Comments by VolGrad

Written on New football hires show importance of familiarity, trust:

"Sounds" like some good hires.

Just want to see those SEC Championships again. Been way too freaking long.

Go VolS! This is Big Orange Country!!!

Written on How many league games should SEC football teams play?:

8 is enough. We add a 9th and the game that will be dropped will not be the cream-puffs; it will be the Oregons. I'd rather play a quality out of conference game like an Oregon than add a game against Miss. State or some other SEC West team. The cream-puffs are there to stay..., and for good reason.

IMO, the SEC hasn't become the dominant conference it is by being stupid with the scheduling.

Written on 247Sports: Class of 2014 suprise recruiting classes (free access):

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

In that case, you better STHU..

Seven T's first 5 words in that comment says it all. "I have always been disturbed..."

Couldn't resist.
GBO!

Written on Trae Golden leaving Vols: 'We wish him well':

in response to Original_Witch_Doctor:

Witch Doctor believes I must have drank to much brew. Having bad nightmare about team losing a solid player. Hope nightmare ends soon. Must make better brew next time. Next nightmare might be that former coach is returning... Would that even be considered a nightmare I ask myself?

What are the "bones" telling you? You know they never lie.

Written on Ja'Wuan James learns to lead Vols senior lineman becomes more vocal:

Check out this vid, Orlando Brown's mom: http://bit.ly/11ZN8uy

Good talent, and a better young man.

Go Vols!!!

Written on Butch Jones' UT commitments high-ranked:

in response to Lizardgrad89:

Um...it's May.

I PROMISE nobody is sweating your recruiting, or anybody's recruiting at this point.

Anybody who thinks immediate playing time ISN'T a factor and ISN'T being used as a selling point really doesn't understand recruiting. Of course it's being used as a selling point. If Butch was golfing, would he leave his driver in the bag? Immediate playing time is a good club. Trust me, he's using it.

On another note, Florida has had 3 great recruiting classes the past 3 years, and this one is looking good as well (ask me about it again in August, when classes are actually shaping up). I seriously doubt your current 11(?) man recruiting class is causing any sleepless nights in Gainesville.

Then why in the world do you feel compelled to come on here and try to minimize it?

And no, CBJ is not promising playing time per se. He constantly reiterates what I've already stated. He's not going to tell the recruits one thing and then the public something else. How would that make the recruits feel about his character? "Hey man, I promise you'll be playing next year but I've got to tell the rest of the world something different." Please!

Go Vols!

Written on Butch Jones' UT commitments high-ranked:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

Gotcha..I guess this recent recruiting success has these pseudo FU fans really concerned.

That pretty much nails it.

Just the fact we are anywhere near a Top 5 recruiting class right now for 2014 before CBJ has won a game is crazy good. I truly hope and believe that the same thing that makes him a good recruiter, leader and motivator will make him a successful coach for us. Heck, he already has the top recruits from in-state, a terrific start on the legacy class, and each of his commits on twitter urging other high caliber recruits to come and help build a championship team at Tennessee.

Recruits that have already committed to other schools have still voiced how impressed they are at #VolNation Fanatics who still follow them by the hundreds. Current targets saying things like "Vol fans are so love...S/O to you all," and "Tennessee fans a trip bruh." One recruit picked up 200 Vol fan followers today; a few days ago, another picked up more than 400 in just 30 minutes. Also, the Berry twins are following all our current 2014 commits; gotta be a good sign for the #LegacyClass. There are rumors of two more commits about to announce soon. This is not your typical Tennessee spring. I think we usually have maybe 4 or 5 commits by summer.

Yeah, FU is sweating. I mean they've got meltdown-muschump, and we have bUTch.

Go Vols! Kick butt!! #RiseToTheTop

Written on Butch Jones' UT commitments high-ranked:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

I know what you mean, and it won't be known until about a month into the 2013 season. However, so much of coaching has to do with preparation and planning. What part of CBJs' coaching style leads you to believe his team won't be well prepared? The man has every detail either being installed or tweaked. There will not be a better prepared team in the country and that's something I am certain of...GBO!!

