Poll: What is the biggest area of need for the Vols in recruiting?
| Response | Percent | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Defensive line | 48% | 2134 | |
| D. Depth | 24% | 1072 | |
| C. Skill positions | 13% | 607 | |
| B. Secondary | 6% | 305 | |
| E. Other | 6% | 289 | |
| total votes: 4407 | |||
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 51
RashaadSalabeb writes:
A tackle breaking runningback.
xvillefan writes:
The life blood of college football is RECRUITING. No matter how much they are “coached up”, better athletes rise to the top in the system. A casual glance at the national rankings seems to reveal the VOLS are looking well above average. Among the 100+ major college football programs UT ranks #15 on RIVALS, #20 on ESPN and #23 on SCOUT.
However in the highly completive SEC, UT is lagging badly when compared to the opponents.
SCOUT judges AL, FL, South Carolina, LSU, ARK, Auburn and Georgia have higher rated commitments than UT.
ESPN rates AL, FL, South Carolina, LSU, Auburn and Georgia with higher rated commitments than UT.
Only RIVALS has the VOLS rated in the top four in the SEC behind Alabama, Florida and South Carolina.
I am sure the staff is well aware of these stats but they don’t seem to demonstrate any urgency in their actions. Just think how great it would have been if a few five star recruits had been singing Rocky Top with all the students at Thompson-Boling at Saturday’s game with Connecticut in that fantastic atmosphere. With signing day fast approaching there are only a couple of uncommitted three star athletes scheduled to visit in the next 9 days. These five final recruits probably will not make a big impact in the fall but for Dooley to survive after the 2012 season he has to give Hart and the fans some hope for the future by signing talent.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor mascot? lol Witch Doctor say the look of joy on their faces is reward enough and unlimited spending account approved by Dave Hart? Witch Doctor checking email....
Bones never lie.
proud2btnvol (Inactive) writes:
I agree with the first two comments.
Snapshot writes:
I know it is good to have highly players with a lot of "stars", but I would rather get players that can play and fill your needs.
just check out how many 3 star players get drafted and make it in the NFL.
Thermopyle writes:
The Vols have trouble running because they don't have the right offensive line personnel to run-block. Pass-blocking OL and run-blocking OL are 2 entirely different animals. Run-blocking requires a whole other level of nastiness than pass-blocking. I think UT's decline as a power-running school began when CPF hired Jimmy Ray Stephens from UF in an effort (IMHO) to out-UF UF. As I recall, that's when UT started recruiting the smaller, more athletic OL to create space. We really haven't had a dominant running game since Jamal Lewis. If we get the nasty hogmollies we need to run-block, we can make a star out of any 3-star HS RB. I can't count the times I've seen UT's running game falter not because the RB couldn't hit a hole, but rather because there was no hole for him to hit. UT has no push upfront, and when you can't win at the line of scrimmage, you can't run. And if you can't run in the SEC, you can't win.
BlakeyWakey writes:
who would like to see the Albert Hanseworths, Shaun Ellis, John Hendersons?? if you have a solid D line your whole defense is solid. We need Defense, we have plenty of offense.
TheVolSnake writes:
The one area that does worry me is O Line in that we didn't recruit any.
I think they will keep Davante Bourque as a running back and him and Lane would make an outstanding pair.
Our WR's and what is coming in we should be outstanding.
D Line we still could use one more DE
The biggest disappointment last year was our D. Backs, I though at the beginning of the year would be our major strength and never got going to their ability's, so the new recruits will help.
Linebackers we have and with the addition of the one's committed will be a major force for years to come.
The QB selection this year will add some much needed depth, and an upgrade.
I don't get tied up on stars as much as getting a player with the right skills and attitude that can play in our system. And I think the Vol's did a great job of doing that this year.
The new coaches have me very excited and I feel a major upgrade, and we have a Great running back coach.
From a Vol stuck in Afghanistan
MiserableFloridaVol writes:
Got to have some pressure from the D Line next year!
ShaversChoicewasbanned writes:
Everyone had good comments...nice to see the first 10 without trolls or CDD bashers. However I have to go with WD...need an upgrade on mascot...one that casts spells.
TheVolSnake writes:
Our Biggest problem last year was something no one has been talking about.
Half time adjustments if you go back and look at ALL the games we never made any adjustments during halftime.
This is the direct responsibility of the O.C. and D.C.
The head coaches manages Coaches and the O.C. and D.C. manages Players and their respected sides of the ball.
I think our new D.C. will be a fantastic upgrade and with the personnel we have and recruited will have a shut down D very soon
A Vol stuck in Afghanistan
Thermopyle writes:
VolSnake, thank you for your service. Godspeed, and get home safely soon.
manniesghost1903 writes:
To me the Offensive Line was a problem in the running game. Maybe the coaching staff is thinking about moving some of the curren t defensive lineman to offense. UT is in need of a break away running back unless they plan to move Neal from wide receiver to back to tailback.
