Weekly Recruiting Update 1/6 - 1/12

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PassedOutAwake

PassedOutAwake

R.I.P RichRollin
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Few recruiting things from Nashville today

VolQuest was granted exclusive access to check out the workouts of Jack Jones, Josh Smith, Emmanuel Smith, Ugo Amadi and myriad others today in Nashville.

I'll have several video interviews and hopefully some highlights if I didn't shoot those too poorly.

Both Amadi and Josh Smith told me they plan to be at UT sometime this spring for a junior day, etc.

Mann Smith talked some about the Penn State offer ---- having been in Nashville today, I can tell you there are plenty of folks miffed that Franklin left and then offered a Nashville-area Vandy commitment a scholarship offer so quickly --- but made clear to me he'll be at UT in the next few weeks. He's already been to UT close to a half-dozen times across the past year.

Jack Jones talked to me about his work to improve, being motivated by one national outfit being the only to not have him ranked in its top 300 and also about the peer recruiting the 2015 guys continue to forge ahead with. He, Andrew Butcher and Cecil Cherry have been working on Torrance Gibson, the South Florida QB that Austin Price just recently caught up with.

Michael Sawyers was scheduled to be at the workout today but had to miss; however, as noted, I'm told very strongly he'll be in Knoxville within the next three weeks.
-John Brice
Click to expand...

