Recruiting Football Talk VIII

[Orangeburst]

I offered my apology, so whatever.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

I offered my apology, so whatever.

We are going to need a few beers with this meh apology.

 

[JCVol00]

C

2021: 22nd with 17 commits
2022: 17th with 22 commits
2023: 10th with 25 commits
2024: 14th with 21 commits
2025: 11th with 25 commits (highest numerical ranking to date @ 277.93)

Heupel doesn’t struggle with recruiting. He’s a fine recruiter and is above average. We’ll need him to be better to be a top 5 perennial team. But he’s had a steady improvement rate since he’s been here, and dealt with **** sandwiches all the while with the program in shambles when he got here and dealing with NCAA investigation until last fall

Currently 22 in ‘26 rankings with over 2 months since last commit

 

[Orangeburst]

We are going to need a few beers with this meh apology.

Wont be the worst or only mistake I ever make, that is for sure.

 

[Jackcrevol]

but Volleygirl responded with affirmation

she admittedly hates football.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

2021: 22nd with 17 commits
2022: 17th with 22 commits
2023: 10th with 25 commits
2024: 14th with 21 commits
2025: 11th with 25 commits (highest numerical ranking to date @ 277.93)

Heupel doesn’t struggle with recruiting. He’s a fine recruiter and is above average. We’ll need him to be better to be a top 5 perennial team. But he’s had a steady improvement rate since he’s been here, and dealt with **** sandwiches all the while with the program in shambles when he got here and dealing with NCAA investigation until last fall

I just don't really think we are going to see top five finishes in recruiting with JH. The 10-15 range is probably about the best we can hope for.

 

[rikberry31]

I know this is not the true definition, but my definition of rock and roll would mandate the use of a guitar, a bass, and drums in a majority of the music the band plays.

Letting rappers into the Rock and Roll hall of fame is like putting Bamers in the Tennessee Hall of Fame.

 

[Jack Burton]

I just don't really think we are going to see top five finishes in recruiting with JH. The 10-15 range is probably about the best we can hope for.

We need more dynamic recruiters on staff. The 10-15 range is also unlikely to net us any championships in this new era.

 

[VolGee4]

We need more dynamic recruiters on staff. The 10-15 range is also unlikely to net us any championships in this new era.

While ND didn't win it, their highest ranking in the last 5 years was 6th. They had several years outside the top 10.

As I have stated many times, the 6th and 11th ranked classes this year weren't much different at all. I like how we are focusing on QB, edge, and OT. That's what the NFL does for the most part.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

We need more dynamic recruiters on staff. The 10-15 range is also unlikely to net us any championships in this new era.

Yeah

I am with you on that Unless JH is hitting on big time OL and QB. We thought that Nico was the hit but oh well. I will say this, JH has shown us what he can do with roster limitations. The 2022 squad would have been a playoff team with the current format and of course 2024 was. You have to like the hit rate at this point in four seasons with the fifth one coming up. Additionally, you could argue that last year was the best coaching job of his career when you consider how he won the games which was unprecedented for him normally winning with offense.

 

[UTSuave’]

 

[MemphisVol3]

Saw John Slaughter is visiting Colorado.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

we aren't florida

Thank goodness! GBO

 

[SugarCC]

ATCQ and Outkast are 1st ballot HOF

I understand the questioning of acts like that going into the ROCK N ROLL HOF, especially with some of the Rock n Roll bands that HAVE NOT been inducted, yet they are more than deserving (Jethro Tull, Thin Lizzy, Pixies, Devo, etc.); but, if Hip Hop/Rap entertainers/groups are going in...ATCQ and Outkast are most definitely 1st ballot.

 

[dmwvol12]

I just don't really think we are going to see top five finishes in recruiting with JH. The 10-15 range is probably about the best we can hope for.

Question to ponder is do you think we are top 5 in NIL funds? I would think the preponderance of evidence would suggest we are in the top 15 range. Nobody has the actual real data but that seems to be the consensus. Recruiting has changed in this NIL era and I think we need to acknowledge that a teams overall NIL budget is playing a huge role in recruiting today. The real question is does an available coach exist that can recruit top 5 with a top 15 budget that is also a really good coach? That additionally would come to Tennessee. That’s a tall ask and I would submit borderline impossible. Danny White has to factor all that into consideration. Chasing super coach is usually a bad strategy if you’re having the level of success Heupel has achieved. Just my opinion.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Question to ponder is do you think we are top 5 in NIL funds? I would think the preponderance of evidence would suggest we are in the top 15 range. Nobody has the actual real data but that seems to be the consensus. Recruiting has changed in this NIL era and I think we need to acknowledge that a teams overall NIL budget is playing a huge role in recruiting today. The real question is does an available coach exist that can recruit top 5 with a top 15 budget that is also a really good coach? That additionally would come to Tennessee. That’s a tall ask and I would submit borderline impossible. Danny White has to factor all that into consideration. Chasing super coach is usually a bad strategy if you’re having the level of success Heupel has achieved. Just my opinion.

We have our super coach and I never suggested chasing another one. I truly believe that greater achievements are ahead of us with Heupel leading this program.

 

[MemphisVol3]

Idk who needs to hear this, but you can support a team and/or coach, and still acknowledge said coach’s weaknesses. It’s perfectly fine to acknowledge that Heupel is a good football coach, but really struggles recruiting. Both can be true, and are true

I think Heupel is a fairly decent recruiter but his offensive staff as a whole is not.

 

[UTSuave’]

 

[MrVolton]

Question to ponder is do you think we are top 5 in NIL funds? I would think the preponderance of evidence would suggest we are in the top 15 range. Nobody has the actual real data but that seems to be the consensus. Recruiting has changed in this NIL era and I think we need to acknowledge that a teams overall NIL budget is playing a huge role in recruiting today. The real question is does an available coach exist that can recruit top 5 with a top 15 budget that is also a really good coach? That additionally would come to Tennessee. That’s a tall ask and I would submit borderline impossible. Danny White has to factor all that into consideration. Chasing super coach is usually a bad strategy if you’re having the level of success Heupel has achieved. Just my opinion.

First off, I do think Huepel is the dude. I am huge fan and grateful for what he’s done.

Seems like there are about 3 programs out there spending head and shoulders above everyone else. Then we are in that next group. I think with better recruiters as positions coaches with track records of putting guys in the league, we won’t have to pay as much for some of the blue chippers that we are now. I think with some upgrades at some spots on the staff, we could recruit in the 5-10 range on the regular.

 

[dmwvol12]

We have our super coach and I never suggested chasing another one. I truly believe that greater achievements are ahead of us with Heupel leading this program.

Awesome. I really wasn’t trying to call you out at all. It was more in response to the constant negative drumbeat since the portal opened. My bad as I should have made that more clear.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Awesome. I really wasn’t trying to call you out at all. It was more in response to the constant negative drumbeat since the portal opened. My bad as I should have made that more clear.

It's all good buddy.

 

[tnhunter 10]

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

Didn't that man win the natty like 4 years ago? Anyone can be fired lol

 

[MemphisVol3]

Yeah Boo went on record saying he didn't know Nico was leaving. Didn't mention it to hardly anyone. Boo seems to be solid.

 

[SpringBokVol]

I think Tony V is really playing chess here lately. He know who his lineup is going to be heading into the post season, but he doesn't want to get worn down in the grind of the SEC.

In fact, he is so far ahead he doesn't want to get on the double byes in the SEC tourney - he wants to play one game and bow out.

Save everyone for the regional, supers and CWS run.

Let's go!