Weekly Recruiting Update 1/27 - 2/2

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PassedOutAwake

PassedOutAwake

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Current Commit News:
  • Gaulden: "It was a good experience; I feel like every time I come up here we bond even more," said Gaulden, an All-State performer and teammate of fellow Vols commitment Vic Wharton at Independence High School. "It was really good to see all the parents and coaches' wives. Just really gelled together and we all have a great relationship. That's kind of stuff that puts the nail in the coffin, when everybody gets along. We've all got good relationships with one another." "We just chilled and just enjoyed different activities at his house. It's just a great experience letting him welcome us into his home. We hung out and had a great time," said Gaulden, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder known as a fierce, fearless hitter. "That was nice, going out (Sunday) morning. I got a chance to drive the boat, so that was fun. We ate a lot. It felt like every three hours we were just eating a legit full meal. I'm not complaining about that though." "I've just been in weight room with Vic heavy. He's gaining a lot of weight, and I'm starting to add on some pounds," Gaulden told VolQuest.com. "The biggest thing I'm starting to work on is weight. Don't let that hold me back. I'd definitely like to get bigger so that when I'm facing bigger backs like a Todd Gurley or Derrick Henry, I'll be able to provide some licks on them." -VQ
  • Barnett: From FranklinVol on VQ: "Didn't have anything new last night and don't this early AM. Should know more later today/tonight. Problem is I'm traveling today and even though I'm expecting a phone call about this, I may not be able to post until tonight. As of this moment, I still think Derek will be a Vol. I know he really likes the DL coach at MO and I think they are trying to get him to visit to "make sure" while UT is saying "you're a Vol. Why visit somewhere else?" He's 17 and it's a big decision. Again, unless I hear otherwise, I still believe that it goes our way next Wednesday. Can't imagine the weekend going any better for him and his mom last weekend and she is squarely in our corner."
  • Cory Thomas: "Thomas, meanwhile, still is scheduled to take an official visit to Tennessee this weekend. Sources who spent time with Thomas at Mississippi State over the weekend indicated to 247Sports that his visit with the Bulldogs went well, and they still seem to be optimistic that they might be able to steal him from the Vols. But as long as Thomas ends up making his scheduled trip to Knoxville next weekend, Tennessee at least should have a decent chance of holding off Mississippi State. Jones and UT linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen both visited with Thomas last week, and Thigpen is scheduled to see Thomas again this week before his visit to Knoxville." - 247
  • Preston Williams: "It was really good, it's always really good when I get up there," Williams said. "This time I really just spent most of my time hanging out with the players, getting a chance to relate to them and know everybody a lot better. It's a family up there." "I was with (Jason) Croom, (Josh) Malone, (Marquez) North, spent a lot of time with them, great guys, can't wait until they're teammates," Williams said. "We're going to be dangerous. Nobody is going to be able to handle Tennessee's passing game, I don't think." "I don't have any second thoughts, I'm all in with Tennessee, I feel at home there, I love the coaches and I know that they're going to push me to be the best player that I can be," Williams offered. "Butch Jones is a freak, a great recruiter and a great coach. He's getting it done," Williams said with a chuckle. "He's great at building relationships and then staying on top of it. I hear from Tennessee as much now, if not more, than I did before I committed. "It's exciting to see the kind of players they're bringing in here. I'm glad to be a part of it." -VQ
  • Derrell Scott commits to UT
  • What Derrell Scott's commitment means: "WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TENNESSEE? It likely means the Vols are out of it for Darrel Williams even though they were a long shot there to begin with. Three good running backs in one signing class is exactly what this team needed and it was the goal when Butch Jones started on this class last December. For the future, it means depth at the position. The Vols return one player this season, Marlin Lane, that has garnered significant playing time and with a class that includes Hurd, Scott and Paulk, a talent infusion is a huge help. Down the line, the Vols will need to continue running backs with at least one every class and they may need two next year. Tennessee is already in good shape with guys like Eric Swinney, Nick Gibson and others." -VQ
  • Derrell Scott: "Even though Tennessee wasn't in on Scott from the beginning, their diligence paid off here and they're getting a guy who could be the perfect compliment to Jalen Hurd in the future. Scott did it all for his high school team in terms of carrying the load and making big plays when it was needed most. At the next level he won't to be asked to be quite the workhorse, but his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will probably make him a candidate to get on the field as a third down back early in his career." -Woody Wommack
  • Derrell Scott: "When you have 110-thousand fans at a game, it kind of speaks for itself," the 5-10, 185 pound Scott said. "The atmosphere was crazy and how hard the team played was impressive. They didn't have a great year record wise but you can see the direction things are going with how hard they played as a team. It tells you a lot about the relationships with the coaches at the players." "How comfortable I was with the coach Jones and coach G (Gillespie)," Scott answered when asked why Tennessee. "I am really comfortable around them and I like how coach G can help teach me the next four years. "We have a really good relationship. We talk a lot. He's a honest coach. He keeps it honest with you. He's fun but serious too." "Kendall was honest with me about how things were. How coaches were and what it's like to go to school there," Scott said. "I didn't make the decision because of Kendall. I made my own decision for me, but we talked a lot about Tennessee." "Really just trying to decide what to believe from the coaches," Scott said of the challenges of being recruited. "They all tell you the same thing. It's crazy they all tell you that you are the best player. You have to read between the lines to know what real." -VQ
  • "Mizzou was blowing up DB's mom's phone this morning (6 calls before lunch). She finally answered and they wanted to come in their home (tomorrow night, I think). They also wanted to see if they were coming to Columbia this next weekend. She told them she was going to speak with DB tonight after school. She says she has no desire to miss work again this weekend and drive 6 hours to Columbia, MO. Today, DB told his coach that he is NOT going to Mizzou this weekend NOR is he going to Oxford. His coach told him that he needed to call Mizzou and tell them so they don't continue to spend time on him. He told him after that he needs to call Butch and tell him what has happened to reassure him. He says that is what he's going to do. Also, DB was decked in UT gear at school today. Again, it's still over a week away but I think this one is good. Repeating what I said last night, I was told that Hendrix is solid. I was thrilled to hear that we got Scott! Another nugget, Sawyers called Thig this morning. He is VERY interested. At least that's what he said this morning. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here. That's about all I know about him. Sorry I'm so late getting this on here. Long day but it's all good!" - FranklinVol on VQ
  • Hendrix: "I just spoke with Denise Joy, the mother of Top247 defensive end Dewayne Hendrix, the Tennessee commitment from O'Fallon (Ill.) High School. It sounds like Hendrix isn't wanting to say much publicly himself right now, but she was willing to speak on his behalf and give me a brief update on his status following his official visit to Missouri over the weekend. Joy said they enjoyed their visit to Missouri, calling it the best of their three trips to Columbia, Mo., over the past several months, but Hendrix remains committed to Tennessee. Joy made it sound like Hendrix isn't really considering the Tigers and said she's not sure whether Hendrix even will host Missouri on an in-home visit this week. She said Tennessee coach Butch Jones and some of the Vols' other coaches are expected to make their in-home visit with Hendrix on Saturday, and Hendrix won't be visiting any other schools this weekend." - Callahan 247
  • Hendrix: According to 247, Hendrix has shut down his recruitment down. All-Vol! he will not be taking any other visits and Vol Coaches will be doing in home Saturday. Missouri got more in depth about their academics and everything else they had to offer. Just said that this was his best out of the three visits to Missouri, but they felt the best thing for him to do was to remain committed to the University of Tennessee. There is more, but that's the gist. Oh I guess one more thing was that Missouri was no longer being seriously considered. Also, didn't know if Missouri would even try to do in-home visit this week, because they had told them he was going to be a Vol. -summarized by BornToBleedOrange
