Breakdown On Signees

#1
rexvol

rexvol

The Minister of Defense
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#1
from another board.....

My review of this recruiting class and how they will contribute

I am not going to include transfers (Warren) and re-entries (Morley). I will include Gerald Williams, who comes in as a soph (I think) and Raines, who comes in as a soph as well (I think)

Going by best to worst prospect (all of these are my opinion)

1 – Gerald Williams, 6’4 255 LB/DE – Well looks like Williams may finally make it in. If not, this is it for him, very likely. If he does get it, he can be an immediate impact. Where is the question. IMO he’s going to play at DE, but as some have said he could play MLB. Contribution: Immediate

2 – Rod Wilks, 6’1 200 WR – A bit underrated, should have been a 4 star. He reminds me of Jayson Swain. Similar skills, physical receiver, not great speed. Very good hands. Will make a very nice physical possession receiver at UT, one of those guys who go over the middle and move the chains. Contribution: IMO he gets redshirted and contributes in 2009, due to numbers at WR.

3 – EJ Abrams-Ward, 6’5 215 ATH – Great prospect, but where does he play? WR? TE? DE? LB? With his speed, he could be a great go-to receiver. However he can also be a great outside LB. I think LB is where he ends up, and he will be a good one. Contribution: Immediate – I think he plays special teams in 2008 and does get on the field as a backup LB.

4 – Preston Bailey, 6’5 315 OL – This guy’s a good OL prospect. I think he has enough foot speed to play Tackle. Needs to gain upper body strength like all freshmen usually do. Expect a redshirt, but he will be a contributor in the future. Contribution. 2009 he plays, and by 2010 challenges for a starting role.

5 – Dallas Thomas, 6’5 280, OL – Lots of upside, and like Bailey, could develop into a tackle, provided he qualifies. Redshirts and Contribution likely around 2010 as a soph

6 – Aaron Douglas, 6’6 240, TE – Solid physical TE, will get in the rotation in 2008 as a backup TE. Probably play special teams a lot in 2008. Contribution: Immediate, but mostly special teams and backup TE in 2008. How much will Clawson ’s system use the TE, and in what manner?

7 – Tauren Poole, 5’11 200, RB – In watching some video of this guy he seems to be a strong inside runner. North south type of guy who keeps his legs moving. I think he will be a very good RB at UT by the time he graduates. Redshirts in 2008. Plays sparingly in 2009 behind guys like Hardesty and Creer. His contribution as a RB likely comes in 2010.

8 – Marlon Walls – 6’4 215 LB – This guy is going to be good. Very good speed, hits hard, and is fundamentally sound. He’s also pretty well developed for a HS player. I look for him to not redshirt and play special teams in 2008. By 2009 he will challenge for a starting LB role.

9 – Willie Bohannon – 6’3 240, DE – He does not have the frame to gain really more than about 20 lbs of muscle. That’s what he will likely do, and play at around 260. He has good speed, but will need a redshirt year. Contributes as a special teams guy in 2009, and plays in 2010 as a soph. Not sure if he ever starts, but he has the potential. Could be like a Ayers and not start till his senior year.

10 – Austin Johnson – 6’3 240, LB/DE – Another one of these guys that could be a tweener. He can play MLB or DE. Appears to have good speed and strength. IMO he will bulk up to around 250-260 and play DE. Redshirt year is needed. Contribution: Not likely till his soph year, 2010. He may end up being a career backup.

11 – Stephaun Raines – 6’0 180, DB/WR – Juco kid with a lot of speed. Not sure how good he is as a cornerback, which is likely where he plays. He will probably play some special teams in 2008, but I don’t really see him as a starter at UT.

