After talking to someone last night, here are my observations about where UT stands with Dexter Moody.
On Moody, just for clarification, the deadline has passed for prospects to sign National Letters of Intent. So, technically, if UT offers him a scholarship I dont believe he would sign anything. Provided he gets his grades in order and is admitted by the University, all he does is enroll and show up.
I think there are four issues at work here:
1) My understanding is that he still has grade issues that he has to work through. In fairness to Dexter Moody, a lot of prospects at this point still in the school year either have classroom work to do or have to make a test score. Remember that he originally signed a Letter of Intent with Georgia so he has been on an academic track to meet/comply with SEC and NCAA requirements.
2) I understand information is still be gathered on the incident(s) that may have occurred at his high school concerning an alleged confrontation with a teacher. I believe though if UT thought there was a huge issue there they wouldnt have invited him up for the spring game ;
Taking Dexter Moody would further help UT with its recruiting efforts in the state of Georgia. UT s recent signing class include Darren Myles, Robert Nelson, Toney Williams, Nigell-Mitchell Thornton all from the state of Georgia and all these kids will have a chance to play next year I'm convinced. UT has offered scholarships to approximately 20, 2010 prospects in the state of Georgia and is actively recruiting 10 to 15 others. Some of their most coveted prospects for 2010 live in the state of Georgia. Conversely, if they take Dexter Moody and it doesnt work out (see item 2 above), it has the potential to backfire on them; and,
4) I think this is a very important point that is being overlooked. There is no doubt Dexter Moody is an athletically gifted prospect. However, it needs to be said that he played high school football in one of the lower, if not the lowest, football classifications, in the state of Georgia.
I understand part of the decision is whether he is a prospect that can come in and play quickly (which is what they need) OR whether he is so raw technique-wise and the competition level he played against in high school was so weak he was able to get by on athleticism alone.
If he needs some seasoning so to speak (ie a red-shirt season as an example), maybe there are 2010 linebacker prospects UT is currently recruiting they prefer?
I hate to draw comparisons but Chris Donald , currently running second team linebacker at UT, was a highly rated linebacker prospect from West Tennessee coming out of high school when he signed with UT. Chris Donald played high school football in one of the states lower football classifications. I dont believe anyone would question that Chris Donalds transition from high school football to SEC football has been slow.
I'm certain of one thing
this staff has done and continues to do its homework. The decision to take this prospect is based upon the above AND how20taking this prospect fits into the 2009 season and their longer term recruiting plans.'