Weekly Recruiting Update 1/13 - 1/19

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PassedOutAwake

PassedOutAwake

R.I.P RichRollin
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Numbers comment from Paul Fortenberry:
I have never said the Vols won't employ blue-shirts, or at least try to. The hard part is convincing a kid not to sign anywhere on signing day and that when they show up they have a scholarship. That doesn't mean Tennessee won't try it, just that it's hard seeing 3 or 4 guys actually doing that. Maybe they do, I don't know. It's never been done before to my knowledge.

I think what we've said is we don't see people like the Berry twins walking on. People asked that all the time in the fall, like Eric's going to pay their tuition for four years or something, but that's not happening.

I think you will see a few guys on the current commitment list not be on it come signing day. Just how it always happens this time of year. So, maybe there are a couple of spots. Maybe they do use a blue shirt or two. I'm not sure yet.

I think there are a lot of moving parts here and we're going to have to wait and see how some of this plays out.

But, you're right, they are still recruiting a lot of guys and like you've pointed out, it's hard to find how they are going to fit more in. But, they say they have a plan.
Click to expand...

Current Commit News:
  • "and while D’Andre Payne is small in terms of height, he already has impressed teammates and others with his athleticism in strength and conditioning work." -247 Sports
  • Dewayne Hendrix: "It was great. I thought I could have done better but they were holding a lot," Hendrix said. "It let me get a little dose of what I've got to do at the next level and how guys are really good playing at the D-1 level." "He knows and everyone else knows that Tennessee is going to be great. He came in there and almost got us to a bowl game in his first season so things are only going to progress," Hendrix said. "I still have other people coming after me. Oregon, Missouri and Nebraska are coming after me," Hendrix said. "I might take one more visit but I don't know yet." But, Hendrix said he plans on signing with Tennessee the first Wednesday in February as it's always been a dream to suit up as a Vol. "I always had a thing growing up for Tennessee and my family has always watched them and it's always been a dream for me to go there and play," Hendrix said. -VQ
  • Charles Mosley: “Man, no one can block me. That quarterback was trying to scramble around and all that. I made the quarterback hurry his throws,” the Scout four-star told InsideTennessee. “I did good. I be balling out. I’m ready to go to Tennessee and do the exact same thing – just win, baby. Can’t block me. I’m gonna be playing the same way up at Tennessee. Exact same. Well, almost.” “I ain’t got cleats. No problem. I’m a baller,” Mosley told IT. “I do what I do. I’m out there with no socks on and I’m still going to go hard every play. Man, they couldn’t block me in shoes. No one could. Poor kids.” “Workout? Nah. I’m gonna take a break. Can’t work too hard,” he said. “They lift weights over there at Tennessee?” “350 is the goal. I can play anything at any weight,” Mosley said. “But if I lose enough weight, you got to put me at tight end. I hope they let me stay at 350. All the girls like it. That’s why I’m so good at D-line. I have to fight those girls off all the time.” -scout
  • Jerome Dews OV postponed until the 24th
  • Jerome Dews: "Right now, I would say it's iffy that he ends up being a Vol. I don't expect him to visit this weekend and we will see from there. Maybe he grayshirts. I have a hard time seeing him here in August." -Hubbs
  • Gavin Bryant: "I'm visiting Tennessee this weekend and that's the only official visit I have set up right now," Bryant said. "I just want to see something new and get in good with the coaches." "It was alright," Bryant said of his season. "I feel like we still should have won more. It was alright. I had 106 tackles and about 12 sacks." The biggest improvement Bryant saw in his game this past season was his ability to read the offense. "I can read the field now. Since I have more experience now I feel like I can read the play when it happens," Bryant said. Bryant said he remains close with Tennessee linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen and is ready to play for him next season. "We both hunt and fish and we talk about that. He talks about how I'm going to get on the field early and how I'm not going to redshirt," Bryan said. "I want to get strong and faster before I get there." -VQ No other visits planned but Bryant said that Miami and Auburn are still recruiting him.
  • Jashon Robertson commits to Tennessee
  • Jashon Robertson: "My first college football game was when I went to Tennessee to see them play Georgia when A.J. Green was playing. I walked away from Tennessee stunned at how great of a place it was," Robertson said. "I'm excited to be a part of the program," Robertson said. "Tennessee has always been my first love and I'm pumped. I'm pumped to be in orange and I'm pumped to know I'm going to play with Jalen (Hurd) who is like a brother to me." "We have always pushed each other to get better and it's going to be something special to work hard with him everyday in college as teammates. I'm so excited. I really like coach Jones. I feel like he has done a great job there in a right. He has everything going in the right direction and is a great leader. Tennessee is a great fit for me." "I'm willing to play where ever I'm needed," Robertson said. "I just want to play and help the program be successful and get back to where it's supposed to be. I'm just excited, ready to work hard and happy to be a part of a place that I have really liked for a long time." -VQ
  • "Eric and Elliott Berry, the twin younger brothers of NFL All-Pro Eric Berry, will take official visits to Tennessee on Jan. 31. The athletes from Creekside High School are committed to Tennessee." -ajc.com (atlanta journal)
  • Jalen Hurd: No. 75 prospect in final scout 300 rankings
  • Ethan Wolf: Finished at No. 192 in Scott's final 300 rankings
  • Todd Kelly: No. 121 in final scout rankings
  • Daniel Helm: No. 159 in final scout rankings
  • Cortez McDowell: No. 185 in final scout rankings
  • Dillon Bates: No. 217 in final scout rankings
  • Evan Berry: No. 293 in final scout rankings
  • Derek Barnett: No. 279 in final scout rankings
  • D'Andre Payne: No. 227 in final scout rankings.
  • D'Andre Payne says he has already gained 10 pounds
  • Dewayne Hendrix: "Also, look for Strip to likely see Dewayne Hendrix as well as 2015 defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr., whose family is originally from West Tennessee, much like Hendrix's family." - VQ
  • Dewayne Hendrix: No. 149 in final scout rankings
  • Jashon Robertson: "Robertson excelled at Montgomery Bell Academy on both sides of the ball, both as the nose tackle in their 3-4 defense as well as guard on offense. Robertson would likely start out on the defensive line although it's not a stretch to see him playing at guard as well. With Tennessee losing every single starter on both the offensive and defensive lines from 2013, Robertson could step in on either side to help provide depth and competition as a freshman. Robertson may not be an instant impact defensive lineman, but he has a good skillset at defensive tackle as well as guard and could project at either down the road." -VQ
  • Jashon Robertson: "He has a good highlight film but he might not be a defensive tackle at the next level, he might be a guard. For Tennessee to get him late in the game is a good add. He kind of fell into their laps and I feel the staff is happy to land him because he's an instate guy and he can contribute down the road. "I don't expect him to be an instant impact guy. Given some time he might be a guy that can help the Vols in the middle at defensive tackle or if he slides over to guard he can give them some good years on the offensive line." -Woody Wommack
  • Barton Simmons with some high praise on Jashon Robertson: “I think he is a kid that you want on your team. You want him in your locker room, you want him on the practice field, you want him on the field,” “Is he a future NFL guy? Maybe. I don’t think he’s a no-doubt NFL guy, but he is a kid that is just a really hard worker. I think he’s a leader, and he is a kid that can contribute in a number of different ways, whether it be on offense or defense. I think he’s still getting better." “When he focuses on one position and can kind of perfect his craft a bit, I think he’s got the ability to really blow up on the next level, because he’s a really good athlete and really just has some natural ability and versatility.” “Vanderbilt recruited him as a defensive tackle as well,” Simmons said. “I think that seems to be where he likes playing the most. I personally think he has the most upside on the offensive side of the ball. He’s just really athletic, but I wouldn’t call him a quick-twitch kind of guy. But he’s just very mobile. He’s flexible. He’s got good feet." "I just think he’s a kid that really could be effective on the interior of an offensive line. And he’s a wrestler. I mean, he’s a state champion wrestler, and I think that translates really well to the offensive line as well. I think he’s got a chance to be really good on either side of the ball. But I personally like his upside the best on offense.” “I think he comes in more college-ready than most. He comes from a program at MBA that is well-coached, and he’s been in the weight room. He won’t be overwhelmed by the talent he’s facing,” "I think, as far as just freshmen and the typical challenges that they face — particularly on the offensive or defensive line — and the change in the game from a strength aspect, he’s as prepared as anybody and probably will have the right mentality for trying to get on the field early.”
  • Josh Malone: No. 66 prospect in final scout rankings
  • Cory Thomas: "Tommy Thigpen will be in Alabama to see Cory Thomas Thursday morning before heading to East St. Louis. Thomas is scheduled for an official visit to Clemson this weekend and he is someone the Tennessee coaching staff is very worried about in terms of their commitment. After his Clemson visit, Thomas is scheduled to see Mississippi State the weekend of Jan. 24 and finally his Tennessee official visit will be the weekend of Jan. 31." -VQ
  • Gavin Bryant: No. 278 in final scout rankings
  • Dylan Jackson (2015) commits to UT
