'26 MS WR Tristen Keys (lsu commit)

[BigOrangeTrain]

And we wonder why the KNS mail bag articles are so full of stupid questions. A quick study of some of our "fans" should answer that question.

I see you put fans in quotations. Quite hilarious actually. It’s always amusing when someone has an opinion they doesn’t agree with the majority or an overall negative one, they somehow arent fans. You seem to be one of the fans who believe anyone that criticizes the program isn’t a fan.

I am curious, why do you think this?

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Our offense had guys running open last year without tempo. Need a more consistent QB.

Even when the pass was there they dropped it. We need much better WR play.

 

[Outofmyvolcanmind]

You're wasting your breath. Most the posters on here are fine with Second Tier Coaches, and a Second Tier NIL. We have had 5-6 of the 17 draftees in the last 4 years that were recruited by the current staff. Not one OLineman drafted since Wright. Most of the 5 or 6 are DLineman. Qb and DLine are the only spots recruited really well. Our OLine development is laughable. At least he has recruited better the last two years, but the tackles didn't play well last year, and no one developed behind the starters after 5 recruiting classes. OLine, Recievers, RB, and DB coaches have missed every big name in the last five classes.

It is way past time to pass judgement on these position coaches, and how horribly inept our NIL collective is. They've been here long enough to see. We have averaged a 15th nationally ranked class the last 5 years. The best was 10th. 4 of those 5 classes ranked 8th in the SEC, the other class was 4th.

I can't fathom how we are going to beat Georgia, Bama, LSU, Florida, Texas, and A&M consistently with less talent. That's just a fact. We are a second tier team because we are getting second tier results from everyone not named Garner. The only thing to be satisfied about is that at least we don't get blown out by 50 in Neyland anymore, but it is now time to be honest about these coaches. Heupel and Garner have overperformed to get the results we are getting, but that can only go on for so long. They'll have the built in Nico excuse for this year even though there is two other 4 star qbs on the team.

What will the excuse be when we don't get this kid? NIL getting outbid? Meanwhile LSU is pumping out NFL wideouts left and right, and we have Pope... It's time to get rid of assistant coaches that underperform. Ohio State spent 20 mill to out talent us, and it was obvious.

Or maybe it's because this is a Tennessee message board. We can put on all of the national podcasts and hear about how great Bama, GA, OH State are. It gets beaten down everyone's throats consistently. This is a place where being a fanatic is ok. Even if it's not objective.

So, I will say this. Georgia, Florida, Bama, and Ohio State all suck. And that's a scientific fact.

 

[miket4god]

Even when the pass was there they dropped it. We need much better WR play.

Total combination of things. We need better QB play and ability to read a defense. We need WR than can catch the ball. We need OL to give QB time to make his progressions. We need play calling to be more creative and less predictable.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

Total combination of things. We need better QB play and ability to read a defense. We need WR than can catch the ball. We need OL to give QB time to make his progressions. We need play calling to be more creative and less predictable.

We have a chance to improve in all those areas. Have to expect some drop off at RB, but the reconstructed OL, even without the bell cow center has a shot at being more comprehensively consistent. Receiver rooms will be less experienced, but loaded with talent. I like both QB’s to be able to execute the game plan. Less physically gifted, but that does not mean they cannot be more productive.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Total combination of things. We need better QB play and ability to read a defense. We need WR than can catch the ball. We need OL to give QB time to make his progressions. We need play calling to be more creative and less predictable.

Completely agree

 

[DaddyChad]

You're wasting your breath. Most the posters on here are fine with Second Tier Coaches, and a Second Tier NIL. We have had 5-6 of the 17 draftees in the last 4 years that were recruited by the current staff. Not one OLineman drafted since Wright. Most of the 5 or 6 are DLineman. Qb and DLine are the only spots recruited really well. Our OLine development is laughable. At least he has recruited better the last two years, but the tackles didn't play well last year, and no one developed behind the starters after 5 recruiting classes. OLine, Recievers, RB, and DB coaches have missed every big name in the last five classes.

It is way past time to pass judgement on these position coaches, and how horribly inept our NIL collective is. They've been here long enough to see. We have averaged a 15th nationally ranked class the last 5 years. The best was 10th. 4 of those 5 classes ranked 8th in the SEC, the other class was 4th.

I can't fathom how we are going to beat Georgia, Bama, LSU, Florida, Texas, and A&M consistently with less talent. That's just a fact. We are a second tier team because we are getting second tier results from everyone not named Garner. The only thing to be satisfied about is that at least we don't get blown out by 50 in Neyland anymore, but it is now time to be honest about these coaches. Heupel and Garner have overperformed to get the results we are getting, but that can only go on for so long. They'll have the built in Nico excuse for this year even though there is two other 4 star qbs on the team.

What will the excuse be when we don't get this kid? NIL getting outbid? Meanwhile LSU is pumping out NFL wideouts left and right, and we have Pope... It's time to get rid of assistant coaches that underperform. Ohio State spent 20 mill to out talent us, and it was obvious.