Tacamo01 writes:
A couple 3 star RB's that can make something happen when the holes are not open. UT has the coaches in place finally to get 60 minutes of play out of the rest.
TheVolSnake writes:
I agree but 90% of this was technique, Our new line coach will solve a lot of these issues. We have great lineman on the roster and will do great this year.
As far as moving Neal I am not sure moving him again would be a good move. He would have a major learning curve learning the Offense, it is much harder to learn at this level. Lane will have a break out year and will have to wait and see who will step up for the other running back. I think that Davante Bourque would make a great running back but could move to safety. I would keep him as a running back.
A Vol stuck in Afghanistan
Down_The_Field writes:
The last three recruiting classes have fallen short in the numbers we need on the interior D-line. I wanted to see 4 interior D-linemen in this class.
Wouldn't hurt to get a good O-lineman.
What i wouldn'd give to have lsu's punter.
HtownVol writes:
We have no depth on the D-Line and it has cost us a lot of games. No stud D-Linemen like UT used to always have.
Anyone want a punter AND kicker that we can count on? How long has it been since we had a kicker that can win a game if needed?
Vols4life77 writes:
I think the O-line is very talented and this will be their coming out party to show mass improvement. In most situations coaching turnover sets you back but I think it will help this group. I would move Neal back to RB to provide a nice 1-2 punch with lane. The learning curve is way easier at this position and it's his natural position too. Chaney has to find a way to get young 8-10 carries by putting him in motion, running reverses, screens whatever it takes. The defense will be improved but I hope Sunseri doesn't completely switch to a 3-4 this year as it takes a full year to adapt to a new defense. I would hope it's multiple and implement the 3-4 gradually. Dooley and company has done a GREAT job recruiting and your Dooley haters will note they fourth or fifth in the SEC in recruiting. Well that may be true but those other teams played in national championships and BCS games too. For Dooley to be sitting at #11 in rivals with the coaching turnover and to only lose two commits during this span is a very positive sign for all Tennessee fans. He is obviously selling the school and resources over coaches and with a 5-7 record to almost crack a top 10 class is outstanding. This year is a year for Dooley to prove he belongs or prove he doesn't. The offense is stacked and the defense finally has some depth and this year we will see growth. Go Vols!!
TheVolSnake writes:
Special teams have been a major problem over the last few years. We have Kickers that can preform just no coaching to teach them. This is why the Vol's have tried to get one over the last few years.
A Vol Stuck in Afghanistan
TheVolSnake writes:
I agree with you on the O-Line, I don't totally dis-agree with moving Neal back to running back. I have the complete roster to include the recruits added to is and we are hurting at running back. Lane is good but in my opinion wont be able to carry the load though out the complete year, especially in the SEC.
We are loaded in D. Backs and WR's so the move of Neal would help the running back situation.
Injuries last year killed us and then all but Rodgers no one stepped up to fill the voids left by injuries. I was a bad year when even Smokey was injured.
I think the New Coaches will fire up this bunch and it will be interesting on the rest of the coaching slots who gets hired.
alraguc#466367 writes:
I say they need to recruit a new coach.
TheVolSnake writes:
Projected Offense *** included Recruits
QB, Tyler Bray (if stays healthy will lead the SEC in passing), Back up Worley and Peterman possible Red Shirt
Running Back, Marlin Lane can’t determine backups and second running back yet will have to see what spring practice brings. In the mix: Bourque, Neal, Hill, Watson and Williams. At this time I would have Bourque and Williams as the leaders if Neal doesn’t switch back to Running back.
TE Rivera followed very closely by Clear and both in the double TE set, Downs as the Backup and Meredith as Red shirt.
OL Starters: Gooch, Bullard, Stone, James and Schofield, backups: Richardson, Jackson, Posey, Kerbyson, Pair, Thomas and Fulton: Depending on the new line coach this will be switched around a lot all have experience and capability, it is a very strong group just needs a little teaching the finer points and will be outstanding this year.
WR’s: D. Rick Rodgers and Hunter (will lead the SEC in receiving) Z. Rodgers in three WR sets. I think that Milton and Dallas finally show how good they really are. Howard I think will take the place of Lane as our return man and will be a great slot receiver. Bowles and Groom could become impact players right away, but I wouldn’t be surprised if both red shirt and they make Groom a TE. The Vol’s have a great receiving Corp and has a lot of flexibility here.
This group barring major injuries has the ability to be dominating and after signing day and spring practice will be more defined.
TheVolSnake writes:
The last thing we need is a new coach. That is what has hurt our program over the last few years.