I don't know of anything that warrants concern at this point. I have nothing but optimism. That post was really a continuation of the previous one where I was replying to LizardGrad.... He was raising recruiting concerns going forward after we build depth. I think the biggest recruiting impact will be whether CBJ can coach successfully against SEC opponents. Frankly, I think that he will be successful. But that would impact recruiting going forward much more than Tennessee managing to build depth at each position. Once you have depth and are competing for championships, how does that hurt your ability to recruit high caliber talent as LizardGrad was suggesting?

Go Vols!

Written on Butch Jones' UT commitments high-ranked:

The bigger question for all of us in Big Orange country is "can this staff coach?" That includes game-planning and half-time adjustments. Every staff up to this point has talked a good game, but the results on the field left much to be desired.

This is what will have a much bigger impact on recruiting going forward than anything else.

Go Vols!!!

Written on Butch Jones' UT commitments high-ranked:

in response to Lizardgrad89:

Spring is the time for optimism, and I see it's running high in Knoxville. And that's a fine thing. You folks need something to bring you hope.

Just remember, though, a coach coming into a situation like this is just about always going to have a good to great 2nd recruiting class. Why? Because the depth chart is wide open. When you can show kids a depth chart that has them starting right away, or maybe backing up as a true freshman, and starting as a true sophomore, they are going to be very interested.

The trick is, when you have that class of starters in place, what do you use to recruit with in year 3? The real trick to recruiting is not bring in a 4/5 star, it's bringing in that 4/5 star when there is already a couple of those same type kids already at that position.

Not saying Jones can't be that kind of recruiter, just that the jury shouldn't come back with a verdict until probably the 4th class (or at least the third) is in the books.

Actually, if you are doing it the right way, and CBJ appears to be... you recruit the same way year after year. You always tell every recruit they will have an opportunity to compete not only for playing time, but also for a starting role. And you never promise them either one. The best recruits, those who are competitive and well motivated, are not going to back down from additional competition. They just need to know they've got a chance to prove themselves. Regardless of ratings, any recruit who backs away from that is probably someone you don't need on your roster.

CBJ is selling them on Tennessee, its tradition, its SEC genetics and the opportunity to compete right away. That means the potential for exposure at a National level and playing for championships. That will not change from year to year regardless of the depth chart.

The recruits hear it from both sides prior to making their decision. They've heard how Tennessee is "years away from competing for championships..., while we at the University of _____ are competing right now, blah, blah, blah." So eventually you have 2 deep starting rotation with 4 and 5 star athletes and competing for championships, and it will be suddenly harder to recruit high level talent? Absolutely not. CBJ will tell them the same thing he always has. This is what I've been selling from day one. Our goal has always been to compete for championships, and now we are there.

The message will not change.

The other thing here is that CBJ is actually having not just a good/great class in his 2nd year, but he is having a Top 5 potential class in his 2nd year. So someone looking in from the outside, especially a rival opponent, naturally wants to point out some potential cloud for every silver lining. Well, in this case, that alleged cloud holds little water.

Go Vols! #RiseToTheTop This is BOC!!!

Written on How will you take in the Orange and White Game?:

Picked up commit #9, WR Lawrence Lee from West Florida.

Go Big Orange!

Written on How will you take in the Orange and White Game?:

Would love to be in K-town for that one. Anyone going from NE Georgia up to that game?

Go Vols!!!

Written on Tennessee RB Marlin Lane out for 'disciplinary reasons':

in response to Supersayin1:

Dangit!! This hurts becuse we don't have antrue SEC RB's as is on the team! And No I do not think Jabo Lee will be an SEC Gamebuster; before anyone brings him up! He was a clean up last minute choice by a RB coach that was already on his way out the door!! I hope Hill can be a much better RB!

It will be another year, but help is on its way: http://bit.ly/XyZKYD

Go Vols!#RiseToTheTop

Written on Peyton Manning on Butch Jones: 'He has it all mapped out':

If you are just itching to find a reason for hope for our Vols, check out this 9:41 definition of the word, "Ridiculous." http://bit.ly/16Ejahc

Or if you prefer a shorter definiton: http://bit.ly/XyZKYD

This kid (JH) is as level-headed as he is a monster RB.

Written on Peyton Manning on Butch Jones: 'He has it all mapped out':

Just the fact that Peyton was here, speaking to the team and talking football with the coaches is another testament to how much CBJ values and embraces Tennessee's winning history and tradition.

