This is a very old discussion. "Out recruiting" them doesn't necessarily mean taking players they want away from them. It does not mean beating them in the "recruiting rankings" (at least not until Heupel gets credibility with the recruiting sites). It means getting the right players in the right numbers and developing them at an elite level.
Heupel proved this year that he does not need "equal" talent to beat very talented teams. According to 247, UT had the 19th most talented roster in CFB. I think we all know that depth was an issue. However the Vols beat Bama 247's #1 most talented team, Clemson #5, LSU #8, UF #14, UK #26, and Mizzou #31. The Vols lost to UGA #2 and USCe #21. My guess is that few if any played against that much talent much less beat that many teams with "more talent".
Heupel can flat out coach.