PTVol
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First post guys. I have been doing some research on the 2010 recruiting class that we brought in. I gave a short description on every recruit. I am a big recruiting guy and love the Vols. Any feedback is appreciated!!
1. QB Tyler Bray- Ht: 66 Wt: 210 40: slow
Eval: Bray is the definition of a Pocket QB. He has a 40 time that is clocked with a sun dial, but he more than makes up for it in his other attributes. Bray is one of the weaker QBs coming into the division one college game in awhile, but had good enough showings at camps to earn him a 4th star. Something else that will slow Brays development down is that he played in a lower level of HS football in Cali, so an adjustment period is to be expected. Bray was an early enrollee and has gained almost 30 pounds on a college weight lifting plan. After his promising performance in the O&W game, I expect Bray and Matt Simms to split snaps. This kid has a bright future, but still needs to gain some more weight and honestly needs a RS season but may be forced into action early. Never know, playing early worked for Ainge and Peyton!
2. QB Nash Nance- Ht: 63 Wt: 215 40: 4.7
Eval: Most people think that the only reason we offered Nash Nance a scholarship is to help us get in on DaRick Rogers, but after watching his tape you see he can definitely play Division I ball. He played in one of the higher levels of HS football in Ga, so he has played against good competition. Nash is more athletic than Bray, but does not possess the arm he does either. Nance is definitely more physically developed than Bray too. During Nances visit to Knoxville, his father stated that he benched over 350 pounds. To be honest, Nance reminds me of a younger Matt Simms, but needs a redshirt year as most QBs do.
3. QB Matt Simms- Ht: 63 Wt: 215 40: 4.7 (JUCO)
Eval: Out of the three QBs Derek Dooley brought in, Simms has the most pressure on him. He is a JUCO QB, so he is expected to come in and deliver an immediate impact. Like Nash Nance, he is a more mobile QB then Tyler Bray and the UT coaches utilized that by rolling Simms out a lot in the O&W game. His mobility will also help him as our OL is expected to struggle protecting the QB this year. In the O&W game, Simms didnt have the greatest showing by throwing 3 INT and sometimes looked rattled. He has brought hope back after his solid showing at the Manning Passing Camp as analysts and other college QBs were impressed with his performance (He even got to the finals). Many people believe that Simms is only here to keep the seat warm until Bray is ready to step in, but Simms has the physical tools and genes to lead this team.
4. RB Rajion Neal- Ht: 511 Wt: 215 40: 4.4
Eval: Personally, Neal is one the recruits coming in that I am most excited about. Watching his tape will show you why. He has excellent vision and can cut on a dime. Physically, Neal came in ready to play according to reports and what I have been told. Even Rivals has compared a member of the 2011 class to Neals body type, which is pretty rare. To get a visual of what to expect out of Neal I think he will be a blend of Poole and Oku. If it wasnt for Poole doing so well this spring, I would think that Neal would push for a starting spot. I am very excited about this kid coming in and making an impact.
5. FB Channing Fugate- Ht: 62 Wt: 240 40: 4.6
Eval: Channing is not your normal freshman FB. He was listed under the athlete category and rushed for over 3000 yards his Jr year, so he has speed and athletic ability to play. Channing is another player that has benefitted from enrolling early and getting on a college weightlifting regiment, he has gained roughly 15 lbs. Watching his recruiting tapes will show that he did not block all that much, so it would be no surprise if Fugate is redshirted this year. It should be said of the importance that Fugate will have a year to learn from Kevin Cooper, one of the best FBs in the SEC. Fugate reminds me of former LSU Jacob Lester; lets hope he has that kind of impact.