Current Commit News:
  • All 14 EEs move in. Blair, Creamer, Wolf, Raulerson, Malone, Hurd, Williams, Payne, Helm, Johnson, Pearson, Mixon, C.Thomas and Moseley
  • "And I think Hendrix can be a hybrid guy playing both inside in some situations and outside as a strongside defensive end in some situations." -Hubbs
  • "I love Gaulden. I think he has a chance to help this team right away on special teams and I think he could push at the safety spot opposite of Randolph. Love how hard he comes downhill in the run game. Really good football player." -Hubbs
  • "Brown looked better than I thought he would look. He needs to keep working on his weight and make sure his classroom in taken care of. His work last night was better than what film I saw on him earlier this fall." -Hubbs
  • "I think it's pre-mature to ink anyone in as a starter. I think Gaulden and Kelly are safeties and will get a look at nickel. I don't think either are corners. I think the competition back there is going to be good this summer and fall and will be fun to watch. They have to get faster and more athletic in their nickel and dime sets. This game now is really a 3-3-5 or a 4-2-5 game. That's almost your base defense any more, but your strong safety and nickel guy have to be really good tacklers in the run game and really get down hill in the box against the run." -Hubbs
  • Andrew Butcher: "During his junior season, Butcher recorded 79 tackles, 13 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, forced eight fumbles and blocked a field goal." -scout
  • Jakob Johnson: “it’s an amazing feeling, to see that dream come true[.] “coach thig’ thinks that i can really make an early impact, especially because i’ll be there early and get a chance to go through spring football and stuff,” johnson said. “but me personally, i really wouldn’t have a problem if i would be redshirted or something. I’ll do whatever the coaches think is the right thing to do. “i’m going to give it my all, and i’m going to try to do everything i can to get out there early and try to do everything i can to maybe get in the rotation and get on the field in spring and fall as much as possible. But i’ll deal with what the coaches say, 100 percent.” “i love the gym,” he said. “that’s one thing i love about tennessee. They’ve got that new weight room, and everything’s brand-new — every machine, every weight you could possibly, really want. I just want to get in there.” “i’ve 100-percent bought into coach jones’ vision,” johnson said. “i mean, when you look at tennessee, that’s probably one of the big schools with the most history in college football. When i heard about the 38 (team maxims) of football or something that coach (robert) neyland brought up, i took a look at that. “i mean, that’s so much of tennessee — so many stories of great seasons, great teams, great players coming out of that school. I really think that coach jones is the coach to put tennessee back up there, back in the spotlight. I’m just really glad i get a chance to be part of a team that does that.” - 247
  • "Dontavius Blair is closing out a couple of online classes and told VolQuest that he can't wait to arrive in Knoxville this weekend, that he's been working for this moment since he first left for junior college." -Brice
  • Andrew Butcher: “I thought (the combine) went really good. I dominated the one-on-ones, and I did really good in the bench press,” said Butcher, who led all players in attendance by bench-pressing 185 pounds 33 times. “It was a great experience playing with all the top talent in Georgia (in the Elite Junior Classic) and just seeing how I match up. It was just a different level of speed, because I’m not used to going against running backs like Taj Griffin. I had to get used to that.” “I’m encouraged with where things are, because we did end up beating a top-10 (South Carolina) team (this season). We were the underdogs in that game, and it was just great,” Butcher said. “We’re on the rise now. With all the recruits coming in, it’s going to be Butch Jones’ recruits now, and we’re going to have a winning mentality.” “It’s just the relationships with the (Tennessee) coaches,” he said. “I’ve gotten to know them, and I know they’re going to win.” -247
  • Gavin Bryant: "He needs to finish with a good semester of school. But I think he's getting better academically to put himself in a position to be eligible." -Hubbs
  • Owen Williams: "I'm very excited to be a part of Tennessee and just get going here," said the 6-foot-2, 285-pound signee from Butler County Community College. Walking across Rocky Top earlier this week, Williams said he realized this was a moment for which he had long been working. "All my life, really, I've been wanting this," William said. "I've been putting in the work a long time. "And yeah, it makes you want to work even harder now that I'm here." "Oh yeah, that's even more motivation to know you've got a good chance to start and keep getting better to make sure you do start," Williams said. "I've only got a certain amount of time here, so I have to do everything I can to make it work." "I'm not a big socializing person, so I had to work on communicating more," Williams explained. "That's one big thing I had to work on. And I've just been working out like I normally do. Just trying to stay big and fast. Hopefully I'm about to be even bigger and faster when start lifting weights in this program." "They said we're going to be doing a whole bunch of squats and squats are the hardest thing," he said. "I haven't really heard too much more. Just heard about the squats and all that that we'll be doing." -VQ
  • Ethan Wolf: “i’m just ready to get in there and start working[.] the offseason’s going to do great things for all of us early enrollees, getting in the weight program. The extra work is really going to help us, especially with the lack of depth at tight end right now.” “that’s my goal, is to be an every-down tight end, having that dual threat to the point where, if they need a guy to go out and play in the slot, do that, and then obviously being able to set the edge (in run blocking). That’s my goal, is to be that caliber of player that can be on the field at all times,” he said. I honestly can’t say that’s going to happen this year, because i don’t know what the plan is. But that’s my ultimate goal.” “i guess we’ll just have to see,” wolf said. “i mean, i would love (to be an every-down player). I guess it all depends on how quick a.j. (branisel) is back — and i doubt he’s going to be back for spring ball — and how healthy brendan (downs) is, and just how many reps me and (fellow newcomer) daniel (helm) are going to be getting this spring just from the lack of depth at the position.” i definitely think this class is going to be a significant part of turning this program around,” he said. “we’ve got a lot of great players coming in right now, and we’ve got a lot of talent. If we all stay on the same page and work hard, there’s no telling what we can do, especially as we start getting guys in younger classes.” - 247
  • Neiko Creamer wont enroll until summer.
  • Cortez McDowell said if he were drafted before the 5th round, he would consider playing pro baseball
  • Gavin Bryant will OV to UT on Jan 17th
  • Josh Malone: "Very relieved," Malone exclusively told VolQuest.com about ending the recruiting phase of his career and beginning at UT. "My mother made me promise when I committed that I would end the process. So it's over and I'm glad. It got pretty hectic at the end. I had good options and it was hard to decide and a lot of pressure. "But I'm happy with my decision and glad it's over." Malone had long been working toward being a mid-term enrollee, a point of emphasis because Malone wants to have a chance to be an instant-impact player. "It's a great feeling. It got here a lot quicker than I thought. But I'm ready, and it's one of my goals," said the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder. "I just have to keep working to prove I belong." "I feel like working with them has helped me mature in the classroom and on the field," said Malone, whose work with Playmakers including working out with high-profile prospects such as Rashaan Gaulden, Jalen Ramey and Emmanuel Smith, among others. "I was able to get a really good ACT score and so I am able to enroll early. They demand excellence in the classroom and the field, so I expect that of myself." -VQ
  • Final stats thread for current commits: http://www.volnation.com/forum/tenn.../212286-finals-stats-most-our-33-commits.html
  • Preston Williams tweets that he is on course to graduate early