  • Vic talks about his decision to forgo basketball to focus on track and football. “I knew going into college, I was going to have to be stronger and pick up some weight, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing while I’m not playing basketball this year. I started out the (football) season at 170 and now I weigh 192 pounds, so what I was wanting to accomplish is being accomplished.” - The Tennesseean
  • Dylan Jackson: “He’s excited, I think a little bit relieved, kind of happy to get it behind him, even though it’s still kind of early,” “I knew he wanted to commit early, and when (Tennessee) offered this summer, I think he was wise to wait and kind of see how everything kind of played out. But I know this is something he’s wanted to do, and he was really excited — kind of almost a different kid today when he told me that he was going to do it tonight.” Last weekend, (Jackson) called me and said, ‘I think I want to go ahead and commit,’” Quarles said. “He told me (Wednesday) night he was going to go ahead and do it today. They stopped by earlier, but, obviously, they can’t really talk to him there, so I think he called Coach Jones later this afternoon and did it then.” “He really liked Coach Stripling,” Quarles said. “I think he really hit it off with Coach Jones, and Coach Jones is really easy to talk to. He’s one of those guys that he makes you feel like he enjoys talking to you, whether that’s me or you or Dylan or whoever. He’s just really easy to be around, and I think Dylan just felt good with it. You’ve got to go with your gut sometimes, and that’s what he did. “And it’s hard for a local kid to go a different direction, but I think especially with the direction the program’s heading right now — a lot of momentum over there — and Coach Jones has done a great job recruiting. It’s just a different feel over there right now, and I think Dylan picked up on that. He was definitely excited.” “Clearly, I think that possibility is always out there for offense, but they never really mentioned it,” Quarles said. “They just talked about defense, and they talked about watching his film this year and just how much better he had gotten, and I concurred. And he can still get better, of course. His best days are ahead of him as he gets stronger and gets quicker. But Dylan’s a good player. He’s one of those that’s very competitive, understands the schemes and what you’re trying to do, very coachable. I think they’re definitely going to give him a shot on defense, and I’ll be surprised if he ends up playing on offense. I just think his best days are ahead of him." -247 Sports
  • Gavin Bryant: Hubbs and Fort have said he had a good semester and will be good to go as long as he has a good spring in the classroom. They seem optimistic that he'll be fine.
  • Dylan Jackson: "Just the atmosphere in the stadium and the way Tennessee played that kind of hard fought game," Jackson recalled Thursday night just after helping lead his Maryville basketball team to a 3 point win over Sevier County. "It showed me the kind of coach and man that coach (Butch) Jones is and he's the kind of guy I want to spend my college years playing for." "Coach Jones said welcome to the family," Jackson said of his future coach's reaction to his commitment. "The whole process was a blast but it's a relief to know that it's over and that I can focus on my senior year at Maryville," Jackson said. "My focus now is to get better and win my third state championship here at Maryville." -VQ
  • HOW DOES JACKSON FIT IN? "Most everyone that has seen Jackson will tell you he's yet to come close to maxing out his potential. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive end can project to numerous positions at the next level. Right now, he stars along the Maryville defensive line where he helped the Rebels to a 6A State Championship in 2013. From the end position he shows a lot of strength and power and a very high motor. But, the question with Jackson is where does he fit in college. He could grow into a strongside defensive end because of his motor and size, but most who have seen him believe is potential is highest at offensive tackle. Although slim at 240-pounds, Jackson has a great bend and great feat for someone his size. If he continues to grow and get bigger it wouldn't be a surprise to see him on the offensive side of the ball at tackle. He'll be someone everyone watches over the next year before signing day to see just how much he grows." -VQ
  • Dylan Jackson: "Jackson's the type of guy that has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential and that's exactly what you're looking for when you take a guy this early in the process. He's a long, lean defensive end at this point in his development who will likely continue to add muscle to his frame, which should afford him the luxury to play either on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. "He comes from a traditional powerhouse program so you know he's going to work hard and come to campus prepared to continue doing the same thing. It will be curious to watch his development over the next 12 months and see if he stays on defense full-time or gives offensive line a shot. Either way he has the raw physical tools you're looking for." -Woody Wommack
  • "At the receiver position, Von Pearson and Josh Malone continue to be talked about. Malone is very polished for a true freshman. Much more so than Marquez North was a year ago. Remember North played a lot of quarterback and running back in high school. Malone has been a receiver and it shows." - VQ
  • Jaylond Woods: "On Junior O/D bowl in Orlando... "I played everywhere that I play in high school. I played running back, wide receiver and cornerback. I started on both sides of the ball," Woods explained. "It went great. I scored on the first play of the game and then I had an interception, too," Woods said. "My team played sound football for the win and we all played together." The long-time Tennessee commitment for the class of 2015 said he continues to talk to Vol offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian regularly and also said the Vols' 5-7 season did nothing to dissuade his commitment to Tennessee and head coach Butch Jones. "Coming into it there were going to be things we had to work on and things that had to change," Woods explained. "It's a first year coach and Butch has already changed the program as it is and I believe in him." -VQ
  • Blair: "This was offensive tackle Dontavius Blair's first work as a Vol and he's got to get in better shape, but he has a great tackle frame. Long arms and he's immediately working at left tackle. Because Blair is a two year guy, he's likely going to work at tackle." - VQ
  • "Neiko Creamer got early work with the wideouts and has a physical presence that will make it interesting to watch his development unfold at the collegiate level." - VQ
  • Lavon Pearson: "Pearson's size is something that people have been talking about. He's not a little guy at 6-1, 185 pounds and as he told Paul Fortenberry before enrolling at Tennessee, "adding weight and muscle shouldn't be a problem when I start getting to eat three meals a day, and get on a nutrition program." Something they don't have in the junior college ranks." - VQ
  • Coleman Thomas: "Coleman Thomas continues to please the coaches and is working at right tackle. Look for him to get a good look there this spring. However, for those young linemen they will work them at multiple positions." -VQ
  • Dewayne Hendrix gets visit from Mizzou
  • Cory Thomas visits Clemson
  • Gavin Bryant officially visits UT: "Jones later returned to Knoxville to celebrate his birthday with some of the Vols’ players and spend time with Top247 linebacker and longtime Tennessee commitment Gavin Bryant of Jackson (Ala.) High School, the Vols’ lone official visitor this weekend." -247
  • How likely is it that another team is able to flip Hendrix? "It's a fair question, with Hendrix welcoming other staffs and talking about visits. I think Tennessee holds on to him. He may be coming to visit next week, but I don't know if that's for sure. Regardless, I think it would be very tough for anyone to upset Tennessee here. He has always wanted to play at Tennessee and his family wants him in Knoxville." -Fortenberry
  • Kevin Mouhon: "Tim Adams of our Cincinnati site, Bearcat Journal, has informed me that Tennessee commitment Kevin Mouhon, a four-star linebacker from Norcross (Ga.) High School, did follow through on his plan to take an official visit to Cincinnati this weekend. Mouhon is the younger brother of Bearcats rising junior defensive end Silverberry Mouhon, and Kevin Mouhon has talked for at least a couple of weeks about taking an official visit to Cincinnati. He mentioned that to our own Kevin Ryan earlier this month while he was in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. At the time, Mouhon downplayed the visit as just a chance to go check out Cincinnati and see his brother, and he insisted that he was firmly committed to Tennessee. I still believe it's pretty unlikely that Mouhon would decide to flip to Cincinnati, but any visit this time of year is worth noting, so just thought I'd pass along that he did make the trip to Cincinnati. We'll try to catch up with him soon to see how the visit went, when he plans to visit Tennessee and what, if anything, the Cincinnati visit might mean for his commitment to the Vols." - Ryan Callahan, 247
  • Kevin Mouhon: "Talked with the four-star LB very briefly this morning. He still doesn't want to go on record about the visit or his Cincinnati interest at all. I think that is possibly a good thing for Cincinnati. I believe there is legitimate interest between the two and he might not want to release that yet." "I did ask Kevin for an interview sometime this week and he said he would talk about Cincinnati. Hopefully I'll get more about this situation. It would obviously be a huge pick up for Cincinnati." - Sam Kwiatkowski of Cincy 247
  • Joe Henderson: "Jones, defensive line coach Steve Stripling and Mark Elder, the Vols' tight ends coach and special teams coordinator, traveled to Shaker Heights, Ohio, on Sunday for an in-home visit with Top247 defensive end Joe Henderson, a longtime UT commitment. Henderson had planned to be an early enrollee at Tennessee, but he wasn’t cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center in time to join the Vols this month for spring-semester classes. He now intends to sign with UT on Feb. 5." -247
  • Dillon Bates: "Tennessee defensive coordinator John Jancek and linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen headed to Ponte Vedra, Fla., on Sunday to visit with longtime Vols linebacker commitment Dillon Bates, a Top247 prospect who’s the son of former UT standout Bill Bates." -247