6. WR DaRick Rogers- Ht: 63 Wt: 215 40: 4.39
Eval: Undoubtedly the most heralded recruit in Derek Dooleys first recruiting class. This is the one recruit that Lane Kiffin could not get, but Dooley did. That is an underlying sign of how Dooley will change the attitude with the players around here. Rogers has been compared to a shorter Calvin Johnson, which is a very high comparison. I do think that Rogers is a little more physically developed at this part of his career then Calvin Johnson was though. Everyone has seen Rogers high school highlight tape and knows how high everyones expectations are. DaRick will have an impact this year (granted he makes it out of his legal troubles), but I would not expect Calvin Johnson type numbers his freshman year. He simply doesnt have the surrounding weapons to help him out like Johnson did. Rogers will be good, just wait for the numbers to come.
7. WR Justin Hunter- Ht: 65 Wt: 185 40: 4.4
Eval: Hunter is probably the best overall athlete that we signed in this class. We all know how good he is at track, he is going to participate in track at UT. He is one of the best in the country (already) at the high jump, and I expect his ability to jump will make him a dangerous Orange zone target. Mixed with his height, Hunter has the potential to make an impact. I personally love the thought of having Hunter and Milton on opposite sides inside the 20. The one thing that may keep Hunter from being an impact WR while at UT is if he chooses track over football. Lets hope he doesnt.
8. WR Matt Milton- Ht: 66 Wt: 220 40: 4.5
Eval: Milton is another huge WR that we signed this year. He is also another freshman that enrolled early and it has made a huge difference as he has gained over 20 pounds. We all watched as Milton had a good O&W game, but imagine the game he would have had if he didnt drop those balls that hit him in the hands? He would have been one the most talked about freshman who enrolled early. If Matt can improve his hands and his route running, I can see him pushing for as much playing time as DaRick Rogers will. (If you arnt exciting about all these WRs, you have a problem).
9. WR Ted Meline- Ht: 62 Wt: 185 40: 4.4
Eval: Meline is the other WR that enrolled early, and just as Milton has he has made great strides in the weight room. (this is a good point to tell that we really need to appreciate what the UT S&C coaches have done this summer, it is truly astonishing) Meline suffered a knee injury that cost him most of his senior season, but before he was hurt he managed to average about 32 yards per catch. That stat is eye popping. During the O&W game, he did display his speed (as he is from Miami) and caught a TD. In my opinion, if Meline had not have had his injury his senior year he would have been rated much hire. He is the lowest ranked of the WR, but dont sleep on him.
10. TE Mychal Rivera- Ht: 64 Wt: 250 40: 4.7 (JUCO)
Eval: Rivera is one of the recruits CDD spotted and brought on board. He trusted his eyes and not the stars by Riveras name. Rivera originally signed with Oregon out of HS, so he has the talent to play D1 ball. Out of all the lower ranked guys, I expect to see Rivera see playing time first. Behind Luke Stocker we have very little experience and Rivera can provide depth immediately. Rivera has the size and speed to contribute quickly, lets just hope he can pick up the playbook quickly.
11. OL Marquis Pair- Ht: 66 Wt: 275 40: sub 5
Eval: HAS NOT GOT TO CAMPUS YET. Pair is an OL prospect that flew under the radar his senior year. Not much was said about him as he only entered his senior summer about 245 pounds. People questioned why UT had taken his commitment, but he quickly grew into a 275 pound blocking machine. Watching his tape, you see a prospect that has a lot of potential, but needs to be polished off. He displays really good footwork and the ability to keep his defenders at arms length on passing plays. This may be the prospect that Coach Hiestand improves the most, but a RS is needed.
12. OL James Stone- Ht:64 Wt: 295 40: sub 5
Eval: Stone is another prospect that Dooley signed that is really big. One, he helps in a very weak area, two he is a victory over Nick Saban for Dooley, and three he was one of the top instate recruits. Some recruiting services said that Stone was even committed to Bama before he chose us. Stone is a lot like Pair as he has a ton of potential, but isnt very polished. Unlike Pair, Stone already has enough size that he can make an impact this year. In a perfect world Stone would redshirt but with the lack of depth right now he may be forced to be on the 2 deep at guard. One thing we will not have to worry about with Stone are his grades. He is a very good student in the classroom.
