Weekly Recruiting Update 12/23 - 12/29

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PassedOutAwake

PassedOutAwake

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Current Commit News:
  • Gavin Bryant: “I’ve been getting calls from Miami, and Auburn’s keeping in contact, but they still haven’t pulled the trigger yet,” said Bryant, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the nation’s No. 238 overall prospect and No. 11 inside linebacker in the 2014 class. “I’ve been hearing from (Miami linebackers) coach (Michael) Barrow. He was telling me how he loves me and all, and I can get in and play down there, too. I told them I’d probably take a visit down there, just to see how it is.” The 6-foot-1.5, 230-pound Bryant said Auburn “told me that about a month or two ago” that it might extend a scholarship offer to him soon, but it’s “kind of hard to tell” how serious the Tigers are about him. - 247
  • Dillon Bates and Orlando Brown made 2nd team USA Today All-American
  • Payne: "i'm pretty excited[.] “i’m a little nervous, just me adjusting from high school to college and stuff like that — time management and all of that. I’m very excited, though. I’m real excited to come in and compete.” “(the official visit) went well. I had a lot of fun,” he said. “we sat down and watched film, and they were just telling me my situation coming in. I just have to come in and work. They just said that they need playmakers, pretty much, and they just want me to come in and be able to make plays. And if i can do that, then i’ll be on the field.” “if i come in and work hard — not being late to stuff and doing what the coaches are telling me, and just competing and making plays — i believe i can come in and start,” he said. “i just look at (tennessee freshman cornerback) cam sutton. He came in, in the summertime, and he was able to come in and start, and he played well this season. I really respect cam for that. He’s a good dude. And me coming in early, that’ll give me an advantage, just to get acclimated to college football. “we haven’t known each other for a very long time, but we have a bond and we’re really close to each other,” payne said. “i think we’re all going to come in and work hard together and do what we’ve got to do.” - 247
  • Vic Wharton: “It’s just totally different from when I committed a year ago, with Coach Jones just being hired, basically,” said Wharton, who’s the nephew of former Tennessee basketball player Brandon Wharton. “It’s just a decision that I’m glad I made and was glad that I could be the first commit for Coach Jones and help put the class together. ...“Now there’s 33 of us. I mean, it’s just crazy." “I hoped for a class to be this good, but I really wasn’t sure that we could get it as good as it was, with people questioning Coach Jones’ recruiting ability and with Tennessee not being the program that it’s been the past couple of years,” Wharton said. “But now we have a top-five class in the country, so I don’t think we could ask for anything better.” “Coach Jones and Coach Azzanni have me coming in playing slot,” Wharton said. “I’m the only one coming in. They really talk about how it’s my position to really take. They say that I’ll play early because I’m the only one coming in, with Pig Howard and Devrin (Young), really. I’ve just got to learn all the offense and come in ready to play.” “I really feel encouraged about how Coach Jones has the program turning around,” Wharton said. “For sure, next year I don’t think we’ll have another year where we don’t go to a bowl game.” -247
  • Andrew Butcher: "The Rivals250 defensive end and Tennessee commit had the tough assignment of matching up against Hyatt several times on Monday, but he definitely held his own against the five-star. What makes Butcher special is his relentless motor, something you can't really teach, combined with excellent quickness. Butcher went so hard in Monday's shells-only practice that he ended up with a battle wound on his face, but didn't bat an eye." - Rivals
  • Gavin Bryant: “Coach Barrow is supposed to be out here as soon as school starts back up,” Bryant said. “I don’t know what day yet but that’s when we’re setting up my official visit to Miami. Them and Tennessee are really the only two schools coming at me hard. I just want to look at it myself because I’ve never been there.” “I think I’m good with Tennessee, there’s nothing I don’t like about them,” Bryant said. “ I still have to look because you never know what could happen. They don’t really want me to take any other visits but I have to do what’s best for me. I’m a little worried about that but I need to see somewhere else.” - 247
