So you’re saying he’s at worst one of the best 7ish developers of d-linemen in the entire country
Not exactly what I’m saying... There is a top tier of schools and coaches generally mentioned because they have put multiple dudes into the first round since these kids have been in middle school. Then there is everyone else. Of those everyone else, Garner is respected, meaning positive things are said, but not so much to significantly differentiate him from other coaches who have also placed a guy or two in the first round during a recruit’s lifetime.
For some perspective, CRG’s only two first rounders since 2024 recruits were born were Dee Ford when they were 8 years old and Derek Brown when they were in 8th grade. As fans, we see 34 players drafted, 12 straight years (99-2011) of players drafted, and 7 first round picks (01, 01, 02, 03, 05, 14, 20). Its really impressive. But recruits and families also see 2 total players (5th and 3rd rounds) in the last 3 years (their entire high school career). 2020 was a good year for Garner, but he wasn’t texting these kids as 8th graders the night of the draft saying ‘See Brown and Davidson? I can do that for you.’
I’m not in any way saying Garner is a bad coach. There’s just a different perspective between us older fans and the these younger recruits. We also like Facebook and these kids have never gotten on it. All of this was to answer the questions on this board of ‘How could any recruit consider these other schools when we have Garner?’ I know it seems like I’m bashing Garner, but I promise it’s not my intent. It’s just to show a perspective that is not widely shared on this board, but is pertinent to recruiting in 2023.
It really doesn’t matter. Nwaneri isn’t picking his school based on what we think on this message board. Let’s just all hope it’s the Vols on August 14!