So b/c CBJ's class is looking so good thus far, he is setting himself up to fail long term?
I disagree whole heartedly with this sentiment. I believe that what will determine the quality of next year's class more than anything for CBJ, and his long term viability at UT, will be the overall perception of the product on the field.
If he can pull off a win or 2 that we aren't suppose to/expected to win, avoid losing the games we are suppose to win & play well in a bowl, and/or demonstrate a high level of player development throughout the season with improving performances across units on a game to game basis, I think the sky's the limit for next year's recruiting. Basically, he needs to make the case for everyone to see that he's got something special brewing up on the hill. Once he has accomplished this, suddenly UT becomes a very desirable destination for top talent that may not have considered becoming a Vol previously. This along with impressive facilities, diehard football support of the fan base, high quality of UT's ladies, SEC-affiliation, family atmosphere of the players and coaches, and CBJ's ability to relate and build relationships with prospects and their families, it's not outside the realm of possibilities that next year could be another amazing class.
I'm not saying that the opposing view is wrong, I just think that CBJ is setting himself up to be the program on the rise type of choice for the next cycle if we are lucky. This could get more exciting for us the longer he is in place and continues building relationships with a little positive reinforcement in the form of on-field success.
Go Vols!