QB Recruiting:
  • Do you think we'll bring the QB from Destrehan on a visit the last weekend? "I don't know. I think that depends on what happens with Scott and maybe Craig Evans and where you feel like you're at numbers wise. Also, he's not the only quarterback they are still looking at in 2014." -Fortenberry

RB Recruiting:
  • Derrell Scott: "scott, ranked no. 108 in the espn 300, planned to announce his decision in october, but delayed it. According to the havelock coaching staff, scott is scheduled to announce his decision on monday, jan. 27 at the school. Three sec teams remain in the mix for the 5-foot-11, 184-pound scott. He will make his final official visit this weekend, to florida. After returning from gainesville, fla., the versatile running back will host tennessee coach butch jones on wednesday, jan. 22, and south carolina coach steve spurrier on thursday, jan. 23." -espn
  • Derrell Scott: Hubbs on our biggest competition and what we have to overcome. "I think South Carolina is the biggest competitor. I think his relationship with Gillespie is what gives the Vols a shot. He liked it here on his visit. I think many around him have been in South Carolina's corner so I think that's what Tennessee has to overcome with him."
  • Darrel Williams: "Vols offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian and running backs coach Robert Gillespie are expected to travel to Marrero, La., to visit with four-star running back Darrel Williams, who has been committed to LSU since Dec. 10 but still hasn’t ruled out taking an official visit to Tennessee this month. The 6-foot, 217-pound Williams was giving strong consideration to the Vols when he decommitted from Arizona State early last month. But LSU made him a high priority after losing former running back commitment Sione Palelei on Dec. 9 and landed Williams the next day. Williams has stayed in contact with Tennessee since then, and while he likely remains a bit of a long shot for the Vols, they haven’t given up on trying to get him on campus. He has discussed taking an official visit to Tennessee the weekend of Jan. 24." -247 sports
  • Derrell Scott: "One other coach visit note... Coach Gillespie is expected in Havelock, N.C., today to see Derrell Scott as Tennessee continues to have some good momentum there with the 4-star running back." -Fortenberry
  • Derrell Scott: "Quick note on Derrell Scott announcement... As it's already been reported, he will make his announcement between Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida on Jan. 27. It will take place at his school and the time has been set for 3:15. Jones will be in-home the week before as will Steve Spurrier." - Fortenberry
  • Darrel Williams: "Tennessee remains in it with Darrel Williams who still is a possibility to visit next weekend even after the news of Jeremy Hill to the NFL after he first said he was staying at LSU. Obviously, that one is a long shot but the Vols are still fighting there." -VQ
  • Derrell Scott: "Tennessee's other coaches were very busy Thursday as well as Robert Gillespie was in North Carolina to see Derrell Scott. Right now, Tennessee has the momentum with Scott heading down the stretch but it won't be over until the in-home visits. Tennessee will receive one before South Carolina, at least that's the plan right now. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds as some believe Scott's family would like him to stay closer to home, but Tennessee's depth chart is much more inciting and Gillespie has done a very good job of building that relationship. All that to say while Tennessee is in good shape right now, it doesn't looked to be finished." -VQ
  • Derrell Scott: "Tennessee running backs coach Robert Gillespie traveled to Havelock, N.C., on Thursday to visit with Top247 all-purpose back Derrell Scott before his official visit to Florida this weekend. The Vols and South Carolina still are believed to be the front-runners to land Scott, and the Gamecocks also sent defensive line coach Deke Adams to visit with Scott on Thursday. While Tennessee seems to have plenty of momentum with Scott, some people close to his recruitment don’t believe he’s leaving heavily toward any of his three finalists at this point, so there’s plenty to be decided before he announces his college choice Jan. 27 at his school. Jones and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier both are scheduled to use their visits with Scott next week — with Spurrier currently expected to get the final visit between the two head coaches — leading up to Scott’s announcement." -247 Sports
  • Derrell Scott: “I think it’s all going to come down to his official to Florida and then the in-home visits next week, and he’s going to make an informed decision after that.” “Coach Gillespie’s done a great job recruiting him — which would be his position coach — and (Tennessee played) between 20 and 30 freshmen or sophomores last year on a very young team. And then (Tennessee has) one of the top recruiting classes committed right now,” Bryant said. “We’ve got a player at Tennessee (redshirt freshman defensive end Kendal Vickers), as well, that he’s friends with. On his official visit to Tennessee, he had a great time. (He liked) the facilities, the coaches and the players. “I think that’s why he really likes Tennessee."- 247
  • Derrell Scott: "Everything hasn’t even sunk in yet," Derrell Scott said. "The coaches were saying they really like me and they want me to be a Gator and things like that. They told me they were sorry they started recruiting me late. They said they didn't know what was going to happen and stuff like that." I still need to think about stuff right now," Scott said. "Where I am most comfortable at is going to be the biggest factor for me." -UF scout
  • Darrel Williams: "Just talked to Williams and he took his official visit to LSU this weekend and he said he had a good time and was able to spend time with Les Miles and he felt like that was good. He will now take a visit to Florida on Thusday and Friday and then will visit Knoxville in Saturday and Sunday. The week after that he will see Texas A&M for his final official visit. It sounds like he's still pretty open and hasn't 100 percent decided on LSU and that's why he's taking these visits. - P. Fort
  • Darrel Williams: "Florida is known for their defense and I think I could help produce on offense with their need on running back. I don't think they have that explosive running back," Williams said. "Coach Gillespie is a cool coach. He's a good coach and they've had quite a few running backs that have come out of there like Arain Foster," Williams said. "I know they produce good running backs and they have a good running scheme. I know they have a really good 2014 recruiting class, too." As for Texas A&M, their recent renewed interest was enough for them to grab his last official visit. "They started recruiting me but when I committed to Arizona State they stopped because they thought that's where eI wanted to go," Williams explained. "So, when I decommitted they came back and started recruiting me again." Williams isn't sure when he will make a final decision but said after his last three visits he's going to choose whatever schools he sees as his best option. "I'm just going to compare all of them and which one is the best that's what I'm going to pick," Williams said. -VQ
  • Derrell Scott: How did the No. 5 recruit in North Carolina rate his visit? “I’d give it an eight,” Scott said. “It would've been better but it was kind of rushed. Overall it was still a good visit, but it was hard, especially for me since I hadn’t been there before, to get everything in, in only two days.” “South Carolina and Tennessee have recruited me the longest and hardest so they are on top,” Scott said. “Florida is number three. But I just got home and still need to think about it and talk about it with my dad.” -247

