The Recruitment of Jalen Ramsey

[FredWhite2]

I apologize as I'm well aware he has a thread in the recruiting thread, but I felt this needed its own...

First, let me start by congratulating a kid on earning a scholarship to one of the top programs in the country and making his initial decision. As much as my personal feelings and knowledge about some of their coaches want to get in the way, there's no use and/or class in bashing an 18 year old kid for choosing another school to play football. I hope our fanbase will show class and not bash this kid via social media sites as has been the case with players in the past...


USC:

Jalen has been told (whether it's true or not) that he is the number one DB on USC board. Obviously the atmosphere in southern California is a big draw as is playing for a national championship contender... Lane and Co. have also told their story of their experience at Tennessee which has not been a great one... They have beaten into his head that not only are Dooley and Co on the way out, but also that Tennessee is in the lower tier of the most competitive conference in the country. Also, they have explained the connections Ramsey would have at USC post graduation if football were not to workout. Kiffin sought to cleanse his image with Ramsey right off the bat explaining how the "bad guy" act at Tennessee was to simply gain national recognition in hopes of turning the program around as quickly as possible, which Ramsey bought right away. I know stories about Lane Kiffin from people close to him, and I can tell you without a doubt that he is not someone I would want my kid to go play for... Im not going to get into the reports of money under the table, bc that happens everywhere as can be seen in the recruitment of stud LB Rueben Foster.


Vanderbilt:

Ramsey has been the number one target on Vandy's board in this class since their coaches created a board for 2013. Vanderbilt is selling immediate playing time in the SEC (top conference in the nation) and one of the best educations a kid can receive in the country. At Vandy he would also stay close to home, which did matter somewhat to Ramsey (choosing USC only bc he felt comfortable with his future teammates). Vanderbilt has been in constant contact and visited Ramsey more than any other school hoping to form a close relationship, which they did eventually. Vanderbilt has also been pitching that they are a "program on the rise" to recruits including Ramsey using last year's record and bowl appearance as well as close games with: Arkansas and UT, games they are telling recruits they should have won. Also, with the construction of the new football complex at Vandy they have that to pitch as well.


Overall Jalen never had any special connection to Tennessee. Obviously they are an instate school and have recruited him hard for the past two years, so he listened to what we had to say... Don't hold your breath on getting him to change his mind to come here even though there is still a lot of time between now and national signing day. Obviously getting him on campus for an official visit will be our only prayer (aside from a big orange briefcase showing up at his house...) But I just felt the need to share some of what I know and hope our fanbase can wish this kid well and show some class even though he did not choose us today.

I'm very optimistic and excited about this year and the future of Tennessee football under this regime. They have done a good job considering all of the adversity and the state of the program when Dooley arrived. Donte Phillips would be a HUGE addition to the program, so Im interested to see how that plays out. Counting down the days til Aug. 31 when we can all see for sure how we are going to be this year.


GBO

 

[UTvol1fn]

please don't state information without backing it up with facts....it's VN code

 

[Mullins2010]

I apologize as I'm well aware he has a thread in the recruiting thread, but I felt this needed its own...

First, let me start by congratulating a kid on earning a scholarship to one of the top programs in the country and making his initial decision. As much as my personal feelings and knowledge about some of their coaches want to get in the way, there's no use and/or class in bashing an 18 year old kid for choosing another school to play football. I hope our fanbase will show class and not bash this kid via social media sites as has been the case with players in the past...


USC:

Jalen has been told (whether it's true or not) that he is the number one DB on USC board. Obviously the atmosphere in southern California is a big draw as is playing for a national championship contender... Lane and Co. have also told their story of their experience at Tennessee which has not been a great one... They have beaten into his head that not only are Dooley and Co on the way out, but also that Tennessee is in the lower tier of the most competitive conference in the country. Also, they have explained the connections Ramsey would have at USC post graduation if football were not to workout. Kiffin sought to cleanse his image with Ramsey right off the bat explaining how the "bad guy" act at Tennessee was to simply gain national recognition in hopes of turning the program around as quickly as possible, which Ramsey bought right away. I know stories about Lane Kiffin from people close to him, and I can tell you without a doubt that he is not someone I would want my kid to go play for... Im not going to get into the reports of money under the table, bc that happens everywhere as can be seen in the recruitment of stud LB Rueben Foster.