  • Ray Raulerson: “I plan to go up there on the 6th, because I have to take one exam for my school, so I’ll be getting there a little late. Everybody else will get there (by) Sunday, but I’ll get there Monday, and school starts on Wednesday,” "It’s exciting. I’m getting ready to go. I’m not really worried about it. I’m just going to go up there and stay humble and just work hard.” “North Carolina State, one of their coaches stopped by quite a few times at my school,” said Raulerson, who has been committed to Tennessee since July. “I really appreciated it, but I’m committed to Tennessee, so it was really pointless.” “I know all five guys are missing, so they’re going to put the best guys out there. I’ll make my case during practice. I’m going to stay humble and work as hard as I can,” Raulerson said. "I know I’m going to get beat at the beginning a few times, but I’ll get better and better every day. ... Everybody’s going to push for a starting job. All of their guys are missing, so there’s opportunity for new guys to play. I’m just going to go in there, do my best and see what happens.” He said he’s “not sure” exactly which position he might end up playing for the Vols, but he’s “probably going to start out at guard — possibly center.” “I’d say most likely on the interior line,” Raulerson said. “We’ll just kind of start from the bottom and work your way up.” “They had a good season,” Raulerson said. “They could have easily won seven, eight games. They were close in a lot of games. There’s just not that much difference in how the teams played. But Auburn went (3-9) last year, so Tennessee definitely could turn it around real quick. Next year, we could have a great year. We’ve just got to put in the work in the offseason.” - 247
  • Wolf: “I did well. I played a different type of tight end this year in the slot and wing positions more. I had about 45 catches for 550 yards and five touchdowns. I was bracketed a lot and that opened up my brother who had a breakout year as a junior, about 50 catches for 920 yards and 11 touchdowns,” said Wolf. “I have definitely been getting stronger, faster and more athletic. I’m keeping my weight around 240-243 and worked on routes and blocking in space.” “Our relationship has been excellent. I’ve been in solid contact with the coaches and I can’t wait to get down there next weekend,” said Wolf.*“I’m excited about being in their program and focusing on just football compared to three sports as I did in high school. I can’t wait to see the gains I make,” said Wolf. -scout
  • Mouhon: "Norcross (Ga.) High middle linebacker prospect*Kevin Mouhon, who is committed to Tennessee, is thick and plays with fire and aggressiveness. He is at his best playing downhill and delivering big hits." -Brian Dohn, scout
  • On Paulk's recovery: "Everything I've heard so far about Paulk's recovery has been pretty encouraging. I think he's coming along well enough that he definitely shouldn't be written off for next season. He still has a long way to go, obviously, but his progress over the past three months has been good. As of right now, I have no reason to believe he might not sign with Tennessee in February. I don't think he's likely to be fully recovered until at least the summer, but that might be a realistic goal based on where he is right now. We're hoping to catch up with Paulk soon for an update." -Ryan Callahan
  • Malone: "Just finished talking with Josh. He is excited about getting to campus in January and learning the offense. He wants to make an immediate impact and is eager to get with the coaching staff to work on his game so he can do that." -Kevin Ryan
  • Top 10 players on Team Nitro on Day 1 of practice. Bates came in at #5. 5. LB DILLON BATES, PONTE VEDRA (FLA.) Bates wasn't the biggest linebacker on the practice field but really made an impact in Sunday's practice. The offense was trying to run a lot of slants but Bates showed great anticipation by jumping the routes and coming up with a few interceptions. Bates always seemed to be in good position, played under control and was very disciplined." -Rivals
  • Josh Malone: “I’m excited just to get up there so I can get around the guys and start lifting and getting better, and start getting into the offense and really start competing,” said Malone, who committed to Tennessee on Dec. 4, choosing the Vols over Clemson and Georgia. “Right now, I’m focusing on, really, just being more physical coming off the line, because it’s the SEC,” he said. “There’s going to be big corners, so I’m going to have to be able to get off of that. I’ve been working on that for about the past three weeks, so I feel like that’s improved. “Obviously, Tennessee’s program is not in the best state it used to be,” Malone said. “But I feel like our class has the mindset to put it where it used to be, or even better, and win a championship — or at least get it back to a championship-competing level, where it’s year in and year out competing for a championship.” -247