WR Recruiting:
  • Isaiah McKenzie: "Quick recruiting note... Talked to someone in Florida this morning that told me Tennessee is still coming after Isaiah McKenzie, the athlete from down in South Florida. I was told it looks like UF visit on the 17th, Ole Miss visit on the 24th and then possibly a Tennessee visit on Jan. 31. I'm not sure how it will work out as the numbers game is going to be very interesting heading down the stretch." -Fortenberry
  • Isaiah McKenzie: McKenzie keeps in regular touch with Tennessee receivers coach Zach Azzanni as 'Coach Z' hopes to bring in the talented wideout for his final official visit. "He told me that if I come up there I might just commit," McKenzie said laughing. "He told me it's that good up there. He wants me to come up there on an official visit and just see everything." -Rivals
  • Butch Jones visited Hawkins and Rollins-Davis at Fulton on Thursday

DLine Recruiting:
  • Jashon Robertson: "A former Vanderbilt commitment — three-star offensive lineman/defensive tackle Jashon Robertson of Nashville’s Montgomery Bell Academy, who reopened his recruitment Saturday — was on Tennessee’s campus over the weekend to spend time with UT freshman running back Jalen Hurd, one of the Vols’ early enrollees who arrived on campus last week. Hurd and Robertson have been close for years, and Robertson likely would have some interest in UT if coach Butch Jones’ staff was to decide to make a run at him. The Vols might have at least some interest in Robertson, depending on what happens with a few of their remaining targets, but it currently appears unlikely that they will make him a high priority." -247 Sports
  • Michael Sawyers: "Sawyers expressed little interest in Tennessee before Franklin’s departure, but he’s now looking into the possibility of visiting the Vols and a few other teams in the coming weeks. He’s still in the process of setting up official visits, which has been complicated a bit by new schools — including Notre Dame and Stanford — entering the picture. He’s tentatively scheduled to visit Georgia Tech this weekend and Ole Miss on Jan. 24, and he has discussed visiting Tennessee the weekend of Jan. 31 — the final weekend before signing day. Ole Miss might be the team to watch with Sawyers, who remains committed to Vanderbilt for now. The Rebels finished second to the Commodores at the time of his original decision, and he has continued to express plenty of interest in Ole Miss. But if the Vols decide to aggressively pursue Sawyers, they likely will have a realistic shot at him, too." -247 Sports
  • Craig Evans: "The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Evans appears to be the Vols’ top remaining target at defensive tackle, and they just might have a shot at stealing him from the Badgers. He lives just a short drive from Wisconsin’s campus, and he has been committed to the Badgers off-and-on since originally committing former coach Bret Bielema’s staff more than a year ago. But he’s originally from Mississippi, and he has expressed at least some interest in playing in the SEC." -247 Sports
  • Courtney Garnett: "Garnett, a three-star prospect from New Orleans’ St. Augustine High School, recently decommitted from Texas following the Longhorns’ hiring of new coach Charlie Strong. He’s currently planning to take an official visit to Oklahoma this weekend before his tentatively scheduled visit to Tennessee, and the Sooners currently appear to be the favorite to land Garrett. But he said last week that his attention is focused on Oklahoma and Tennessee, so he appears to be a realistic possibility for the Vols if he doesn’t commit to the Sooners during or immediately after his trip to Norman, Okla." -247 Sports
  • Vols offer Jashon Robertson
  • Jashon Robertson: "I think they have offered him as a defensive lineman, but obviously he is a guys who could possibly move to offense." -Hubbs
  • "I'm not sure what is going to happen with Sawyers and Tennessee. I think Emmanuel Smith might be more likely than Sawyers." -Hubbs
  • Vol74 says to his understanding, the Jashon Robertson offer is a blue shirt situation
  • Dewayne Hendrix: “I’ve heard from Oregon, Mizzou and Nebraska. They’ve really been talking to me a lot[.] I’m considering (taking another visit), but I don’t know yet. I’ve got to talk to my family about it.” “Everything’s pretty solid right now. I’m just making sure that it is (where I want to go),” said Hendrix, who once lived in Memphis, Tenn., and still has family in Tennessee. “I’ve been talking to them just about every week. They’re just telling me how they love me and that they’re going to come see me and things like that, and just how everybody’s doing down there — the early enrollees. (Striping is) saying that there’s a chance that I can play early, so I just need to keep working hard and just do what I need to do.” “It’s going to take a lot. It’s going to have to be a big change,” he said. “My family will probably move after I finish high school, so it’s not really (about) staying home. And I’ve got family in Tennessee, so it’s not that. My relationship with the coaches is really going to play a big part in it, and I want to go somewhere I feel comfortable — not just go somewhere to play football and that’s it.” - 247
  • Craig Evans: "Evans received an offer from Tennessee last week, just three days after he reaffirmed his commitment to Wisconsin, and he’s scheduled to take an official visit to Knoxville the weekend of Jan. 24. The Top247 prospect appears to be the Vols’ top remaining target at defensive tackle, which remains one of their biggest needs. Evans has been committed to Wisconsin off-and-on for more than a year, but he lived in Jackson, Miss., until he was 14 and has expressed some interest in playing in the SEC. He also spent plenty of time with Vols commitment Charles Mosley while he was in Orlando, Fla., earlier this month for the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl." - Ryan Callahan, 247
  • Jashon Robertson: "Based on the people I talked to this evening I'm told that he's all but a lock for Tennessee, assuming he's a take. I know there was some discussion earlier on the board from people who know him, etc, and I'm told that him being a lifelong Tennessee admirer is pretty accurate. Tennessee wasn't interested early while Vanderbilt was and he jumped at the chance to commit there and bought in fully to the Franklin's sales pitch. Now that he's gone and Tennessee is hoping to add a d-lineman it seems like a good match. The one wrench in the situation appears to be Michael Sawyers. His situation is really fluid right now with more offers coming in on a daily basis. UCLA and South Carolina both offered tonight, joining Oregon, Notre Dame and others in the past few days. He will likely visit on Jan. 31 before deciding on or around Signing Day. If Robertson gives Tennessee the yes and it looks like Sawyers isn't a sure thing, I expect him to join the Vols 2014 class." -Woody Wommack (Rivals)
  • Jashon Robertson: “Getting an offer from Tennessee, I’m extremely blessed,” "Just having an opportunity to go up there and play with my brother and play with guys that I’ve known and played with and against my whole life, and just having an opportunity to be a part of a great program and help recover a great program, I’m happy to have that opportunity.” “I talked to (linebackers) coach (Tommy) Thigpen, and (head coach) Butch (Jones) talked to me himself about being offered and everything," Robertson said. "But I’ve kind of kept in touch with Coach Thigpen. They said they enjoyed my film. I couldn’t tell you exactly the reasons why (they offered). I’m just glad they did.” “First and foremost, I was just up there with my brother,” Robertson said. “It was kind of an electric atmosphere. Everybody enjoyed being there and was just happy just to be at Tennessee. The school is great and everything, but the main thing that stood out to me was just how genuinely happy people were just to be there. When (Hurd and I) were younger, we talked about maybe going somewhere and helping recover the program, and all the elite athletes talked about going from in-state to do that, so, of course, he’s reminding me of that.” -247 sports
  • Jashon Robetson commits to Tennessee
  • Courtney Garnett: "Defensive line coach Steve Stripling will see Courtney Garnett Thursday morning in New Orleans before heading north to see Jackson with the rest of the defensive staff." - VQ
  • Craig Evans: "On Friday, defensive coordinator John Jancek along with Stripling are scheduled to see Wisconsin defensive end Craig Evans. Evans seems to be very interested in his official visit next weekend." - VQ
  • Andrew Williams: "UT linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen is scheduled to check on several players in the Atlanta area, including four-star defensive end Andrew Williams of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in McDonough, Ga. Auburn, Clemson and Ole Miss currently are expected to receive official visits from Andrew Williams over the next three weekends, and he effectively has eliminated the Vols from consideration despite visiting them at least twice in the past six months. But Tennessee is expected to make one last run at him in hopes of getting one of his official visits."
  • Michael Sawyers: "With defensive linemen at a premium in the Southeast no player has received more attention over the past week or so than Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth and Rivals250 defensive tackle Michael Sawyers. After receiving offers from Texas, Notre Dame and Oregon and interest from schools all over the region, Sawyers decommitted from Vanderbilt on Wednesday night. While the new schools on his list have one big key in common -- the need for defensive tackles, there's another school with the inside track for Sawyers, Ole Miss. The Rebels were a finalist when he announced his decision back in the summer and have kept in contact even though Sawyers was locked in with the Commodores for months. Sawyers' high school position coach also played for Ole Miss and the two have a very close relationship. Georgia Tech was initially set to get an official visit this weekend but now that's off the table, with the Rebels getting a visit on Jan. 24 and Tennessee likely to get one on Jan. 31. The Vols' class is nearing capacity and three-star defensive tackle Jashon Robertson just committed. The Rebels appear to be in great shape to land another late cycle four-star commitment, something that is becoming a trend under Hugh Freeze." -Woody Wommack
  • Craig Evans: "John Jancek and Steve Stripling will be visiting with Wisconsin defensive tackle Craig Evans on Friday. Evans continues to be very interested in Tennessee, but the questions is, is there anything more than interest there and will it be enough to pull him away from his hometown school." -VQ
  • Michael Sawyers: I saw ND had an in-home and Ole Miss is up next, when is UT going to see him? "I'm not sure. I'm really not convinced either party is really that interested in each other after some initial interest. We'll see if he makes that visit Jan. 31." -Fortenberry