12- Casey Kelly – 6’2, 190 QB – Scout’s wrong on his size, he’s not 6’4. This kid, if he plays at UT at all (could end up as a baseball player in the MLB), will not likely play much. Very Todd-Helton like player, a better baseball player than football, and I don’t see him beating out other QBs on the roster. If he sticks at UT, he’ll be a backup. Contribution: Little to none

13 – Herman Lathers – 6’0 200, LB – Lathers is fast, but needs to bulk up to play LB at UT. Not highly recruited, but definitely has some upside, and is smart – a great student. I think he redshirts, and probably plays special teams in 2009. He bulks up and plays at around 215, but IMO never cracks the starting lineup at LB

14 – Prentiss Waggner – 6’2 180, DB – I see him as a strong safety. He lacks the speed to play CB in the SEC, and I don’t think he has the range to play free safety. If he can tackle, SS it will be. However, I don’t think he’s going to see much PT at UT.

15 – Steven Fowlkes – 6’5 220 DE/WR – I think he’ll be a DE, or perhaps a TE at UT. Lacks breakaway speed, and needs more bulk. Redshirts and does not contribute much till probably as a senior.

16 – Ben Bartholomew – 6’3 220, FB – The question is, will UT use a FB? This is his natural position. Otherwise he may be switched to LB or TE. He may end up like his brother, a diamond in the rough. At this point I think he redshirts in 2008, plays special teams in 2009, and likely becomes a part time contributor in his career

17 – Montori Hughes 6’5 255, DT – If he qualifies, he won’t do much in 2008. He will have to gain strength and bulk to be an effective DT at UT. Redshirts (if he qualifies), and then may end up playing as a backup DT in 2009, simply because of the lack of bodies there. I think the likely scenario is that he is juco bound and gone for 2 years. Contribution: Minimal, if at all.

18 – Carson Anderson, 6’2 275, OL – I’m sure he’s a good kid, but he’s at UT because his grandpa gives UT $$$. Not an SEC caliber OL – he would have played had he gone to a UAB or South Alabama . He’s not going to play at UT.
 
#3
#3
u coudnt be more wrong with waggner and fowlkes... waggner is a stud has huge size as a corner a lot lik vinson he get in the lineup by his soph or junior yr...and fowkles will be a beast at either wr or de mark it down... and hughes i think will surprise people at dt
 
#5
#5
this is not from me, it's another guy's take on this class, I just thought it was interesting
 
#7
#7
I think Bohannon def. sees time this year.

I def. disagree with you about Waggener. I love his size and with a little coaching, he could easily be a contributor in the defensive backfield.

Fowlkes will contribute, but I just don't know where.
 
#8
#8
Good info on all of them. glad to see someone have an idea about class but we wont know exactly what we have until they put the pads on and then hopefully we we have some good players learn and become great players for us
 
#9
#9
My first opinion after reading this list is.....Poole being a good insider runner and a good back will not be sitting behind Hardesty at all. Hardesty will be ride the pine and Creer will be the feature back.


Waggner is that far down on the list of our commits, he has 25 INT in Jr and Sr. year combined, hmm and why is speed a problem when he runs a 4.5 yet is 6'2 ?
 
#12
#12
as an mba alum, I disagree with the characterization of Bailey and Bartholomew. Although Bailey is huge, he's a ball of jelly. It is correctly said that he needs to gain some upper-body muscle, but he also needs to lose some weight and/or trim up. I doubt he'll play for several years and likely not see much playing time until his jr. year. Ben, on the other hand, is already developed physically. Add'ly, his commitment to the program is absurd. With the fact that we haven't had a bona fide fullback in several years (which I believe has more to do with the talent at the position than the desire to use one), I see Ben seeing a great deal of playing time in '09 with his being used consistently in '10. However, that's predicated on one huge issue: the ability to catch the ball in the flat. He was never asked to do it in HS, but if he can catch, he'll definitely play.
 
#14
#14
I think Waggner's too low.

Fulmer said he thinks Waggner's the best athlete they signed in the entire class.
 
#15
#15
justingroves said:
Willie Bohannon will see playing time this year.
Click to expand...

Yep, he sure will. Bohannon is a stud! This is a case where stars don't mean anything.

Whoever wrote the review on him must have not seen that Rivals had him listed in their Top 5 players for making an immediate impact next year as a true freshman.

This tells you he is probably wrong about the other guys too. I wouldn't put much stock in this guys opinion.
 