  • Cortez McDowell: "Basically everyone I have talked with recently about McDowell seems to be convinced he's pretty firmly committed to Tennessee. I have kept a close eye on him over the past few months, knowing that Auburn has stayed in contact with him, but I don't have any reason to believe right now that he's giving strong consideration to the Tigers or any other team. He's maybe worth keeping an eye on over the next few weeks, but I haven't heard anything that would suggest McDowell even will visit anywhere else leading up to signing day." - 247
  • Cory Thomas: "We've been saying for a while now that he's one of the main guys Tennessee will have to continue recruiting all the way to signing day, especially considering his relationships with people at Mississippi State and how many times he has been there. He's also planning to visit Clemson, but I think MSU is the main team to watch. We'll try to catch up with him soon for an update." - 247
  • Recent 247 article about MSU commit Braxton Hoyett talking about Cory Thomas: "On that visit, Hoyett also plans to spend time recruiting for the Bulldogs concerning those that are not on MSU's commit list. That includes Tennessee commit and friend Cory Thomas who is also expected to visit that weekend. "I think we get Cory," said Hoyett. "Tennessee has so many Dline commits and we only have two right now. He would have a great opportunity to see the field quicker at Mississippi State. So I will be working hard on him that weekend."
  • Cory Thomas: "I am visiting Clemson next weekend, then I am going to Mississippi State and then the last weekend I will be at Tennessee," said Thomas. "Those are the three schools I am still looking at." "It's going to come down to the official visits," said Thomas. "I am going to take the visits and then I am going decide where I want to go and then I am going to announce my final decision on signing day."Clemson and Mississippi State are both still in it and I want to see how those visits go. "I am not sure what Tennessee needs to do to close it out to be honest. "I want to know how they plan on getting all of the commitments in and I am going to talk with them about that when I take my official." -scout
  • [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6KMHbWR2Z4[/youtube]
  • "Coleman Thomas arrived bigger and has jumped right into things. They will move him around, but don't rule out him as a possibility at tackle. Both Coleman and Raulerson have shown solid fundamentals in very, very early work. They've both impressed from a technical and physical standpoint." -VQ
  • "Ray Raulerson might also get some work at center. Offensive line coach Don Mahoney likes having guys that are interchangeable parts who can play different positions. Both Coleman and Raulerson have shown solid fundamentals in very, very early work. They've both impressed from a technical and physical standpoint." -VQ
  • "At the tight end position, as one source put it to Volquest this week, the upgrade in simply adding two bodies made the position better. But it's more than just added bodies. Ethan Wolf arrived with good size and looks to be a guy who can be physical early in his career and Daniel Helm is a guy that athletically looks to be able to add a different dimension to the passing game. Remember, too, Brendan Downs has been on crutches so it's going to be a ton of reps and opportunities for the new guys." -VQ
  • "D'Andre Payne has shown good early athleticism; it will be interesting to see if he can potentially be a factor at perhaps nickleback." -VQ
  • "Emmanuel Moseley has appeared incredibly explosive. Moseley's challenge will be to get his weight up and prove durable, but he's an instant boost to the athleticism in the Vols' secondary, we're told." -VQ
  • "defensively, jakob johnson is that guy just commanding an early buzz. Johnson is a physical specimen, coming in right around 6-3 and 230 pounds. Look for johnson to wear number 44." - vq
  • Will Jakob Johnson stay at LB or move to DE? "They love him as a linebacker." -Fortenberry
  • Treyvon Paulk: “they let me know instantly. Coach ‘g’ told me everything was fine[.] “as soon as we got off the phone with (gillespie), coach jones actually called us right back and just gave us that confirmation, that i’ll still be a vol. I just needed to work and do my rehab and stuff like that. Everything was fine on that end. No worries about that.” “as far as being back to 100 percent, i think they say six to eight months, but it all depends on the person,” paulk said. “there’s a mental part of it, too, and it all depends on the person and who you are and how you approach it. I mean, throughout this whole process, i’ve stayed positive. It really wasn’t nothing to me. It was nothing but a little bump in the road. “i plan to be ready. I mean, that’s the goal, to come in and play. If it’s not in the plan, if other things happen, then it is what it is. But right now i plan to be ready. I feel like i’ll be ready.” “i’m a vol. I don’t even really entertain (other) people at all when it comes down to that. I’m done with recruiting. I’m done with it all,” paulk said. - 247
  • Paulk on his recovery: “The knee is good. My muscles are coming back, my quad. Everything is fine,” “I’m about to start jogging here pretty soon, being able to jog. It’s going well, actually. It’s not that bad. Hopefully I’m going to work and be able to come in and play next year.” “As far as being back to 100 percent, I think they say six to eight months (and it's been 3 months since his surgery), but it all depends on the person,” Paulk said. “There’s a mental part of it, too, and it all depends on the person and who you are and how you approach it. I mean, throughout this whole process, I’ve stayed positive. It really wasn’t nothing to me. It was nothing but a little bump in the road. I plan to be ready. I mean, that’s the goal, to come in and play. If it’s not in the plan, if other things happen, then it is what it is. But right now I plan to be ready. I feel like I’ll be ready (for the season)."
  • "On Creamer and Henderson... Just wanted to clear the air here. It seems Henderson won't be able to enroll early because of some things not getting cleared in time by the NCAA. Tennessee kept working on Creamer's case just in case something happened with Henderson and they were able to get him in at the last minute it seems. Some have asked if Tennessee can enroll 15 now and they can still only enroll 14. Christian Harris means nothing to the number as he didn't graduate and was counted as a scholarship in the fall. Henderson is scheduled to be here in the summer and should be fine come that time. Tennessee jumped the gun a little bit releasing his name earlier in the week as one of the 14 to make it in." -Fortenberry
  • Gavin Bryant: "I talked to Gavin and he seems pretty solid. He said right now he has no other visit plans besides Tennessee and he will visit this weekend for his official." -Fortenberry
  • "Cory Thomas and Dews are both looking around and we will see what happens there. Mouhon is taking a Cinci visit, but I think that's mostly for his brother." -Fortenberry
  • Neiko Creamer: “I was relieved, and I was excited to start getting ready to come to Knoxville,” “It wasn’t a surprise (that I was cleared). I still didn’t know if it was going to go through, but I knew there wasn’t a reason that I wouldn’t be able to come.” (Creamer) admitted that he found himself “wondering what was going on and why I wasn’t being cleared.” He said Tennessee and the NCAA encountered issues gathering his transcripts from the four different high schools he attended. “Everybody was just glad I was (cleared),” he said. “They thought I was coming the day they were. The staff plans to start Creamer at WR. “I’m 218 (pounds) right now, so I’ll probably get down to, like, 215,” he said. “That will probably just come with the running and stuff. I’ll probably just naturally cut down. As far as strength-wise, I’m probably one of the stronger receivers coming in as a freshman, so we’ll just see how it all boils down.” “I’m about 85, 90 percent,” Creamer said. “We’ve got squats on Monday, so when I see the doctor, we’ll see how I do on the squats. That should be fun.” -247 Sports
  • Cory Thomas: "Cory Thomas is scheduled to visit Clemson this upcoming weekend and then will likely be at Mississippi State the next weekend before visiting Tennessee Jan. 31. This is an important month for him so we will be watching to see what happens there." -VQ
  • Dewayne Hendrix: "A good number of people have asked about Dewayne Hendrix and his status and he told me today he's still very much committed to Tennessee but that he may take one more visit. He didn't know when or to where or even if he would take another visit, just said it was a possibility. He said Oregon, Nebraska and Missouri were still recruiting him. He did mention that one of his friends is a Nebraska commit. Still, it sounded like he hasn't made a decision to visit a school yet, just said it's a possibility." -Fortenberry