  • Hendrix: “And I can say, as a parent, I wanted him to do that because I don’t want him to be somewhere for four years and feel like later on down the line that he made a mistake.” Asked whether Hendrix would consider visiting any other schools this weekend, Joy said, “No. It’s shut completely down.” Joy said there’s a reason she and Hendrix still feel comfortable with Tennessee. “I think the thing with Tennessee is that I don’t feel like they were only recruiting Dewayne,” Joy said. “I felt like they also came in and made me feel at ease with speaking to them — because I am an important part of his recruiting process — and I think it was a matter of them coming in early on and recognizing that. They’ve been in contact with me. I’ve spoken to them just as much as he has at this point.” Tennessee coach Butch Jones and some of the Vols’ other coaches are scheduled to make an in-home visit with Hendrix and his family later this week. Joy said she’s not sure whether Missouri will see Hendrix again. “I think Tennessee’s supposed to be in Saturday,” Joy said. “I’m not sure what decision (has been made) about an in-home visit (with Missouri). I don’t know if they would even want to come if he’s still saying he’s verbally committed to Tennessee, so I’m not sure.” - 247
  • Punter, Troy Waites commits to UT as a preferred walk on
  • Cory Thomas: "Finally, Cory Thomas remains quiet as well as he prepares for his Tennessee visit this weekend. Tennessee will see him on Thursday when Tommy Thigpen goes to see him. It seems there is going to be a significant battle for Thomas as we head down the stretch." - VQ
  • Cory Thomas: "I'm not sure Thomas knows outside of a place where he's most comfortable. Why would you not list him as a commitment? He's never decommitted and said from time he did commit that he would take a few visits. His schedule has always been Clemson, Ms State, and Tennessee last. I think it's a positive for the Vols that he's been two places and hasn't changed or said he's no longer committed." -Hubbs
  • [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF14KQJKUaQ[/youtube]
  • Derrell Scott: "Scott has very good feet and balance. He moves well side to side, he can freeze defenders in the open field, and he has the speed to get to the perimeter as well. One of the real strengths of his is catching the ball out of the backfield. He can be a real weapon on screen plays, motion out of the backfield, and possibly in the slot at times. The offense UT runs fits Scott's skillset very well. He is more of a finesse type of a back and a back who excels in space. He needs to add weight, run better behind his pads, and become a better runner after initial contact, but he has plenty to like." -Chad Simmons, scout
  • Barnett: "Tennessee is still battling to hold to on to several commitments as several schools still are trying to get Derek Barnett to visit this weekend. Ole Miss, Missouri and Notre Dame seem to be the three schools making a push. But, Barnett has indicated to some that he's likely to not take any more visits although he has yet to officially call everything off. We tried to reach out to him Monday night and he was still not taking calls as of late Monday night." -VQ
  • Hendrix: "Another that continues to not take any calls is defensive line commitment Dewayne Hendrix. While Hendrix has not taken calls, those close to him have told us that Hendrix's mom and Hendrix has communicated with Jones and the Vols since Saturday night and that Tennessee has weathered the Missouri visit. Jones and staff members are to be with Hendrix at the end of the week just before the start of the dead period." - VQ
  • Hendrix: "It seemed like she chose her words a bit carefully. She said a couple of different times that Hendrix is committed to Tennessee, and she seemed to mean that Missouri was completely out of the picture. But she never said it in exactly those words. That could be just because she's the mother of a recruit who's not used to talking with reporters, or it could be because she meant to say what she said in exactly those words. Hard to say. Regardless, I still think Hendrix is likely to stick with Tennessee, based on everything I've heard so far. It's just interesting that Hendrix isn't really wanting to talk with media right now if he's shutting things down and sticking with the Vols." - 247
  • Hendrix: "More confirmation that the Rivals100 DE is not one for Tennessee fans to worry about... I spoke with his coach today, and his expectations are that Dewayne signs with Tennessee next week. All signs have pointed that way from every corner of this recruitment, and just passing along more confirmation of that." -Josh Helmholdt
  • Hendrix: "The Vols might not have to be quite as concerned about Hendrix —at least for now — coming off his official visit to Missouri over the weekend. Hendrix’s mother, Denise Joy, told govols247 on Monday night that Hendrix remains committed to Tennessee and indicated that he’s no longer giving strong consideration to the Tigers following his trip to Columbia, Mo. The Vols have received similarly positive feedback from Hendrix and his mother over the past couple of days. While Missouri still could make another run at Hendrix this week, it currently seems that Hendrix is likely to stick with Tennessee. Jones and at least a couple of UT’s assistant coaches are expected to be in O’Fallon, Ill., later this week to visit with Hendrix and his mother for the final time before the end of the contact period Saturday night." - 247 (Callahan)
  • Barnett: "Barnett, a senior at Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy, has continued to hear from at least a few teams, and he has remained quiet coming off his official visit to Tennessee over the weekend. Missouri and Ole Miss both have been in contact with Barnett, and while Missouri currently appears to be the team most likely to get a visit from Barnett this weekend, some believe there’s still a chance he won’t take another visit this weekend. Jones is expected to make his in-home visit with Barnett this week, perhaps as early as Wednesday, and that visit could be an important one in determining whether Barnett will take another visit this weekend. Still, multiple sources close to Barnett said they believe there’s a good chance he will stick with the Vols even if he ends up visiting another school." - 247 (Callahan)
  • Cory Thomas: "Thomas, meanwhile, is expected to get a visit from Tennessee linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen on Thursday leading up to his scheduled official visit to Knoxville this weekend. Thomas is coming off visits to Clemson and Mississippi State over the past two weekends, and Mississippi State is believed to be the greatest threat to the Vols. He has expressed some concerns regarding the number of defensive linemen in UT’s class, but as long as Thomas ends up making his scheduled visit to Tennessee this weekend, the Vols are expected to have a decent chance of holding onto him." - 247 (Callahan)
  • Hendrix: "I just spoke to Dewayne Hendrix's mother and she told me Dewayne and the family are still thinking and did not want to go in depth on record about the final weeks of his recruitment. She did say, however, that it i still unknown where her son will be playing his college football, adding they wanted to "wind down" his recruitment and come to a decision. "We're just going to think and ride it out until signing day," she told me." -Riley Blevins, scout
  • Wharton: "It was fun hanging out with all the guys and seeing all the early enrollees there. It was surreal just knowing that I'm just a couple of months of being right there with them," Wharton said. "It was fun being with them the whole time and getting him to decide to come to Tennessee so it was a successful weekend." "I went with coach Azzanni and I'm really the only slot receiver we've recruited to play in the slot so next year it will be me, (Jonathan Johnson) and Pig (Howard), because they moved Devrin to running back. Really, they told me I have a good chance of playing a lot next year and he showed me plays with Pig running it and then plays with me from this past year. It was just showing me that the things they do is the things I do in high school and it shows I have a chance to start because we start two slots on offense." "I think we can have a huge impact. I think everyone coming in has a chance to play and some have a chance to start," Wharton said. "We have good numbers and the people we have other schools want them all. Missouri is still trying to recruit Derek (Barnett) and Louisville and Notre Dame are still trying to come after me this week, but I think all of us have been solid on us." -VQ
  • Hendrix: "As we reported last night and Josh Hemholdt again backed up after talking to Hendrix's coach, we believe Hendrix will likely be a Vol on signing day. He has been in contact with Tennessee's coaching staff on a daily basis and if there are any doubts the Vols are going to bring a strong contingent of coaches to see him late this week, likely Saturday." -Fortenberry
  • Preston Williams: “It was great. It was terrific[.] I just hung out with the players. I talked with all the coaches. We were just chilling.” “I’m pretty firm with them,” he said. “It’s solid. It’s really solid, and there ain’t no changing it.” “I just talked to (Jones) before I left. He was just happy to have me on campus,” Williams said. Coach ‘Z,’ we’ve got a real good relationship. We talk every day.” “I mean, I love the people up there. They’ve been very supportive. They’re always showing me love,” Williams said. It’s loud (at Tennessee games), man. They really love football there. It’s a football town.” - 247
  • Barnett: "As for Barnett, his silence is a bit more interesting. He's yet to publicly rule out any visits and while some close to him believe there's a greater chance he stays at home this weekend and visits nowhere, the possibility still has not been ruled out so we will continue to monitor that situation throughout the week. Jones and several assistants are expected to meet with Barnett on Thursday and there may not be a final answer until after that meeting on whether or not Barnett takes another official visit." -Fortenberry
