"Butch Jones’ Most Experienced Team"

[Kristy*]

These Vols are Butch Jones' Most Experienced Team | RTI

An article for KB scrutinize.

Not surprisingly, "This Vols team will be Butch Jones’ most experienced football team when it comes to average experience per player."

("Oh, and remember when Butch Jones told Vol fans and media alike that the 2014 Vols were the youngest team in the nation? Well, he might have been right. They were at least the youngest team of Jones’ tenure at Tennessee." 2015 was a close second.)

This year, "approximately 66 will be juniors, redshirt sophomores, sophomores, and redshirt freshmen. That’s by far the largest group of players with 1-2 years of experience Jones has ever had at Tennessee.

In 2015, the Vols had just 46 such players. The 2014 squad had even fewer with 44, and the 2013 team had 59."

There's no denying the talent level has been building since Jones took over. Now there is experience to compliment that talent.

 

[Vol-Fann]

You gotta think you have a pet! You get our a** out there and you find that f****** dog!

 

[Hayezb]

You gotta think you have a pet! You get our a** out there and you find that f****** dog!

What the actual **** are you talking about?

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Thanks, Kristy.

This article makes me wonder what Butch's strategic plan looks like for the next 1-2 years, in development of the program as a whole.

We know that he had a six-year plan for renewal of the program. He all but said that when he gave his now-famous (infamous?) "five or six years to rebuild from scratch" comment.

So now that we're in Butch's Year 4, with a loaded, really loaded, roster, and one that looks to be healthy for years to come...now that he has many top-tier assistant coaches...now that the finances are on stable footing...what is it that fills the 5th and 6th years on that to-do list?

I'm honestly curious. All the speculation when he first said it was about recruiting and replenishing the roster. Now that we're "there," that's clearly not it. So what's left? And does he see himself ahead of, or behind, or right on schedule?

Would love to have this particular conversation with him.

 

[CTVolsfan14]

There is no excuses this year. ZERO. Veteran team, arguably the best backfield and quarterback in the conference with loads of NFL talent on the defense.

Oh, and the most favorable schedule Tennessee could ever expect.

LETS. RIDE.

 

[rtb1983]

Experience? Not sure what this word means.

 

[Kristy*]

Thanks, Kristy.

This article makes me wonder what Butch's strategic plan looks like for the next 1-2 years, in development of the program as a whole.

We know that he had a six-year plan for renewal of the program. He all but said that when he gave his now-famous (infamous?) "five or six years to rebuild from scratch" comment.

So now that we're in Butch's Year 4, with a loaded, really loaded, roster, and one that looks to be healthy for years to come...now that he has many top-tier assistant coaches...now that the finances are on stable footing...what is it that fills the 5th and 6th years on that to-do list?

I'm honestly curious. All the speculation when he first said it was about recruiting and replenishing the roster. Now that we're "there," that's clearly not it. So what's left? And does he see himself ahead of, or behind, or right on schedule?

Would love to have this particular conversation with him.

I think that's exactly 'it,' JP. He's built the program. Now comes the on-field success. The fruits of his labor. I'm sure he wouldn't have minded finding earlier success (not that we aren't clearly headed in the right direction); but if I had to guess, he probably thinks we're on schedule. I do at least.

 

[joevol33]

I think that's exactly 'it,' JP. He's built the program. Now comes the on-field success. The fruits of his labor. I'm sure he wouldn't have minded finding earlier success (not that we aren't clearly headed in the right direction); but if I had to guess, he probably thinks we're on schedule. I do at least.

I agree with this. We were close last year, this season we get over the hump I believe. It's going to be a special year.

 

[ReaderVol]

I think that's exactly 'it,' JP. He's built the program. Now comes the on-field success. The fruits of his labor. I'm sure he wouldn't have minded finding earlier success (not that we aren't clearly headed in the right direction); but if I had to guess, he probably thinks we're on schedule. I do at least.

This. Very good post. Plus 1

 

[norrislakevol]

Yes, years 5 and 6 are for on the field success and creating an establishment of winning. If you can show recruits that you can compete for championships most years then your recruiting job becomes much easier.