RB Recruiting:
  • "LSU’s addition of five-star running back Leonard Fournette, who announced his commitment to the Tigers during Thursday’s Under Armour All-America Game, might have helped Tennessee’s chances of getting an official visit from LSU running back commitment Darrel Williams sometime this month. The Vols were in good shape with Williams before LSU lost former running back commitment Sione Palelei to Oklahoma State and decided to make Williams a high priority, and there appears to be some optimism that UT at least could get a visit from him now that Fournette, as expected, has committed to the Tigers. It still seems unlikely that Tennessee will be able to steal Williams from his home-state school, but getting him on campus would be a start for the Vols." -247
  • Derrell Scott: On UF "I am just going to see what they have to say, give them a chance," Scott said. "Everybody thinks because they offered me, it's all over, and that I'm definitely going there. It's nothing like that. I am just going down there, taking an official visit to see what Coach [Will] Muschamp has to say." On Leaders "South Carolina and Tennessee are still my leaders at this point," he said. "They've been there for me longer. NC State is still there, too." On when he wants to decide "I'm not trying to take it to signing day," he insisted. "That's not my goal. I'm trying to do it before then, but whatever happens." - Rivals
  • Derrell Scott: "Spoke to a contact very familiar with the recruitment of four-star all-purpose back Derrell Scott out of Havelock (NC) this morning. Scott has one official visit left: to Florida on January 17. The contact indicated: "Yes Florida has a very legit chance. (Gators DL coach) Brad (Lawing) does a great job with (the Havelock) kids." South Carolina has led for the majority of this recruitment. I've been indicating over the last two months since Scott officially visited Tennessee that the Volunteers have caught up with the Gamecocks in this situation. He really likes the chances for early playing time in Knoxville. I'm now being told by this same contact that as of this morning, Tennessee leads in this recruitment." -Ryan Bartow, 247
  • Derrell Scott: "This shouldn't come as a surprise, but I was just told four-star running back target Derrell Scott (Havelock, N.C./Havelock) officially informed N.C. State today that the Wolfpack are no longer in the running for his services. The three finalists are South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. It was reiterated to me that the Gators are legitimately in it and that Scott is tiring of the process. I'd still expect a decision shortly after Steve Spurrier and Butch Jones makes their in-home visits on the week after the Florida official." - 247
  • Derrell Scott: “I just want to hear what the coaches say and what they have to offer,” said the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Scott. “Obviously, they’re not up there with South Carolina and Tennessee, but Florida is a school that I've always liked," Scott said. "So I want to go down there for a visit.“ Right now, South Carolina and Tennessee are at the top. After that, I would say Florida and then N.C. State. South Carolina and Tennessee are at the top because they've been recruiting me the longest – that’s the main reason.” “After my official visit to Florida, I’m not sure how many in-home visits I have left, but once I have all those - I’ll make my decision," he said. -scout
  • Derrell Scott: "Derrell Scott eliminated N.C. State, but as we've said in this very feature the last few months that was not a surprise. We also continued to say that Tennessee had the momentum with Scott and that still remains true. The question is can that momentum overcome Florida as well as South Carolina, the team most believed Scott would end up at. The Florida official is very important and it will take a good effort by the Gators to get to the level of South Carolina and Tennessee, but it wouldn't be a shocker if he said all three teams are even leaving his official visit." -VQ
  • Derrell Scott: “I have met coach (Kurt) Roper before and he’s a good guy and I already have a good relationship with him,” Scott said. “I like the way he gets his play-makers the ball in space and stuff. I think I fit into his offense really well. He wants me mainly as a running back.” For Scott he has always wanted a Gators offer and when he received the news he was excited to hear it. “I’ve always rooted for Florida,” Scott said. “I grew up liking Florida and watching them play when I was younger. I was excited to get the offer.” Scott has already taken two official visits and next up will be a trip to Gainesville followed shortly after that by a decision on where he will attend school at. “My only visit is to Florida on the 17th,” Scott said. “I’ve already taken officials to Tennessee and South Carolina so after I take my visit to Florida than I want to sit down and make a decision shortly after that. It didn’t hurt Florida that they offered me late. They can still get right in the mix for me.” Heading into Scott’s official to Florida he has two teams standing out but he knows what he needs to see on his trip to Florida next week. “Tennessee and South Carolina are my leaders with Florida third right now,” Scott said. “I just want to sit down with the coaches at Florida and see what they have to say and what they have to offer me as a player. I want to see how I comfortable I am with the place and how I like everything. My mom will be with me on my official to Florida" - Scout
  • Chris Beck will walk on. (Transfer from Dean J.C.)
  • "Tennessee continues to be a factor for Darrel Williams. The Louisiana running back is still currently committed to LSU but he's still listening to the Vols. Don't be surprised if you see him visit on the Jan. 24 weekend as he's still actively talking to Tennessee and is still listening. There's more info on the board on Williams." -Fortenberry
  • Derrell Scott: "UPDATE Jan. 12 - Scott continues to call Tennessee and South Carolina his two leaders and some close to Scott continue to indicate the Vols are ahead in the race at the moment. Scott will make an official visit to see Florida this weekend as the Gators try and close a pretty big gap behind S.C. and Tennessee. The in-home visits with the head coaches down the stretch look to be very important at this stage. Scott has no firm decision date but said he wants to make a decision before signing day." -VQ
  • "Bo Scarborough is a guy people are asking about and until he schedules a visit it's hard to put him on the board. He only has two official visits left and look for Florida State to get at least one of those visits and likely Florida to get the other. Alabama continues to fade there." -VQ