  • Wharton: “For a while, Notre Dame was contacting me a lot, and Louisville. They both wanted me to take officials,” “I was supposed to have an in-home (visit) with (Louisville) coach (Bobby) Petrino this week, but I went ahead and told him I didn’t want to waste his time. I said Coach Jones reassured me that Tennessee is my home.” “I kind of wanted to go to Notre Dame or Louisville, just because I’ve always wanted to go to Notre Dame,” he said. “And then, when I was little, that’s where I’m from, is Louisville. My dad lived in Louisville, and it’s just somewhere that I could have thought about playing. “I had questions for Coach Jones, and he answered them all, so it’s just all good now,” “And then Notre Dame and Louisville, they were preaching our numbers thing and that I’ll play early if I go to their schools.” “He would have plays (on film) of Pig (Howard), showing what he can do, and then showing me running the exact same plays for Independence,” Wharton said. “He was showing, like, how I already do this stuff. “It just really assured me that, for me to come play early, it’s almost a guarantee for me to take it, with me coming in and playing. There’s only two other slots — Pig and J.J. (Johnathon Johnson) — so I have a good chance of playing early.” “I’m really excited for signing day, but I feel like it’s going to feel like forever until we get on campus,” Wharton said. “But I can’t wait until June 1 when I arrive there. It’s going to be great.” -247 Sports
  • Rutgers in home visits with Dews
  • Barnett Per FranklinVol on VQ :"Butch is in town tonight and has spoken to Derek on the phone tonight. He will be visiting Derek at school tomorrow and he and Thig will be in Derek's home tomorrow night. Thig is apparently preparing Derek's favorite dinner of crab legs (I'm not making this up). Derek is NOT going on a visit this weekend. MO has not been calling him since Monday." "He has absolutely no interest in even visiting ND and definitely has no interest in playing there. A Tennessean reporter called BA today and wanted to get an exclusive and was told no. Derek says, I've never decommitted or gone on any visits. I don't have anything to say. He is in regular conversations with Butch and company." "He is a priority for Butch and Butch is ALL over it. Nothing is going to sneak up on him in regard to Derek. Funny thing about Derek is it was hard to get him to go 3 hours away from home for college! Even if he visited somewhere this weekend (and he's NOT), his mom wasn't going to go and it would have just been for fun. He's a VFL! "
  • Cory Thomas: "tennessee defensive line coach steve stripling and linebackers coach tommy thigpen visited with thomas earlier this week — on tuesday, i believe — and he's still scheduled to take his official visit to ut this weekend. I've actually heard over the past few days that clemson might be more of a factor with thomas than we initially thought. Mississippi state remains in the picture, too, but clemson also appears to be a contender. His visit to tennessee this weekend definitely will be an important one." - 247
  • Cory Thomas: "Thomas - should be in town tomorrow for his visit we will see. Clemson is trying there. I think that's Tennessee's biggest competition at this point." -Hubbs
  • Hendrix: "This weekend Jones will seemingly use his last in-home visit with defensive lineman Dewayne Hendrix and according to a St. Louis TV station, Hendrix went on record to say that he was 100-percent a Vol and that only confirms what we've heard since Sunday night coming out of his official visit to Missouri. Still, Tennessee is taking no chances and will be sending in a good number of assistant coaches when they meet with him." -VQ
  • Barnett: "It's been a fun day in middle Tennessee! Butch worked the student population at BA like no other. I can't believe we are less than a week before signing day and are in this good shape! I was told today that Sawyers visit would actually be an unofficial visit so that a blue shirt could be used possibly. It may not be necessary but at least it could be an option. I defer to Paul and Brent to confirm or refute this. Pretty good source though. On a lighter note, Thig did not cook crab legs tonight at the Barnett's house. Ms. Barnett insisted on cooking for Butch and Thig. Not sure what was on the menu. Butch, Thig and my friend were planning on meeting up for a beer after the meeting and I wasn't able to nudge my way in or I might have all kinds of fun stuff to talk about. Anyway, as you can tell, it's pretty quiet. I saw a post that Rashaan said nothing to worry about with Derek. Schools have definitely been trying and he would love to go have some fun, but at the end of the day, he's a VFL and I really don't think he has waivered on that. Kind of weird to be less than a week away and it's pretty boring but let's keep it that way!!! We have a great class! GBO!!!" -FranklinVol on VQ
  • Barnett: "Jones and Thigpen were at Brentwood Academy this morning to see Derek Barnett before they were to meet with him tonight night with his family. Although there was still no final word from Barnett Thursday night, it seemed very unlikely that Barnett would visit anywhere this weekend. As we reported on Wednesday, he had already told several close to him that a Missouri visit was unlikely to happen." -VQ
  • Hendrix: "Finally, the dead period for coaches being on the road begins Saturday night at midnight and look for Butch Jones and a number of assistant coaches to spend part of Saturday with Dewayne Hendrix. Hendrix has reaffirmed his commitment with the Vols but they are going ahead and making sure they are the last ones in the home as Missouri has continued to try and recruit Hendrix to little avail." -VQ
  • Cory Thomas: "While most thought coming into January Tennessee's biggest competition to keep Thomas was Mississippi State, but recently it seems Thomas is much higher on Clemson than the Bulldogs and that's who Tennessee seems to be battling the most with right now." -VQ
  • Berry Bros take official visits.
  • Orlando Brown takes OV
  • Cory Thomas takes OV to UT
  • Treyvon Paulk takes OV to UT
  • TN QB Devin Smith accepts a preffered walk on spot
  • TN LB Cody Underwood accepts a preferred walk on spot
  • Weatherd: “My mom talked to me about being committed and things like that, and we both really like Tennessee a lot, and we felt like that was the place where I needed to actually be,” “And since I was already committed to Tennessee, I wasn’t going to go back on my word, so that’s one of the main reasons why I haven’t visited anywhere else. And the relationship I have with the coaches (at Tennessee) is just phenomenal.” “Having a good relationship with the players, it just makes me feel like that’s where I’m supposed to be and that I’ll fit in there, and I’ll just make an immediate impact there rather than going somewhere else and finding out that the players really don’t care about the recruits coming in,” Weatherd said. “That’s one thing about Tennessee: The players actually care about the recruits. That’s the future teammates they’re going to be playing with, so they treat us as if we’re already on the team. That’s just always a good feeling when you’re coming into a school like that." “It’ll just be nice (for people) to be able to say, ‘Hey, he’s signed. He’s not going anywhere else,’ and stuff like that,” he said. “I’m real excited, honestly. My mom’s going to be there on signing day, and my sister, so it’s going to be an exciting deal.” -247 Sports
  • Weatherd: "Not only has Chris been working hard in the classroom, he has also been working hard in the gym and on the field to improve as a LB. "I've already gotten the gist of the plays and my responsibilities and my roles. I've picked up on play action a lot more and I’ve picked up on pre-snap reading," Weatherd said. He has been working with his speed and agility coach to improve on his footwork and his hips, which will help him in coverage at the next level. He has his weight up to 232lbs and has maintained his 40 time at 4.53 seconds, while also clocking in a 4.17 seconds in the shuttle." - AllforTennessee
  • Cory Thomas: "— Three-star defensive lineman Cory Thomas of McAdory High School in McCalla, Ala., also remained silent Sunday immediately following the visit, but he remains committed to Tennessee following his first trip to Knoxville in more than four months. Sources said the Vols helped their chances of holding onto Thomas this weekend, but they might not be out of the woods just yet. Clemson still is believed to be a strong contender, and sources have continued to indicate that the Tigers — not former front-runner Mississippi State — now are the greatest threat to UT for Thomas. Tennessee did its best to address some of Thomas’ concerns about the number of defensive linemen in the Vols’ class, and he indicated to UT’s staff throughout the weekend that he’s sticking with the Vols. But some still aren’t ruling out the possibility that he could end up signing with another team. He remains the main Tennessee commitment to watch leading up to signing day." -Vols247
  • Paulk: "Three-star running back Treyvon Paulk of Milton (Ga.) returned to UT this weekend for the first time since the Vols’ spring-ending Orange and White Game in April, and the visit apparently went well for Paulk. But UT might have at least some competition for him. Miami reportedly has entered the picture with Paulk over the past couple of weeks and tried to convince him to visit, but the Hurricanes haven’t been able to get him on campus yet. Unless Paulk was to wait until after Wednesday to sign, he won’t be able to make it to Miami, so it seems likely that he will sign with the Vols this week. But it’s at least worth noting that Paulk expressed some concerns over the past several days about UT’s addition of Top247 all-purpose back Derrell Scott of Havelock (N.C.) High School and how it might affect his chances of being a major part of the Vols’ backfield. Tennessee did its best to address those issues this weekend, and Paulk hasn’t indicated that he’s wavering on his commitment to the Vols. But it’s at least something to keep in mind as signing day approaches." -Vols247
  • Evan Berry: "It will be good to sign Wednesday," Berry told InsideTennessee. "I've always wanted to officially say that I'm a Vol and move on ahead." "I talked to coach Jones about it and he said that he's going to try me on offense and see how it works out," said Berry, who played numerous positions for the Seminoles from running back to quarterback to safety to wide receiver. "At the end of the day, it's his decision so…obviously they're going to give me a chance at what I want —receiver, running back or a utility guy." -scout