13. OL Zach Fulton- Ht: 65 Wt: 315 40: N/A
Eval: Fulton is one of the more exciting 3*s we have signed lately (besides Palardy). Zach earned his offer at the OL camp next year. Most experts were very impressed with Fulton and most people think he should have had a 4th star. If you watch his tape you will see a nasty streak, which is needed in lineman. I have also been told he came to campus physically ready to play. This mixture firmly makes me believe he will be one of many freshman to make an impact in the fall.
14. OL JaWuan James- Ht: 67 Wt: 315 40: who cares
Eval: As far at the OL recruits go, James is the crown jewel. James was an early enrollee and definitely made an impact in the spring. He was already penciled into the starting lineup, which also shows how depleted we are in this position. Some of the VQ writers have said that James could be the first 3 year OL at UT. That speaks volumes as to how he has performed. I expect James to ease the pain of losing ADouglas, as he will be an all American OL soon.
15. OL Darin Gooch- Ht: 63 Wt: 305 40: N/A (JUCO)
Eval: The latest of the signees in this class. Gooch was a player that evidently has gained massive amouts of weight in the past year to make him worthy of a UT offer. In the limited about of tape I have seen of him he does look really quick off the ball. Hope he is worth the offer.
16. DE Corey Miller- Ht: 64 Wt: 245 40: 4.6
Eval: Corey is one of the best players we signed in this class, as well as a fan favorite. He enrolled early and has Derek Dooley already saying that he will make an impact this fall. Some of the Rivals analyst thought that Corey deserved a 5th star. He backed up that by performing really well at the Under Amour All Star game. If I remember correctly Miller wears at least a size 13 shoe, which means that he will probably grow more (possibly into a DT). In watching Coreys tape, you see a high motored very physical looking prospect. Coach Dooley is very high on this kid, there is no reason Vol fans shouldnt be too.
17. DE Jacques Smith- Ht: 62 Wt: 248 40: 4.6
Eval: Smith is the number one in state recruit, and in a position of need. He is a tweener prospect, and I believe he should be a LB. I am not the only person to believe this either, Rivals.com had writers say that he has potential to be an elite level LB very early in his college career. Smith was another early enrollee, and has also made strides in the weight room. He was already huge physically, but has added about 15 lbs and is just ripped now. Smith also made a good impact this spring and will make some sort of an impact. On a side note, I am hoping we switch to a 3-4 defense just to see Smith stand up and play some OLB.
18. DT John Brown- Ht:62 Wt: 285 40: N/A (JUCO)
Eval: Brown is one of the most important signees in this class. Obviously he is in a position of need, but he is a JUCO player who should have high impact this fall. He is already on campus, but has yet to be cleared to play. Brent Hubbs reported that he has to make a C in a class to be eligible this fall. In his tape, you see a very physical and very quick lineman who also shows a high motor. Yes, it was JUCO tape, but he dominated and imposed his will. I cant remember why Brown left UF, but lets hope he returns to D1 ball with revenge and determination on his mind.
19. DT Greg Clark- Ht: 64 Wt: 295 40: N/A
Eval: Clark is the lowest recruit we signed (2*), but is also the recruit we know the least about. He was signed after National Signing Day and was recruited by Coach Thompson. Clark had offers from South Carolina, Troy, Southern Miss, and Georgia State. Those are some solid offers for a prospect that was not talked about at all. Reports are that he came in physically looking good, lets hope he contributes in his time at UT (he definitely has the size).
20. LB Martaze Jackson- Ht: 62 Wt: 225 40: 4.8 (probably not accurate)
Eval: Jackson is one of the lower rated commitments we signed last year. He has already gained 20+ pounds and will most likely make the change from DE to LB. Watching his tape he seems plenty quick enough to play LB and might even gain a step with the addition muscle. This is another example of Coach Dooley trusting his eyes more than his stars, and I must admit that on tape, he does not look like a 3*. Lets see what Lance Thompson can do with this sleeper.
