I have been following the saga of Brown and Oku closely, but I have come to the conclusion that we should start looking to the future. It would be great if one (or both) of them decide to come to Knoxville, but it is clear that we will be fine without them. What these delays, rumors, and indecision has shown is that neither Oku or Brown is passionate about playing for any school. Maybe I am too idealistic, but what we need this year is a few leaders who are passionate about "Running through the T". We need players who get goosebumps at the thought of wearing orange, and have no doubt about where they want to play college football.
I will be honest... I believe it was time for to Coach Fulmer to move on. The hiring of Lane Kiffin and his staff has energized Big Orange Country. But I also know that we lost a lifetime of true passion and love for UT when Fulmer left. Kiffin may create his own love affair with UT over time, but for now, we need our players to bridge the passion gap during the transition. That passion lies in the hearts of our returning players, alumni, and also those new recruits who never waivered in their desire to wear orange.
So to Brown and Oku... "you are both talented, and are both welcome to join the Tennessee family. But with each day that passes, so does my faith that you want to wear orange more than you want headlines, or want to prepare for the NFL." Little do you know that being passionate about wearing orange will give you all of these things.