Commits comment on Gran/Wilson

[Jeb]

Kenbrell Thompkins, one of the nation's top junior college wide receiver prospects, said Monday that he was "pumped" about Kiffin's decision to handle wideouts until Wilson's replacement is hired. Kiffin sent several receivers to the NFL while coaching that position at Southern California.

"I think Coach Kiffin's got everything under control for now and the future," said Thompkins, who hopes to leave California next week and start practicing with the Volunteers. "I'm pretty pumped to work with my head coach at my position for a while. He obviously did a lot for those guys at SC."

Miami offensive lineman Jose Jose, who was initially targeted by Gran, recently visited Knoxville and said he was "still a Vol."

"Coach Gran is a great guy, but Tennessee is still Tennessee, and I still have the opportunity to play early," Jose said. "I wish he would have stayed, but it doesn't affect me too much."

Chattanooga Times Free Press | Watching the exits

 

[banman360]

well done wes

 

[shades_of_orange]

will thompkins practice up until the bowl?

 

[Co. Aytch]

Thanks for a positive link.

 

[erob3833]

:rock:

 

[Capt Straight]

I just hope we don't loose too many of our commitments!

 

[Rockytopman]

Great attitudes from these guys...sounds like they are ready to give their all for Tennessee.

 

[JMBIGORANGE]

Thompkins will have an impact next year IMO.

 

[CKWHITE]

Nice article! Wes Rucker does a stellar job.

 

[VolinConcord]

Wes does a good job.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[kracker]

Good news YEA!!!!!

 

[JamesBenUT]

"Tennessee is still Tennessee" -- already learning from his coach

 

[pattiycake]

Jose sounds like a really smart guy!! Thanks for sharing the good news OP!

 

[ReBellVol]

I see the kids that were on the edge with us maybe not coming because of Gran leaving, but the ones who have commited to us will stick around. As the person above me said, "Tennesse is still Tennessee."

 

[BBATES]

I wonder how many recruits the Notre Dame Wide Reciever coach and recruiting coordinator could bring with him?

 

[Remy]

Thompkins will have an impact next year IMO.

LOL, he better! If a juco player comes in and can't start or play significantly, there's no reason to touch them. I'm expecting big things from this kid.

 

[swiperboyfan]

Kenbrell Thompkins, one of the nation's top junior college wide receiver prospects, said Monday that he was "pumped" about Kiffin's decision to handle wideouts until Wilson's replacement is hired. Kiffin sent several receivers to the NFL while coaching that position at Southern California.

"I think Coach Kiffin's got everything under control for now and the future," said Thompkins, who hopes to leave California next week and start practicing with the Volunteers. "I'm pretty pumped to work with my head coach at my position for a while. He obviously did a lot for those guys at SC."

Miami offensive lineman Jose Jose, who was initially targeted by Gran, recently visited Knoxville and said he was "still a Vol."

"Coach Gran is a great guy, but Tennessee is still Tennessee, and I still have the opportunity to play early," Jose said. "I wish he would have stayed, but it doesn't affect me too much."

Chattanooga Times Free Press | Watching the exits

Jose Jose is quickly becoming one of my favorite players. He has a cool name and with quotes like this "but Tennessee is still Tennessee". Now I hope he can perform.

 

[vology major]

Good read!

 

[JohnWardForever]

Jose sounds like a really smart guy!! Thanks for sharing the good news OP!

Last I heard, Jose was bummed out about the cold and snow in Knox during his visit. Don't get that in Miami----maybe he got over that? Weather can be a factor for some South Fla kids.

Course if he is thinking NFL----he could be in Buffalo-

 

[jtins]

will thompkins practice up until the bowl?

according to his post-visit interview, that is the plan so far. that's huge in my opinion

 

[sjt18]

will thompkins practice up until the bowl?

Yes. Someone on the recruiting forum said that Milton would also be on campus and practicing with the team since he's an EE.

 

[Ericvol2096]

Meline and Palardy have also reaffirmed their commitments so it looks like Ken Adams may be the only one looking around after the coaches have left...not to bad.

 

[govols182]

will thompkins practice up until the bowl?

Yes, he can practice for the bowl, but if he plays one snap he lose eligibility for the entire 2009 season which would mean his last year to play would be next season. Therefore, he will not play in the bowl, but he can practice with the team during that time.

 

[Demon_Vol]

I'm not sure that's true govols182 since he already used a year of eligibility in JC this year. I think it's more likely that he's just not allowed to travel or play in the bowl game. Not sure eligibility has anything to do with it. You would be 100% correct if we were talking about a high school senior though.

 

[Plano Vol]

I have to believe that CLK has both hands firmly at the 10 and 2 position of the Vols recruiting steering wheel. While it is entirely possible to have fallout from the coaching changes, I'm convinced that CLK will do everything humanly possible to minimize the impact and who knows who the the new assistants will bring to the party when they come on board. Just all part of the rich tapestry of life.