‘23 LA CB Jordan Matthews (Tennessee)

[PlanetVolunteer]

He played some. I think he may have been hurt part of the season, but don't recall for sure.

He wasn't hurt, he was just a youngin is all

Redshirt freshman, bunch of vets in front of him

Looked good when out there and he played special teams all year.

He'll be pushing for playing time soon enough.

 

[VolsSince78]

That NCAA baggage is way overblown. We took 5 guys via the portal on scholarship. 2 panned out, 1 showed flashes at times, 1 never played, and 1 lasted a week. The staff simply hasn’t done a good job in that regard. That’s not a slight on the staff in general, but pretending there isn’t an issue there is just people lying to themselves

I’ll let Coach JH know that you expect him to step it up a notch or two with the portal. I’ll tell him you want only future All SEC guys via the portal, and All SEC by their 1st year at UT. How many All SEC portal transferees would you like, so I can let him know?

We’re only 9 days into the 45 day Winter open portal period, with another 15 day open portal period after Spring practice. So JH should be able to meet your expectations, no problem. I’m sure there are dozens of All SEC types in the portal to just pick & choose, right?

Seriously, 3 contributors in their 1st year out of 5 signed is a decent success rate for portal transferees IMO. And the 4th guy (I think you are referring to Turrentine) is a redshirt freshman. Hopefully, he will stay at UT and develop into a contributor, also.

And the “NCAA baggage” was actually an issue through this season given my understanding that the Vols reduced scholarships in 2021 & 2022, to proactively get ahead of the NCAA sanctions forthcoming. Less scholarships meant UT had to be more selective in the portal too.

Also, let’s recognize the portal transferees brought in by JH last year. These guys helped the Vols get off the floor after JH arrived, and some are still helping. All have started games for UT: Chase McGrath, JaVonta Payton, Caleb Tremblay, Milton, DaJon Terry, Juwan Mitchell, Hadden, Turnage.

 

[RudyVol]

No

I had it in my head that Dallan Hayden was coming but it appears that is just a rumor. A rumor that I hope is true.

 

[BelieveTheHeup93]

Defense wasn’t as terrible as you say.

23.5 ppg is pretty dang good, especially when your offense leads the country in scoring

We gave up 63 to South Carolina, Mizzou moved the ball extremely well on us for a half, Kentucky had WRs running wide open and either just dropped balls or Levis didn’t have time to throw, and Georgia could’ve hung 60 on us as well had they not taken the air out of the ball

 

[BelieveTheHeup93]

Depth.

Depth is great when your starters are worth a damn. However having equally less than mediocre 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stringers doesn’t do much good

 

[BelieveTheHeup93]

I’ll let Coach JH know that you expect him to step it up a notch or two with the portal. I’ll tell him you want only future All SEC guys via the portal, and All SEC by their 1st year at UT. How many All SEC portal transferees would you like, so I can let him know?

We’re only 9 days into the 45 day Winter open portal period, with another 15 day open portal period after Spring practice. So JH should be able to meet your expectations, no problem. I’m sure there are dozens of All SEC types in the portal to just pick & choose, right?

Seriously, 3 contributors in their 1st year out of 5 signed is a decent success rate for portal transferees IMO. And the 4th guy (I think you are referring to Turrentine) is a redshirt freshman. Hopefully, he will stay at UT and develop into a contributor, also.

And the “NCAA baggage” was actually an issue through this season given my understanding that the Vols reduced scholarships in 2021 & 2022, to proactively get ahead of the NCAA sanctions forthcoming. Less scholarships meant UT had to be more selective in the portal too.

Also, let’s recognize the portal transferees brought in by JH last year. These guys helped the Vols get off the floor after JH arrived, and some are still helping. All have started games for UT: Chase McGrath, JaVonta Payton, Caleb Tremblay, Milton, DaJon Terry, Juwan Mitchell, Hadden, Turnage.