Oline Recruiting:
  • Benjamin Knox: "He was a Louisville lean but now I wonder if he visits there at all. I think they (Tennessee) want another offensive lineman in this class and if they bring him in and everything checks out I think he's a take. I don't think they need him to play next year and most linemen need a year to redshirt to get their body in collegiate shape, either losing or gaining weight. We will try and catch up with him this week to see what he's thinking now." -Paul Fortenberry
  • Benjamin Knox will OV to UT the weekend of January 17th
  • Benjamin Knox commits to USF
  • JudoCoach says CBJ contacted Bruno Reagan and wants him to OV

DB Recruiting:
  • DJ Smith: "I trimmed it down to South Carolina and Tennessee," Smith told InsideTennessee. "I recently cut Clemson out because I want to play in the SEC." "Early playing time and then the coaching staff (at South Carolina) is real good but mostly early playing time, just for both them actually, them and Tennessee," Smith said. "Yeah, I talk to him a lot, that's my homeboy," Smith said of Martinez. "I love him the most. He's one of the coolest recruiting coaches I talk to. When I hang out with him, we just have a blast. He probably is one of the biggest reasons I like Tennessee. He keeps coming back. He's a funny dude. I have a great relationship with him." -scout
  • Where does UT stand with Adoree Jackson? "I think they will be in the final group of three. I think LSU is as close to the top as anyone if not at the top. I'm really surprised that FSU is not in his final 6." - Hubbs
  • Emmanuel Smith: UT still recruiting Smith? "Yes, they still communicate some. Right now, Tennessee is it working with one or two spots but I wouldn't be surprised if he visited if a few of Tennessee's commits took visits this month." -Fortenberry
  • DJ Smith: "I recently caught up with Rivals250 DB D.J. Smith, who told me he's still planning on taking an official visit to Knoxville on Jan. 24. He says Tennessee is still recruiting him and has a spot for him, but he's also supposed to announce a commitment on Jan. 13 and then take a visit to South Carolina on Jan. 17. It will be interesting to see if that timeline plays out like that but it's worth noting." -Woody Wommack
  • DJ Smith: "I've narrowed it down to two of them," he said. "Tennessee and South Carolina. I'm going to decide then I'm taking my officials coming up." "I thought it over with myself and I just told myself that I wanted to play in the SEC," he said. "I want to play with the best of the best so I cut Clemson out and I think my best opportunity to play early is at either South Carolina or Tennessee." Smith said his plan is to visit South Carolina on Jan. 17 and then Tennessee on Jan. 24. It remains to be seen if he'll still be able to visit both schools assuming he sticks to his commitment date of Jan. 13. "Tennessee is still telling me they want me a lot because they need some more defensive backs," Smith said. "I know they have a bunch of big recruits and they've been encouraging to join them there." - Woody Wommack
  • Emmanuel Smith: "Tennessee has kept in touch with Emmanuel and with Franklin reportedly heading to Penn State I wouldn't be surprised to see him officially visit Tennessee. If the Franklin stuff does become official we will try and get in touch with him." -Fortenberry
  • "D.J. Smith has said he plans on visiting that weekend (1/24) but right now all signs point to him ending up a Gamecock. But, if Tennessee were to push late they could make that one a lot more interesting it seems." -VQ
  • DJ Smith: "I don't know. There are a lot of moving parts here and part of that is Tennessee can't really take more than just one or two more guys. Maybe if there are some decommitments things will change, but right now I don't know that there's room for DJ Smith. Things could obviously change. That's why I keep saying this is going to be a wild month." -Fortenberry
  • Adoree Jackson: "One other in-home visit will be very important this month and that's with Adoree Jackson. Butch Jones will try and see Jackson when he's with his family in St. Louis before he heads back to California for school. If they can make that visit to see the whole family instead of having to see the family in St. Louis in the morning and then seeing Adoree in the evening in California, it would go a ways to helping cement an already good relationship between the family and the Tennessee staff. Most believe Florida and LSU are the frontrunners here, but Tennessee is quietly very deep in the mix. But, Jackson plays everything close to the vest and it's hard to get a clear read with what's going on." -VQ
  • Is UT not a factor with E. Smith? "Tennessee has decisions to make with E. Smith. He would like for to be a factor for the Vols. I still think he might visit later this month. John will have more after visiting with him a little bit ago." -Hubbs
  • Adoree Jackson: "UPDATE Jan. 12 - Jackson will be the one guy everyone is watching this month but don't expect him to give too much away if anything at all before his signing day announcement. Tennessee is still very much in the thick of things but LSU and Florida are still very much in it as well. Some wonder what part USC will play in his decision, but we'd consider USC ending up with him an upset at this point. Tennessee still has work to do but they are very alive in the race for the 5-star prospect." -VQ