QB Recruiting:
  • Shawn Stankavage: "Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian will be in North Carolina to see 2014 quarterback Shawn Stankavage. The East Carolina quarterback commitment has an interesting story as some believe he was overlooked after not being able to camp last spring and summer because he was recovering from an ACL injury. But, he had a very good senior season and it seems at the very least Bajakian is doing his due diligence in evaluating another quarterback, something we have said on here numerous times Tennessee has continued to do." -VQ
  • Shawn Stankavage: "Stankavage - Right now, I would be surprised if they offered. I think they were looking at some guys in that area. Bajakian went by the HS of a 2016 qb and I think they were just checking in for a look test on him if you will." -Hubbs
  • Devin Smith accepts a preffered walk on spot
  • Shawn Stankavage commits to Vandy

RB Recruiting:
  • Derrell Scott commits to UT

Longsnapper Recruiting:
  • Wesley Horky commits to UT
  • Horky: "Coach Jones is going to turn the program around back to where it needs to be and that's on top because I don't know how anyone wouldn't want to play at Tennessee and for coach Jones. That's why it's about to be a really special time." Horky says he has a shot at securing a scholarship should he win the starting job at some point. "Yes sir, I know I will," he said. "They haven't promised me anything, but I could be put on it in January." -scout
  • Horky: "He was excited and so am I. It's a dream come true to be able to be a Vol," Horky said just minutes after talking to Jones. "I did really well at the special teams camp and coach Elder said, 'We want you here.'" Horky explained. "Since then, I've been dreaming of playing in Neyland Stadium." That dream came true on Monday night when he accepted a walk-on opportunity and the possibility of a scholarship the next year. "I grew up a Vol fan and ever since I went on my official just going there it blew me away and I've been thinking constantly and I'm excited and my family excited," Horky said. "Coaches Jones is a lot like my head coach here at Ravenwood and he's convinced everyone that we are going to win and it's a special place," Horky offered. "I know he's going to turn it around and he's a great guy is respect him so much. "I know from being around the players it's a great place and they believe in coach Jones and I do, too." -VQ