 

[orangeluvr]

In a perfect football world you are three deep at every position.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

I think that's exactly 'it,' JP. He's built the program. Now comes the on-field success. The fruits of his labor. I'm sure he wouldn't have minded finding earlier success (not that we aren't clearly headed in the right direction); but if I had to guess, he probably thinks we're on schedule. I do at least.

You mean "that" (recruiting to refill a depleted roster) is exactly not it. Right? It's no longer about replenishing the roster. That part's done (though we all know that recruiting is a never-ending, continual fact of life). I think we're agreeing here. Aren't we?

If so, your "fruits of the labor" perspective absolutely makes sense. Years 5 and 6 of his To-Do list say something like, "win to cement the success in place." I could see that.

Yes, years 5 and 6 are for on the field success and creating an establishment of winning. If you can show recruits that you can compete for championships most years then your recruiting job becomes much easier.

Yeah, absolutely. Could see that as his Years 5 & 6 to-dos.

 

[Crazy Ivan]

Thanks, Kristy.

This article makes me wonder what Butch's strategic plan looks like for the next 1-2 years, in development of the program as a whole.

We know that he had a six-year plan for renewal of the program. He all but said that when he gave his now-famous (infamous?) "five or six years to rebuild from scratch" comment.

So now that we're in Butch's Year 4, with a loaded, really loaded, roster, and one that looks to be healthy for years to come...now that he has many top-tier assistant coaches...now that the finances are on stable footing...what is it that fills the 5th and 6th years on that to-do list?

I'm honestly curious. All the speculation when he first said it was about recruiting and replenishing the roster. Now that we're "there," that's clearly not it. So what's left? And does he see himself ahead of, or behind, or right on schedule?

Would love to have this particular conversation with him.

My guess is Butch would say Team 120 is currently in Step 3 in the 4 Step Process he has discussed before -

1. Change the Culture
2. Learn how to Compete
3. Learn How to Win
4. Maintain a Winning Culture

I would say 2015 introduced Team 119 to Step 3, and we saw that team fail several times early on; but then we saw it take a positive step forward by defeating UGA in a close game. If all goes as we expect, Team 120 will master Step 3 this season, and it will be on to Step 4.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

My guess is Butch would say Team 120 is currently in Step 3 in the 4 Step Process he has discussed before -

1. Change the Culture
2. Learn how to Compete
3. Learn How to Win
4. Maintain a Winning Culture

I would say 2015 introduced Team 119 to Step 3, and we saw that team fail several times early on; but then we saw it take a positive step forward by defeating UGA in a close game. If all goes as we expect, Team 120 will master Step 3 this season, and it will be on to Step 4.

Great catch, Ivan, I'd forgotten about that construct. Think you've nailed it. Since Step 4 is really the "steady state" step, the one you do every year from now on amen, finishing off Step 3 is really what remains on his To-Do list for getting the program back up to snuff.

In essence, your insights marry nicely with what Norris and Kristy said earlier.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

You gotta think you have a pet! You get our a** out there and you find that f****** dog!

-Derek Dooley

 

[samanderson]

Thanks, Kristy.

This article makes me wonder what Butch's strategic plan looks like for the next 1-2 years, in development of the program as a whole.

We know that he had a six-year plan for renewal of the program. He all but said that when he gave his now-famous (infamous?) "five or six years to rebuild from scratch" comment.

So now that we're in Butch's Year 4, with a loaded, really loaded, roster, and one that looks to be healthy for years to come...now that he has many top-tier assistant coaches...now that the finances are on stable footing...what is it that fills the 5th and 6th years on that to-do list?

I'm honestly curious. All the speculation when he first said it was about recruiting and replenishing the roster. Now that we're "there," that's clearly not it. So what's left? And does he see himself ahead of, or behind, or right on schedule?

Would love to have this particular conversation with him.

For years 5 and 6, maybe he plans to land a whole bunch of 5 star recruits and redshirt all of them. If so, he will have shifted into the Saban mode of operation. Moreover, that would truly complete his "brick by brick" rebuild. Sounds like a good plan to me if that is what he is shooting for.

 

[VolFootballIsLife]

You gotta think you have a pet! You get our a** out there and you find that f****** dog!

This made me laugh out loud.

 

[checkerboards09]

Well no sh*t.