#JustKeepinItReal!!

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

You're wasting your breath. Most the posters on here are fine with Second Tier Coaches, and a Second Tier NIL. We have had 5-6 of the 17 draftees in the last 4 years that were recruited by the current staff. Not one OLineman drafted since Wright. Most of the 5 or 6 are DLineman. Qb and DLine are the only spots recruited really well. Our OLine development is laughable. At least he has recruited better the last two years, but the tackles didn't play well last year, and no one developed behind the starters after 5 recruiting classes. OLine, Recievers, RB, and DB coaches have missed every big name in the last five classes.

It is way past time to pass judgement on these position coaches, and how horribly inept our NIL collective is. They've been here long enough to see. We have averaged a 15th nationally ranked class the last 5 years. The best was 10th. 4 of those 5 classes ranked 8th in the SEC, the other class was 4th.

I can't fathom how we are going to beat Georgia, Bama, LSU, Florida, Texas, and A&M consistently with less talent. That's just a fact. We are a second tier team because we are getting second tier results from everyone not named Garner. The only thing to be satisfied about is that at least we don't get blown out by 50 in Neyland anymore, but it is now time to be honest about these coaches. Heupel and Garner have overperformed to get the results we are getting, but that can only go on for so long. They'll have the built in Nico excuse for this year even though there is two other 4 star qbs on the team.

What will the excuse be when we don't get this kid? NIL getting outbid? Meanwhile LSU is pumping out NFL wideouts left and right, and we have Pope... It's time to get rid of assistant coaches that underperform. Ohio State spent 20 mill to out talent us, and it was obvious.

Wow, obviously trying to take a leadership role with the LOMS. Such a worthy endeavor.

Let me do my part.

GLOOM DESPAIR AND AGONY ON ME, DEEP DARK DEPRESSION, EXCESSIVE MISERY…….Yada yada yada….

 

[VolDC]

Quick, how long does a recruit need to be on campus to be draft eligible?

Better yet, how long does a kid need to be on campus to ask for a pay raise? I guarantee you it takes less time than being draft eligible. That is a definite part of the problem with all this. We are constantly recruiting guys on the team now. Vitello has even had huge turnover.

 

[VolDC]

I can understand wanting more. I want better recruiting, coaching, etc. I get caught up in this same line of thinking sometimes, but then I remember that it is hard to argue with the results so far. When Pruitt got fired in 2021, I thought it was over for us. I told myself I would be happy if we ever made a bowl again and I thought the program would be nuked by the NCAA. What Heupel has done since then is incredible. Is there improvement to be had? Absolutely and I think CJH would be the first person to tell you that. I think the recruiting can improve, but there are some schools (Texas, Bama, UGA, etc.) that will almost always recruit better than us no matter what we do.

I would argue Heupel has overperformed. If he is going to keep it up, he will have to retool the staff sooner than later. Money isn't the only reason we are losing out to all these top tier recruits. We lost Keys because LSU has put a bunch of guys in the league. We aren't going to flip him for the same reason.

 

[RandomUTfan]

Fans on the Auburn board are bellyaching less. Living life worried about everything you don't have, rather than appreciating how good you truly have it, is not the way to go through life.

 

[BelievetheHeup2022]

I would argue Heupel has overperformed. If he is going to keep it up, he will have to retool the staff sooner than later. Money isn't the only reason we are losing out to all these top tier recruits. We lost Keys because LSU has put a bunch of guys in the league. We aren't going to flip him for the same reason.

I'm glad the coaches don't have the same loser mentality that you apparently do. Since you already 'know' how this is going to play out, maybe you should find another thread to post your drivel in.

 

[LouderVol]

The talent gap between us and Georgia is actually larger now than it was when Pruitt was fired if you go solely off blue chip ratio

no its not. at least according to 247.

2024 UGA: 81% 2024 UT: 50% = 31% difference
2020 UGA: 78% 2024 UT: 42% = 36% difference

 

[volinbama256]

You're wasting your breath. Most the posters on here are fine with Second Tier Coaches, and a Second Tier NIL. We have had 5-6 of the 17 draftees in the last 4 years that were recruited by the current staff. Not one OLineman drafted since Wright. Most of the 5 or 6 are DLineman. Qb and DLine are the only spots recruited really well. Our OLine development is laughable. At least he has recruited better the last two years, but the tackles didn't play well last year, and no one developed behind the starters after 5 recruiting classes. OLine, Recievers, RB, and DB coaches have missed every big name in the last five classes.

It is way past time to pass judgement on these position coaches, and how horribly inept our NIL collective is. They've been here long enough to see. We have averaged a 15th nationally ranked class the last 5 years. The best was 10th. 4 of those 5 classes ranked 8th in the SEC, the other class was 4th.