DB Recruiting:
  • Emmanuel Smith: "Smith, meanwhile, has stayed in contact with Tennessee in recent months and had expressed interest in the Vols even before Franklin’s departure, and he’s now looking into visiting UT again before National Signing Day. As of right now, he appears likely to return to Tennessee closer to signing day — perhaps the weekend of Jan. 31 — and there’s undoubtedly mutual interest between the Vols and Smith. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Smith picked up an offer from Franklin’s staff at Penn State on Saturday night, and he said Sunday that he’s still planning to take an official visit to Vanderbilt on Jan. 24. Ole Miss, Missouri and Georgia also have been in contact with Smith." -247 Sports
  • Adoree Jackson: "One of Jones’ first stops will be in the St. Louis area, where he’s expected to see five-star cornerback Adoree’ Jackson while he’s at home with his family before he returns to Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, Calif., for the start of his spring semester there. It will be a bit of a calculated risk for the Vols to use Jones’ visit with Jackson almost three weeks before signing day, but it’s an interesting strategy that could pay off. Tennessee will be one of the only schools — and perhaps the only school — that will get a chance to sit down with Jackson and his family at the same time leading up to signing day rather than sending coaches to see Jackson in California and his family in Illinois on the same day. Tennessee, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, Southern California and UCLA made the top six Jackson announced Jan. 4. USC once was believed to be his favorite, but there have been some indications in recent weeks that the Trojans no longer are one of the teams to beat. Florida and LSU both are believed to be high on his list, but Tennessee remains very much in the picture with Jackson entering the stretch run leading up to signing day. Oklahoma, much like the Vols, seems to have quietly positioned itself to be a bit of a darkhorse contender." -247 Sports
  • "I'm not sure what is going to happen with Sawyers and Tennessee. I think Emmanuel Smith might be more likely than Sawyers" -Hubbs
  • DJ Smith commits to SCAR
  • Adoree Jackson: "His parents do like Tennessee and the fact it's closer to their home than any other school. The family also have a couple of ties to Knoxville as well. I think Tennessee is very much in it. I wonder if they had a much more competitive track program how that would affect things for Adoree." -Fortenberry
  • Adoree Jackson: "Jones and at least a couple of the Vols’ assistant coaches are expected to be in the St. Louis area Thursday for an in-home visit with five-star cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and his parents while he’s in his hometown of Belleville, Ill." -247 sports
  • Adoree Jackson: "But, the work will start Thursday morning and even though we are just under three weeks from signing day head coach Butch Jones will see Adoree Jackson today (Thursday)and he won't be alone. Tennessee's entire defensive staff along with wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni is expected to be in East St. Louis to be with Jackson and his family. The Vols won't be the only school to see the five-star Under Armour All-American today as several other schools will be by the Jackson's in East St. Louis, like Florida and Oklahoma and possibly one or two more as the family tries to squeeze in all the meetings. The time with Jackson will be very crucial to his decision as he will leave Friday to head back to California for his last semester of school." -VQ
  • Adoree Jackson: "I think Zo and Jackson's father are more what I would call acquaintances, though they have known one another for years. Harris, on the other hand, is pretty close with Adoree's dad and speaks to him regularly from what I understand." - Rob Lewis
  • Adoree Jackson: "First, USC, Florida and Tennessee visited him in Illinois today and I've heard these are the three programs that stand out the most and have the biggest shot at him - for different reasons. What I've heard that could play the biggest factor is that Jackson's family is persuading him to stay closer to home and that means Tennessee and Florida might have the best shot at landing him. After three years in Los Angeles, I've heard his parents feel like they've missed out on seeing him play and they could do that if he's much closer in Knoxville or Gainesville. From what I've heard, LSU is slipping a little bit as signing day gets closer and this person feels the three programs above have the best chance of landing him. With the family factor already out there, that does not mean USC is not going full force to get him. Steve Sarkisian is very involved with trying to convince Jackson USC is the best place for him and that they would use him all over the field. That is a considerable draw but the family factor is also playing a major role in his recruitment. No one knows where Jackson is going - not even those closest to him - so if you hear anybody say they know for sure it's just a guess. After USC, Florida and Tennessee meet with him things might change and I will check back to see how the thinking has evolved. There are concerns at all three schools so nothing is a lock right now." -Adam Gorney
  • Adoree Jackson: "All the focus was on Adoree Jackson on Thursday as Tennessee head coach Butch Jones, the entire defensive staff, Zach Azzanni and two track coaches were in East St. Louis to see Jackson and his family as the Vols were the last team to be in the house on Thursday and stayed well into the night. Along with Tennessee, both Florida and USC visited with Jackson in a very busy day for the family. As for Tennessee, we continue to believe the Vols are very much in the thick of this one. Jackson's family would like to see him closer to home and Tennessee is the closest to the home out of all of his finalists. Also, as we've said before, there are some ties to Tennessee with the family. From several people we've talked to, it's not a stretch to say his family likes Tennessee a good deal because of the location and the fact that Adoree would be able to play immediately practically wherever he wants." -VQ
  • Adoree Jackson: "Jones then traveled to the St. Louis area, where he joined the Vols’ entire defensive staff, wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni and two of UT’s track and field coaches for their in-home visit Thursday night with five-star cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and his family in his hometown of Belleville, Ill. Tennessee was the last of three teams to visit Thursday with Jackson and his family, who also received visits from Southern California and Florida before meeting with the Vols’ coaches. All three schools sent their head coaches for the in-home visits, which gave them an opportunity to sit down with Jackson and his parents at the same time before he returns to the West Coast to resume his classes at Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, Calif. Jackson’s visit with Tennessee lasted until late Thursday night, and while he couldn’t be reached for comment afterward, he posted on his Twitter account that his in-home visits “with the head coaches went great.” If nothing else, some believe the three teams that met with Jackson and his family Thursday could be an indication of where things stand in his recruitment. Florida and USC have been widely viewed for months as two of the front-runners for the 5-foot-9.5, 182-pound Jackson, who’s ranked the nation’s No. 8 overall prospect in the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. And it’s starting to appear that Tennessee also might be among his group of favorites with less than three weeks remaining until National Signing Day on Feb. 5. LSU, Oklahoma and UCLA also were included in the top six Jackson released earlier this month, but it’s now possible that the head coaches from all three teams will be forced to meet separately with Jackson and his family now that he’s expected to return to California on Friday. Jackson has managed to avoid tipping his hand throughout the recruiting process, leaving many to guess which schools might be at the top of his list, and that hasn’t changed heading into the final weeks of his recruitment. There doesn’t seem to be any clear consensus on where Tennessee stands with Jackson right now, so it might be premature to refer to Florida, USC and the Vols as the three teams to beat. Still, UT appears to be more of a contender for Jackson than many outside the state of Tennessee might believe, and his family’s relative proximity to Knoxville undoubtedly is one of the factors working in the Vols’ favor." -247 sports
  • Adoree Jackson: "Nothing new. Adoree hasn't taken calls since his in-home visits last week. I continue to think Tennessee is going to be in it to the very end because I think his parents really like Tennessee. Now, I think Adoree really likes Florida and their track program and the fact that USC is where some of his friends are going and he's getting a lot of pressure from people out there to stay at USC. Based on the several conversations I've had with people Adoree hasn't made up his mind yet. Even when he does, I'm sure he's not telling anyone really. He's kept everything close to the vest. Tennessee has done a really good job recruiting him and I think, again they will be in this one all the way until signing day. I know they had the last visit with him and his family on Thursday night and they were there until late in the night and I've heard the visit went well, but again, Adoree gives nothing away so we will see. Hopefully we can talk to him about his in-home visits." -Fortenberry