CBJ has to succeed on the field, but during the offseason it is tough to find a flaw in his walk or his talk.

Go Vols! #BrickByBrick #VolByVol GBO!!!

Written on Peyton Manning on Butch Jones: 'He has it all mapped out':

Personally, I can hardly wait to get this college football season started. I find myself each day bringing up twitter and Tennessee football websites to check on the latest developments. It has been quite a while since I was this excited. Even though I suspect this year may be another tough one in realistic terms, I am hopeful that we will see some real improvement... even in the win column. The early returns on CBJ's first full class of recruits (2014) is a remarkable improvement over the past several years as a Top 15 (as some predicted) could turn into a Top 5 class (presently ranked 4th on Rivals). The current commits are talking up the Tennessee Brand and selling it to other top recruits. And, at the very least, those recruits are taking notice. Time will tell, but I can't wait for time before I fully invest myself into this team, its coaches and the vision they are preaching. I am unashamedly a Tennessee Volunteer football junkie, and I approve of this Attitude among other fellow Vol FANatics.

This is Big Orange Country!!! #RiseToTheTop

Todd Kelly Jr reaction after our 8th commit on Wednesday this past week: Todd Kelly (T.K.) ‏@ToddKellyJr6 10 Apr We got another commit today, we want to be the best in the country #RiseToTheTop #BossTeam #VolNation

Jalen Hurd reaction after our 7th commit the week before: Jalen Hurd ‏@MrHurd18 3 Apr S/o to my dude @realdpayne. A new Tennessee commit! We are building this legendary class. LETSSS Gooo!!!

Written on A.J. Johnson, UT linebackers tackling new goals :

If we could have just prevented the conversion of 3rd and 20+ last season, we would probably have won at least a couple more games. I have suppressed the memory of exactly how many times we allowed that. I just know there were several.

That's my goal for this defense: allow no 3rd and 20 conversions. Don't give up the big play!!!

Yes, I think we will be much improved this year on defense also.

Written on Tennessee football team's morning wake-up: Baby crying, siren wailing among sound effects:

in response to gc_scvol:

We also operate under some pretty adverse conditions on this site. Why, you hear babies (7T, Jeffy, etc.) crying on here all the time.

+ ∞

LOL!

Written on Vols' defense carries the day at Neyland Stadium scrimmage:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

Naval, I've got to agree with you..How can someone supporting a coach (regardless if you think he's the best coach available) be considered a negative?? I defended Dooley, not because he was a great coach (i didn't even want him hired in the first place) because UT hired him I had no choice but to support whoever they hired. Real fans/alumni unless they are part of the hiring process should stand behind their coach if for nothing else do it for the university. I certainly didn't vote for Obama, but I support him as president. One: because he's the COC, and two: I'm an American. A real Volunteer has enough sense to accept the things they have no control over..GBO!!

Yep, pretty much sums it up for me, too.

GBO! This Power T means everything!!!

Written on Vols' defense carries the day at Neyland Stadium scrimmage:

Well, that is nice for a change. It means a little more when defense rules the scrimmage. But the offense is going to need develop some playmakers.

This is Big Orange Country!!!

Written on As UT's 2014 class connects online, Twitter ground rules aren't always clear-cut :

Posted that comment about Payne here on this story... http://bit.ly/Z5kvhz

...Wednesday, April 3rd.

Written on As UT's 2014 class connects online, Twitter ground rules aren't always clear-cut :

in response to jakethevolguy:

If Payne committed on Wednesday morning why are we just now hearing about it?

My bad, Jake.

I only posted it in one of the story's comments here after seeing it on twitter. I'm getting as lazy as KNS, I guess.

Of course, you can get a twitter account (don't have to tweet, I guess) and just follow some of the guys like Vic Wharton, Todd Kelly Jr, and Jalen Hurd. If someone new commits, they'll be retweeting it. Sometimes they give hints before the guy actually commits. They are on the job... unlike me I suppose.

Go Vols!!! #RockyTopReigns #VolNation

Written on Report: Former Auburn players detail payments, academic fraud, drug culture, criminal cover-ups:

in response to Pompey:

....several lessons here:

For those who believe than only an alum should coach their college team...get over it!

I hate every body in the SEC except one....UT. If you are an "SEC fan" get over it!

If Auburn is not guilty no harm. If they are don't kill the messenger when you don't like the message.