2 of those 3 contributors were on offense. Which I have clearly said isn’t the problem. It’s the neglect on the defensive side of the ball. Also the reduction in scholarship players is a lie. We had 85 guys on scholarship this season. As for the transfers brought in for 2021, Payton was good, but we already had Hyatt on the roster who did nothing but make big plays when given the opportunity in 2021, and after seeing what he did this year I’d be willing to bet our receiving corps would’ve been better with him starting last year. I don’t remember much about Tremblay. Milton sucks, and Terry, Mitchell, Hadden, and Turnage have all been average players at the absolute best. Out of all those guys Turnage is the best player. He’s just playing out of position, and do you know why? Because this staff has neglected the corner position in the transfer portal 3 years in a row and instead goes after backup safeties and WRs

 

[JO VOL]

Defense wasn’t as terrible as you say.

23.5 ppg is pretty dang good, especially when your offense leads the country in scoring

Every decent team we played had no problem moving the ball. If you watched the games there is no way that you can honesty say it was a good defense. Constantly missing tackles and out of position. Coaching was bad.

 

[MarcoVol]

We gave up 63 to South Carolina, Mizzou moved the ball extremely well on us for a half, Kentucky had WRs running wide open and either just dropped balls or Levis didn’t have time to throw, and Georgia could’ve hung 60 on us as well had they not taken the air out of the ball

Other SEC football teams had some success against our defense? You’re right, the defense was terrible. We should’ve shut everyone out.

 

[MarcoVol]

Every decent team we played had no problem moving the ball. If you watched the games there is no way that you can honesty say it was a good defense. Constantly missing tackles and out of position. Coaching was bad.

Moving the ball doesn’t mean anything. Like yay good job you got yards. Scoring points is the only stat that matters. And other teams did that at 23.5 ppg and that’s including a 63 point poop show

 

[SweetasSoda]

We gave up 63 to South Carolina, Mizzou moved the ball extremely well on us for a half, Kentucky had WRs running wide open and either just dropped balls or Levis didn’t have time to throw, and Georgia could’ve hung 60 on us as well had they not taken the air out of the ball

10-2 & #6 in the nation

 

[SweetasSoda]

Every decent team we played had no problem moving the ball. If you watched the games there is no way that you can honesty say it was a good defense. Constantly missing tackles and out of position. Coaching was bad.

They play a defense that goes for turnovers then tighten up in the red zone to stop scoring. They’re not worried about giving up yardage. Might as well get used to it. As we get better players it will get better.

 

[LouderVol]

We gave up 63 to South Carolina, Mizzou moved the ball extremely well on us for a half, Kentucky had WRs running wide open and either just dropped balls or Levis didn’t have time to throw, and Georgia could’ve hung 60 on us as well had they not taken the air out of the ball

Points are all that matter. That's it.

Our defense undoubtedly failed the SC game. But 1 game out of 12 isnt bad, 2 if you want to throw in Bama. It's not like our defense was elite all year and Banks threw the SC game. Pur suspect defense was suspect.

And I am laughing at your half game arguments. I am guessing half time adjustments dont count? To me those adjustments show that our coaches can coach, doesnt mean they are perfect but in some cases they can learn and adapt and be effective. The full game blow outs and consistent secondary problems say we have a talent issue.

 

[VolsSince78]

2 of those 3 contributors were on offense. Which I have clearly said isn’t the problem. It’s the neglect on the defensive side of the ball. Also the reduction in scholarship players is a lie. We had 85 guys on scholarship this season. As for the transfers brought in for 2021, Payton was good, but we already had Hyatt on the roster who did nothing but make big plays when given the opportunity in 2021, and after seeing what he did this year I’d be willing to bet our receiving corps would’ve been better with him starting last year. I don’t remember much about Tremblay. Milton sucks, and Terry, Mitchell, Hadden, and Turnage have all been average players at the absolute best. Out of all those guys Turnage is the best player. He’s just playing out of position, and do you know why? Because this staff has neglected the corner position in the transfer portal 3 years in a row and instead goes after backup safeties and WRs

We did not have 85 scholarship players, this year or last. Know the facts, and where others are coming from, before calling others a liar. Pretty sure you wouldn’t do this in person.