21. LB/DB Dontavis Sapp- Ht: 63 Wt: 205 (definitely more) 40: N/A
Eval: Like Jackson, Sapp is one of the lower rated recruits the signed. Watching his tape you will see that he played safety in high school. Another thing I picked up watching his tape is that he is a heavy hitter and has a nose for the ball. He will possibly make the switch from there to LB (not the first one at UT) this season though. That may be an advantage for him as he has played in coverage before, which is usually a weakness in LBs coming into college. If he stays at safety, Sapp will make a nice Bash Brother with Janzen Jackson.
22. LB Raiques Crump- Ht:62 Wt: 215 40: 4.6
Eval: The real surprise of the class is a term already used to describe Crump. Brent Hubbs has said that Crump showed up looking the part of a LB. A very high praise from Mr Hubbs. In his tape, Crump plays DE most of the time, so its hard to get a read on how he will play as a LB. What you do see in the tapes is a very quick player that persues the ball well. Im very eager to see this guy when practices start this fall.
23. LB John Propst- Ht: 61Wt: 220 40: 4.68
Eval: Propst is from the well know Hoover High School. His name should sound familiar too as his dad was the coach in the MTV show Two-a-days. Propst will be a MLB for the Vols. He is another guy that seems to have a great nose for the ball as he tallied 174 tackles his Jr year. He also seems to be able to navigate through traffic well to get to the ball, playing in the middle he will deal with a lot of that. My guess is this was a prospect that Coach Thompson liked, but wasnt allowed to offer initially under Kiffin.
24. DB Dave Clark- Ht: 62 Wt: 190 40: 4.4 (JUCO)
Eval: When writing this eval, this was the first time I had gotten the opportunity to watch Clarks tape. I was very much impressed to say the least. Clark looked like a physical Cornerback who also had good ball skills. There is little doubt that Clark will play this year, especially with the lack of depth in the defensive back field, but where he will play is more the question mark (Safety or CB). He is very much skilled to make plays where ever he ends up.
25. DB Eddrick Loften- Ht: 6 Wt: 200 40: 4.5
Eval: NOT ON CAMPUS YET. Heavy Hitter is the best way to describe Loften. In his tapes, you see a propect that lays the wood and holds nothing back. His current HS coach said that Loften will be better then Micheal Huff, whom he coached. Whether that is him just talking Loften up or being honest remains to be seen. Another thing Loften seems to have is good hands, as he makes numerous INTs in his tapes. In my opinion, if there was a freshman to make an impact in the defensive backfield this year, it would be Loften. He has to get into school first before all this happens.
26. DB Marcques Dixon- Ht: 510 Wt: 195 40: 4.4
Eval: NOT ON CAMPUS YET. Speed, speed, speed is the word that describes Dixons game. On Rivals, he is listed as an athlete, but Scout says he will be a DB which in my opinion is more accurate. If Dixon gets into school, big if, I would assume that any impact this year would be in special teams, specifically as a return man. He showed very good vision and blazing speed in returns/ runs. UT has been missing a dangerous return man for years; it would be nice to have one. Dixon has the athletic ability to play here, but does he have the academic side down enough to get here?
27. P/PK Matt Darr- Wt: 62 Wt: 215 & P/PK Micheal Palardy- Ht: 6 Wt: 170
Eval: I may get criticized for putting these two players together here, but they would basically have the same evaluation. BOTH ARE DOMINANT AND GAMECHANGERS. Both are rated the number one punter/ kicker respectively in the nation. We have learned from this past year how much a kicker can change a season. Our kicking game is set for years with these two players here. Lincoln and Cunningham may have seriously taken their last game snaps in college. Im still trying to figure out how we got them both?!?!
Other Vol Info:
I have been told by multiple players that the team chemistry this year is really high. That players will stay hours after practices are over to get extra work in, unlike last year.
Another thing is that the coaching staff wont take anything from anyone. One story I was told is that a Freshman came in thinking he was Gods gift of football, but to only be shot down by the coach and made to do other things. Nevertheless, he lost the attitude very quickly.
I have also heard that players love the way Dooley goes about his business in a respectful and QUIET manor. Notice the Bold.