RB Recruiting:
  • "Bo Scarbrough: Scarbrough has been committed to Alabama, but his recruitment still appears to be fairly wide open with signing day a little more than six weeks away. He already has taken official visits to Ole Miss, Notre Dame and UCLA, and the Vols are among the teams battling to get one of his final two visits. If he doesn’t stick with the Crimson Tide — and many believe there’s a good chance he won’t — Ole Miss appears to be one of the teams to watch. Tennessee probably should be viewed as an outside contender for Scarbrough until further notice, but the Vols just might have a shot at him if they can get him on campus sometime before National Signing Day. It’s worth noting that he has visited Tennessee before, so he has some familiarity with the Vols. He also has some academic concerns that could end up being a factor in his recruitment down the stretch." -247
  • Derrell Scott: "scott in particular seems to be high on ut at this point. It appears to be a two-team battle between the vols and south carolina, and while it’s undoubtedly a tightly contested race, some close to his recruitment believe tennessee might be the team to beat. Still, it would be unwise to rule out the gamecocks, who have been viewed for months as the favorite to land scott." -247
  • Bo Scarbrough: "Tennessee is continuing to try and a get Bo Scarborough on campus but as of now Oklahoma, Florida and Alabama are the three biggest suiters for his final two official visits. Tennessee will continue to try to get him on campus but right now they are on the outside looking in." -VQ
  • Derrell Scott: One name that continues to trend in the right direction for Tennessee is Havelock, N.C., running back Derrell Scott. Some around Scott have let it be known that Tennessee is in a good position right now and are currently edging out South Carolina. But, as we've continued to say, this one is far from over. South Carolina won't give up on someone they have recruited very hard for a very long time. Several people close to Scott have also said that he would like to make his decision before signing day. The in-home visits for Scott will be extremely important, but also watch for the potential of another official visit if Auburn or Florida State pushes hard down the stretch." -VQ

WR Recruiting:
  • Travis Rudolph: "Rudolph said his top five consists of the Crimson Tide, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, and Miami with Tennessee on the outside looking in. The Rivals100 prospect has eliminated Ohio State from his list of potential suitors." - Rivals

Oline Recruiting:
  • "The Vols will continue to look for another offensive lineman in this class and Benjamin Knox is someone they are fighting for to get on campus and with his connection, being a cousin of Marlin Lane, should help." -VQ

Dline Recruiting:
  • Andrew Williams: "The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Williams is set to officially visit Ole Miss on Jan. 24, and will visit Auburn and Clemson on Jan. 17 and Jan. 31. Which Tigers' program gets which date hasn't been decided. Williams may also take a mid-week official visit to South Carolina, although he's visited Columbia on numerous occasions and an official visit may not be necessary. Those four programs make up Williams top four. Programs like LSU, Notre Dame, Tennessee and others are on the outside looking in." - Rivals
  • "Georgia Military College four-star defensive tackle DaVonte Lambert tells AuburnSports.com he did not pass the necessary classes to graduate early and will instead plan to graduate in the spring by taking two classes and enroll at Auburn in May. Lambert insists he will stick with his commitment and sign in February."
  • Is UT pursuing Sawyers? "I think it would be interesting if Franklin left. He really likes Vanderbilt and the idea of being close to home but if Franklin leaves I think it could get interesting." - Fortenberry