Vanderbilt:

Ramsey has been the number one target on Vandy's board in this class since their coaches created a board for 2013. Vanderbilt is selling immediate playing time in the SEC (top conference in the nation) and one of the best educations a kid can receive in the country. At Vandy he would also stay close to home, which did matter somewhat to Ramsey (choosing USC only bc he felt comfortable with his future teammates). Vanderbilt has been in constant contact and visited Ramsey more than any other school hoping to form a close relationship, which they did eventually. Vanderbilt has also been pitching that they are a "program on the rise" to recruits including Ramsey using last year's record and bowl appearance as well as close games with: Arkansas and UT, games they are telling recruits they should have won. Also, with the construction of the new football complex at Vandy they have that to pitch as well.


Overall Jalen never had any special connection to Tennessee. Obviously they are an instate school and have recruited him hard for the past two years, so he listened to what we had to say... Don't hold your breath on getting him to change his mind to come here even though there is still a lot of time between now and national signing day. Obviously getting him on campus for an official visit will be our only prayer (aside from a big orange briefcase showing up at his house...) But I just felt the need to share some of what I know and hope our fanbase can wish this kid well and show some class even though he did not choose us today.

I'm very optimistic and excited about this year and the future of Tennessee football under this regime. They have done a good job considering all of the adversity and the state of the program when Dooley arrived. Donte Phillips would be a HUGE addition to the program, so Im interested to see how that plays out. Counting down the days til Aug. 31 when we can all see for sure how we are going to be this year.


GBO

Well Said...

 

[jspvol76]

Kiffin being Kiffin.

 

[Vol2424]

please don't state information without backing it up with facts....it's VN code

No need. Info is from Bucksnort.

 

[FredWhite2]

please don't state information without backing it up with facts.

I have several sources close to Ramsey including family friends as well as some of his coaches.

I also have more than one connection close to/inside the Vanderbilt program.

I have a friends who worked with Kiffin while at Tennessee as well as family members who still are connected with him.

If you do not believe me, that is your decision. I just wanted to share some of what I know with the vol faithful. TIFWIW

I've been on this site long enough to know what can happen to someone who just spreads rumors or God forbid makes a false prediction based on stuff they actually know (See Skeeter and OCIVOL). Also thankful for the ignore button so I can ignore trolls.

 

[BearCat204]

I have several sources close to Ramsey including family friends as well as some of his coaches.

I also have more than one connection close to/inside the Vanderbilt program.

I have a friends who worked with Kiffin while at Tennessee as well as family members who still are connected with him.

If you do not believe me, that is your decision. I just wanted to share some of what I know with the vol faithful. TIFWIW

I think you missed his sarcasm

 

[UTvol1fn]

I have several sources close to Ramsey including family friends as well as some of his coaches.

I also have more than one connection close to/inside the Vanderbilt program.

I have a friends who worked with Kiffin while at Tennessee as well as family members who still are connected with him.

If you do not believe me, that is your decision. I just wanted to share some of what I know with the vol faithful. TIFWIW

thanks for sharing...i'll take it with a grain of salt.

edit: ....and a shot of whiskey

 

[volroadwarrior]

Great post. Would have loved to have him, but as they say "there are more fish in the sea", or "let's move on". It was easy to convince him that UT is in the lower tier of the conference because of our recent record, but that is changing and future recruits will see we are moving up and will choose UT. Rebuilding from the mess that Fulmer and Kiffin left was never going to be easy. There will be more ups and downs to manage, but better seasons are ahead for the Vols.

 

[UTwon]

First, UT is not a bottom dweller in the sec. And the kid needs to think harder if he buys what Kiffin is saying. Let's assume UT is what LK says. He inherited a historic pprogram with a recent national championship from arguably a hall of fame coach who lost his edge in the last couple of years.. The program was down a couple of years when LK got it. If it is where he says now,he put it there. That would mean LK isn't a very good coach.