#16
#16
Could agree less with you on Bohannon and Waggner. Both will be very good players. You sound like you are severely underestimating the athletic ability of Waggner. I agree Kelly might not play because of baseball but I think you underestimate his ability. If he sticks with football he could develop very nicely.
 
#17
#17
volinathens said:
as an mba alum, I disagree with the characterization of Bailey and Bartholomew. Although Bailey is huge, he's a ball of jelly. It is correctly said that he needs to gain some upper-body muscle, but he also needs to lose some weight and/or trim up. I doubt he'll play for several years and likely not see much playing time until his jr. year. Ben, on the other hand, is already developed physically. Add'ly, his commitment to the program is absurd. With the fact that we haven't had a bona fide fullback in several years (which I believe has more to do with the talent at the position than the desire to use one), I see Ben seeing a great deal of playing time in '09 with his being used consistently in '10. However, that's predicated on one huge issue: the ability to catch the ball in the flat. He was never asked to do it in HS, but if he can catch, he'll definitely play.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I commented on in my post evaluating the players. Insert-shameless plug here...
 
#18
#18
My two cents...

QB
Casey Kelly- His high school coach and many who have seen him play say he is underrated at 3-stars. They said that because he was adament about playing two sports from the beginning of his recruitment and that turned off the big time schools. He has the arm and athleticism to be very good. The question though is, will he make it past the draft.

RB
Tauren Poole-The idea that he is underrated is no secret. His film shows a kid with tons of potential. He could be Arian Foster with more power and more speed.

Ben Bartholomew- He is an animal in the weight room. He has athleticism and is aggressive with good instincts. Dont know if he can catch out of the backfield. That would add to his value a lot. If we go back to the I-formation he could turn into a huge asset.

WR
Rod Wilkes-He is not a speed burner, but I think we already have a number of young speedsters at WR. That is why we brought in a class of big strong WRs this class. I am in the minority on this opinion, but I think his best future is at safety.

EJ Abrams-Ward- On the other hand, I think he does end up at WR. And I think he could develop into a great WR. He could be a great compliment to our young speedsters. He has all the athleticism and speed that he needs. We will need to find out if he has the hands and if he can nail down the technical aspects of the position.

Steven Fowlkes- I will admit that I have no idea where he will end up. He is a great athlete though and there will be the potential for him to find a spot somewhere on the field (WR/TE/DE).

TE
Bardon Warren- All-American caliber player. Bottom line. Must get in to school. Outlook is good though.

OL
Aaron Douglas- I put him in this category because even if he stays at TE he would be playing the position as the blocking TE. I hope he grows into an OT because that would be very helpful for the OL in this class. It would help ease the miss on McClain. Plus I just think its the postition he has the most potential at. He would never play a recieving TE in the NFL.

Preston Bailey- He has the measurables. Good size, good frame, good feet and athleticism. If he has the right work ethic in the weight room and is a hard nosed player then he could be really good.

Dallas Thomas- Great athleticism at his size. If he can keep that athleticism when he adds 30 pounds then he has potential.

Carson Anderson- Has good size but lacks the athleticism of top shelf OL. He will need to work extra hard in the weight room to gain an edge in strength to offset that. He will also have to out work the other lineman. But if he does that then I do not see why he cannot become a productive lineman.

DT
Montario Hughes-Great motor and good speed for an interior lineman. He must put on weight and keep that athleticism. He must also play like somebody who was overlooked and disrespected coming out of high school. If he does that then he has the physical ability to be a good DT.

DE/LB
Willie Bohannon- Sleeper jewel of the class. He will be an impact player. Great size/speed combo.

Gerald Williams- Instant impact player at either MLB or DE. I dont care where he is playing as long as he picks up the scheme and gets on the field.

Marlon Walls- Another great athlete who has the potential to have a huge impact somewhere on the field. He has good size and a sturdy frame. His speed and quickness are great. I hope he finds a home at LB but as always at UT he could grow into a DE and I think he has the frame to do it.