DLine Recruiting:
  • Michael Sawyers: "But, Tennessee is once again in it for another defensive linemen as several people close to Michael Sawyers have indeed informed us that Sawyers is still interested in Tennessee and reached out to Tennessee earlier today. It will be interesting to see what happens with Sawyers is still contemplating a Notre Dame visit this weekend and with his renewed interest in Tennessee just how everything plays out. Tennessee coaches are likely to see him midweek." -VQ
  • Michael Sawyers: "Buck has never wavered in saying Tennessee would be a player for Sawyers to the end. After Scott committed someone posted a tweet from Sawyers saying Scott was a baller and his boy. Roberston posted awhile back he would bring Sawyers to UT with him. Now that it appears Tennessee is a real player, Sawyers has yet to visit officially, and with the obvious numbers crunch could he like Roberston be a blue shirt candidate if he committed? I think that could be a possibility. But, I don't think we'll know for certain on anything until signing day when we see who all is officially the class." -Fortenberry
  • Michael Sawyers: "Sawyers cancels ND visit. Not sure what you guys know at this point so I thought I would share this. I was just informed by the man himself that he won't be visiting Notre Dame this weekend. No word on what his plans are directly from him but obviously the writing on the wall for him to be on campus in Knoxville." -Woody Wommack - posted on VQ
  • Michael Sawyers: "To add to Woody's post, he just tweeted he will take an official visit to Tennessee this weekend." -Fortenberry
  • Michael Sawyers: "Sawyers has been all over the map. I don't think he wants to go too far from home. He and Tennessee have had a strange relationship. The Vols were somewhat late offering. He was upset over that. He committed to Vandy and tweeted several things that wasn't flattering to Tennessee. So the two sides have kind of been standoffish to each other that's been the drama as they have tried to work through that to the point that Sawyers is now going to visit. Been a wild recruitment." -Hubbs
  • Michael Sawyers: "Jones is scheduled to be at Ensworth at some point on Thursday not only to see Sawyers, but to also check in on guys like Rico McGraw and several other underclassmen." - Fortenberry
  • Michael Sawyers: "It will also be interesting to see how the Michael Sawyers situation develops. As of Wednesday night, he was still scheduled to visit Tennessee this weekend but that still hasn't stopped other schools from coming after the four-star defensive lineman."-VQ
  • Michael Sawyers: "Jones and Thigpen also were by Ensworth to see Michael Sawyers as Sawyers is expected to be in town this weekend. If he does make it in town, the Vols are certainly a real factor here heading into the weekend and it will be interesting to see how things play out coming out of his visit. As for Sawyers, it seems it is either Georgia Tech or Tennessee for the four-star defensive lineman and with Sawyers being a little bit unsure of what he's doing this last month, it's tough to get a read of what's going on there but if he makes it on campus the Vols are very much a threat in this one." -VQ
  • Michael Sawyers: "Just spoke to Michael Sawyers, who absolutely raved about his visit. Said Josh Malone was his player host, loved the time he spent with Vols defensive line coach Steve Stripling and said it "was an unbelievable" experience when Butch Jones offered him his scholarship papers. Said comparing UT now to what he had seen in the past was just night and day. Said everything was top-notch and what really stood out was Butch Jones' quest for excellence in all facets and loved the renewed academic emphasis at UT. Academics are a very important component for Sawyers. Liked his time with Malone and Jason Carr. Malone, Jalen Hurd and some of those other guys Sawyers knows from the Midstate and recruiting circuit said what stands out most is that the Vols' coaches have not changed a bit from recruiting to getting onto campus. Same people, same demands. Maybe best quote was "Butch Jones isn't going to be satisfied with an SEC Championship. He wants to win a National Championship." Sawyers will pick from GT, Ole Miss and the Vols on Wednesday, with UT clearly leaving a very favorable impression this weekend. Full story later on VQ." -John Brice
  • Michael Sawyers: "It was overall a great visit," said the 6-foot-2, 307-pound four-star. "It was a really, really nice visit. One of the best moments was with (defensive line coach Steve) Stripling and getting to learn from him and talk to him." "One thing I really loved was the time with Coach Stripling and just getting to go over film and loved getting helped out by him, staying low and seeing how Coach Stripling teaches me." "That was unbelievable, the home-state school giving your scholarship papers," Sawyers told VolQuest.com. "I'm excited about Tennessee right now. It's totally different. I went there last year, and just the whole thing is different. Everything is top-notch; the facilities, coach Jones' program. Coach Jones is not going to settle for an SEC Championship; he wants to win a national championship." "I got to hang out with Josh and (Jason) Carr, the d-lineman," Sawyers said. "They liked it. They said the thing they love about it is that all the coaches haven't changed at all. They said Coach Jones and all of them are just the same as they were in recruiting." -VQ
  • Michael Sawyers: "Four-star defensive tackle Michael Sawyers of Ensworth High School in Nashville, Tenn., a former Vanderbilt commitment, returned to Tennessee this weekend for the first time in almost nine months, and his latest look at the Vols, by all accounts, couldn’t have gone much better. Sawyers also took official visits to Georgia Tech the weekend of Jan. 17 and Ole Miss the weekend of Jan. 24, but Tennessee and Ole Miss were believed to be the two teams to beat heading into the weekend. After the visit, the Vols now appear to be the favorite to land Sawyers, who’s not expected to announce his decision until National Signing Day on Wednesday. Nothing is a done deal for Sawyers at this point, but sources close to the situation said Tennessee made a big impression on him. He was impressed by the Vols’ coaches, academics and coaches, and he spent plenty of time with some of the Nashville-area natives he knows who now are playing at Tennessee." -Vols 247