DB Recruiting:
  • DJ Smith: "Status: With Tennessee's class nearly at capacity and full of defensive backs, it seems as if the long-time favorite Vols have cooled on the nation's No. 123 prospect. That leaves Clemson and South Carolina as the likely destination for the physical defensive back. South Carolina has made a big move over the past few weeks and will host Smith for an official visit the weekend of Jan. 17. An official visit to Clemson will likely follow so the two on-field rivals will face-off for one of the top remaining prospects in the Southeast. Clemson has some ground to make up with South Carolina the current hot option, but expect this one to come down to the end." -Rivals
  • Adoree Jackson: "As of now, I'd say they are below LSU an Florida for sure. After that I think it's a group of FSU, which may be in that top group, USC and Tennessee." - Fortenberry
  • Mike Ferrell says Adoree releases a top 3 of USC, LSU and UF. Later Adoree tweets that he did not release a top 3 but will release a top 6 soon.
  • Adoree Jackson: "Adoree' Jackson is here and he's going to release a top six after the Under Armour game. He said Florida, LSU and USC will make the list and then UCLA, Florida State, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Oregon are also under serious consideration. As has been mentioned previously, track is going to play a serious factor in his decision. Decision will come on signing day." - Adam Gorney
  • Adoree Jackson: "florida, florida state, tennessee, lsu, illinois, oregon, ucla and usc are all still in it," jackson said. "i don't have a leader yet. After the game i will announce a top five or six, and then i will go on from there." "it's going to play in a lot," jackson said of the track influence that will help shape his football decision. "i want to go to the olympics, so that's big for me. Everyone i've talked with, i talk with the track coaches. "florida, florida state, lsu, tennessee and usc stand out to me." jackson also said tennessee, who landed an official visit on nov. 9, remains in the mix. "i would say they have a legit shot," he said. "the other recruits, i have a relationship with them, and the coaching staff is awesome. I like it." -247