Austin Johnson- Above-average athlete who has the intincts and intangibles and plays with a high level of intensity. Has a great nose for the ball. Finding a position will be his primary goal early in his career. The faster he finds a position the faster he can move up the depth chart.

LB
Herman Lathers-I see some people very excited about him. I am not sold on him at this point. He has good athleticism and good instincts. But he doesnt seem to stand out at this point. Hope he proves me wrong.

CB
Prentiss Waggner- I think this is another underrated jewel in this class. Great combo of size, speed, and instincts. One of the best athletes in the class.

Stephaun Raines-Not sure what kind of impact we can expect from him. He can run. But I have never seem examples of heard about anything else that makes him stand out. We have seen plenty of players at UT that could just run and never developed into much of a player.

S
Demetrice Morley-Great athlete who has vast potential now that he has his head screwed on straight. Lets just hope this is a lesson he has learned the hard way and that he doesnt back track.
 
#19
#19
Rick, that is perhaps the most positive assesment of our class that I've read. You seem to believe that every single guy will contribute. I just dont believe that.
 
#20
#20
I think i read somewhere that Kelleys dad and brother both think he will stick with football..I believe it was on rivals.
 
#22
#22
UT really needs to hit a homerun with recruiting next year. This class is solid but not great.
 
#23
#23
rexvol said:
from another board.....

My review of this recruiting class and how they will contribute

I am not going to include transfers (Warren) and re-entries (Morley). I will include Gerald Williams, who comes in as a soph (I think) and Raines, who comes in as a soph as well (I think)

Going by best to worst prospect (all of these are my opinion)

1 – Gerald Williams, 6’4 255 LB/DE – Well looks like Williams may finally make it in. If not, this is it for him, very likely. If he does get it, he can be an immediate impact. Where is the question. IMO he’s going to play at DE, but as some have said he could play MLB. Contribution: Immediate

2 – Rod Wilks, 6’1 200 WR – A bit underrated, should have been a 4 star. He reminds me of Jayson Swain. Similar skills, physical receiver, not great speed. Very good hands. Will make a very nice physical possession receiver at UT, one of those guys who go over the middle and move the chains. Contribution: IMO he gets redshirted and contributes in 2009, due to numbers at WR.

3 – EJ Abrams-Ward, 6’5 215 ATH – Great prospect, but where does he play? WR? TE? DE? LB? With his speed, he could be a great go-to receiver. However he can also be a great outside LB. I think LB is where he ends up, and he will be a good one. Contribution: Immediate – I think he plays special teams in 2008 and does get on the field as a backup LB.

4 – Preston Bailey, 6’5 315 OL – This guy’s a good OL prospect. I think he has enough foot speed to play Tackle. Needs to gain upper body strength like all freshmen usually do. Expect a redshirt, but he will be a contributor in the future. Contribution. 2009 he plays, and by 2010 challenges for a starting role.

5 – Dallas Thomas, 6’5 280, OL – Lots of upside, and like Bailey, could develop into a tackle, provided he qualifies. Redshirts and Contribution likely around 2010 as a soph

6 – Aaron Douglas, 6’6 240, TE – Solid physical TE, will get in the rotation in 2008 as a backup TE. Probably play special teams a lot in 2008. Contribution: Immediate, but mostly special teams and backup TE in 2008. How much will Clawson ’s system use the TE, and in what manner?

7 – Tauren Poole, 5’11 200, RB – In watching some video of this guy he seems to be a strong inside runner. North south type of guy who keeps his legs moving. I think he will be a very good RB at UT by the time he graduates. Redshirts in 2008. Plays sparingly in 2009 behind guys like Hardesty and Creer. His contribution as a RB likely comes in 2010.

8 – Marlon Walls – 6’4 215 LB – This guy is going to be good. Very good speed, hits hard, and is fundamentally sound. He’s also pretty well developed for a HS player. I look for him to not redshirt and play special teams in 2008. By 2009 he will challenge for a starting LB role.

