Do We Meet Our Needs?

#1
Weezer

Weezer

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#1
If this is addressed elsewhere, then please point me in the right direction.

So right now, we're at 24 commits, right? Six spots open. Let's assume Dews is asked to grey-shirt, that makes seven. So is seven open spots enough to address our needs?

Some want to say the Berry twins are silent commits. I don't know, but it would be painful to see them go elsewhere and explode. Assuming they did come, where would they fit in? Would they accept playing defense, which is where many of us think they would excel, or are they stuck on wanting to play offense?

Lambert has reportedly been told he'll play end. If that's correct, then we still need DTs, correct? I think landing 2 DTs would be extremely important.

So let's start throwing out names people are talking about:

1.Evan Berry

2.Elliot Berry

3.Dontavius Blair

4.Derrick Barnett

5.Charles Moseley

6.Dewayne Hendrix

7.Matt Elam

8.Braxton Berrios

9.Josh Malone

10.Adoree Jackson(longshot)

11. Clifton Garrett(lonshot)

And a couple of JuCo DTs are being named as well, but I can't recall their names.

So if we assume 7 open spots, will we meet our needs? I know the patented response is Butch will work it out before NSD, but where does everyone think we're headed? I try to read through the individual threads to get a feel for where we stand on these guys, but it seems like people feel we're in good position for most, excluding the longshots. Just one of the two longshots would be awesome to get IMO, but if we did, would we have room? Honestly, trying to figure all this recruiting out gives me a headache. So thanks to anyone who can help me figure it out.
 
#2
#2
Get rid of Elam and Berrios...that's 7....then we take either of the long shots if they wanna come. I don't see us getting one of the long shots, but even if we got both, we have to take them. You can't tell those guys no. Besides, 2 spots will work themselves out with attrition.
 
#3
#3
U gotta throw Joe Mixon in there also. He may be the biggest longshot, but we did make the cut on his list
 
#4
#4
Buy and consume loads of advil. Works well for headaches. You'll need an adequate supply to carry you through NSD at which point you will need to restock because your next challenge will be to get your total scholarship numbers down to 85. I think you're already at or over that number going into next fall with the current commits & roster less graduations & early NFL departures.


Blair
Hendrix
Barnett
Mosley
Ev. Berry
El. Berry
Best Available

If perchance we should happen to hook some big fish then I would toss back some of the smaller ones in order to make room. Got to be mentally tough and merciless to get to the top - that or buy more advil.
 
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#5
#5
Weezer said:
So right now, we're at 24 commits, right? Six spots open. Let's assume Dews is asked to grey-shirt, that makes seven. So is seven open spots enough to address our needs?
Click to expand...

Due to some of the shortages we already have this year, plus what we will be losing at the end it, that's going to be pretty much impossible in just one recruiting class, even if it is larger than normal.
 
#6
#6
You would have to assume one of our 4 QBs will transfer at the end of the season. That will open up a spot.
 
#8
#8
Evan berry
Elliot berry
matt Elam
c mosely
C Garrett
a Jackson
D Barnett or hendrix

Whichever one we don't get just plug in someone else such as mixon or Blair...etc
 
#10
#10
I read we are at 81 scholarships right now with 19 seniors so I dont think that will be a huge problem.
 
#11
#11
NochNoch said:
Due to some of the shortages we already have this year, plus what we will be losing at the end it, that's going to be pretty much impossible in just one recruiting class, even if it is larger than normal.
Click to expand...

I agree that there is no way we can satisfy all our needs with this one class. It's a great start and will lay a good foundation but we will need 3 classes of high quality for us to be in the championship mix. The way the SEC is now construed one bad class will set you back at least a couple of years. I have never seen the infusion of talent into one league like ours is now. If you have the talent to win 9 games in the SEC you would win every other conference in my opinion.
 
#12
#12
wtorange said:
I agree that there is no way we can satisfy all our needs with this one class. It's a great start and will lay a good foundation but we will need 3 classes of high quality for us to be in the championship mix. The way the SEC is now construed one bad class will set you back at least a couple of years. I have never seen the infusion of talent into one league like ours is now. If you have the talent to win 9 games in the SEC you would win every other conference in my opinion.
Click to expand...

We are setting ourselves up to compete in 2014. Guys like Lambert, Lauderdale, Weatherd, and maybe Blair can have Tennessee competitive earlier than most expected. We got 4 qb's on scholarships, and I find it hard to believe that one of those guys won't be a winner. Our running game can feature Lane, Hill, and our new combo of Hurd and Paulk. We'll have a monster receiving corps by then... North, Jenkins, Howard, Croom, along with Jackson, Lauderdale, and Booth.
 