Again first meaningful post on VN. I love the site and any feedback is welcomed!
1. QB Tyler Bray- Ht: 66 Wt: 210 40: slow
Eval: Bray is the definition of a Pocket QB. He has a 40 time that is clocked with a sun dial, but he more than makes up for it in his other attributes. Bray is one of the weaker QBs coming into the division one college game in awhile, but had good enough showings at camps to earn him a 4th star. Something else that will slow Brays development down is that he played in a lower level of HS football in Cali, so an adjustment period is to be expected. Bray was an early enrollee and has gained almost 30 pounds on a college weight lifting plan. After his promising performance in the O&W game, I expect Bray and Matt Simms to split snaps. This kid has a bright future, but still needs to gain some more weight and honestly needs a RS season but may be forced into action early. Never know, playing early worked for Ainge and Peyton!
2. QB Nash Nance- Ht: 63 Wt: 215 40: 4.7
Eval: Most people think that the only reason we offered Nash Nance a scholarship is to help us get in on DaRick Rogers, but after watching his tape you see he can definitely play Division I ball. He played in one of the higher levels of HS football in Ga, so he has played against good competition. Nash is more athletic than Bray, but does not possess the arm he does either. Nance is definitely more physically developed than Bray too. During Nances visit to Knoxville, his father stated that he benched over 350 pounds. To be honest, Nance reminds me of a younger Matt Simms, but needs a redshirt year as most QBs do.
3. QB Matt Simms- Ht: 63 Wt: 215 40: 4.7 (JUCO)
Eval: Out of the three QBs Derek Dooley brought in, Simms has the most pressure on him. He is a JUCO QB, so he is expected to come in and deliver an immediate impact. Like Nash Nance, he is a more mobile QB then Tyler Bray and the UT coaches utilized that by rolling Simms out a lot in the O&W game. His mobility will also help him as our OL is expected to struggle protecting the QB this year. In the O&W game, Simms didnt have the greatest showing by throwing 3 INT and sometimes looked rattled. He has brought hope back after his solid showing at the Manning Passing Camp as analysts and other college QBs were impressed with his performance (He even got to the finals). Many people believe that Simms is only here to keep the seat warm until Bray is ready to step in, but Simms has the physical tools and genes to lead this team.
4. RB Rajion Neal- Ht: 511 Wt: 215 40: 4.4
Eval: Personally, Neal is one the recruits coming in that I am most excited about. Watching his tape will show you why. He has excellent vision and can cut on a dime. Physically, Neal came in ready to play according to reports and what I have been told. Even Rivals has compared a member of the 2011 class to Neals body type, which is pretty rare. To get a visual of what to expect out of Neal I think he will be a blend of Poole and Oku. If it wasnt for Poole doing so well this spring, I would think that Neal would push for a starting spot. I am very excited about this kid coming in and making an impact.
5. FB Channing Fugate- Ht: 62 Wt: 240 40: 4.6
Eval: Channing is not your normal freshman FB. He was listed under the athlete category and rushed for over 3000 yards his Jr year, so he has speed and athletic ability to play. Channing is another player that has benefitted from enrolling early and getting on a college weightlifting regiment, he has gained roughly 15 lbs. Watching his recruiting tapes will show that he did not block all that much, so it would be no surprise if Fugate is redshirted this year. It should be said of the importance that Fugate will have a year to learn from Kevin Cooper, one of the best FBs in the SEC. Fugate reminds me of former LSU Jacob Lester; lets hope he has that kind of impact.
6. WR DaRick Rogers- Ht: 63 Wt: 215 40: 4.39
Eval: Undoubtedly the most heralded recruit in Derek Dooleys first recruiting class. This is the one recruit that Lane Kiffin could not get, but Dooley did. That is an underlying sign of how Dooley will change the attitude with the players around here. Rogers has been compared to a shorter Calvin Johnson, which is a very high comparison. I do think that Rogers is a little more physically developed at this part of his career then Calvin Johnson was though. Everyone has seen Rogers high school highlight tape and knows how high everyones expectations are. DaRick will have an impact this year (granted he makes it out of his legal troubles), but I would not expect Calvin Johnson type numbers his freshman year. He simply doesnt have the surrounding weapons to help him out like Johnson did. Rogers will be good, just wait for the numbers to come.
