More notes from Atlanta
We're heading back home now and just wanted to throw out some observations from the camp. We'll have some video analysis of the whole weekend but wanted to get this out there. The guys that really stuck out today are Justin Jones from South Cobb. He showed up late and weighed in at 6-3, 260-pounds but won the defensive line MVP. He was outstanding today.
He only had a Miami offer coming in that is going to change. He won the MVP award over five-star Lorenzo Carter and Andrew Williams, both of whom looked really good today.
Also on the defensive side of the ball was Malkom Parrish who Tennessee offered late last week. The kid absolutely showed out at defensive back. He had over four interceptions in one-on-ones which the receiver has a huge advantage. He's a name to remember moving forward because the kid can play. I'd look for Tennessee to be more involved there moving forward.
On offense, it was Josh Malone who stood out and won the skill position MVP. He is just really smooth and uses his length wisely. He'll be visiting Notre Dame on April 20 so won't be in Knoxville for the Orange and White game. Also, we hear the Jay Graham down at FSU has him liking the Seminoles as well right now. He's pretty open right now.
The big story for me this weekend was how well the athletes from the state of Tennessee did. In Birmingham it was Drew Richmond, who was invited to the Rivals Five-Star Challenge this summer, as well as offensive skill player MVP Jonathan Johnson. Petera Wilson also proved why he was so highly ranked in Birmingham.
In Atlanta the Midstate group of Malone, Rashaan Gaulden, Emmanuel Smith, Derek Barnett and Michael Sawyers all really showed why they have numerous offers. I was particularly impressed with Barnett who looked really good.
Even guys like Matthew Pyke and Bruno Reagan had solid days on the offensive line.
Jaylond Woods from Lenoir City had one of the best plays of the day with a one-handed catch on a deep ball. He's hearing not only from Tennessee, but a lot of other schools like Ole Miss, Florida and more.
The only question is whether Patterson will be primarily a return specialist or truly commit to perfecting his craft and becoming the greatest wide receiver to have ever passed through Wide Receiver U. I wish him all the success in the world but, personally, it is very difficult to think of a one-semester phenomenon as a VFL.
Who makes those VFL decisions? He was admitted and played ball yet someone wants to question his Vol status. If he's introduced on Monday Night Football and says Hutchinson College the same people would be crying that he didn't rep Tennessee.
They are all Ohio State. Boston, Gonzalez, and Ginn did/have done next to nothing in the NFL. Hartline, to an extent has done nothing, considering his relative lack of competition for touches in Miami.
The Vols took to Neyland Stadium Saturday morning for their second scrimmage of spring practice, which proved to be mainly situational. Butch Jones and his staff focused on a lot of overtime scenarios.
The usual suspects were non participants for Saturday's workout.*Jacob Carter,Jalen Reeves-Maybin,*Tom Smith,*Justin Meredith*and*Allan Carson*were all lead through various abdominal exercises and other work by linebacker*Curt Maggitt. Left tackle Tiny Richardson was fully dressed, but he did not participate.
Wide receiver*Vincent Dallas*was injured on a kickoff return drill. Butch Jones added after practice that it wasn't serious. He didn't return to action.
Freshman wideout*Paul Harris*came up limping after a hamstring injury on a deep pass route. he didn't return either.
-scout
Boston was a Pro Bowl WR for the Cardinals. Gonzalez was a productive No.3 before injuries. Ginn has been a bust no doubt. Bashing Hartline means you should bash Wes Welker too. Both were doing the same things at Miami. Ijs.......
Boston is probably not a great example. He was really good for a short period and then dropped off the face of the earth.
Gonzalez was a product of Peyton Manning similar to Stokley and Austin Collie. Very average NFL WR and injury prone.
Hartline is another very average pro. He has no competition for catches and despite having a career year, it took top-20 #'s in targets to barely break 1000 yds and all of 1 TD. Comparing him to Welker doesn't work for me as they are completely different. Welker was smart and got the heck out of Dodge. Miami has been where WRs go to die over the last several years.
Agree to disagree if you will, but a lineup of Ginn, Gonzalez, and Hartline isn't exactly a who's who of NFL success.