Finally, the fans share much responsibility for the mess college sports is in.

I am Tennessee born, raised and a UTK grad. I'm a passionate VolFanatic. I'm also a fan of the SEC.

And there's absolutely nothing to "get over."

Go Vols! #PowerT http://bit.ly/10sfR8Q

Written on Butch Jones likes Vols' focus after break:

It appears that Rivals has us at 5th, not 4th, despite Farrell's tweet.

Written on Butch Jones likes Vols' focus after break:

With latest commit from D'Andre Payne, 4* CB, Rivals Mike Farrell tweets Tennessee is up to No 4 in 2014 class rankings.

Written on Lady Vols feeling at home in regional, advance to play Louisville:

It has already been a great ride, but none of us want to see it end. Great win last night!

Go Vols! Beat the Cards!!!

Written on Vols tackle major challenge in improving defense:

I'm expecting us to be much improved on defense. I don't think that will take a miracle.

Written on Vols offense adapts to quickened pace:

I know I've made some pretty strong statements recently against last year's defense. But to their "defense," I do recall quite a number of big plays defensively. The only problem was that we consistently gave up the big offensive play following most of those (remember allowing the first down play after all those 3rd and forever downs?). We aren't exactly scraping the bottom of the barrel with the guys we have returning. Insert these guys into a scheme that they don't have to "think" too much about..., and I think we'll see them playing much faster on that side of the ball as well.

I'm expecting much improvement on defense this year. With one of the best offensive line units in the SEC, we will find a way to score as well. The next recruiting class, however, will determine how soon our Vols will be back to those 10+ win seasons. And we have a pretty good start with that class already.

Go Vols!

Written on Vols emphasis still to be basics:

Jalen Hurd's phone call to CBJ: http://t.co/IsrattuO3J

Feel Good (To Be A Vol): http://bit.ly/115I4ol

The Power T: http://bit.ly/14x1yVX

Can't wait to get this started. The Orange and White are everywhere!

Go Vols!!!

Written on Vols emphasis still to be basics:

Can't help but feel we've got a good start on upgrading the talent level of our team. We need to lock down our borders and wrap up the remaining legacy recruits in this class. Rivals has us rated at 6th right now.

Not sure what Bates and the Berrys are waiting on. C'mon guys; VolNation needs you!

Go Vols!!!

Written on Vols emphasis still to be basics:

"Throw everything at'em and see what sticks" vs "Do a few things with excellence, then add on."

Well, we know how the former turned out; let's hope and pray the latter works much better.

GBO!

Written on Vols emphasis still to be basics:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

I'm afraid under Sunseri they must have been taught to De-Tackle the ball carrier..

...yeah, or just wave at 'em as they go by.

Written on Vols emphasis still to be basics:

5 D's of Defense: defend, destroy, demolish, deTackle, defend. Last year it looked more like we were practicing the 5 D's of Dodgeball on defense.

Bring back the "...and a host of Volunteers" on every defended play.

This is Big Orange Country!!!

Written on Govols247: Bajakian sticking to basics at QB :

Nothing to see here. Way too early.

Written on After final practice, Tennessee coaches urge players to be prepared for return from spring break:

"Tennessee coaches left players with a stern admonition before saying goodbye."

...and all of you going to the beach during spring break, just remember, we'll be there watching.

:)

Written on Riyahd Jones' long journey to SEC has unlikely ending at Tennessee:

Riyahd seems like he's got his head on straight. I like. We need more like him in the DB.

Go Vols!

Written on Poll: Did Tennessee deserve to make the NCAA tournament?:

In other news... football recruit Stanton Truitt received 102 letters from Tennessee... at the same time. Okie dokie. :D

http://es.pn/136vwAJ

Written on Poll: Did Tennessee deserve to make the NCAA tournament?:

in response to stevefrommemphis:

I'm so undecided that I voted 'no' on my work computer and 'yes' on my home computer.

LOL.

Written on Poll: Did Tennessee deserve to make the NCAA tournament?:

I would have said, "NO"... and then I saw some of those who did make it in....

Tennessee has more top 50 RPI wins than MTSU and St. Mary's... combined.

The selection committee is either on acid or just practicing some bad voodoo to come up with some of these "at large" picks.

