'26 VA OL Darius Gray

#276
#276
RandomUTfan said:
Steve Wiltfong suggested yesterday Tennessee is pushing pretty hard for this one down the stretch so it seems clear this is a guy they want to land.
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I don't think anyone disputes that. UT wants him as an IOL. That position has a different pay scale. Some other schools might be willing to pay him like an OT. But UT definitely loves his ability as an IOL.
 
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#278
#278
therickbol said:
I don't think anyone disputes that. UT wants him as an IOL. That position has a different pay scale. Some other schools might be willing to pay him like an OT. But UT definitely loves his ability as an IOL.
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What I'm suggesting, and I'm not telling you how to feel to be clear, is that Tennessee is willing to pay him whatever it takes to get him to the finish line. I'm not 100% sure that's the case. Nothing is certain in recruiting, it just feels that way with what Wiltfong has suggested. I'm not even sure it's enough in the end, but it gives me small reason for optimism.
 
#280
#280
RandomUTfan said:
What I'm suggesting, and I'm not telling you how to feel to be clear, is that Tennessee is willing to pay him whatever it takes to get him to the finish line. I'm not 100% sure that's the case. Nothing is certain in recruiting, it just feels that way with what Wiltfong has suggested. I'm not even sure it's enough in the end, but it gives me small reason for optimism.
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Huh? Are you implying that UT will pay him what they are paying elite OT recruits in order to get his commitment?
 
#285
#285
therickbol said:
I am just attempting to understand your statement. I simply shared some facts. You replied and I was unsure what you were trying to say.
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Okay, that's fine. I hope I cleared it up. I thought it was clear to begin with. I could be completely off-base and not saying my opinion should carry more weight than anyone else's. Just my read on it.
 
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#286
#286
therickbol said:
I am just attempting to understand your statement. I simply shared some facts. You replied and I was unsure what you were trying to say.
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More factors than just the bottom dollar. Many scenarios for different players, maybe he likes a school better and that school gets close enough in money. It’s not always the top dollar wins. GBO
 
#287
#287
Woodlawn VOL said:
More factors than just the bottom dollar. Many scenarios for different players, maybe he likes a school better and that school gets close enough in money. It’s not always the top dollar wins. GBO
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That was never said. In fact, UT still being in serious contention is evidence that it is not as simple as taking the top NIL offer. Who said he was simply going to whoever offered him the most money?

One poster was making a statement, at least I think this is what he meant, that UT would pay whatever it takes to get him. I simply shared that UT was not the top NIL offer due to the fact that we see him as an IOL. There are others schools willing to pay him an OT salary. The UT offer is very competitive. And as far as I know, it might be the highest offer made to an IOL. So we are certainly willing to pay him.
 
#288
#288
therickbol said:
That was never said. In fact, UT still being in serious contention is evidence that it is not as simple as taking the top NIL offer. Who said he was simply going to whoever offered him the most money?

One poster was making a statement, at least I think this is what he meant, that UT would pay whatever it takes to get him. I simply shared that UT was not the top NIL offer due to the fact that we see him as an IOL. There are others schools willing to pay him an OT salary. The UT offer is very competitive. And as far as I know, it might be the highest offer made to an IOL. So we are certainly willing to pay him.
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I wasn’t talking about you or anybody specific. I was talking in generalities that not every player always goes to the highest bidder and not every player is looking exclusively for the top dollar. Many on here insinuate that often. Yes for a small percentage it might be the end all, but for most players and parents how they like the school and their academics and how close or many times will the parents get to see them play. How they like the town and community. They are still many variables that go into play and not all 4 and 5 star players only care about top dollar. Sure the money is nice I am just saying to those that think money is always the only thing it simply isn’t true. Just like the folks that act like most of these players don’t care about academics. That assumption is patenly false. Most players actually care about their academics, players and parents alike. No doubt there is a overall small segment that only care what they can get and when they can get more, but them kind will play themselves out. Folks that blanket all players as not caring about nothing but money just get on my nerves. It gets magnified on social media, Tennessee has had the highest 4 year football graduate and gpa score since they have been keeping up with it. College football isn’t a perfect world and a lot can get better. But it’s still a great game with lots of players that love it. GBO
 
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#289
#289
If we do in fact feel really good about Hiter, as it's being reported in his thread, then I feel like that makes us extremely live here.

I mean what OL wouldn't want to come team up with Osenda, Shabazz and David Sanders with Faizon and Hiter in the backfield.

That's not even mentioning the receivers and tight ends we've stockpiled.
 
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#290
#290
EastTNVol95 said:
If we do in fact feel really good about Hiter, as it's being reported in his thread, then I feel like that makes us extremely live here.

I mean what OL wouldn't want to come team up with Osenda, Shabazz and David Sanders with Faizon and Hiter in the backfield.

That's not even mentioning the receivers and tight ends we've stockpiled.
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☕️ were live here! GBO
 
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#293
#293
therickbol said:
I don't think anyone disputes that. UT wants him as an IOL. That position has a different pay scale. Some other schools might be willing to pay him like an OT. But UT definitely loves his ability as an IOL.
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Sounds like Petty last year at GT. We weren't willing to give OT money to someone we saw as an OG.
 
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#295
#295
LowKey said:
The SEC is won in the trenches. Gotta invest in that O-line
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Which is exactly what UT did by paying big dollars for 2 elite OTs during this recruiting cycle. And appear to be willing to pay big IOL money for Darius. Paying OT money for an IOL is not a sign of "winning in the SEC" but rather a sign of desperation. Or simply a sign that a different staff actually sees a prospect as a legit OT. That is always possible. Coaches have different evaluations on players.
 
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