USC Transfer Kicker Chase McGrath Commits to UT

#7
#7
Any word on Kevin Steele being retained or let go?

No inside sources, but one would think with the staff departures we’ve already seen take place, Steele would’ve already been let go if he wasn’t going to be retained. Assuming Heupel can trust him, and they can move forward from the Auburn fall out, he would be a great asset to the staff as DC, his recruiting ability, and with his ties to the SEC and the south. Couple that with the fact that he already has a solid relationship with Garner who also is in need of a job, and would help tremendously with recruiting, it’s a no brainer. Think a lot of it will determine how well he will jive with the rest of the defensive assistants Heupel has in mind to pair him with. AP did mention the longer it drags, the more likely it appears Steele will be our DC.
 
#8
#8
No inside sources, but one would think with the staff departures we’ve already seen take place, Steele would’ve already been let go if he wasn’t going to be retained. Assuming Heupel can trust him, and they can move forward from the Auburn fall out, he would be a great asset to the staff as DC, his recruiting ability, and with his ties to the SEC and the south. Couple that with the fact that he already has a solid relationship with Garner who also is in need of a job, and would help tremendously with recruiting, it’s a no brainer. Think a lot of it will determine how well he will jive with the rest of the defensive assistants Heupel has in mind to pair him with. AP did mention the longer it drags, the more likely it appears Steele will be our DC.
I hope so. That means maybe we get Big Kat from Auburn still.
 
#9
#9
No inside sources, but one would think with the staff departures we’ve already seen take place, Steele would’ve already been let go if he wasn’t going to be retained. Assuming Heupel can trust him, and they can move forward from the Auburn fall out, he would be a great asset to the staff as DC, his recruiting ability, and with his ties to the SEC and the south. Couple that with the fact that he already has a solid relationship with Garner who also is in need of a job, and would help tremendously with recruiting, it’s a no brainer. Think a lot of it will determine how well he will jive with the rest of the defensive assistants Heupel has in mind to pair him with. AP did mention the longer it drags, the more likely it appears Steele will be our DC.
I want to believe this so bad. I think it would be a difference maker for our team.
 
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#10
#10
I hope so. That means maybe we get Big Kat from Auburn still.

I think that’s the biggest reason why Big Kat has yet to make an official decision. I’d think with Felton out of the picture due to him being tied to violations, he won’t be working at the collegiate level anytime soon. So assuming Steele is kept, I think Big Kat will be a Vol.
 
#11
#11
No inside sources, but one would think with the staff departures we’ve already seen take place, Steele would’ve already been let go if he wasn’t going to be retained. Assuming Heupel can trust him, and they can move forward from the Auburn fall out, he would be a great asset to the staff as DC, his recruiting ability, and with his ties to the SEC and the south. Couple that with the fact that he already has a solid relationship with Garner who also is in need of a job, and would help tremendously with recruiting, it’s a no brainer. Think a lot of it will determine how well he will jive with the rest of the defensive assistants Heupel has in mind to pair him with. AP did mention the longer it drags, the more likely it appears Steele will be our DC.

I'm curious what the hold up is.

From my undersatnding, Randy Shannon was Heupel's DC at UCF primarily because his Florida recruiting ties. Steele seems like a much better fit at UT given that he has recruiting ties through the Southeast and is actually a pretty good DC. Nothing against Shannon. Just think I'd prefer Steele over him.
 
#12
#12
I'm curious what the hold up is.

From my undersatnding, Randy Shannon was Heupel's DC at UCF primarily because his Florida recruiting ties. Steele seems like a much better fit at UT given that he has recruiting ties through the Southeast and is actually a pretty good DC. Nothing against Shannon. Just think I'd prefer Steele over him.

That given the fact that there were some locker room issues last season at UCF large in part due to differences between the offense and defense, I don’t see Shannon being brought in on Heupel’s staff. At least that was the speculation of course. I wouldn’t mind having Shannon as LB’s coach cause he is a solid recruiter, but this staff needs to be as tight knit as possible given the circumstances. No room for infighting as we just went through a toxic situation under Pruitt, and his staff that clearly affected team chemistry.
 
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#13
#13
No inside sources, but one would think with the staff departures we’ve already seen take place, Steele would’ve already been let go if he wasn’t going to be retained. Assuming Heupel can trust him, and they can move forward from the Auburn fall out, he would be a great asset to the staff as DC, his recruiting ability, and with his ties to the SEC and the south. Couple that with the fact that he already has a solid relationship with Garner who also is in need of a job, and would help tremendously with recruiting, it’s a no brainer. Think a lot of it will determine how well he will jive with the rest of the defensive assistants Heupel has in mind to pair him with. AP did mention the longer it drags, the more likely it appears Steele will be our DC.
Reputation will probably keep Garner from being hired.
His recruiting has never been considered lily white.
If HF did not get a look, neither will CG..
JMHO.
 
#15
#15
Reputation will probably keep Garner from being hired.
His recruiting has never been considered lily white.
If HF did not get a look, neither will CG..
JMHO.

I believe the stipulation during the coaching search was anybody with previous NCAA baggage was considered untouchable. However, Garner has no NCAA baggage that I’m aware of. Sure there’s been a lot of speculation behind his recruiting tactics, but no evidence, all hearsay. I feel like Garner is certainly in play, but understand your point.
 
#17
#17


Kid has ice in his veins. I know the majority of those FG attempts were inside 30 yards, but he has a solid percentage from 50+ as well. Might prove to be an upgrade over Cimaglia. Plus given Heupel’s reputation for explosive plays, and pushing the ball downfield, I feel like McGrath is the perfect kicker to be paired with. Our offense is going to cross the 50 a lot, we need a guy with accuracy in short yardage kicks that we can rely on when the offense falls a little short. McGrath appears to be very consistent in that regard.
 
#18
#18
I'm thinking most of the staff announcements have been put off until after NSD out of respect for the positions these guys have with their current staffs. I would expect major movement come Thursday or Friday. I'm really hoping for Steele and Garner, but if a hot shot DC up and comer is brought in, I can deal with it. I just think we need someone with SEC recruiting experience and footprint.
 
#20
#20
I believe the stipulation during the coaching search was anybody with previous NCAA baggage was considered untouchable. However, Garner has no NCAA baggage that I’m aware of. Sure there’s been a lot of speculation behind his recruiting tactics, but no evidence, all hearsay. I feel like Garner is certainly in play, but understand your point.
I thought he got really close while at Georgia.
I think he would be a great hire but worry about how much fire he and Steele have to start over at the bottom.
 
#23
#23
Whoa. Just checked the official roster. Only Heupel is on it. Oh well, at least we have a kicker.
 
#25
#25
Whoa. Just checked the official roster. Only Heupel is on it. Oh well, at least we have a kicker.
His OL, QB, and TE coaches from UCF are all coming with him. Not sure about the WR or RB coaches yet. Also have no clue about any defensive or S&C staff.
 
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