 

[photovol]

You gotta think you have a pet! You get our a** out there and you find that f****** dog!

Keep your ******* hands off my dog, you better find that dog

 

[KBVol]

Thanks, Kristy.

This article makes me wonder what Butch's strategic plan looks like for the next 1-2 years, in development of the program as a whole.

We know that he had a six-year plan for renewal of the program. He all but said that when he gave his now-famous (infamous?) "five or six years to rebuild from scratch" comment.

So now that we're in Butch's Year 4, with a loaded, really loaded, roster, and one that looks to be healthy for years to come...now that he has many top-tier assistant coaches...now that the finances are on stable footing...what is it that fills the 5th and 6th years on that to-do list?

I'm honestly curious. All the speculation when he first said it was about recruiting and replenishing the roster. Now that we're "there," that's clearly not it. So what's left? And does he see himself ahead of, or behind, or right on schedule?

Would love to have this particular conversation with him.

He actually said "it takes six to seven years in the SEC to really build a program".....😬😊
Carry on JP.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

He actually said "it takes six to seven years in the SEC to really build a program".....😬😊
Carry on JP.

Oh shoot, that adds a year to the to-do list, then! :hi:

 

[BigOrangeLoyalist]

I think Butch meant that it takes 5-6 years to achieve the complete level of highly skilled, experienced depth for each position group that he wants. That way he can put any player in the 3-deep rotation on the field and not see any drop in performance. Look at Alabama... if their 4/5* QB or RB goes down, they have five more 4/5* QBs and RBs waiting in the stable. We're a very talented team, but just last year we had to start two true FR on the O-line. They did a great job, but we shouldn't have had to do that... in a couple more years, that won't be an issue.

 

[KBVol]

I think Butch meant that it takes 5-6 years to achieve the complete level of highly skilled, experienced depth for each position group that he wants. That way he can put any player in the 3-deep rotation on the field and not see any drop in performance. Look at Alabama... if their 4/5* QB or RB goes down, they have five more 4/5* QBs and RBs waiting in the stable. We're a very talented team, but just last year we had to start two true FR on the O-line. They did a great job, but we shouldn't have had to do that... in a couple more years, that won't be an issue.

Doesn't take the elite coaches anywhere near 5 to 7 years to win at a championship level. That being said, "elite" by definition means there's very few of those guys. Butch clearly isn't one of them, but he doesn't really have to be to have very good success at Tennessee.

As a fan, I'm very pleased with where Butch has the program in year 4, which is ready to compete for an SEC title. But, IMHO, there's just no way it oughtta take 6-7 recruiting cycles to build the roster and win with it. And honestly, Jones has proven it already with where we are in year 4.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Doesn't take the elite coaches anywhere near 5 to 7 years to win at a championship level. That being said, "elite" by definition means there's very few of those guys. Butch clearly one of them, but he doesn't really have to be to have very good success at Tennessee.

As a fan, I'm very pleased with where Butch has the program in year 4, which is ready to compete for an SEC title. But, IMHO, there's just no way it oughtta take 6-7 recruiting cycles to build the roster and win with it. And honestly, Jones has proven it already with where we are in year 4.

Yeah, agreed, KB, and that's exactly why i think there's something else on the end of that to-do list, something beyond recruiting to refill the roster with experienced talent. As you say, that part is done. This year. We're ready, from talent standpoint.

So we fall back to the points made by Kristy, Norris, and Ivan earlier in the thread. Think they have the right of it. The last items on the rebuilding to-do list are: win big ("learn to win," in Butch's words as quoted by Ivan), and prove by winning big that the program is here to stay. This secures continued recruiting dominance and all other good things. From that point, we're in steady state.

Go Vols!

 

[jakez4ut]

I like Ivan's recall...bottom line is this...the foundation work is completed.

gonna be hard to find anyone that could honestly have issue with all the work put in to the "rebuild" from a culture, attitude, recruiting, VFL, promoting, HS relationships etc....

the learning to win....i agree, that's where we are.

the maintaining part, sustaining....that's all about recruiting, recruiting, recruiting.....and using that foundation that's been built with VFL, facilities etc....

there's a big opportunity for him and our program this year. hope we can seize it.