 

[ob79]

Ramsey has been the number one target on Vandy's board in this class since their coaches created a board for 2013. Vanderbilt is selling immediate playing time in the SEC (top conference in the nation) and one of the best educations a kid can receive in the country. At Vandy he would also stay close to home, which did matter somewhat to Ramsey (choosing USC only bc he felt comfortable with his future teammates). Vanderbilt has been in constant contact and visited Ramsey more than any other school hoping to form a close relationship, which they did eventually. Vanderbilt has also been pitching that they are a "program on the rise" to recruits including Ramsey using last year's record and bowl appearance as well as close games with: Arkansas and UT, games they are telling recruits they should have won. Also, with the construction of the new football complex at Vandy they have that to pitch as well.

This is complete B.S....not the info provided, but what Vandy is selling.

Yes, their education is best in the SEC but unless Ramsey is studying to be a Doctor, the quality of his degree is still excellent at UT.

...and program on the rise?
...close games to [fill in the blank], [fill in the blank], [fill in the blank]
...new complex?

1. What's this, like the 15th year that VU has "been on the rise"? F'ING GET THERE, then talk.

2. Close games? Might as well read: "VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY: HOME OF MORAL VICTORIES"

3. Your new complex...please. VU, you're catching up to what UT has had for the better part of TWO DECADES. We have a new place. You should check it out...and feel free to leave your jaw at the door.

 

[FredWhite2]

First, UT is not a bottom dweller in the sec. And the kid needs to think harder if he buys what Kiffin is saying. Let's assume UT is what LK says. He inherited a historic pprogram with a recent national championship from arguably a hall of fame coach who lost his edge in the last couple of years.. The program was down a couple of years when LK got it. If it is where he says now,he put it there. That would mean LK isn't a very good coach.

LK sold that he had a top 10 class during his 14 months at UT and had the program headed in the right direction had he and his staff stayed, but his "dream job" opened up and he had to take it...

Also, kids today have trouble remembering our "recent" national championship in 1998.

I agree with you that Kiffin and the way he handled himself while he was here coupled with the way he left us only set us back that much more, but Dooley and Co. have righted the ship about as well as it could've happened regardless of what everyone says. I challenge anyone to come in (realistically) and face the challenges he has and do a better job. I'm not saying Dooley is our coach of the future or an incredible coach, but he has done a good job given our situation and deserves our support this year.

 

[FredWhite2]

This is complete B.S....not the info provided, but what Vandy is selling.

Yes, their education is best in the SEC but unless Ramsey is studying to be a Doctor, the quality of his degree is still excellent at UT.

...and program on the rise?
...close games to [fill in the blank], [fill in the blank], [fill in the blank]
...new complex?

1. What's this, like the 15th year that VU has "been on the rise"? F'ING GET THERE, then talk.

2. Close games? Might as well read: "VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY: HOME OF MORAL VICTORIES"

3. Your new complex...please. VU, you're catching up to what UT has had for the better part of TWO DECADES. We have a new place. You should check it out...and feel free to leave your jaw at the door.

Haha I completely agree with most everything you have said...

However as much as I may not like James Franklin, he's an excellent salesman. He has sold this pitch of Vandy being and up and coming program to kids and they are listening. Couple that with the traditional state powerhouse (UT) being as low as they've been in recent memory and it doesn't help us very much.

Obviously our new complex is one of the top in the country and Vandy's is nowhere near what ours will be, but it's more of the negative recruiting coupled with the optimism from Franklin that has kids considering Vandy.

 

[UTvol1fn]

Haha I completely agree with most everything you have said...

However as much as I may not like James Franklin, he's an excellent salesman. He has sold this pitch of Vandy being and up and coming program to kids and they are listening. Couple that with the traditional state powerhouse (UT) being as low as they've been in recent memory and it doesn't help us very much.

Obviously our new complex is one of the top in the country and Vandy's is nowhere near what ours will be, but it's more of the negative recruiting coupled with the optimism from Franklin that has kids considering Vandy.