Though the Leadership of Dooley we are just fine and growing stronger every week.
What we really need is true football fans that understand the game, not post for a coaching change every time we have a down time.
josephc28#360534 writes:
I think the secondary is the weak link of the defense at this point. Janzen Jackson's dismissal really hurt. Now, there's some talented young guys in the secondary, but they simply need reps and game experience.
TheVolSnake writes:
I agree and the Defense needs to look and find a way to make the defensive backfield work they have the players but were out of sync all last year.
I think the new D.C. will fix this issue.
Also our LB corp looks very strong and if them and the D-Line can put some pressure on the opposing QB's and still stop the run the Vol's will be a shut down D. this year.
rich182x writes:
Bryce Brown! lol... I mean Running Back!
smokies_old_soul writes:
what .... is this poll some kind of joke?
the Vols area of need is obvious and not real difficult to figure out. we need quality players on the line of scrimmage - offense & defense - end of story.
Go Vols
VOODOOley-2011 (Inactive) writes:
Another power running back the likes of Little Man Stewart, Jamal with the Ball Lewis, Cheeze Henry, etc..
bebecerveza writes:
You lost me when you said Gooch will be starting over Jackson, plus Milton is gone to Louisville. Lay off the NCAA 12 Dynasty and pay attention to is still here.
TheVolSnake writes:
Yes I made some mistakes, and Jackson did a great job at the end of the year. I am currently overseas and have to get everything off the internet, so I will make some mistakes as far as who left I thought I had removed all the ones that were gone. On Jackson I really think he will be moved to Guard, but spring will tell.
I forgot to add fullbacks Ben Bartholomew has the edge but I really think Fugate has a strong chance and he has better hands as a good out pass receiver.
VolnPickwick writes:
First let me say thank you for your service, that is the most important thing of all. Without you guys there would be no football! Stay safe, come home soon. Great post, someone finally understands what is going on in Ktown. We need stability and a fan base without the knee jerk reactions. One bad play, game or season and their solution is to fire the coach. It make me mad as he!!. Go Vols!
TheFuj writes:
Look at the two teams in the championship this year and both were d-line strong. Got to push for getting the top d-lineman out there. I think back in the day, we use to only get d-lineman, and then the ones who were not quick enough went to o-lineman and usually excelled.
TheVolSnake writes:
I 100% agree with you offense wins games Defense wins championships; however I think your D.line will be just fine and much improved. I do however worry about DE, I would like to see a big time DE recruited.
TheVolSnake writes:
Thank you very much.
SCVFL writes:
1st...Thanks to all of the VFL's that are serving everywhere. You are the ones that make all of the rest of this possible.
2nd...I cannot beleive that SPECIAL TEAMS (kicker and punter)are not on the list. Other than that, it appears the weakest link or unknown link is the secondary. Last year it seemed to have individual talent but totally lacked cohesiveness.
I think CDD has done a great job with recruiting and with coach replacement so far. How do you convince quality players and coaches to come to a school with so much turmoil existing in its AD?
Things are beginning to look better. GO VOLS. GBO. VFL.
SharpDressedMan writes:
Those who can't, teach. Thank you for that lesson. I'm sure that your perspective has enlightened college recruiters everywhere.
TheVolSnake writes:
Our Special teams need help I think this is the reason that Dooley when after Rich Bisaccia so hard, on paper we have some outstanding kickers and have the personnel to have some very good Special teams I think our major problem is a skilled coach in this area.
I think Dooley has and is doing a fantastic job and getting players of high character and that can play in our system.
notnegativenotstupid writes:
A great runningback!
bigdisbig writes:
Growing stronger every week? Dooley's leadership is fine? Are you being serious?
Oh yes..his strong leadership led the team to give up in the Kentucky game. His strong leadership helped the Vols lose 7 games each of the past 2 years. His strong leadership has assistant coaches leaving as well as good commitments. Under Dooley's strong leadership the Vols couldn't score a point in the second half of 5 games. And finally....Dooley's strong leadership has Tennessee as a bottom feeder in the SEC and the laughing stock of ESPN in highlights.