LB Recruiting:
  • Colton Jumper (Former 2*) transferring from Navy as a walk on

Dline Recruiting:
  • UT offers WI DT Craig Evans who is currently committed to WI
  • Craig Evans: The 2014 defensive tackle just committed to Wisconsin on Friday. He spoke with Vol defensive coordinator John Jancek today and Tennessee offered. Right now, his plan is to visit Tennessee on Jan. 24th weekend. He has already been to Arkansas, Wisconsin and Michigan State. Tennessee will be his last visit. The tie? Big Charles Mosley. Evans played with Mosley in Orlando at the offense-defense bowl and the two hit it off. Evans has always been intrigued by Tennessee and will be here the last weekend on a visit when Mosley is here on his visit." -Hubbs
  • Craig Evans: Monday, Evans got a phone call from Tennessee defensive coordinator John Jancek, who offered the 6-2, 312-pound 4-star prospect a scholarship. Evans grew up in Mississippi and actually received mail from the Vols when he was a sophomore, but it was a week with a future Vol in Orlando that has him looking at the Vols and will have him in Knoxville the last weekend of January. "I hung out with those guys committed to Tennessee while I was at the all-star game," Evans said. "Charles Mosley was on my team. We spent a lot of time together. We played side by side on the defensive line and we just kind of clicked. He's a great guy to hang out with." "I've scheduled a visit for January 24th," Evans said. "Big Charles is going to be there this weekend too. I have never been to Tennessee, but I'm looking forward to seeing it." "All those guys who I hung out with for the all-star game talked about how electrifying the campus is and the fans are," Evans said. "They are all so excited about getting there and what all is happening at Tennessee. I'm looking forward to seeing it in a few weeks." -VQ
  • Courtney Garnett: "I think there's a chance he visits the last weekend in January. With Strong not keeping Bo Davis as his defensive line coach I think Garnett's going to be pretty serious about looking around." - Hubbs
  • Courtney Garnett says Texas (whom he was committed to) is no longer an option
  • "I just got a text from a Texas colleague a few minutes ago that informed me that Garnett is visiting Oklahoma 1/17, Tennessee 1/24 and Southern California 1/31. Remember Bo Davis who he committed to play for at Texas has gone to USC, but distance could be a factor there." -Hubbs
  • Courtney Garnett: "after talking to Garnett yesterday it seems like this is a 50/50 race between Tennessee and Oklahoma and the visits will be huge." -Fortenberry
  • Courtney Garnett: "Just caught up with Courtney Garnett, 3-star DT from La. Just talked to Courtney Garnett and after talking to him it's pretty easy to tell this has been a tough process the last few weeks and will continue to be a tough process until he makes the decision. He's for sure visiting Oklahoma on Jan. 17 and then Tennessee on Jan. 24, but he said he's not likely to take that USC visit because of location. He said he's been talking to coach Stripling for a while now and coach Gillespie saw him at his high school last month when he was down there making the rounds. He said he and coach Strip have hit it off and he likes what he's heard. He's also talked to Butch Jones on the phone as well. With Oklahoma, they have been recruiting him even longer than Texas, they offered a few days before the Longhorns, but he never made the visit because he committed to Texas. He said he has a good relationship with the OU coaches. He also noted he has family that lives in Nashville and likes that. We'll have the full story from our conversation early tomorrow morning." -Fortenberry
  • Courtney Garnett: “i didn’t think i would be as comfortable in that situation (at texas), with them changing coaches — especially the guy who was recruiting me[.] i don’t think i should go in an environment where i’m not a person that they recruited and they don’t even know me, so i felt as though i should just explore my options, and i had options all along while i was in that process with them.” “they’re losing six defensive (linemen), and right now that’s one of their biggest needs,” garnett said. “i have an opportunity to go in and play as a freshman. That’s just an opportunity of a lifetime, to go in and play big-time football in the sec, so i’m reweighing my options with them.” he said he has “an uncle and an aunt” who have lived in nashville, tenn., since hurricane katrina in 2005, “and they love it” in tennessee. He also likes what he has heard about the vols’ program. “i know for a fact that it’s a great program,” he said. “it’s taken its toll and had its little damages these last few years, but they found a good coach, i think. Coach jones has been doing a great job with this recruiting class this year and has the number-two recruiting class, and i think they’re just heading in a great direction right now.” - 247
  • Michael Sawyers: "Tennessee has always liked Sawyers. He was just all about Franklin and thought he would never leave. FWIW, Texas and Notre Dame have also reached out to Sawyers in the past 24 hours." -Woody Wommack
  • Michael Sawyers: Tennessee: "Tennessee is a school I visited earlier in the process but when I took the trip a lot of the coaches weren't there, so I didn't get the full experience. But I like Coach Jones and I love Coach Thigpen. I really think I'm going to take an official visit there and see if I can get the whole vibe of what they have to offer. Tennessee is the one school that has kept on recruiting me throughout the whole process and I know Rashaan Gaulden and Josh Malone really well so we'll see how it goes when I go down there." -Rivals
  • "It will be interesting to see if Garnett, or Evans for that matter, make it in. Garnett just had a teammate commit to Oklahoma on Wednesday and several believe the Sooners are the team out in front and it's possibility he commits while on his visit to Oklahoma." -VQ
  • Courtney Garnett: “I mean, they have that recruiting class going and they have some really good kids in that,” Garnett told InsideTennessee. “A lot of good kids are headed that way. I see a great future if I go there. I really believe coach (Butch) Jones has that program headed in the right direction.” “I feel a really strong connection with all the Tennessee coaches I’ve talked to,” Garnett told IT. “They’re all great men and I’d love to play for them. I’m looking forward to being around them.” “They lose all their D-line and they’re telling me they need guys to come in and fill in those spots right away,” Garnett said. “I really like that. That’d be exciting to come in and play early.” -scout
  • Craig Evans: “I mean, it says a lot. Tennessee has that really strong recruiting class in my class so it means a lot that they offered and think I’m talented enough to be apart of that,” Evans told InsideTennessee. “If they can get a class like that, it just shows what type of program it’s going to be in the future. It means a lot. I plan on taking an official out to Tennessee. It’s a great place and a great school, so I have to check it out. It is the south and I love the south. I’ve always had interest in Tennessee growing up and could just never get that offer from them. I’m going to take the time to visit and see if I like it and take things from there.” -scout
  • Michael Sawyers: "I'm told that he'll be visiting Tennessee on Jan. 31. He has a trip scheduled to Georgia Tech Jan. 17 and Ole Miss Jan. 24. Originally he was going to visit Vanderbilt on the 31st, but I would say they're not in very good shape. The one thing that could get them back in it is if Franklin leaves, but defensive assistant Bob Shoop stays and takes over the head gig. I'd say that's probably an unlikely scenario, though. Sawyers is also trying to take an official visit to Notre Dame so there's an outside possibility they get the 31st and Tennessee gets a mid-week visit because it's closer to home. Looks like we'll be following this one all the way until signing day." - Woody Wommack
  • "While Jashon Robertson was on campus this weekend it was to visit with Jalen hurd as those two go way back. There is some two-way interest there between Robertson and the Vols but it remains unclear if anything will become more serious than just interest by both parties." -Fortenberry
  • Courtney Garnett: "By all accounts, Garnett seems to be Oklahoma's to lose. If he makes it to Tennessee the Vols will have a chance but right now the Sooners seem to be the team to beat." -Fortenberry
  • Craig Evans: "The Vols will get the opportunity to impress Evans and there is certainly some interest from Evans but until he visits it's hard to know just how interested he is in Tennessee." -Fortenberry