LB Recruiting:
  • Cody Underwood accepts preferred walk on spot

DB Recruiting:
  • Adoree Jackson: "some sources close to jackson’s recruitment still believe that his family is very high on the vols — perhaps to the point that tennessee might be their top choice — and they seem to be very comfortable with the idea of jackson playing at ut. The biggest question seems to be how much of a factor that might be in jackson’s decision and whether he feels the same way about the vols." -247
  • Adoree Jackson: "USC sent three coaches - Tee Martin, Marques Tuiasosopo and Clay Helton - to Serra today for Adoree' Jackson. I was told UCLA sent their entire coaching staff plus a track coach but I believe UCLA is fighting a huge uphill battle here. Florida and Tennessee are expected in Tuesday. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is expected in Wednesday. There is still no decision on a final official visit for this weekend. Jackson said Friday he would know by Thursday on a trip with USC, UCLA and Florida under consideration." -Adam Gorney
  • Adoree Jackson: "Tennessee coaches John Jancek and Willie Martinez are expected to be in California on Tuesday to meet with Adoree Jackson as Jackson begins to shut it down over the next few days leading into his announcement next week on National Signing Day. The question everyone is wondering this week is if Adoree is taking an official visit to USC this weekend and while Adoree won't announce anything until Thursday it's looking more and more like that visit is going to take place. It's hard not to see that as a very big positive for the Trojans heading down the stretch if Adoree indeed does make that visit." -VQ
  • Adoree Jackson: "Seems like it's all setting up for Southern Cal. Family is apparently going to be out for the visit and stay through till signing day. Trojans get the last visit with him. HS has plenty of USC influence." - Hubbs
  • Adoree Jaskson cuts UT
  • "On Adoree, I'm as surprised... As anybody out there. I heard as early as this afternoon that Tennessee was actually making up ground. I'm trying to find exactly why Adoree has eliminated Tennessee and I really do think this is a two-horse race now between Florida and USC." -Adam Gorney
  • "I have multiple sources at Serra who are completely surprised he eliminated Tennessee today." -Adam Gorney
  • "The biggest unknown was how much influence Adoree's parents had in the decision making process. I think what we learned tonight is very little. He hasn't lived with his parent for 3 years and end the end regardless of what they may or may not have preferred it's going to be Adoree's decision. People were calling Tennessee the dark horse because of ties they had to the family in St. Louis. But those ties weren't strong enough to get Adoree to the Vols. I thought that Tennessee would make it to signing day as a finalist. I'm surprised by that." -Hubbs

Punter Recruiting:
  • Troy Waites commits to UT as a preferred walk on
  • Troy Waites: "Troy is an outstanding kicker. His field goals are solid and kickoffs show big potential. Kicks very well under pressure. Also a developing punter. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. I expect big things from Troy. Has a bright college future with continued hard work! Should have a huge spring and summer and challenge for an "Event Eliite" spot this May. Excellent prospect." -Chris Sailer
 