7. WR Justin Hunter- Ht: 65 Wt: 185 40: 4.4
Eval: Hunter is probably the best overall athlete that we signed in this class. We all know how good he is at track, he is going to participate in track at UT. He is one of the best in the country (already) at the high jump, and I expect his ability to jump will make him a dangerous Orange zone target. Mixed with his height, Hunter has the potential to make an impact. I personally love the thought of having Hunter and Milton on opposite sides inside the 20. The one thing that may keep Hunter from being an impact WR while at UT is if he chooses track over football. Lets hope he doesnt.
8. WR Matt Milton- Ht: 66 Wt: 220 40: 4.5
Eval: Milton is another huge WR that we signed this year. He is also another freshman that enrolled early and it has made a huge difference as he has gained over 20 pounds. We all watched as Milton had a good O&W game, but imagine the game he would have had if he didnt drop those balls that hit him in the hands? He would have been one the most talked about freshman who enrolled early. If Matt can improve his hands and his route running, I can see him pushing for as much playing time as DaRick Rogers will. (If you arnt exciting about all these WRs, you have a problem).
9. WR Ted Meline- Ht: 62 Wt: 185 40: 4.4
Eval: Meline is the other WR that enrolled early, and just as Milton has he has made great strides in the weight room. (this is a good point to tell that we really need to appreciate what the UT S&C coaches have done this summer, it is truly astonishing) Meline suffered a knee injury that cost him most of his senior season, but before he was hurt he managed to average about 32 yards per catch. That stat is eye popping. During the O&W game, he did display his speed (as he is from Miami) and caught a TD. In my opinion, if Meline had not have had his injury his senior year he would have been rated much hire. He is the lowest ranked of the WR, but dont sleep on him.
10. TE Mychal Rivera- Ht: 64 Wt: 250 40: 4.7 (JUCO)
Eval: Rivera is one of the recruits CDD spotted and brought on board. He trusted his eyes and not the stars by Riveras name. Rivera originally signed with Oregon out of HS, so he has the talent to play D1 ball. Out of all the lower ranked guys, I expect to see Rivera see playing time first. Behind Luke Stocker we have very little experience and Rivera can provide depth immediately. Rivera has the size and speed to contribute quickly, lets just hope he can pick up the playbook quickly.
11. OL Marquis Pair- Ht: 66 Wt: 275 40: sub 5
Eval: HAS NOT GOT TO CAMPUS YET. Pair is an OL prospect that flew under the radar his senior year. Not much was said about him as he only entered his senior summer about 245 pounds. People questioned why UT had taken his commitment, but he quickly grew into a 275 pound blocking machine. Watching his tape, you see a prospect that has a lot of potential, but needs to be polished off. He displays really good footwork and the ability to keep his defenders at arms length on passing plays. This may be the prospect that Coach Hiestand improves the most, but a RS is needed.
12. OL James Stone- Ht:64 Wt: 295 40: sub 5
Eval: Stone is another prospect that Dooley signed that is really big. One, he helps in a very weak area, two he is a victory over Nick Saban for Dooley, and three he was one of the top instate recruits. Some recruiting services said that Stone was even committed to Bama before he chose us. Stone is a lot like Pair as he has a ton of potential, but isnt very polished. Unlike Pair, Stone already has enough size that he can make an impact this year. In a perfect world Stone would redshirt but with the lack of depth right now he may be forced to be on the 2 deep at guard. One thing we will not have to worry about with Stone are his grades. He is a very good student in the classroom.