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2015 Recruiting:
  • FL DE Byron Cowart: “(Jones) kind of had me interested,” “He was talking about possibly being a true freshman and starting for those guys and stuff. He made a good point. A lot of colleges want me and stuff, and I probably would do good in their program. But at Tennessee, seeing that they’re rebuilding, I could maybe come in and start as a true freshman. I’m excited. We talked about trying to make the spring game. I’m going to try to go to their spring game and see the facilities and the stadium and all that stuff.” “I’m interested in Tennessee, and I was happy that I called them and was able to talk to them,” he said. “I talked to Coach ‘G,’ and I talked to the defensive line coach for a minute. ... This was the first time I actually was able to just talk one-on-one with more than one coach. It was nice to get to talk to those guys because, obviously, they’ve been waiting to talk to me.” "I don’t have a leader right now. Florida, Auburn — really, it’s (those) two. I like Oregon a lot, but I have to really wait. Florida’s showed me a lot of love. Auburn’s showed me a lot of love,” “I’m just waiting until then to commit,” he said. “I was thinking about maybe committing at (Nike’s) The Opening, but I’m just going to wait.” -247 sports
  • VA CB Garrett Taylor: “Stanford, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Ohio State, Clemson and Virginia Tech will make the list,” he said. “Stanford, Virginia Tech, Clemson and Ohio State have really impressed me.” “I’m going to try to visit Ohio State, Wisconsin, Stanford and USC,” he said. “I’ll also probably try to get to Clemson, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech.” - scout
  • GA LB Roquan Smith: "Smith said Ole Miss, UCLA, Georgia, Auburn, Clemson, South Carolina and Tennessee are recruiting him the hardest at this time." - 247
  • IL DE Terry Beckner Jr.: "Also, look for Strip to likely see Dewayne Hendrix as well as 2015 defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr., whose family is originally from West Tennessee, much like Hendrix's family." -VQ
  • TN WR Van Jefferson: "I'm going to try to make it to Ohio State again," Jefferson told Scout. "I'll also probably visit Penn State,*Purdue, and Tennessee." -scout
  • FL OT Jake Fruhmorgen: "Offensive line coach Don Mahoney already has stopped by Plant High School in Tampa, Fla., to check on elite 2015 OL Jake Fruhmorgen, a former teammate of Vols freshman OL Ray Raulerson." -247
  • "Dylan Jackson is a guy who really likes Tennessee and may be close to doing something. Jaason Lewis is high on Tennessee and after visits next month he plans to make a decision. Tyree St. Louis is expected to be visiting in the next few weeks and Tennessee leads there. There are several guys they are in good shape with right now." -Fortenberry
  • Dylan Jackson commits to UT
  • Rico McGraw commits to UGA
  • UT visits TX QB Jarrett Stidham
  • UT visits MO WR Alex Ofodile
  • NM QB Zach Gentry: "Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian will head all the way out to New Mexico on Friday as he's scheduled to see 2015 quarterback Zach Gentry. It seems as if Tennessee has closed in on several quarterbacks in the class of 2015 as Gentry, Lock, Jarrett Stidham and Torrance Gibson seem to be the guys sticking out the most to Tennessee coaches right now. Look for Bajakian to visit all of those guys' schools over the next several weeks." -VQ
  • "Jones and offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian started the day by checking on a number of prospects at Knoxville-area schools, including three-star 2015 defensive end Dylan Jackson of Maryville (Tenn.) High School and 2015 athlete Jocquez Bruce of Knoxville’s South-Doyle High School." - 247 Sports
  • "Mark Elder, UT’s tight ends coach and special teams coordinator, traveled to North Carolina to check on several 2015 prospects, including elite defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, Top247 defensive end Jalen Dalton, four-star cornerback Mark Fields and athlete Carl Tucker." - 247 Sports
  • FL OT Jake Fruhmorgen: "Offensive line coach Don Mahoney was in Florida on Thursday to check on several players, including elite 2015 offensive lineman Jake Fruhmorgen of Plant High School in Tampa, Fla. Fruhmorgen is a friend and former teammate of Vols freshman offensive lineman Ray Raulerson, and he has been high on Tennessee since getting an offer from the Vols last spring and traveling to Knoxville in July. Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt are among the other early contenders for Fruhmorgen, whose father played at Alabama." -247 Sports
  • MO QB Drew Lock: "Butch Jones will be back out on the road on Friday and he won't travel far as he's scheduled to see numerous prospects in Missouri. Jones and Elder will see several guys in Missouri including 2015 quarterback Drew Lock, 2015 receiver and 2015 tight end Hale Hentges. Elder is scheduled to head to Memphis to check in on several guys after his travels in Missouri." -VQ
  • VA DL Clelin Ferrell: "The major offers are starting to be a surprise but none are really standing out," he said. "Some might start standing out once I go on some visits. Ole Miss is recruiting me hard. Virginia Tech, Tennessee and Virginia are also recruiting me hard." "Most of the coaches I was close with at Penn State are gone now," Ferrell said. "Larry Johnson, coach O'Brien and coach London are all gone. They were recruiting me hard but I think I want to build a new relationship with the new coaches. "My recruiting coach from North Carolina, coach Bell," he said. "He is now at Arkansas State and I was close with him. I'm still close with coach Fedora." "I think I'm going to go on a college road trip over spring break," said Ferrell. "We're trying to go down south to SEC country. We may visit three of four schools. I think we might go as far as Ole Miss so we might hit Tennessee, North Carolina and maybe Alabama." -Rivals
  • UT offers LA WR Kirk Merritt
  • Jaason Lewis will visit in 4 weeks per his twitter
  • GA LB Roquan Smith says he plans to visit for a junior day
  • UT offers FL CB Tarvarus McFadden
  • UT offers LA WR Stanley Morgan
  • TN CB Ugo Amadi: "Tennessee really loves me and the fans love me as well," Amadi said. "They have a new year in 2014 to see what the new guys can do and they might surprise some people." Amadi works out with a group of players in Nashville that includes current, former and probably future Vols. He said that they're on him about joining Tennessee's class. "A lot of them try to talk to me just because they I grew up with them they think that there's no reason we shouldn't continue it at the next level," he said. "We'll just have to see how things go." - Rivals
  • GA WR Dexter Neal: Neal has been committed to USCjr since May. "I'd say I'm 80-85 percent committed but not solid yet," Neal said recently. "When I pulled the trigger it just felt like it was the right place for me. Now that I'm seeing more schools I'm having an idea of opening back up to more school so I'm not solid yet." Among the schools showing new interest are Clemson, Tennessee, Florida State, Georgia, West Virginia and Virginia Tech. When asked to pick one from that group, Neal pointed to the Vols. "Tennessee stands out to me," he said. "When I went on a visit there I really liked the campus. The coaching staff was cool. All the players were cool. They're like the type of group that you can associate with. I like the academic side too. That's what stood out to me too." "I'm going to take some visits to South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Clemson and Florida State," he said. "I'm going to go down to Alabama, I'm trying to get to West Virginia, too, but it's just far." -Rivals
  • TN Kyle Phillips: Per Galilee on VQ: "Kyle Phillips is very very high on the Vols. Talked to family today. Mom is a Vandy grad but CBJ has been very impressive."
  • Coach Elder visits TN OT Drew Richmond
  • VA DE Josh Sweat: "Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith defensive end Josh Sweat, a four-star prospect according to Rivals.com, had a monster junior season from his defensive end position: 94 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns." "I know I can most likely visit Virginia Tech because they're real close," Sweat said. "I wanted to visit Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Ohio State and a lot of them. Wisconsin, too. There's a lot of them." -Rivals