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#2
#2
2015 Recruiting:
  • UT offers TN DE Emmitt Gooden
  • "Mark Elder was in the Cleveland area on Monday to see Joe Henderson and several 2015 athletes including linebacker Jerome Baker." -VQ
  • Josh McMillon: "Jancek also saw Charles Mosley as well as Whitehaven linebacker Joshua McMillon in Memphis. McMillon's stock has continued to rise this winter as more and more coaches pour into Whitehaven to see the talented linebacker." -VQ
  • NM QB Zach Gentry: "On Monday, Butch Jones and Mike Bajakian were in New Mexico to start off the day to check in on quarterback Zach Gentry. Gentry told Volquest.com on Monday night that the first college head coach to check him out wasn't someone from the West Coast, instead it was Jones making the cross-country flight to see him in the morning. It definitely was not lost on Gentry and he hopes to repay the visit to see the Vols' Orange and White Game in April. We will have a story on that tomorrow as well." -VQ
  • UT offers FL ATH Tim Irvin
  • CT TE Chris Clark: "I know Tennessee is a great program and they are on the rise," he said. "I really don't know much about that school other then they are in the SEC. I talked to coach Elder and he seems like a good guy. "Tennessee is showing a lot of interest. Arizona State, Georgia and Ohio State are also pretty interested," said Clark. "Those are the ones sticking out. "I'm setting up a bunch of visits for my spring break in March," he said. "I want to check out Tennessee, Texas Tech and Arizona State but they aren't set in stone yet. I'm going to try to check out Miami, Iowa and maybe Nebraska." -Rivals
  • FL WR George Campbell: "UT wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni traveled to Florida on Monday to check on several players, including five-star 2015 wide receiver George Campbell of Tarpon Springs, Fla., who decommitted from Michigan last month." -247
  • Darian Roseboro says he will make his decision in the middle of April
  • "Wednesday Jones will be in South Florida along with assistant coach Zach Azzanni to see a few 2015 prospects high on Tennessee's board like Torrance Gibson and Calvin Ridley and both seem to have an interest in Tennessee early on." -VQ
  • NM QB Zach Gentry: "That was awesome. I like him a lot. He's a good guy. Everyone there was asking about the guy in the bright orange jacket," Gentry said. "It means a lot. Not too often a coach will fly into El Paso (Texas) and then drive an hour to Las Cruces, N.M., to watch a basketball game, especially when it was two days after the dead period ended." Then, on Monday, Bajakian returned to New Mexico but this time brought with him Tennessee head coach Butch Jones. "I think it is a big deal because he's still trying to clean up and get all of the 2014 guys recruited and worrying about that class and coach Jake has already come to see me three times and that means a lot to me, too," Gentry explained. "That means a lot because they are investing a lot of time and energy in me." "Actually, the last few weeks I've been doing more research recruiting-wise and I didn't know until just last week how many athletes UT is bringing in for these next few years. They have a really high ranking class coming in these next two years," Gentry said. "I think that's something I've really looked into, especially at UT because I heard about all those guys that are committing early in 2015. You have a ton of athleticism coming in on the outside and that's something that really excites a quarterback." -VQ
  • UT offers FL OL Abdul Bello
  • Vols offered NC ATH Stephen Griffin. Visitied by Elder and Martinez Monday. Visiting Knoxville on 2/15/14
  • NC ATH Stephen Griffin: Griffin recalled going to Tennessee and Virginia games in the past, and obviously has strong ties to Clemson's program. Being the new student in various cities is something he has gotten used to. "It just has helped me to fit in and relate to everybody," Griffin said. "I've been able make friends quick and build that trust out on the field. "The first college I got to see for real was Tennessee. I went to preschool with Todd Kelly, who is a [senior] safety commit [at UT]. In Charlottesville, we always had season tickets to UVa games." Griffin finished with 80 tackles and three interceptions, plus 11 pass break-ups this past fall. His football IQ helped South Meck out when he made the move to play quarterback during the early portion of the schedule. The Sabres finished 3-8 against a tough schedule.
  • "Tennessee is in good shape early on with Drew Richmond (No. 1), Kyle Phillips (No. 3), Josh Smith (No. 6) and, obviously, Jack Jones (No. 9), who already has committed to the Vols. I would expect UT to be at least a contender for Jauan Jennings (No. 4), Joshua McMillon (No. 5) and Van Jefferson (No. 8), and I wouldn't be surprised if the Vols remained in the picture with Rico McGraw (No. 2) despite his recent commitment to Georgia. So far, Tennessee hasn't offered Vanderbilt commitment Donovan Sheffield (No. 7) — and I wouldn't expect the Vols to be much of a contender for him — or Alex Givens, although UT still is keeping an eye on him. Also, it's definitely worth noting that these rankings will change plenty over the next year, so these aren't necessarily the only 10 in-state guys people should focus on in the 2015 class. We'll take a closer look at the in-state 2015 class with some content right after signing day." -Ryan Callahan, 247
  • UT offers NJ CB Minkah Fitzpatrick
  • UT offers FL LB Tevon Coney
  • Rico McGraw: "Jones is scheduled to be at Ensworth at some point on Thursday not only to see Sawyers, but to also check in on guys like Rico McGraw and several other underclassmen." - Fortenberry
  • "Afterwards, Butch Jones hopped on a plane and headed back to Tennessee and to Murfreesboro. He saw Jack Jones and Josh Smith at Oakland High School and also went by Blackman High School to check in on Jauan Jennings as the Vols battle with other schools for him." - Rivals
  • TN OT Drew Richmond: "On Thursday Mahoney is expected to drop by Memphis University School to see Drew Richmond." -VQ
  • "Don Mahoney was in the Nashville area as well today and he saw a couple of underclassmen prospects with potential including 2015 offensive lineman Alex Givens and Daniel Bituli from Nashville Christian School." -VQ
  • TN ATH Jocquez Bruce: "Bruce has went to work in the weight room and Cherokee head coach Clark Duncan has instantly seen a difference in his soon to be senior tailback. "I've seen Joc work on the football field and he's brought it into the weight room," Duncan said. "Another thing is he's pushing guys. He's becoming a leader. I think what he's doing is going to give him a chance to do what he wants and that's play Division 1 football." He has heard recently from Texas A&M and LSU. Tennessee has been on Bruce for several months and head coach Butch Jones recently stopped by to check in on Bruce with Duncan. "It makes me feel more comfortable," Bruce said. "It was good to know they came by to check in with coach Duncan. He told coach Duncan he wants me to come to camp and come over for Junior day and other events. They want to get to know me more."-VQ
  • "mark elder, tennessee’s tight ends coach and special teams coordinator, spent wednesday in florida checking on a pair of 2015 tight ends — four-star prospect garrett williams of orlando, fla., and bowman archibald of dade city, fla. — both of whom hold early offers from the vols." - 247
  • Vols offer LA DE Isaiah Washington
  • Vols offer NJ QB Brandon Wimbush
  • NC DT Sterling Johnson: "A, I really feel as if I come off the ball very fast. I've seen on the forms of people who watch my highlight tape, they say I'm very strong and come off the ball fast," Johnson said. "And B., I play with a lot of hustle and intensity." Johnson will take a similar approach to the recruiting process. Learning of his Vols' offer, Johnson called the UT football offices and quickly chatted with linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen. Johnson knows some about the Vols; his sister is friends with just-departed Vol defensive tackle Dan McCullers. And as a freshman, Johnson said his school faced off against Derrell Scott's school in the playoffs and that Scott's school "put a pretty bad beatdown on us." Johnson said he most remembers a hit leveled by Scott's teammate, Pharoh Cooper, on a teammate that became the stuff of legend. Johnson anticipates seeing the Vols on a junior day in the next few weeks; he'll also make several other visits to high-profile programs as he continues to move along in the recruiting process. "I'm visiting Clemson (today), N.C. State on Sunday, UNC on February 22, possibly visiting Tennessee the 15th for junior day, South Carolina on the 29th, and Wake Forest on March 1," Johnson said. "I feel like it's a really big decision. I want to get every detail I can from each school." -VQ
  • NM QB Zach Gentry: “The head coach coming out, especially this close to signing day to wrap up the 2014 class and everything, I think that’s a big deal because they’re definitely showing a lot of interest,” said Gentry, who now claims six offers to date. “I mean, Coach ‘Jake’s already come out to see me three times, so that meant a lot.” “They just told me that they’d love for me to be a Vol, and they want me to try to get out and maybe see the spring game, get out as soon as I can and visit everything, and take an unofficial and just check everything out,” “(Jones) was just telling me that they love the way I play, they love the kid I am, and they really, really want me to wear orange and white in a couple of years. It just really meant a lot to me hearing that from him.” “I’ve been looking into it, especially at the recruiting class that they’ve been pulling in right now and the talent they’ve been pulling in, in the 2014 and 2015 classes so far,” he said. “It’s really exciting. I’ve been looking into it more. I like it a lot, especially with the interest the coaches are showing. Doing my research, I like the school, I like the facilities and, obviously, the recruiting classes they’ve been pulling in are top-of-the-line.” “I think I’ll be able to (get to the O&W game),” Gentry said. “I think I’m going to talk to my family right now about trying to get out there to see the spring game, so I think that’s a possibility, for sure.” “My parents have always just told me, if a place feels right, no matter how far away it is, they can do whatever they can to come out and see me,” Gentry said. “I think, if a place just feels right with me, then I have no problem traveling or going a long distance.” -247 Sports
  • "I think Gentry, Torrance Gibson, Jarrett Stidham and Drew Lock probably are the four 2015 QBs at the top of Tennessee's board right now, but it's still early. Other targets always could emerge, and that board could change a bit as the Vols continue evaluating guys in the coming months, especially during the spring evaluation period." ~ Ryan Callahan
  • FL QB Dwayne Lawson names a top 3 of UF, UT and UCF
  • VA CB Garrett Taylor: "I'm still in the process of narrowing down my list," he explained. Some of the schools I'm interested in and the ones I'm not I'm letting know so I won't be keeping in contact with them.. That should be done pretty soon." At this stage, Taylor does have several programs sticking out in his mind. "Yeah, in no particular order," he said. "Definitely Michigan State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Stanford and then probably Vandy a little bit. It's kind of interesting with the whole coaching change there. I just picked up Miami so I want to check them out too." Taylor reiterated that he plans on taking things slowly when it comes to making a decision on his future, as he hopes to be able to make one pledge and one only. "I won't make my decision until fall or winter or next year," he said. "I really want to take my time and make sure I'm making the right decision. I want to commit once and stick with that school throughout the rest of process." -USCjr Rivals
  • NC DT Sterling Johnson: "Johnson, a junior defensive lineman from Cleveland High School in Clayton, N.C., said he picked up offers from South Carolina, Ohio State and Tennessee this week, adding his latest offer from the Vols on Thursday during a phone conversation with linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen. The 6-foot-5, 274-pound Johnson now claims nine offers to date, including five in the past two weeks, and he said he was particularly excited about his offer from Tennessee. “I’ve never visited or been to a camp (at Tennessee), but I know — besides them struggling the past few years — I know they have a real strong tradition over there. And I honestly can say that they have a really loyal fan base,” said Johnson, who also holds offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest." -Just a piece of a Tennessee 247 article: Has a top 3 of Tennessee, Clemson, and Florida State in no order.
  • NC DT Sterling Johnson: “I definitely plan on visiting there before I make a decision. We talked about junior day on February 15, and I’m going to talk to my mom about that later on to see if I’ll be going there or not. I’m not quite sure yet.” “If I had a top three today, it would probably be between Clemson, Florida State and Tennessee, as of right now. With there being so many big schools, and with all the good traditions, it’s real hard to just pick out certain ones,” “I honestly feel that, once they get them a solid coaching staff (at Tennessee), they’re going to be able to compete with anybody in the SEC. I feel like once they find that stability within their program, then they’ll take it to the next level.” “Even though I’ve never visited, I guess it’s just the atmosphere that I see whenever I watch their games or something,” Johnson said. “Even though they’ve had losing records for the past two, three years, I think — something like that — for you to still have 100,000 fans coming out to every single home game, that’s just incredible.” -247 Sports
  • NM QB Zach Gentry: "a number of college coaches have traveled to new mexico over the past couple of months to check on zach gentry, but perhaps no out-of-state team recently has been there more frequently than tennessee. Gentry, a top247 junior quarterback from eldorado high school in albuquerque, n.m., said he received a visit monday from jones and tennessee offensive coordinator mike bajakian, marking the third time the vols have checked on him in less than two months. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound gentry — who picked up a scholarship offer from tennessee in december — said the visit from jones “no doubt” made a big impression on him. “the head coach coming out, especially this close to signing day to wrap up the 2014 class and everything, i think that’s a big deal because they’re definitely showing a lot of interest,” said gentry, who now claims six offers to date. “i mean, coach ‘jake’s already come out to see me three times, so that meant a lot.” jones and bajakian have made it clear to gentry that he’s one of the vols’ top quarterback targets in the 2015 class. They just told me that they’d love for me to be a vol, and they want me to try to get out and maybe see the spring game, get out as soon as i can and visit everything, and take an unofficial and just check everything out,” said gentry “(jones) was just telling me that they love the way i play, they love the kid i am, and they really, really want me to wear orange and white in a couple of years. It just really meant a lot to me hearing that from him.” “it’s really exciting. I’ve been looking into it more. I like it a lot, especially with the interest the coaches are showing. Doing my research, i like the school, i like the facilities and, obviously, the recruiting classes they’ve been pulling in are top-of-the-line.” while gentry has yet to schedule any upcoming visits, he said he’s hoping to make it to tennessee this spring — perhaps, as jones suggested, for the vols’ spring-ending orange and white game on april 12. “my parents have always just told me, if a place feels right, no matter how far away it is, they can do whatever they can to come out and see me,” gentry said. “i think, if a place just feels right with me, then i have no problem traveling or going a long distance.” -247
  • OH LB Jerome Baker: "They are definitely a school to consider," Baker said. "Coach Elder always tells me he can talk all about Tennessee, but there's nothing like going down there and seeing it and that's one of my goals, to get down there and actually see it and see how it is. I'm excited about it." "I know it has a great tradition," Baker said. "My coach always tells me if a school shows interest in you to show interest back and learn more about the university so I'm learning more and I've learned they have great tradition." "Pretty much every school wants me to play linebacker but they say I can play running back as well," Baker offered. "Where I'm leaning towards is linebacker. Linebacker is probably what I'll play." "It has always been three things for me, academics, tradition and atmosphere," Baker said. "Those are the three things I look for in every university." -VQ