#13
#13
They have already met or exceeded my expectations for meeting our needs everywhere other than the LOS. I get the feeling we'll add 8 more to the current group, with at least half being linemen. Here's how I see it, FWIW.

DL - Biggest need left. They will try to get one more JUCO, preferably a true DT. Add Hendrix, Barnett, and Mosely who they'll try out at DT first but could move to OG. Unless another big-timer falls in their lap, that should wrap up the DL.

OL - They still want and probably need a JUCO OT, but I doubt we pull Blair from AU, considering he's grown up right down the road. They'll continue to evaluate other candidates for that spot, but may have to settle for a high schooler they can develop. Not ideal, but meets needs to some extent.

WR - Not that we need yet another, but you gotta take Malone if he wants in, and it looks like they're in good shape there. Don't think there's any doubt needs will be met at WR.

RB - I get the feeling they'd like to add one more, but would be very selective. Chances are we're done at RB, but don't be surprised if one or more of the skill players signed get a shot a RB early on for added depth. I think Evan Berry could actually developed here. He's very good with the ball in his hands and already has the size and speed to be dangerous.

LB - Probably done except for Elliot Berry, although I'm still not sure he'll develop into a LB. He'll be a project for sure and probably a ST warrior, IMO. Don't see us getting Garrett but it would be nice if we did.

DB - Evan Berry could end up here and be a really good CB or safety, but he likes the ball too, so who knows. Otherwise, they'll only take a big-timer like Jackson or Smith, IMO.

1. JUCO DT
2. Barnett
3. Hendrix
4. Mosely
5. Malone
6. Evan
7. Elliott
8. Best they can get of Jackson, Smith, Garrett, and any new players that pop up over the next 5+ months.

That finish or similar is very likely IMO, and would meet our needs as well as any reasonable person could expect.
 
#15
#15
My dream scenario, which is somewhat realistic, is...

Berry's (2)
Barnett
Mosley
Blair
Hendrix
Malone
Garrett
Ad Jackson,

I think adoree is the furthest reach. But still possible because we are getting an OV, I think we may lose Bryant, but Garrett really likes us we are his number 2 behind LSU so once he gets on campus and meets the current commits our chances go up.
 
#16
#16
You must be banking on the silly idea that Eric is going to pay for the twins' tuition because we are not signing 10 more recruits. We are signing 29 with the possibility of 30 if Dews is greyshirted.
 
#18
#18
Weezer said:
If this is addressed elsewhere, then please point me in the right direction.

So right now, we're at 24 commits, right? Six spots open. Let's assume Dews is asked to grey-shirt, that makes seven. So is seven open spots enough to address our needs?

Some want to say the Berry twins are silent commits. I don't know, but it would be painful to see them go elsewhere and explode. Assuming they did come, where would they fit in? Would they accept playing defense, which is where many of us think they would excel, or are they stuck on wanting to play offense?

Lambert has reportedly been told he'll play end. If that's correct, then we still need DTs, correct? I think landing 2 DTs would be extremely important.

So let's start throwing out names people are talking about:

1.Evan Berry

2.Elliot Berry

3.Dontavius Blair

4.Derrick Barnett

5.Charles Moseley

6.Dewayne Hendrix

7.Matt Elam

8.Braxton Berrios

9.Josh Malone

10.Adoree Jackson(longshot)

11. Clifton Garrett(lonshot)

And a couple of JuCo DTs are being named as well, but I can't recall their names.

So if we assume 7 open spots, will we meet our needs? I know the patented response is Butch will work it out before NSD, but where does everyone think we're headed? I try to read through the individual threads to get a feel for where we stand on these guys, but it seems like people feel we're in good position for most, excluding the longshots. Just one of the two longshots would be awesome to get IMO, but if we did, would we have room? Honestly, trying to figure all this recruiting out gives me a headache. So thanks to anyone who can help me figure it out.
Click to expand...

I think Lambert will play primarily at DE, but from watching some of his JUCO film, he may move inside in certain situations. He has speed to cover outside, but the power to cover the interior as well. That ability to play both areas is going to make his draft stock rise.

My takes are (in no particular order):

1. Evan Berry at RB.
2. Elliot Berry at LB.
3. Charles Mosley at DT.
4. Matt Elam at DT.
5. Josh Malone at WR.
6. Dewayne Hendrix at DE.
7. (If Dews DOES GS) Derek Barnett at DL.

