act cool arresting our players. this would not fly in bama
billyvolsfan writes:
Phil was the only one to stand up to spurrier
VolGrad writes:
It must be the silly hour.
Time to sign off. Expecting a big day in 10, 9, 8, 7... hours.
GBO!
billyvolsfan writes:
We are hiring coaches from Cinci,,,,,,wth is up with that? Just say sorry for this mess fans, get this idiot AD from Bama the heck out of here and lets buy some recruits and get Bill Bates or any local as a coach and let the good times roll.
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