From SEC Country:
Anyone who follows recruiting knows it often comes down who the recruit has the best relationships, with and this can benefit Tennessee.
One relationship, in particular, has put Tennessee in a potential place to flip Alabama commit Pierce Quick, according to Rivals Chad Simmons.
Coach Jeremy Pruitt brought with him a staff member from Alabama, which has opened the door for Tennessee. Quick plans to visit Knoxville this weekend despite being committed to the Crimson Tide for about 10 months.
This will be my first time ever in Tennessee, so I am ready for it, Quick told Simmons. I knew Coach Pruitt, but he wasnt really a coach I knew that well at Alabama, but me and Coach [Brian] Niedermeyer were extremely close.
Every time I would visit Alabama, I would be around him, we would talk a lot and we were super tight. So, him being at Tennessee is something that is pretty cool and we still have a good relationship.
Niedermeyer has the least experience on a young coaching staff. He brings great energy and a work ethic that won over Pruitt while they were at Alabama.
This seems to have charmed Quick, as well.
Tennessee needs to rebuild its depleted offensive line in a hurry. Quick can go a long way in aiding the effort. He rates as a 5-star tackle and the No. 25 prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports composite.
The Vols main pitch this weekend and moving forward is a better chance at early playing time. With his talent, thats not too surprising.
Niedermeyer has also pushed for Quick to develop a relationship with offensive line coach Will Friend. Hes a good recruiter in his own right.
He is really a cool guy and his grandparents are from Trussville (Ala.), so that is pretty cool, Quick said. He has been recruiting me hard and he knows the area I am from, so we will talk more when I get up there.
Having as many strong relationships as possible will be important the later his recruitment gets.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Alabama native wont be an easy flip from the Crimson Tide. When a talent like his leaves a slight chance, though, its wise to pursue it.