Jay Bilas: "La Salle, MTSU and St. Mary's have four Top 50 wins, combined. UVa has six, by itself. Tennessee has three. Maryland has three. UK has four...
...I'm okay with the Committee taking every little guy. That's fine. Just admit it and stop saying "who did you beat?" Because you don't care."

FootballTime.com: "Of the teams on the bubble, not one from a power conference was given an at-large bid. We’ve reached the point where the selection committee is discriminating against power conferences in favor of the “little guy” as Bilas put it. With the field the committee selected they sent a message to schedule terrible teams and beat them. MTSU played just four games against the RPI top 100…and lost three of them. The Vols, conversely, played 19 and won nine. Which team is more tested? Which team is more proven?"

Written on Did Tennessee deserve to make the NCAA tournament?:

I would have said, "NO"... and then I saw some of those who did make it in....

Someone also pointed out that Tennessee has more top 50 RPI wins than MTSU and St. Mary's... combined.

Written on In Tennessee's first scrimmage, coaches want playmakers to stand out:

"Victor LaRoy Wharton @VWharton5
Tennessee fans better be on twitter all weekend! There will be good news.. Maybe 3 commits this weekend but who could they be? Stay tuned!"

Well, going from 1 commit to 6 in a week's time is pretty good already. But I'd love to see the Berrys and Mr. Bates commit.

GBO!

Written on In full-pads practice, Vols crank up intensity:

CBJ mic'd up, Come get some! http://t.co/1dFpYRxElT

Go Vols!!!

Written on In full-pads practice, Vols crank up intensity:

The Orange and White are everywhere.

Go BOC!

Written on In full-pads practice, Vols crank up intensity:

in response to SevenT:

National Signing Day is next February. It is very pre-mature to take these early commitments seriously. Most likely 1/2 of them will change their mind and play somewhere else.

Just Saying

Yeah, this sounds like they will be jumping ship any time now...

Jalen Hurd @MrHurd18
Can't wait till tomorrow! Family day and spring practice at UT. Going to try and get some other commits in. Make this class LEGENDARY! #VFL

Todd Kelly (T.K.) @ToddKellyJr6
All I can think about today is getting more recruits to become Vols! #VFL #VolNation

Jalen Hurd @MrHurd18
I cannot wait to run out of the T and play in front of thousands of my home-state fans. My dreams are now reality!! #VFL

Victor LaRoy Wharton ‏@VWharton5
You better join me @ToddKellyJr6 @MrHurd18 @NEIK_BETImossU @cthomas55 whos next? Its great to be a Tennessee Vol?

Victor LaRoy Wharton ‏@VWharton5
I see @CoolJones_ (Riyahd Jones) doing some recruiting now! Its addicting!! Haha

Too bad none of these key recruits are too excited about playing for UT...

Please.

Go Vols! or just go away...

Written on In full-pads practice, Vols crank up intensity:

The biggest excitement about those last two recruits committing is because they are considered quality RBs (Hurd, Paulk).

GBO!

Written on In full-pads practice, Vols crank up intensity:

S/O to Dillon Bates from Corey Miller: Yo @dillonbates I know you know! You see what I see! The door is open! #FutureVolFriday

@sabanocchio: Dominique Booth will be a Vol soon too. He'll be here on the 6th and again for the O&W game.

Written on In full-pads practice, Vols crank up intensity:

Some other tweets out of BOC--

Riyahd Jones: Rocky Top! this class we're piecing together is so playa "we are TENNESSEE there's no other place like it man" *coach jones voice*

Corey Miller: Why not come play football for UT?! Do you not notice the change in our current players' attitudes? THE PROOF IS IN THE ORANGE PUDDING! #VFL

Written on In full-pads practice, Vols crank up intensity:

2014 early commit Vic Wharton tweeting, "I hope Vol Nation is ready for a fantastic weekend! If you know what I mean :)"

He and Todd Kelly, Jr are recruiting others hard to commit here. Jalen Hurd and now Treyvon Paulk are just a start according to them.

Well, if these recruits are excited..., I guess I should be as well.

Looking forward to hearing from the Bates and Berrys....

Go Vols!

Written on In full-pads practice, Vols crank up intensity:

CBJ reeled in another top recruit, Treyvon Paulk. It seems to be snowballing...

Go Vols!!!

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