  • Coach Elder visits TN LB Joshua McMillon
  • FL QB Torrance Gibson: “Tennessee fans are going crazy on Twitter,” Gibson said laughing. “Coach Zach [Azzanni] has been recruiting me, he’s a great guy. We just talk about not even football, just life.” Next on the docket for Gibson is to start setting up unofficial visits to college campuses over the course of the spring and summer. Ohio State, Tennessee, LSU, Florida and Florida State were the schools mentioned by Gibson as destinations he would like to visit. "I’m not sure. He has some different offers than me, but I would love to play college football with Travarus McFadden." -Luke Stampini
  • JUCO DT DJ Jones: "Quick recruiting note... Chris Clark from Gamecock Central caught up with 2015 juco defensive tackle DJ Jones, who we have mentioned several times and someone Tennessee helped get to Northeast Mississippi when he was coming out of high school, has an early top five of Alabama, FSU, Ole Miss, Tennessee and South Carolina in no order. His sister does go to South Carolina so that's something to keep in mind, but just wanted to pass along the info." -Fortenberry
  • TN QB Matt Williams: Video interview with Brice on VQ. Talked about what all he's trying to work on. His feet, quickness, and release. When Brice asked him what all schools are standing out to him, he replied "it doesn't matter, I'm all UT! Go big Orange!"
  • FL TE/DE Bowman Archibald: "It's one of my family's favorite schools," Archibald said. "My family has just followed Tennessee. When I told my family I was offered by Tennessee they were all really excited about it. We've just always followed Tennessee and have worn Orange and White." "Everything is top-notch there," Bowman said. "It's an elite SEC school and they have one of the best campuses and one of the best facilities and I have a great relationship with the coaching staff. I want to go up there this summer for a visit and just the thought of playing in that stadium with 100,000 people is mind-boggling." "I don't really have a leader or anything but Tennessee is up at the top," Bowman explained. "I like the Tennessee coaches, they are honest with you, I like the campus and Tennessee is definitely one of my top choices. I'll definitely be taking a visit there." "I like Pittsburgh, too. I like the coaches. I like Mississippi State, too and Florida and Indiana," Bowman added. "I really need to go on some visits to see what I really like." -VQ
  • PA OL Sterling Jenkins: “I’ve been talking to (Vols offensive line) coach (Don) Mahoney a little bit,” Jenkins said, adding that he has heard from Mahoney “about every week” since he received a scholarship offer from Tennessee more than six months ago. “Really, it’s just more, like, a building relationship type thing, and he’s telling me more about Tennessee and stuff.” “I know they have a pretty sound O-line, and I know that Coach Mahoney, he’s from around Pittsburgh, so he’s familiar with the area,” Jenkins said. “Him just being real honest and trying to build a relationship with me is pretty cool. Relationships are important to me." “He seems like a teacher — not a guy that will yell at you and stuff on the field, but, like, a teacher, someone who will help you progress and learn and will just really honor my decision, even if I choose not to go there.” “That’s probably what I’ll do — just wait ‘til signing day (next year),” Jenkins said. “Not ‘til signing day, but just somewhere close to that, because I don’t think I’m ready to make a decision at all yet.” -247
  • GA WR TJ Rahming: “I felt some relief that I got the first one out of the way, and I was just excited. I was really surprised, especially with my first one being an SEC offer,” said Rahming, who also has been in contact with coaches from Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Kentucky and has visited several other SEC schools over the past year. “I told Coach Azzanni (on Wednesday) night, with them being the first to offer, I have, really, a lot of interest in it because they took the chance and believed in me. And it was my first one, so I really liked it.”“He said he loved how I could, like, catch a screen and make a play — basically, my playmaking ability. Even though I might not be big, I could get in space and make things happen,” said Rahming, who claims to have been timed at 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash. “He told me about Tennessee being ‘(Wide) Receiver University’ and stuff like that. He said maybe when I get down there we could go over some stuff, like the offense and how they want to use me and stuff like that.” “(Last summer) was my first time there,” he said. "The campus was good because, actually, I had gotten lost, and I had to walk around and find my ride. I really liked it, and especially the facilities and the (indoor) field and stuff like that. I went to the stadium, too. I liked that.” “I talked to my uncle about it,” Rahming said. “I was telling him about the offer, and he was telling me Tennessee, a great group of receivers have been down there and made it to the league from there. I just want to look into it.” “I want to wait to see how my offers will be looking,” Rahming said. “I don’t want to make a decision any time soon. But I know Tennessee is really up there right now, with them being my first." -247 Sports
  • OH ATH David Dowell: “I don’t really have any favorites right now,” Dowell said. “Tennessee is probably recruiting me the hardest. I’ve actually been talking to them a little bit more. But as far as what school I’m leaning to, there are none." - 247 Sports
  • NC DE Darian Roseboro: Roseboro made multiple trips to Knoxville over the past few months and said the Vols coaches are making an attractive pitch. "They've been telling me if I come in I could play early," Roseboro said. "I could be used to stop the run and as a pass-rusher. They told me I'm one of their top d-line targets in my class." - Rivals
  • MD DT Keiron Howard: One school stands out to Howard at this point in the process. "So far it is Tennessee. When I went down there, I love d the environment, the coaches, and their academics. The coaches showed good love. I like how excited they were and the facilities there." - Rivals, Nov.25th
  • VA ATH Jaason Lewis: “Georgia Tech, Tennessee and UCLA are my favorites,” he said. Tennessee - “They’re up and coming. They’re one of my favorites coaches wise and they have a nice fan base. I like the way the fans treat their recruits, even if they’re not at the school yet or going there. They have great new facilities, and the education is really good there. They’re getting a lot of recruits so it’d be cool to help them out and be apart of their rebuilding.” -247 Sports
  • VA OLB Ricky DeBerry: “I really like Tennessee. That’s just a great place,” DeBerry told InsideTennessee. “I like everything about Tennessee. I want to go back and check out another game there next season for sure.” “The tradition, I really love that about Tennessee. They have all the fan support in the world, which is really, really great,” DeBerry said. “Overall, that tradition is just great. Great campus, great atmosphere, really, it just seems like a great place to be. It has what I’m looking for.” “Me and Josh (Malone), we’re pretty good friends and we talk from time to time,” DeBerry told IT. “He tells me that time is changing at Tennessee and that he feels comfortable and believes in Butch Jones. He says the program is turning around and you can’t go wrong with Tennessee.” -scout Wants to get to know CBJ better. Has an "awesome" relationship with Jancek. Remembers how loud the atmosphere is and how impressed he was on his visit. Loves our '14 class and says "the future is bright" and its "easy to see why." He all but said we lead
  • VA OT Austin Clark: "I really don't have any favorites right now but if I was to say that some schools are recruiting me harder than others, I'd say Tennessee, Penn State, Ohio State, and Duke are the ones recruiting me the hardest right now," "As for visits, I'm going to go back to Tennessee, Ohio State and Penn State for sure this spring." "Growing up I didn't really have a favorite college team. My Dad is kind of a Tennessee fan so I went to a couple Tennessee games as a kid," Clark said. "I really don't have any favorites right now but some of the offers I was excited to get. Ohio St., definitely. Tennessee, Virginia Tech were some of the offers I was really excited about." - Rivals