13. OL Zach Fulton- Ht: 65 Wt: 315 40: N/A
Eval: Fulton is one of the more exciting 3*s we have signed lately (besides Palardy). Zach earned his offer at the OL camp next year. Most experts were very impressed with Fulton and most people think he should have had a 4th star. If you watch his tape you will see a nasty streak, which is needed in lineman. I have also been told he came to campus physically ready to play. This mixture firmly makes me believe he will be one of many freshman to make an impact in the fall.
14. OL JaWuan James- Ht: 67 Wt: 315 40: who cares
Eval: As far at the OL recruits go, James is the crown jewel. James was an early enrollee and definitely made an impact in the spring. He was already penciled into the starting lineup, which also shows how depleted we are in this position. Some of the VQ writers have said that James could be the first 3 year OL at UT. That speaks volumes as to how he has performed. I expect James to ease the pain of losing ADouglas, as he will be an all American OL soon.
15. OL Darin Gooch- Ht: 63 Wt: 305 40: N/A (JUCO)
Eval: The latest of the signees in this class. Gooch was a player that evidently has gained massive amouts of weight in the past year to make him worthy of a UT offer. In the limited about of tape I have seen of him he does look really quick off the ball. Hope he is worth the offer.
16. DE Corey Miller- Ht: 64 Wt: 245 40: 4.6
Eval: Corey is one of the best players we signed in this class, as well as a fan favorite. He enrolled early and has Derek Dooley already saying that he will make an impact this fall. Some of the Rivals analyst thought that Corey deserved a 5th star. He backed up that by performing really well at the Under Amour All Star game. If I remember correctly Miller wears at least a size 13 shoe, which means that he will probably grow more (possibly into a DT). In watching Coreys tape, you see a high motored very physical looking prospect. Coach Dooley is very high on this kid, there is no reason Vol fans shouldnt be too.
17. DE Jacques Smith- Ht: 62 Wt: 248 40: 4.6
Eval: Smith is the number one in state recruit, and in a position of need. He is a tweener prospect, and I believe he should be a LB. I am not the only person to believe this either, Rivals.com had writers say that he has potential to be an elite level LB very early in his college career. Smith was another early enrollee, and has also made strides in the weight room. He was already huge physically, but has added about 15 lbs and is just ripped now. Smith also made a good impact this spring and will make some sort of an impact. On a side note, I am hoping we switch to a 3-4 defense just to see Smith stand up and play some OLB.
18. DT John Brown- Ht:62 Wt: 285 40: N/A (JUCO)
Eval: Brown is one of the most important signees in this class. Obviously he is in a position of need, but he is a JUCO player who should have high impact this fall. He is already on campus, but has yet to be cleared to play. Brent Hubbs reported that he has to make a C in a class to be eligible this fall. In his tape, you see a very physical and very quick lineman who also shows a high motor. Yes, it was JUCO tape, but he dominated and imposed his will. I cant remember why Brown left UF, but lets hope he returns to D1 ball with revenge and determination on his mind.
19. DT Greg Clark- Ht: 64 Wt: 295 40: N/A
Eval: Clark is the lowest recruit we signed (2*), but is also the recruit we know the least about. He was signed after National Signing Day and was recruited by Coach Thompson. Clark had offers from South Carolina, Troy, Southern Miss, and Georgia State. Those are some solid offers for a prospect that was not talked about at all. Reports are that he came in physically looking good, lets hope he contributes in his time at UT (he definitely has the size).
20. LB Martaze Jackson- Ht: 62 Wt: 225 40: 4.8 (probably not accurate)
Eval: Jackson is one of the lower rated commitments we signed last year. He has already gained 20+ pounds and will most likely make the change from DE to LB. Watching his tape he seems plenty quick enough to play LB and might even gain a step with the addition muscle. This is another example of Coach Dooley trusting his eyes more than his stars, and I must admit that on tape, he does not look like a 3*. Lets see what Lance Thompson can do with this sleeper.