2015 Recruiting:
  • GA OL Marquel Harrell (No offers, Berry's teammate): "We love Tennessee at Creekside," Harrell said of the prevailing feeling towards the Vols at Berry's alma mater. "I was in elementary school when Eric was in high school and I can remember going to watch him and just thinking that he was amazing. Back then I played on a different pee wee team than Evan and Elliott, but we all knew who Eric was." "I hear from Tennessee a lot, as much as anyone who's recruiting me," Harrell said of the Vols' efforts. "Coach (Don) Mahoney is a really good guy, I like Tennessee a lot right now. "It's still early, but they're my top school right now." "I went up there for camp last summer and loved it," he offered. "I really liked the campus and I like how the coaches work with the players. Everyone on that staff seems really genuine, just down to earth, good people. "Coach Mahoney is really hands on with the players and I like that a lot." Harrell lists Georgia, Mississippi and Mississippi State as the programs he's receiving the most attention from in addition to Tennessee right now. He added that he plans to get back to Knoxville in the near future for one of Tennessee's organized junior day events. -VQ
  • GA DE Natrez Patrick: "The 6-foot-3, 228-pound defender already has offers from Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and more and keeps up with Tennessee graduate assistant Larry Knight and linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen." "I talk to coach Knight all the time," Patrick said. "He knows what's going on. He just did this just a couple of years ago so he knows what's going on. He's a great guy and just talks about life." "I've heard the stadium is really nice. I've heard a lot about the stadium," Patrick said. "Just the feel and the atmosphere, the family atmosphere. That's what I've heard. That's somewhere I want to go see myself." "I'm pretty wide open right now," Patrick said. "I want to go on as many visits as possible so I can get the full feel of whatever college I want to be at. I want to absolutely sure of where I want to be." -VQ
  • GA OL Chuma Edoga: "I'm putting Tennessee back in front," he added. "They're my leader and I also like Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn, Georgia, and Maryland." "I like Tennessee because I had a great time when I went up there this summer," he stated. "I loved the campus and everybody up there. They are all great people. They also have a new engineering program and they built a new building for it, too." -scout UGA and OSU in top 3
  • GA DT Jonathan Ledbetter: "Just a day after earning top defensive performer at the camp, the 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive lineman was in touch with Tennessee assistant coach Willie Martinez who offered him a Tennessee scholarship. "I called him and he told me that they had been watching me for a little while and they started to keep up with me and they were watching my film so they wanted to go ahead and pulled the trigger on the offer," Ledbetter said. That was his first conversation with the Tennessee staff, but he's seen coach Tommy Thigpen at his school before and he also has family in Knoxville. "Coach Thigpen is recruiting some players at my school," Ledbetter said. "I have family up in Tennessee, too, in Knoxville. My uncle and his wife and their kids." "He told me they were building new dorms, some new facilities, a few new practice fields," Ledbetter said. "He said he wants me to come up there to see the campus and come up there and visit. "I want to get up there and see how everything is coming together." Along with a Tennessee visit, Ledbetter said he is planning on seeing North Carolina when the Tar Heels host Duke for a basketball game, and also plans on seeing Florida State and Stanford this winter. Ledbetter now has offers from Tennessee, Duke, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Virginia." -VQ
  • NC DE Darian Roseboro: “(A commitment will come) in the middle of my season,” he said. “I am going to have my top five before my senior season and then I’ll narrow it down and take my visits.”“I’ll be looking for a family-like environment, a program that is on the rise that is winning a program that is getting top recruits that is going to help build the 2015 class up.” -scout
  • FL ATH Jacques Patrick's top 10: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, FSU, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, UCF
  • FL OL Tyree St. Louis: “I really like Tennessee. It’s one of those new, up and coming programs and I know where they’re trying to get and I know they have the right things going to get there,” St. Louis told InsideTennessee. “They have the right staff, the right coaches, the right facilities, the right place, the right tradition. It’s going to be good to see where they end up in a couple of years.” “I’ve gotten to know him really good. I like coach Mahoney. He’s one of those really, really good, calm coaches,” St. Louis told IT. “He’s one of those coaches who takes his time with you. He’s not the kind that yells and cusses you out. He just gets right to the point. I like the way he prepares his players.” -scout
  • Vols offer GA DB Yaquis "Duke" Shelley
  • GA DB Duke Shelley: “(My coach) actually told me (Thursday) morning on the way to the weight room. He told me that I picked up those two offers,” “He actually didn’t speak on it much. He just told me that they offered me.” “I haven’t had any contact with (Tennessee). I know they’re at the school a lot, but I haven’t talked to anybody yet about the offer. I just know that they offered me,” “I actually haven’t heard a lot about Tennessee, but I’m excited about finding out about them. ... That (offer) means a lot to me. SEC, that’s where it’s at, so just being able to play in the SEC would be a great experience for me.” “(My coach) actually told me about Florida and Louisville, that I should be expecting offers from them pretty soon,” he said. “Right now, I’m just wide open to anybody. I actually expected for (the offers to come). It was just a matter of time for it to happen, but I definitely expected for it to happen.” “I’m looking to play early, so that will be a major factor in where I commit to or actually go to school,” Shelley said. “Being close to home would be a plus, but I wouldn’t say it matters as much. I’ll be a grown man on my feet at that point.” “I’m planning on actually checking that out for myself,” “I’ll definitely be up there checking it out soon.” -247 Sports
  • NC WR Carl Tucker says his top three in order are Tennessee, North Carolina and Clemson
  • FL TE Garrett Williams: Top 3 of Clemson, FSU, UT (no order). Has a good relationship with CBJ & CME. Per scout
  • FL QB Torrance Gibson: "It's been crazy," Gibson said. "The media calling and all of the offers left and right. It just shows me that my hard work is paying off. I've been working since my freshman year for this moment and a lot of coaches are starting to recognize my talent. I've just been having fun with it." "I'm looking for a school with good academics and a good coaching staff," Gibson said. "I want a place with a spread offense and I just want to feel like I'm at home." "I'd really like to get to know Tennessee better," Gibson said. "They are in the SEC and Peyton Manning played there. I talked with coach Zach Azzanni on twitter. He's a cool coach. We just talk about life and not necessarily about football." "I'm a gamechanger," Gibson said. "I can do whatever the coach needs me to do. I just like having fun when I play and it feels great when you are helping your team win. The team and fans are encouraging and it's just the most unreal experience. It keeps a smile on my face every day." -VQ
  • NC WR Juval Mollette: Top 5 of Mich, UNC, UT, Ohio St, Clemson. "Tennessee- They are a very good program, and I am happy because they were my very first SEC offer." -scout

