With Alabama, LSU, Ohio State and Florida State owning the top four spots in the Rivals.com Team Rankings, you'd think that one of the four power programs would boast this year's Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year. Not so. While each program had many top recruiters reel in amazing talent, Tennessee's Tommy Thigpen takes home the coveted honor as he led the Volunteers to No. 5 in the rankings despite a sub-par season on the field. Thigpen, the Vols linebacker coach, had a hand in 17 of Tennessee's 31 signees either as the primary or secondary recruiter and simply did an amazing job on the recruiting trail.
Thigpen spoke of the honor of being named the Rivals.com National Recruiter of the Year.
"Rivals.com is the most recognized and most popular site in athletics," Thigpen said. "You guys are the pioneers of recruiting and player evaluations, so I'm grateful for the honor and grateful for Tennessee for allowing me to be part of the Butch Jones Brick by Brick crusade.
"It means a ton to me and I'm deeply appreciative. Tennessee is a great institution and we were able to recruit some high character young men who never wavered on their commitment. Butch Jones has been fantastic for the university and the program. Tennessee will thrive under his direction and leadership."