2015 Recruiting:
  • KY QB Elijah Sindelar: Four-star quarterback Elijah Sindelar is also nearing a decision. The Caldwell County signal caller has offers from Kentucky, Mississippi, Toledo and Western Kentucky. The Tennessee Volunteers also intrigue Sindelar. “It’d mean a lot (to get an offer from Tennessee),” Sindelar told Inside Tennessee’s Danny Parker. “Tennessee’s close. I like them. They’re doing really well.” - VQ
  • GA RB Taj Griffin: When asked what was one school Griffin is interested in seeing more of he replied “Tennessee.” “I really want to see what they are doing up there,” he said. Griffin says there is no timeframe on a decision, “it will be just kind of when it happens,” he said. When asked which schools are recruiting him the hardest he replied, “probably Clemson, Oregon and UGA.” -247
  • FL WR Calvin Ridley: “He doesn’t want to go too far away,” Davis said. “Early on there was no doubt they were the favorite. I know Tennessee, West Virginia and Pitt are pushing hard for him now too.” - 247
  • WI DT Kahlil McKenzie: "He does have an offer. I thought I updated that last week. He's had one for a couple of weeks now. Yes, he's Reggie McKenzie's son. He will give the Vols a look. Talked to him last night and he's interested." - Fortenberry
  • VA CB Chuck Davis: “I have an offer from North Carolina,” said Chuck Davis. “I've talked to Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Boston College. I've been getting a lot of mail from those schools and Auburn, Alabama, ODU and Ohio.” "Right now, my top schools are Tennessee, Boston College, UNC, Vanderbilt, ODU and Ohio. That’s in no particular order.” During his junior season, Davis finished with 636 yards receiving and six touchdowns on offense. Defensively, he had 49 tackles and two interceptions. - Scout
  • VA WDE Josh Sweat: “Out of all the schools that have offered, I’d say Ohio State, Tennessee, Florida State,Ole Miss and Virginia Tech are the schools that are recruiting me the hardest,” he said. “I've talked to coaches from Ohio State, North Carolina State, Ole Miss and Tennessee recently.” “I’ll probably go to Ohio State, Florida State, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia Tech,” Sweat said. -scout
  • Apparently our staff helped David Jones get to East Mississippi JUCO and he's a target for the 2015 class. "Tennessee set it up for Jones to end up at East after it became apparent there was no way for Jones to end up at Tennessee or pretty much anywhere out of high school. Tennessee has continued to recruit him. I don't know if Jones would publicly say Tennessee leads, but it's hard to argue they've been very committed to recruiting him through him going to juco. I think he's very much a top target for the Vols in 2015." - Fortenberry
  • MI ATH Brian Cole: "Brian Cole out of Michigan is someone Tennessee likes and he likes the Vols a good deal, too, after visiting this season. He also has several ties to Tennessee's staff. His family is close with one of the strength guys on the strength staff. I think it will certainly help that he has a family friend in Knoxville. Cole was in town for one of the games this season, but I can't remember which one. Either Auburn or South Carolina." -Fortenberry
  • GA DE Anree Saint-Amour: "Three-star Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett linebacker Anree Saint-Amour recently picked up an offer Northwestern but said Tennessee is still the school recruiting him the hardest. He said the Vols are making the pitch for him to play a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position and are also teasing the opportunity to see the field early in his career. He added that Nebraska continues to be in touch and he plans on listening to what the Huskers have to offer and perhaps taking a visit this offseason." -Rivals
  • TN CB Ugo Amadi: “everybody’s still even right now[.] “it’s just been, like, the same for every coach. They don’t want to say too much or anything, but they’re trying to get their point across.” “he’s been telling me that, if i want to come up there and play for tennessee, i’m going to play and i’m not going to sit the bench, and they’re looking for a change[.] “they don’t ever give up,” amadi said. “their defense is one of their strongest things on the field. Their uniforms are nice. The fan base is going to cheer for them and get them ready to play even harder each and every down. “i want to say (i will decide) by the summer, but i don’t think it will (happen),” he said. “i think it will be during the football season or after the football season. If anything, it’ll be after the football season. It just all depends on how the rest of the process is." - 247
  • TN OT Drew Richmond: "I talk to Tennessee and Ohio State basically every day," he said. "I talk to North Carolina and Ole Miss almost every day. I also talk to Alabama about every week.Florida State and Auburn are schools I stay in touch with as well. There's a few others that I have stayed in contact with too." On UT: "I know a lot of guys from here that are going there," Richmond mentioned. "They are turning things around. It's a great program. Florida kids stay in Florida, Georgia kids stay in Georgia, and California kids stay in west a lot of the time. The winning tradition at home makes it a cool place to consider. Staying in the state and contributing is something I'll have to think about." "I hope not to have to take it up to Signing Day," Richmond admitted. "I'm hoping I feel comfortable and confident enough with my decision before then. I really wouldn't want to have my process take that long at all." -scout
  • VA OT Austin Clark: “The ones that are recruiting me the hardest, I’d have to say, would be Tennessee, definitely, Ohio State, Penn State and Duke,” said Clark, who’s ranked the nation’s No. 28 offensive tackle for the 2015 class in the 247Sports Composite, which equally weighs prospect rankings and ratings from major recruiting media outlets. “I hadn’t actually been back in Neyland Stadium since I was about 10 years old,” he said. “I mean, it’s definitely a great experience getting to go there and see Neyland and just see all the tradition that is Tennessee and that surrounds that place. “It’s just pretty awesome to think about, that I have the opportunity to go play for a team with so much tradition.” “I don’t have anything set in stone right now, but I’m definitely planning to make it to Tennessee, Ohio State and Penn State for, if not a junior day, then a spring practice or a spring game,” he said. “Those are the three I’m definitely going to be visiting this spring.” -247

2016 Recruiting:
  • NJ QB Jarrett Guarantano: “Tennessee really has everything I’m looking for. Like I said, I loved everything about the visit,” Guarantano said. “The crowd was awesome and I love tradition. And you can’t get much more tradition than down here. Payton Manning, of course, one of my favorite quarterbacks. I would love to shadow everything he’s done.” - Scout. His dad played under Butch at Rutgers. Also has a good relationship with Coach Jake as well. Visited UT in the fall.

Weekly Recruiting Update History:
 
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Reactions: 17 people
#2
#2
So we really were a long-time favorite of DJ Smith? Hard to believe we can turn away a player of his caliber.
 
#4
#4
OddFuture said:
We don't need any more safeties
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I get what you're saying but it wouldn't be a bad idea to stay in pursuit just in case. 5 weeks, a lot can happen, and smith is probably better than any safety currently on the team other than Randolph.

Granted, Butch and staff are juggling numbers while I'm reclined in my easy chair lol.
 
#5
#5
Morpheus said:
I get what you're saying but it wouldn't be a bad idea to stay in pursuit just in case. 5 weeks, a lot can happen, and smith is probably better than any safety currently on the team other than Randolph.