2016 Recruiting:
  • Vols offer NJ RB Kareem Walker
  • Kareem Walker: "It was a great opportunity to get an offer from Tennessee. I didn't really get to talk to the coaches because they were in meeting, but I just happened to be in the room talking to my coach and their coach had text my coach and he just read the message out loud. It's always really good to get an offer. You just feel good every time you get one and then you get another one and you just want to keep working hard." "Right now, I really don't know too much about Tennessee but would like to get to know more about it," Walker said. -VQ
  • LA QB Deuce Wallace (no offer): "I'm interested in pretty much all the SEC," he said. "Tennessee, Vanderbilt, LSU,Georgia, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. I'm from Tennessee, which has an unbelievable tradition and atmosphere at their home games. My family has many die-hard Volunteer fans."The nephew of prominent Riverside athletic director Tim Byrd, Wallace expects to again camp with LSU and Tulane during the summer. He's looking to make stops at Tennessee and Mississippi State, as well." -scout
  • UT offers FL ATH Elijah Stove
  • MD LB Dele' Harding: "LB Dele' Harding, Elkton (Md.) Eastern Christian Academy (2016) Harding is developing into one of the top linebackers in the 2016 class. He has great size at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds and hits like a ton of bricks. Harding is getting bigger, so he needs to keep getting faster or he could turn into a defensive end. It is very impressive how he has such a good feel for the game and has such good instincts. UMass was his first offer and since then he added offers from USC and Tennessee. Michigan will be a player for him down the line. There are a lot more offers in store for Harding." -VQ
  • TN DE Emmitt Gooden: The 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end is already forming a relationship with Tennessee defensive line coach Steve Stripling. "I talk to him often," Gooden said. "I try to talk to him on the weekends and when we talk I usually ask him what's going at UT and he asks me about my family and I ask him about his and stuff like that." Gooden was at the Auburn game..."My mom is a big Vol fan. She's a huge Tennessee fan. But, this was my second time there and it was very good. I first went there for an eighth grade all-star game and that was when coach Dooley was there The stadium and everything was great and I really liked the fan base," Gooden said. "Vanderbilt is a smaller school than Tennessee, but they have good academics and Vanderbilt has a good family feel. Both schools really showed they had good character with the coaches. "I like the coaches and the fans and the players. Vanderbilt and Tennessee are my top two schools. I want to stay in state," Gooden said. -VQ
  • TN CB Dorian Banks: "In addition to hosting Bryant on his official visit this weekend, the Vols also hosted at least one unofficial visitor Saturday: 2016 athlete Dorian Banks of nearby Sevier County High School in Sevierville, Tenn. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Banks — a running back and defensive back at Sevier County who has been timed at 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash — has been a frequent visitor to Tennessee’s campus since getting his first scholarship offer from the Vols in June following an impressive performance at one of their camps." -247
 
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#4
#4
Weekly Recruiting Update History:
 
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#5
#5
But seriously, this is unbelievable the work you've done POA. These posts aren't only among the best on this site, but over the entire internet as well. So much recruiting information complied like this ranks up there with the pros. It is sad that I have but one "like" to give.
 
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#6
#6
TNVolunteerGrad said:
But seriously, this is unbelievable the work you've done POA. These posts aren't only among the best on this site, but over the entire internet as well. So much recruiting information complied like this ranks up there with the pros. It is sad that I have but one "like" to give.
Click to expand...

Like his link thread as well to give him more
 
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#13
#13
Gah Charles Mosley is gonna be fun to follow for the next few years. SIDENOTE: It will be considerably more fun to hear him say those types of things after wins.
 
#15
#15
Well you've done it now! After a lousy weekend at work, I caught myself asking, "now when is it that POA posts those great updates, oh yeah Monday". So I began anticipating it and looking and waiting. Now I have one more vice to deal with! LOL! Thanks again for your work and time spent on this.
 
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