I am not, at this point, counting on Blair to turn down Auburn. Berrios and Jackson are other possibilities, but I am not holding my breath for them. Long shots because I think we are way late on Berrios, and I think Jackson is looking for a stronger track program. I like Barnett as well, but liking our chances with him less as time passes. Only current commit I am worried about sticking is Bryant, but I count him as ours, until he isn't. One guy at DL that I think could play either end or tackle is Kentavious Street.

Only way I could see us adding one more additional player that nobody talks about is if Cortez McDowell could come in on a baseball scholarship. Don't know if a baseball scholarships is as good as one for football. I just like that idea better than grey shirting Dews. By NSD, I see him with 4 stars if he has a strong senior year.

As to filling all our needs, probably not, unless some of the current underclassmen exceed expectations. We do need another very good class for '15. Too many players recruited by previous staffs have been guys that see little to no playing time. To get back to where the Vols belong, they need more guys in uniform earning significant playing time, and fewer ones carrying clipboards and water bottles.
 
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#19
#19
TNnative said:
I think Lambert will play primarily at DE, but from watching some of his JUCO film, he may move inside in certain situations. He has speed to cover outside, but the power to cover the interior as well. That ability to play both areas is going to make his draft stock rise.

My takes are (in no particular order):

1. Evan Berry at RB.
2. Elliot Berry at LB.
3. Charles Mosley at DT.
4. Matt Elam at DT.
5. Josh Malone at WR.
6. Dewayne Hendrix at DE.
7. (If Dews DOES GS) Derek Barnett at DL.

I am not, at this point, counting on Blair to turn down Auburn. Berrios and Jackson are other possibilities, but I am not holding my breath for them. Long shots because I think we are way late on Berrios, and I think Jackson is looking for a stronger track program. I like Barnett as well, but liking our chances with him less as time passes. Only current commit I am worried about sticking is Bryant, but I count him as ours, until he isn't. One guy at DL that I think could play either end or tackle is Kentavious Street.

Only way I could see us adding one more additional player that nobody talks about is if Cortez McDowell could come in on a baseball scholarship. Don't know if a baseball scholarships is as good as one for football. I just like that idea better than grey shirting Dews. By NSD, I see him with 4 stars if he has a strong senior year.

As to filling all our needs, probably not, unless some of the current underclassmen exceed expectations. We do need another very good class for '15. Too many players recruited by previous staffs have been guys that see little to no playing time. To get back to where the Vols belong, they need more guys in uniform earning significant playing time, and fewer ones carrying clipboards and water bottles.
Click to expand...

Good points Native. I bolded what I feel is a huge intangible for this years team. We simply do not or have not seen what some of the current players are capable of under adequate coaching. And hopefully solid game day scheming.
 
#20
#20
KoachKletus said:
Good points Native. I bolded what I feel is a huge intangible for this years team. We simply do not or have not seen what some of the current players are capable of under adequate coaching. And hopefully solid game day scheming.
Click to expand...

agree. a lot of the "man, we might suck at [whatever position]" could just as easily be "that position is so fresh we really have no idea what will happen."

could mean disaster for that position. should mean progress.
 
#22
#22
bignewt said:
I read we are at 81 scholarships right now with 19 seniors so I dont think that will be a huge problem.
Click to expand...

81-19=62-85= 30 spots???

OversigningRus???

And someone mentioned McDowell on a baseball scholly... Can't happen, regardless of any other sports played, if they play football, they count as football. Bear Bryant rule, he had guys on gymnastics scholarships.
 
#23
#23
ERvolsfan said:
My dream scenario, which is somewhat realistic, is...

Berry's (2)
Barnett
Mosley
Blair
Hendrix
Malone
Garrett
Ad Jackson,

I think adoree is the furthest reach. But still possible because we are getting an OV, I think we may lose Bryant, but Garrett really likes us we are his number 2 behind LSU so once he gets on campus and meets the current commits our chances go up.
Click to expand...

Seeing we are talking dream here i would add Mixon with Jackson and cut someone or grey shirt someone :eek:hmy::eek:hmy:

Not going to happen, but that would be my dream ending
:crazy::crazy: :crazy:
 
#24
#24
seems like it may be helpful if there was a reference thread with link that states the facts on how signing limits and EE backcounts work. Seems to be a lot of confusion when you go through the threads. Maybe a point of reference would help. JMO
 
#25
#25
Reynvol5 said:
seems like it may be helpful if there was a reference thread with link that states the facts on how signing limits and EE backcounts work. Seems to be a lot of confusion when you go through the threads. Maybe a point of reference would help. JMO
Click to expand...

Been sayin that for years
 
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