2016 Recruiting:
  • "John Jancek was in West Tennessee checking in on several prospects including 2016 defensive lineman Emmit Gooden who Tennessee offered. Gooden said it was a big deal and very exciting for him. We will have a full story on Gooden's offer and reaction tomorrow as well." - VQ
  • TN DE Emmitt Gooden: "When I talked to coach Strip on Sunday I didn't an offer was coming," Gooden said. "I know coach Jancek was stopping by the school but I didn't know they would tell my coach they offered me." "As soon as I found out about the offer and I went in the back and called my mom and she was telling me she was so happy for me and she was screaming," Gooden said. "That was an exciting moment for me because no one in my family has ever done that before and that just makes me want to go harder." "That Tennessee offer means a lot," Gooden explained. "My defensive coach was telling me I was the first sophomore in Haywood County to ever get an offer from Tennessee. My coach was just letting me knows how blessed I am." Gooden added that Tennessee and Vanderbilt still make up his top two right now and he hopes to play his college football in the state of Tennessee." - vQ
  • Mahoney stopped TN LB Daniel Bituli's HS and checked in on him per VQ.
  • UT offers FL S Cedrick Wright
  • UT offers FL WR Ahmmon Richards
  • In VQ's War Room, they called TN CB Dorian Banks a "very heavy lean" to UT right now.
  • Vols offer NC LB Keion Joyner. Teammate of D.Scott

Other Notes:
  • UT will switch from Adidas to Nike in 2015
 
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#3
#3
Weekly Recruiting Update History:
 
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#5
#5
Man this is fantastic. If I had one recommendation that could make the whole thing better, I would say to add the date to each quote. That's the only thing that makes it hard to follow at times. Context is everything in recruiting. A quote on Monday may be meaningless on Wednesday. Adding the dates would make it read better and feel a lot more structured and easier to follow.

Just a thought I had while I was reading through it.

Wonderful job though. Really appreciate you doing this.
 
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#6
#6
seaofORANGE22 said:
Man this is fantastic. If I had one recommendation that could make the whole thing better, I would say to add the date to each quote. That's the only thing that makes it hard to follow at times. Context is everything in recruiting. A quote on Monday may be meaningless on Wednesday. Adding the dates would make it read better and feel a lot more structured and easier to follow.

Just a thought I had while I was reading through it.

Wonderful job though. Really appreciate you doing this.
Click to expand...

i might be able to do that if it doesnt clutter it up even more. it is already in order of date posted though
 
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#8
#8
PassedOutAwake said:
i might be able to do that if it doesnt clutter it up even more. it is already in order of date posted though
Click to expand...

Gotcha. I wasn't sure if it was or not. It's mainly in the Barnett and Hendrix parts. Which I've been following pretty closely anyways. I was just having a hard time figuring out which info was new or not.

Outside of signing day week, I wouldn't think it would matter much. I just found myself wondering which days some of the quotes were for. But that's probably only because of how tight the days are getting for some of these guys. That won't really be much of an issue most of the year.

Hope we hold on to our dlinemen and reel in Sawyers. Excited.
 
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#10
#10
So, after Wednesday, are you gonna pick this all up again and start over until Feb 4, 2015? :) Thanks for the work, POA.
 
#11
#11
I'm sitting in a hotel in Prague, Czech with a ton of a lot of work to do before tomorrow and made the mistake of checking into VN during a quick break. Well, it looks like my break is going to take a lot longer than I first thought. Thanks again POA. Just thought you'd like to know your posts are going world-wide!:hi:
 
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#13
#13
CroKev said:
I'm sitting in a hotel in Prague, Czech with a ton of a lot of work to do before tomorrow and made the mistake of checking into VN during a quick break. Well, it looks like my break is going to take a lot longer than I first thought. Thanks again POA. Just thought you'd like to know your posts are going world-wide!:hi:
Click to expand...

I love Prague. Beautiful history and architecture out there.
 
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#17
#17
Bless your heart, POA. This update gets longer and longer, has to take up a lot of your time. Much appreciated!
 
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