Our facilities/lockers were better in the 70's compared to what Vandy has now...just sayin'

 

[mdrew27]

Referring to the OP's first paragraph; I could care less if people dogged him on social media. He should understand that kiff is a d-bag and Franklin is a bigger d-bag. And if he doesn't understand it then he needs to hear about it Via whatever means people care to use. Last time I checked I have free speech and will use that freedom how I see fit. I hate USCw and anything associated with them.

 

[griddie]

Basically he bought into the **** he was sold by two of the biggest F-ing liars out there in Kiffin and Ogre. Those two ran down UT, the state of TN, it's high school talent, and its coaches. And that's with an exclamation point. If he wants to play for those POS's then go do it. Never, ever do I want a player that would choose them resprenting the University of Tennessee, running through the T that players like Reggie White, Peyton Manning, John Henderson, Carl Pickens, Reggie Cobb and countless others did. I say that with the utmost sencerity. It's not about being upset a kid chose another school. But the one group he did choose. Marlon Brown's grandma would agree with my message. So quit all the defending of Ramsey. He can GTFO! You are either Big "M-F'ing" Orange or you are not! I sick of the TN fans being put down and talked down to. F Kiffien and Ogre and their sissy Pac 10 or 12 football.

 

[BigALWiLson]

WOW. I could care less where this kid goes. We still have Von Bell and Todd Kelly Jr. I think both are better really. Also Bell plays better competition. I would have to say the Berry's are better players too. We know what material they are cut from.

 

[dlw4n]

Referring to the OP's first paragraph; I could care less if people dogged him on social media. He should understand that kiff is a d-bag and Franklin is a bigger d-bag. And if he doesn't understand it then he needs to hear about it Via whatever means people care to use. Last time I checked I have free speech and will use that freedom how I see fit. I hate USCw and anything associated with them.

Yes, we all have the freedom to be dbags if we so choose. You just use your freedom a lot more than the rest of us. Enjoy 'Merica, buddy.

 

[7thgroupvolfan]

No need. Info is from Bucksnort.

this is all you need to know

 

[FredWhite2]

WOW. I could care less where this kid goes. We still have Von Bell and Todd Kelly Jr. I think both are better really. Also Bell plays better competition. I would have to say the Berry's are better players too. We know what material they are cut from.

We don't "have" either of those two yet. While they may look like good chances I think we all know too well that anything can happen in the recruiting world... Also the competition Ramsey faces is the best the state has to offer and he has shown very well against the top players in the country. Make no mistake about it this kid is very good and can play. He'd be a great addition for anyone.

 

[FredWhite2]

this is all you need to know

You two can feel free to hit the ignore button to me anytime you like if you don't like what I have to contribute.

 

[volroadwarrior]

The only disagreement I have with the OP is he implies that he wants Ramsey to be successful at USC. I quite frankly don't care whether he is successful or not. I will shed no tears if he isn't. I won't be one to call him out about his decision, but I certainly won't be cheering for him or USC.

 

[FredWhite2]

The only disagreement I have with the OP is he implies that he wants Ramsey to be successful at USC. I quite frankly don't care whether he is successful or not. I will shed no tears if he isn't. I won't be one to call him out about his decision, but I certainly won't be cheering for him or USC.

I will never cheer for a lane Kirin led team again I assure you that's not the message I was trying to convey. Rather simply to not condemn or harass him bc he did not select us today and to show class as a fan base.

 

[dlw4n]

The only disagreement I have with the OP is he implies that he wants Ramsey to be successful at USC. I quite frankly don't care whether he is successful or not. I will shed no tears if he isn't. I won't be one to call him out about his decision, but I certainly won't be cheering for him or USC.

I won't cheer for USC, but I'm also not going to wish ill on some 17 year old kid that I've never met. I've got better things to do than that.

 

[Vol2424]

You two can feel free to hit the ignore button to me anytime you like if you don't like what I have to contribute.

The Bucksnort thing was a joke. I have nothing against your post. But most of this info is not new and already in the Ramsey thread. This kid has had enough attention. I see no need in starting more threads for a kid that will never play a down at this University. It's time to say good luck to him and be done with it.