Granted, Butch and staff are juggling numbers while I'm reclined in my easy chair lol.
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If Smith was marginally better than TK or Tez, I would agree. Most on here (I'm assuming) wouldn't want Smith over either.

If Smith had any chance to play CB I'd be fine if we made a push, but he's a FS all the way IMO.
 
#6
#6
OddFuture said:
If Smith was marginally better than TK or Tez, I would agree. Most on here (I'm assuming) wouldn't want Smith over either.

If Smith had any chance to play CB I'd be fine if we made a push, but he's a FS all the way IMO.
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No I like Kelly and McDowell. Just wouldn't mind taking a 3rd Safety if the numbers would work. The visions of McNeil getting smoked…

But more than that, just stay on him just in case we lose someone. Wouldn't have to sign him necessarily.
 
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#13
#13
PassedOutAwake said:
Oline Recruiting:
  • "The Vols will continue to look for another offensive lineman in this class and Benjamin Knox is someone they are fighting for to get on campus and with his connection, being a cousin of Marlin Lane, should help." -VQ
Click to expand...

Vol Lock IMO
 
#14
#14
Never been there, but I heard one of the bowl game announcers say that Miami's facilities are very subpar compared to other schools. Could be the difference that makes Bryant choose us over the U.
 
#17
#17
volfan4evr said:
Never been there, but I heard one of the bowl game announcers say that Miami's facilities are very subpar compared to other schools. Could be the difference that makes Bryant choose us over the U.
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Yes, and besides, what does the city of Miami have to offer that Knoxville doesn't?.....:ermm:
 
#19
#19
fade route said:
Yes, and besides, what does the city of Miami have to offer that Knoxville doesn't?.....:ermm:
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Lol... Their average game attendance is 38,000 and the facilities are 50 years old.... that stadium is in the ghetto. But it's near the beach, bikinis, and LeBron James
 
#21
#21
OddFuture said:
We don't need any more safeties
Click to expand...

Really?

I watched us play last year and came away thinking we need all the help we could get. Heck, move him to CB... couldn't be any worse than Justin Coleman looked at times last year.


Now he'll probably go to SC and end up an All SEC player...
 
#22
#22
Morpheus said:
No I like Kelly and McDowell. Just wouldn't mind taking a 3rd Safety if the numbers would work. The visions of McNeil getting smoked…

But more than that, just stay on him just in case we lose someone. Wouldn't have to sign him necessarily.
Click to expand...

Remember McNeil was just freshman this year. I think he s going to be a huge impact player on short yardage plays in the future. He showed he can come up and play the run. With all the help coming in with the 14 class I wouldn't be surprised to see players like McNeil and Riyad Jones to play better next season. If anything it should help with some of these guys playing so many snaps a game.
 
#23
#23
UTjonez said:
Remember McNeil was just freshman this year. I think he s going to be a huge impact player on short yardage plays in the future. He showed he can come up and play the run. With all the help coming in with the 14 class I wouldn't be surprised to see players like McNeil and Riyad Jones to play better next season. If anything it should help with some of these guys playing so many snaps a game.
Click to expand...

LaDarrell?
 
#24
#24
UTjonez said:
Remember McNeil was just freshman this year. I think he s going to be a huge impact player on short yardage plays in the future. He showed he can come up and play the run. With all the help coming in with the 14 class I wouldn't be surprised to see players like McNeil and Riyad Jones to play better next season. If anything it should help with some of these guys playing so many snaps a game.
Click to expand...

McNeil was a sophomore. Will be a junior next year.
 
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#25
#25
pharmDvol11 said:
Really?

I watched us play last year and came away thinking we need all the help we could get. Heck, move him to CB... couldn't be any worse than Justin Coleman looked at times last year.


Now he'll probably go to SC and end up an All SEC player...
Click to expand...
We have 2-3 S's committed (Gaulden might play CB or FS). Smith is not a CB IMO, he's a FS. If he could play CB I'd be fine with taking him, but like I've mentioned he's not agile enough or have fluid enough hips. JMO
 
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