9 – Willie Bohannon – 6’3 240, DE – He does not have the frame to gain really more than about 20 lbs of muscle. That’s what he will likely do, and play at around 260. He has good speed, but will need a redshirt year. Contributes as a special teams guy in 2009, and plays in 2010 as a soph. Not sure if he ever starts, but he has the potential. Could be like a Ayers and not start till his senior year.

10 – Austin Johnson – 6’3 240, LB/DE – Another one of these guys that could be a tweener. He can play MLB or DE. Appears to have good speed and strength. IMO he will bulk up to around 250-260 and play DE. Redshirt year is needed. Contribution: Not likely till his soph year, 2010. He may end up being a career backup.

11 – Stephaun Raines – 6’0 180, DB/WR – Juco kid with a lot of speed. Not sure how good he is as a cornerback, which is likely where he plays. He will probably play some special teams in 2008, but I don’t really see him as a starter at UT.

12- Casey Kelly – 6’2, 190 QB – Scout’s wrong on his size, he’s not 6’4. This kid, if he plays at UT at all (could end up as a baseball player in the MLB), will not likely play much. Very Todd-Helton like player, a better baseball player than football, and I don’t see him beating out other QBs on the roster. If he sticks at UT, he’ll be a backup. Contribution: Little to none

13 – Herman Lathers – 6’0 200, LB – Lathers is fast, but needs to bulk up to play LB at UT. Not highly recruited, but definitely has some upside, and is smart – a great student. I think he redshirts, and probably plays special teams in 2009. He bulks up and plays at around 215, but IMO never cracks the starting lineup at LB

14 – Prentiss Waggner – 6’2 180, DB – I see him as a strong safety. He lacks the speed to play CB in the SEC, and I don’t think he has the range to play free safety. If he can tackle, SS it will be. However, I don’t think he’s going to see much PT at UT.

15 – Steven Fowlkes – 6’5 220 DE/WR – I think he’ll be a DE, or perhaps a TE at UT. Lacks breakaway speed, and needs more bulk. Redshirts and does not contribute much till probably as a senior.

16 – Ben Bartholomew – 6’3 220, FB – The question is, will UT use a FB? This is his natural position. Otherwise he may be switched to LB or TE. He may end up like his brother, a diamond in the rough. At this point I think he redshirts in 2008, plays special teams in 2009, and likely becomes a part time contributor in his career

17 – Montori Hughes 6’5 255, DT – If he qualifies, he won’t do much in 2008. He will have to gain strength and bulk to be an effective DT at UT. Redshirts (if he qualifies), and then may end up playing as a backup DT in 2009, simply because of the lack of bodies there. I think the likely scenario is that he is juco bound and gone for 2 years. Contribution: Minimal, if at all.

18 – Carson Anderson, 6’2 275, OL – I’m sure he’s a good kid, but he’s at UT because his grandpa gives UT $$$. Not an SEC caliber OL – he would have played had he gone to a UAB or South Alabama . He’s not going to play at UT.
Click to expand...
Concerning Rod, I have seen him play numerous games. probably over 10. That said, even though he's listed as a wr, I consider him more of an athlete. He's played d-back, excellent punt and kick off return guy.He ran a kick off back his jr. year in the state championship, when they won there first of two back/back 5A state championships. I too think he should have been a 4 star. One last thing, his numbers concerning speed, I've seen him run around past coverage numerous times. He has an uncanny ability to run towards the open lanes.I think he has a fair shot at playing some this year, but I could be wrong. I do know with him coming off back to back high school state championships (they even won a middle school championship)where he was MVP one year, he has what can't be taught, he has that heart of lion and that will to win attitude. I can say that for 100% sure.He has huge leg muscles, very strong.
 
#24
#24
rexvol said:
Rick, that is perhaps the most positive assesment of our class that I've read. You seem to believe that every single guy will contribute. I just dont believe that.
Click to expand...

Actually, I pointed out that there were several that had a lot of work to do to become contributors.
 
#25
#25
I dont see Andreson ever seeing the field, even if he's a weight room warrior. There have been a ton of guys that were physical freaks that couldnt play football.
 
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