Its not the fans dude its blind mice like you who would listens to an inept coach who talks like a lawyer turned snake oil salesman.
dvsvol writes:
Gotta agree, our OL run blocking left just a tad to be desired. Huge guys, gaining experience playing together, but seem too tired to run onto the field after warmups, much less block. They are the best we have, which gives them a right to watch the game from the best view on Saturdays. A little more pride and a little more muscle, but at the same time less overall weight, just might help. I thought this group was supposed to a strong point last season, but even with the season-ending TOTAL collapse that was the Kentucky debacle(cringing all over again at that one, and still being unable to re-erase my tape of that "game"), I can't say they were a strong point. They should be forced to watch repeated replays of the commercial where a guy experiences running into an NFL defensive line of cutouts that knock the running back guy thru the air for about a 15-yard loss. In fact they should take turns running behind their teammates' "blocking" in practice until they get a clue as to what they did to Taureen et.al. ...sorry, just venting. Maybe they really were doing their best, which is more than what Da'Rick seemed to do after Hunter went down. The breakdowns of the last season are behind them/us thankfully, and I think we've got some great Soph-to-be LB's coming back, and hopefully Hunter will be good as new (or even close to what he was will beat anyone else), and maybe Bray will be healed and really care about improving (that's the attitude your coaches are talking about; you're not YET in the pros, no matter how talented you are, which is nowhere near as talented as YOU think you are, and you won't be if you don't get your mind around the ole work-ethnic thing), ...sorry, I did it again, didn't I? I'm old, and I want to see at least one more VOLS football team that I can have some pride in. Last year, we progressively digressed to a point of shear apathy. I wouldn't feel suicidal if we lost a handful of games next year, as long as the Orange displays some effort and pride in themselves when they take the field (throughout the game, ya know, until they leave it (even when the camera isn't on them))). I feel myself getting started again on those negative rants, but wait!!! How 'bout Cuozo, Jarnell, and the gang!!! I'm on my way home to watch the Lady Vols take out #2 Notre Dame hard! Go ALL VOLS!!!
sameolvolalum writes:
A solid spring practice, progress with off-season conditioning and a break on injuries. A lot of intrinsics can gel this offseason and at least some of us won't be surprised this fall when the Vols turn their ship around. Considering UT's bad publicity the past three years, calm thinkers should tip their hats to CDD for the solid job he's doing and the progress he's made in spite of the injuries and distractions. We'll overlook the trolls and the crybabies.
For the fella' who's crying about other SEC programs fielding better recruits (actually just more *s), Al, Fla, LSU, and Auburn have been NC's this past decade. Ga and SC have had no HC changes in several years and STILL may lose to the Vols in 2012. We may well have the material on hand to have a competitive program. Glasses of orange juice are always at least half-full. GBO!
grandtad#1402265 writes:
Low to the ground power running backs and a dual threat QB
tovolny writes:
Tennessee's biggest recruiting problem is the negative coverage by KNS. Mostly John Adams' stuff. I know of two recruits from Fayetteville, NC who went on to pro careers state that the KNS guy made them sign elsewhere. They said they used to read the negative stuff that was coming out about Fulmer and Chavis. They could not believe that a hometown paper could be so anti-Tennessee. Both guys said they had no problems with Fulmer, but the anti-UT press from KNS helped sway them to Notre Dame and North Carolina.
This is one reason I am so anti-John Adams.
Ttown writes:
I live in hog country god help me I have been a vol fan since I was 13 iam 33 that was the first time I saw them play some of my family took me to a game the hogs are not out recruting us I promise u that I dont care what that site says I hear this stinky pigs talk all day about there two an three star players coming in they arent even close to catching us they got lucky the last few years that luck is running out
Southland writes:
a ten win season to get some life back into the program and to change some of the negative feelings that are dominating the Vol fan base would be the most pressing need. Maybe a nine win season would do that but fans have been long suffering and need a great boost. I am sure hopeful that it can happen
FREOVOL writes:
We need a miracle.
DwayneElizondoMountainDewHerbertCamacho writes:
Its a logical fallacy to claim that three star players are a better risk than four or five start players simply because there are more three stars playing than four or five stars.
There are, by far, more three star players in the country, therefore, there are more opportunities for the odd three star player to succeed. It's a larger pool and therefore the numbers of NFL caliber players are going to be larger. However, without demonstrating that more future-NFL players make up a greater percentage of the 3 star talent pool (as compared to the four and five star pools) in any given year, you aren't proving anything. But, if it makes you feel better that we're not recruiting in the top five of the SEC...then believe whatever you want.
Coaching is more important than raw high school talent anyway.
alfrizzle097 writes:
Travis Henry is UT's all time leading rusher. Travis Stephens set UT's single season mark. Houston and Riggs rushed for 1000 yards each in the same year.
All of this was since Lewis. All of that seems to invalidate at least some of your offense. I do remember one Auburn game... maybe 2004?... where they ran it at us 18 times in a row or something. We knew it was coming but 3 yards and a cloud of dust is hard to stop if they have a solid o line. We may not have backs that turn 10 yards to 80, but we certainly have backs that can get the 10 yards. just need a push.
mmynatt12 writes:
New coaching staff:)
volfast40time writes:
i dont know what offense you were watching last year, defense needs small improvement but our offense needs to show some consistency
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