This staff hasn’t neglected anything here 3 years in a row. Late next month will be their 2 yr anniversary at UT. Whine about ‘22-‘23 portal neglect, or the 2023 Defense, once it’s in the books.

Yes, Cornerback was an area of concern coming into this season. That area was made worse when we lost Burrell, Rucker, Dee Williams, Hadden, Turnage, and Charles for extended parts of the season. I don’t think JH/Banks/Martinez get a full pass for CB production. I do think if they had a crystal ball to foretell injuries in 2022, they would have sought another CB- at the expense of another position group.

 

[VolsSince78]

We gave up 63 to South Carolina, Mizzou moved the ball extremely well on us for a half, Kentucky had WRs running wide open and either just dropped balls or Levis didn’t have time to throw, and Georgia could’ve hung 60 on us as well had they not taken the air out of the ball

Concerning the UK game, our Defense held UK, as well as LSU and Vandy to their SEASON LOW IN POINTS SCORED! That should get recognition, just like the 63 vs USC should.

And good thing the Mizzou game had 2 halves.

Also, UGA COULD’VE scored 60? I suppose I COULD’VE been a male porn star, but that didn’t happen either.

 

[walkenvol]

2 of those 3 contributors were on offense. Which I have clearly said isn’t the problem. It’s the neglect on the defensive side of the ball. Also the reduction in scholarship players is a lie. We had 85 guys on scholarship this season. As for the transfers brought in for 2021, Payton was good, but we already had Hyatt on the roster who did nothing but make big plays when given the opportunity in 2021, and after seeing what he did this year I’d be willing to bet our receiving corps would’ve been better with him starting last year. I don’t remember much about Tremblay. Milton sucks, and Terry, Mitchell, Hadden, and Turnage have all been average players at the absolute best. Out of all those guys Turnage is the best player. He’s just playing out of position, and do you know why? Because this staff has neglected the corner position in the transfer portal 3 years in a row and instead goes after backup safeties and WRs

You sure speak with confidence to have your facts so wrong!

Hyatt himself admitted he didn’t put in the work required in 2020-21. He dedicated himself this past offseason, added 15 pounds and spent hours each day catching off the jug’s machine which led to his stellar play this year.

Your perception of average is also questionable. Terry has either started or been in the 2 deep rotation at DT for 2 seasons and has continued to improve, likely entrenched as a starter next year along with Thomas. All the others have been in the 2 deep rotation or started at times. I’d consider that a pretty good success rate for portal guys myself.

 

[DarthVol1]

No idea who you all are going back and forth with, but I gave up long before the rest of yins and have them on the list. Remember that is a blessed feature of this forum! Your blood pressure will thank you! 😊

 

[SweetasSoda]

No idea who you all are going back and forth with, but I gave up long before the rest of yins and have them on the list. Remember that is a blessed feature of this forum! Your blood pressure will thank you! 😊

It’s glorious!

 

[O.G.HomeGrownUTVOL]

I’ll let Coach JH know that you expect him to step it up a notch or two with the portal. I’ll tell him you want only future All SEC guys via the portal, and All SEC by their 1st year at UT. How many All SEC portal transferees would you like, so I can let him know?

We’re only 9 days into the 45 day Winter open portal period, with another 15 day open portal period after Spring practice. So JH should be able to meet your expectations, no problem. I’m sure there are dozens of All SEC types in the portal to just pick & choose, right?

Seriously, 3 contributors in their 1st year out of 5 signed is a decent success rate for portal transferees IMO. And the 4th guy (I think you are referring to Turrentine) is a redshirt freshman. Hopefully, he will stay at UT and develop into a contributor, also.