2016 Recruiting:
  • UT offers FL ATH Romeo Finley per his twitter
  • FL ATH Romeo Finley: “(tennessee) saw my film and stuff, and they don’t usually do offers over the phone like that, but they offered me[.] “that was my first contact with them. It was definitely a surprise.” “i know a pretty good amount about them,” he said. “i know some good players who went through there, and i’ve been following them. They had a real good recruiting class last year, so they were really pretty young. Going 5-7 this year, that was a good start for them because this upcoming year, with this class they’ve got coming in, they should be pretty good. We’re already thinking about visiting in the summer, because it’s a nice place. I would like to go see it.” “growing up, miami was my favorite school,” said finley, who claims to have been timed at 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash. “(a miami offer) would be a big deal. But then i’d still have to look around. It’s a good school, but there’s a lot more out there, too. That was actually the first school that i got letters from.” - 247
 
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#2
#2
Weekly Recruiting Update History:
 
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#4
#4
OddFuture said:
2 posts now haha. Nice POA! Thanks as always
Click to expand...

yeah, if you look through the history, my posts have become longer and longer. i passed the character limit last week and it looks like im going to have to keep the history in a second post from now on.
 
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#5
#5
Your updates are great for those of us who do not have time to read all the threads in the rf. keep up the good work!!!
 
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#6
#6
PassedOutAwake said:
yeah, if you look through the history, my posts have become longer and longer. i passed the character limit last week and it looks like im going to have to keep the history in a second post from now on.
Click to expand...

Plus you get more well deserved likes for doing the thread. Keep it up and you will end up with the most on the site if you don't already have that distinction.
 
#9
#9
Fantastic post, thanks for all the time & effort you put in your weekly recruiting updates. I look forward to your updates every week, they are a perfect quick rundown on recruiting for some of us that can't be on here as much as we'd like.
 
#15
#15
Appreciate the time effort that you put into this every week. That takes a lot of time out of your day. Good work as always!:hi:
 
#19
#19
Darian Roseboro is a top 100 athlete & is already all but committed to us from the sound of it! Our future is bright.
 
#21
#21
PassedOutAwake said:
yeah, if you look through the history, my posts have become longer and longer. i passed the character limit last week and it looks like im going to have to keep the history in a second post from now on.
Click to expand...

How about putting the history in a stickie post at the top... Ongoing kudos.
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