21. LB/DB Dontavis Sapp- Ht: 63 Wt: 205 (definitely more) 40: N/A
Eval: Like Jackson, Sapp is one of the lower rated recruits the signed. Watching his tape you will see that he played safety in high school. Another thing I picked up watching his tape is that he is a heavy hitter and has a nose for the ball. He will possibly make the switch from there to LB (not the first one at UT) this season though. That may be an advantage for him as he has played in coverage before, which is usually a weakness in LBs coming into college. If he stays at safety, Sapp will make a nice Bash Brother with Janzen Jackson.
22. LB Raiques Crump- Ht:62 Wt: 215 40: 4.6
Eval: The real surprise of the class is a term already used to describe Crump. Brent Hubbs has said that Crump showed up looking the part of a LB. A very high praise from Mr Hubbs. In his tape, Crump plays DE most of the time, so its hard to get a read on how he will play as a LB. What you do see in the tapes is a very quick player that persues the ball well. Im very eager to see this guy when practices start this fall.
23. LB John Propst- Ht: 61Wt: 220 40: 4.68
Eval: Propst is from the well know Hoover High School. His name should sound familiar too as his dad was the coach in the MTV show Two-a-days. Propst will be a MLB for the Vols. He is another guy that seems to have a great nose for the ball as he tallied 174 tackles his Jr year. He also seems to be able to navigate through traffic well to get to the ball, playing in the middle he will deal with a lot of that. My guess is this was a prospect that Coach Thompson liked, but wasnt allowed to offer initially under Kiffin.
24. DB Dave Clark- Ht: 62 Wt: 190 40: 4.4 (JUCO)
Eval: When writing this eval, this was the first time I had gotten the opportunity to watch Clarks tape. I was very much impressed to say the least. Clark looked like a physical Cornerback who also had good ball skills. There is little doubt that Clark will play this year, especially with the lack of depth in the defensive back field, but where he will play is more the question mark (Safety or CB). He is very much skilled to make plays where ever he ends up.
25. DB Eddrick Loften- Ht: 6 Wt: 200 40: 4.5
Eval: NOT ON CAMPUS YET. Heavy Hitter is the best way to describe Loften. In his tapes, you see a propect that lays the wood and holds nothing back. His current HS coach said that Loften will be better then Micheal Huff, whom he coached. Whether that is him just talking Loften up or being honest remains to be seen. Another thing Loften seems to have is good hands, as he makes numerous INTs in his tapes. In my opinion, if there was a freshman to make an impact in the defensive backfield this year, it would be Loften. He has to get into school first before all this happens.
26. DB Marcques Dixon- Ht: 510 Wt: 195 40: 4.4
Eval: NOT ON CAMPUS YET. Speed, speed, speed is the word that describes Dixons game. On Rivals, he is listed as an athlete, but Scout says he will be a DB which in my opinion is more accurate. If Dixon gets into school, big if, I would assume that any impact this year would be in special teams, specifically as a return man. He showed very good vision and blazing speed in returns/ runs. UT has been missing a dangerous return man for years; it would be nice to have one. Dixon has the athletic ability to play here, but does he have the academic side down enough to get here?
27. P/PK Matt Darr- Wt: 62 Wt: 215 & P/PK Micheal Palardy- Ht: 6 Wt: 170
Eval: I may get criticized for putting these two players together here, but they would basically have the same evaluation. BOTH ARE DOMINANT AND GAMECHANGERS. Both are rated the number one punter/ kicker respectively in the nation. We have learned from this past year how much a kicker can change a season. Our kicking game is set for years with these two players here. Lincoln and Cunningham may have seriously taken their last game snaps in college. Im still trying to figure out how we got them both?!?!
Other Vol Info:
I have been told by multiple players that the team chemistry this year is really high. That players will stay hours after practices are over to get extra work in, unlike last year.
Another thing is that the coaching staff wont take anything from anyone. One story I was told is that a Freshman came in thinking he was Gods gift of football, but to only be shot down by the coach and made to do other things. Nevertheless, he lost the attitude very quickly.
I have also heard that players love the way Dooley goes about his business in a respectful and QUIET manor. Notice the Bold.
Again first meaningful post on VN. I love the site and any feedback is welcomed!