And the “NCAA baggage” was actually an issue through this season given my understanding that the Vols reduced scholarships in 2021 & 2022, to proactively get ahead of the NCAA sanctions forthcoming. Less scholarships meant UT had to be more selective in the portal too.

Also, let’s recognize the portal transferees brought in by JH last year. These guys helped the Vols get off the floor after JH arrived, and some are still helping. All have started games for UT: Chase McGrath, JaVonta Payton, Caleb Tremblay, Milton, DaJon Terry, Juwan Mitchell, Hadden, Turnage.

How you gonna forget Bru!!! jk, great post!
GBO!🍊🍊🍊🍊

 

[BelieveTheHeup93]

10-2 & #6 in the nation

And we would be 11-1 and in the playoffs and Hendon Hooker likely has a Heisman trophy had this staff brought in corners through the portal

 

[you]

Yes. That still doesn't make the portal the lone or even obvious solution. And the jury is still out as to how much of the struggles were talent and how much are the DC.

Well, since UT finished the season with safeties at both CB spots... probably. The Vols weren't deep then Burrell goes out before the season even started, Hadden played hurt, Rucker was hurt,...

As for those particular CB's, maybe they fit the culture but maybe they don't. Maybe the competition Cincy played and UVA for that matter might not tell exactly how they'd look vs the SEC. Maybe they had a destination in mind before entering the portal.

And remember, that's two guys who MIGHT be able to help. Where's the actual cutoff. Two CB's with about 60 P-5 schools looking to add CB's... not great odds.


Some players are worth pursuing. Others are not.... and "needs" don't determine the quality of players available in the portal.

Again, you keep talking out your rear. I don't claim to have "answers". Every possible answer introduces a new question that we as fans have absolutely NO way of knowing. You are just too arrogant to accept that reality... or that Heupel and the staff know more about what they're doing than YOU do..

Easy now, I’m pretty knowledgeable

 

[BelieveTheHeup93]

We did not have 85 scholarship players, this year or last. Know the facts, and where others are coming from, before calling others a liar. Pretty sure you wouldn’t do this in person.

This staff hasn’t neglected anything here 3 years in a row. Late next month will be their 2 yr anniversary at UT. Whine about ‘22-‘23 portal neglect, or the 2023 Defense, once it’s in the books.

Yes, Cornerback was an area of concern coming into this season. That area was made worse when we lost Burrell, Rucker, Dee Williams, Hadden, Turnage, and Charles for extended parts of the season. I don’t think JH/Banks/Martinez get a full pass for CB production. I do think if they had a crystal ball to foretell injuries in 2022, they would have sought another CB- at the expense of another position group.

As you typed this Kentucky, that’s right the school that we have literally made our red headed step child over the last 40 years, landed one of the top corners in the transfer portal in JQ Hardaway. I rest my case. Meanwhile we’re pursuing every WR that puts his name in the portal just so Joe Milton can over throw them deep or try to throw the ball through them on intermediate routes. Also our coaches didn’t need a crystal ball to see what the secondary would become if guys got hurt. They could’ve just left Slaughter and Charles at their natural positions at safety (rather than bring 2 safeties in so they could move Charles and Slaughter to corner) and just brought in actual corners

 

[VolFreakJosh]

Put @BelieveTheHeup93 on ignore and save your time.

 

[Pacer92]

 

[buckfama]

And we would be 11-1 and in the playoffs and Hendon Hooker likely has a Heisman trophy had this staff brought in corners through the portal

Since you persist with your bull 💩 and basically suck the fun out of the board. You're one of the few that gets added to my block list. You have zero clue wtf you're taling about.

 

[Kingzport]

And we would be 11-1 and in the playoffs and Hendon Hooker likely has a Heisman trophy had this staff brought in corners through the portal

So our corners were good enough to beat LSU, BAMA, KY, FLA, etc… but you have all blame on one game USC? You have to be smarter than this..

wait.. nvmd that last sentence..