Recruiting- would you rather…

[VAVolsFan2009]

We should always aim for the best class regardless of state. That being said, the staff is working diligently to restore the relationships with the instate coaches and players. I expect that the class of 23 will have its fair share of the top players from the state of Tennessee. The Vols are fast becoming a desired destination again.

 

[volpreacher]

False premise. In order to get a top 5 class, you are going to have to lock down the state.

UGA doesn’t get a top 5 class if it doesn’t lock down it’s state.

Bama maybe an exception because they are in a class of their own. But still I’d say the rule applies.

Would they still have elite classes? Probably. But locking down your own state is usually the first step because theoretically your home state should be the least effort cause kids already have an inclination.

That said, should we be truly concerned at this point?

No. It’s Heupel’s first season and the NCAA is still hanging over our head.

So if we don’t lock down the state but yet sign 6 ~ 5* and multiple 4* then we can have a top class?

 

[TNinSC]

The class is going to fail if you don't get at least one player from both GA and FL

 

[WoodsmanVol]

“The critics are always right. The only way you shut them up is by winning.” -Chuck Knoll

 

[Keefus]

Have a head coach and coaching staff that can develop and make competitive whom ever they recruit would be my wish.

 

[scvol98]

This post should be Nited

 

[vegasvolfan]

With all the handwringing regarding Tennessee’s lack of in-state recruiting, it got me wondering why. I couldn’t care less where they are from, I just want a championship caliber team. Yes, it’s a great story if they are in-state kids, but ultimately I don’t care.

It's because a lot of the in state talent is high calibur.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

I would like to see TN get at least 3 of the 5 top players every year. The state does not have a lot of 5* players like FL, GA does so I think getting 2/3 of them would be locking down the state about as well as possible. Nashville seems to be the epicenter now for top recruits.

 

[tennrich1]

When we were at our best in the 90’s we had kids from all over. And we past on a lot of kids in Tennessee who would have loved to play for the Vols. IMO you take the best talent you can get nationwide. With the growth of the mid state area hopefully the state of Tennessee will produce quality players consistently. I feel confident we will get our share. Not concerned at all.

 

[savannahfan]

This is a answer to your question that has been pointed out time and time again. Draw you a circle of some 450-500 miles around Knoxville (approx. distance to/from Memphis). I think you will be surprised at the recruiting area (using Memphis as the outer most area). For most all of my 80 years it has been really hard to get to Knoxville in 1/2 a day (5-7 hrs.) and I am much closer than Memphis and the far west of Tn. In the last few years Hwy. 840 has helped (now 5 hrs or less for my area). Better highways all over west Tn to I-40 have really helped, BUT face it Knoxville is still as remote for most of Tn. as much of the areas in that circle you drew.

 

[savannahfan]

I would like to see TN get at least 3 of the 5 top players every year. The state does not have a lot of 5* players like FL, GA does so I think getting 2/3 of them would be locking down the state about as well as possible. Nashville seems to be the epicenter now for top recruits.

5 star yes. However there are likely quite a few 4-3 star guys in Tn. who just don't get exposure as the guys from the states you mention as being 5 star hotbeds. Many of our 4 star and more than might be thought of our 3 stars would "move up" with better exposure.

 

[Firebirdparts]

With all the handwringing regarding Tennessee’s lack of in-state recruiting, it got me wondering why. I couldn’t care less where they are from, I just want a championship caliber team. Yes, it’s a great story if they are in-state kids, but ultimately I don’t care.

Times change, of course. Just because they didn't recruit in-state kids for the last 50 or 60 years doesn't mean they aren't going to start. They might need to if you have to re-recruit the whole team every year.

 

[LordBolton]

The only caveat to my vote for the Top 5 class (which I did vote for) is that the out of state stars are even more likely to bail at the first sign of trouble through the portal, or just accept the bribe of a Gump booster aka NIL deals. Maybe the kid who grew up here and is a 3 star or low 4 star is less likely to do that. Overall though, you gotta recruit at the top level.

 

[arkyvol]

With all the handwringing regarding Tennessee’s lack of in-state recruiting, it got me wondering why. I couldn’t care less where they are from, I just want a championship caliber team. Yes, it’s a great story if they are in-state kids, but ultimately I don’t care.

Where do you get the idea that in-state losses can be made up by out of state players of equal ability? Have you ever considered the odds of getting a five star from Florida or Alabama who is holding an offer from the gators or Bama?

 

[arkyvol]

Have a head coach and coaching staff that can develop and make competitive whom ever they recruit would be my wish.

There's an old saying in competitive sports, from tiddly-winks to big time football: you can't put in what God left out.