I can't fathom how we are going to beat Georgia, Bama, LSU, Florida, Texas, and A&M consistently with less talent. That's just a fact. We are a second tier team because we are getting second tier results from everyone not named Garner. The only thing to be satisfied about is that at least we don't get blown out by 50 in Neyland anymore, but it is now time to be honest about these coaches. Heupel and Garner have overperformed to get the results we are getting, but that can only go on for so long. They'll have the built in Nico excuse for this year even though there is two other 4 star qbs on the team.

What will the excuse be when we don't get this kid? NIL getting outbid? Meanwhile LSU is pumping out NFL wideouts left and right, and we have Pope... It's time to get rid of assistant coaches that underperform. Ohio State spent 20 mill to out talent us, and it was obvious.

PREACH Brotha

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

I see you put fans in quotations. Quite hilarious actually. It’s always amusing when someone has an opinion they doesn’t agree with the majority or an overall negative one, they somehow arent fans. You seem to be one of the fans who believe anyone that criticizes the program isn’t a fan.

I am curious, why do you think this?

You always try to make others statements monolithic.

Obviously we have drive by trolls jump in and get identified and eventually disappear.

It is those that really want to identify themselves as VOLS but bent on REDUNDANTLY and CAUSTICALLY sharing their negative views that are truly problematic.

Unlike players who fumble, miss tackles, get personal foul penalties, drop passes, miss open receivers, who as a result get benched, posters get to keep inserting themselves in the lineup. Then, get bent out of shape when others call them out.

Particularly on staffing tirades. Send your thoughts directly to DW and CJH and they will get the attention they deserve. Let them know the amount of money you are going to withhold if they don’t meet your demands.

Sharing the same negativity daily on a free fan forum requires ignorance, arrogance or both. You sholuld notice your LIKES list is NOT. Growing.

 

[volinbama256]

Total combination of things. We need better QB play and ability to read a defense. We need WR than can catch the ball. We need OL to give QB time to make his progressions. We need play calling to be more creative and less predictable.

And a lot of that falls on the coaching staff and their ability or inability to develop the roster to overcome these issues... which is why some of this staff needs to be replaced at this point.

 

[WillisWG]

Listen up, Tristan. You're a wanted man.

“I want to have the best recruiting class in the country,” Rouse told Ray, via X. “I am going to keep working to make this class the best it can be. The first guy I am going after is Tristen Keys.”

 

[SSVol]

I see you put fans in quotations. Quite hilarious actually. It’s always amusing when someone has an opinion they doesn’t agree with the majority or an overall negative one, they somehow arent fans. You seem to be one of the fans who believe anyone that criticizes the program isn’t a fan.

I am curious, why do you think this?

If you can't tell the difference between a person who sees the need for improvement and comments rationally vs one that grabs onto every negative and ignores every positive, I don't know what to tell you. Under Heupel, we've had the best run in our football program since the NC years. Listening to some here, you'd think we were perpetual bottom dwellers. So yes "fans".

 

[Adam Sandler]

Can’t wait to be all:

 

[BelievetheHeup2022]

Not to interfere with the 'Georgia thread', but here's a Keys update on the Tennessee board.

Per Wiltfong

Tennessee five-star hunting​

That starts with top-ranked receiver Tristen Keys. An LSU verbal, the buzz continues to pick up regarding Tennessee and Texas A&M. Sources believe as it stands now those two schools are best positioned to ultimately land Keys. Now LSU isn’t folding and Miami isn’t going away, but in what’s been a fluid process, Tennessee has consistently been a favorite and it is still in play.

“I’d say my relationship and connections with the fanbase, the coaches, pretty much everything. I love what they do. I love Tennessee,” Keys recently said.

“For me they’ve been one of my top (coaching) staffs. Me loving what they do. Them being great people. The relationship I have with them. They do all the right things. I’m just trying to find my way into the offense, get a feel for it.”

 

[EastTNVol95]

Not to interfere with the 'Georgia thread', but here's a Key's update on the Tennessee board.

Per Wiltfong

I think his heart has always been at TN. You show an improved passing game this season and come December he’s in this class imo.

 

[Go Fight Win]

I think his heart has always been at TN. You show an improved passing game this season and come December he’s in this class imo.

bingo

bring our offense back to what we do best: feed our playmakers

 

[Garren04]

We will win in the end here just gotta spread the ball around in the fall and stretch the field more than last year

 

[TheMookieMonster]

I’m just not sure it’s fair for our pitch to secure his commitment to be reliant on how our offense performs this fall with a brand new QB we had to pull in at the 11th hour and an entirely new receiving corps that is young and inexperienced.

I would hope he would be more deliberate in his decision because I don’t want it to just come down to “Did the offense perform well?” I’m just not sure we are set up for success on offense this year with how the off-season went down, something that was out of our control.

 

[VolInDayton]

I dont think we even need to spread the ball around. Basically just match the best offer and have one of Matthews/Staley have a break out year to show you can still thrive in this offense. I would rather see one receiver go for over 900 yards and over 6 TDs than all our receivers at 500 yards.