Will this Freshman class turn out to be our best ever?

#1
Dr Dread

Dr Dread

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#1
Since I've been following UT football I've seen several recruiting classes ranked higher than this one, but I don't recall ever seeing this much hype about a class once they hit the practice field. I don't know wether it is due to the lack of proven veteran talent, a change in coaching philosophy, or a better talent level in the class; but it apears that at least 9 members of this signing class will see significant playing time, with several of them pushing for starting jobs by seasons end. So I ask: Is this going to turn out to be our best signing class ever?
 
#2
#2
It's a change in coaching philosophy. This coaching staff is putting the better talent on the field versus the former philosophy of putting seniority on the field.
 
#3
#3
Iffy. We got some highly touted players which bodes well but they also came in positions that were not only high profile but considered areas of need. This can lead to more attention, or "hype" if you will, than might otherwise have been the case.

If we had Cobb-Webb or Lewis-Henry in the backfield there'd be much less hype about Brown-Oku. Same as if Nuke came onto the team a few years back with Meachum/Swain/Smith on the roster.

We'll see.
 
#4
#4
RoanokeVol said:
It's a change in coaching philosophy. This coaching staff is putting the better talent on the field versus the former philosophy of putting seniority on the field.
Click to expand...

Yup, agree... the new staff is much more willing to let freshman contribute.
 
#5
#5
RoanokeVol said:
It's a change in coaching philosophy. This coaching staff is putting the better talent on the field versus the former philosophy of putting seniority on the field.
Click to expand...

Like who? Berry? Moore? Jones? McCoy? And that's just names off the top of my head still on the team.

A seriously overplayed hand. In later years especially the problem wasn't Fulmer's unwillingness to play talented Fr but not having enough of them.
 
#6
#6
I do think they have potential and the fact that we are talking about it right now proves that there is excitement about this freshman class. Nuke could prove to be a game-changer and I think Rogers will surprise a lot of people. Brown and Oku can become great players for the Vols, but a lot of their early success will be determined by the Offensive Line...
 
#7
#7
Maybe you guys can't see it, because you are fans, but the fact is, the hype surrounding UT football hasn't been this big in a long time. The arrival of Kiffin and the new philosophies have you guys all riled up and excited.

Add to that the ability for fans to have so much more knowledge and access to the players, and it has created a hype storm like I have rarely seen in CFB.

There are some good freshmen in this group, no doubt. But I think it is WAY WAY early to declare them the best group of all time. They haven't won ANYTHING yet.
 
#8
#8
Dr Dread said:
Since I've been following UT football I've seen several recruiting classes ranked higher than this one, but I don't recall ever seeing this much hype about a class once they hit the practice field. I don't know wether it is due to the lack of proven veteran talent, a change in coaching philosophy, or a better talent level in the class; but it apears that at least 9 members of this signing class will see significant playing time, with several of them pushing for starting jobs by seasons end. So I ask: Is this going to turn out to be our best signing class ever?
Click to expand...

All we have right now is hype. That being said, it definitely feels like the freshman will create some excitement and makes plays this fall. They have the potential to be remembered as the class that turned Tennessee football around. If things go according to plan, they could well go out as champions... which would cement their position as one of the most important classes we've had... but as far as the "best," we had some back in the day that were just obscene, the '94 and I think '97 classes come to mind.
 
#9
#9
They will go down as one of the classes that helped to kick complacency off of Ole Rocky Top. Why do people insist on comparing Brown and Oku to runningbacks from UT's past? That doesn't make sense. Both of these freshmen backs are the total package.
 
#10
#10
If Montori Hughes learns to play hard every down and he stays healthy he will be one of the best DL to ever play the game! This guy has a ton of potential and I`m glad we have him!
 
#12
#12
Dr Dread said:
Since I've been following UT football I've seen several recruiting classes ranked higher than this one, but I don't recall ever seeing this much hype about a class once they hit the practice field. I don't know wether it is due to the lack of proven veteran talent, a change in coaching philosophy, or a better talent level in the class; but it apears that at least 9 members of this signing class will see significant playing time, with several of them pushing for starting jobs by seasons end. So I ask: Is this going to turn out to be our best signing class ever?
Click to expand...

I seriously doubt it.
1997 class produced 14 NFL players, the 1992 signing class produce 11 NFL players.. several other classes produced 9 NFL players (1991, 1994 and 1996)..

let's see if 9 come from this class
 
#13
#13
It depends on the question. This freshman class could have the most impact their freshman year. Probably not over all unless the best the 1951 class or the 1998 senior class.
 
#14
#14
hndog609 said:
Iffy. We got some highly touted players which bodes well but they also came in positions that were not only high profile but considered areas of need. This can lead to more attention, or "hype" if you will, than might otherwise have been the case.

If we had Cobb-Webb or Lewis-Henry in the backfield there'd be much less hype about Brown-Oku. Same as if Nuke came onto the team a few years back with Meachum/Swain/Smith on the roster.

We'll see.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup: I agree with you and like you said we will just have to wait and see how they do.
 
#16
#16
I agree that it's too for any real judgements to be made, but the excitement they're bringing and the potential they're showing makes it fun to wonder. I'd be shocked if they beat the 97 class though.
 
#17
#17
It will take more than one season to find that out. So get back with us in about two years.
 
#18
#18
IMO the best class UT will see will be coming in the next two years. Not to doubt the great freshman class coming in I just think that all the hype and attention being shown to UT football this year will produce some AMAZING recruiting classes in the near future.
 
#20
#20
no. the class is good, but its garning so much hype because:

1) recent drop off of recruiting classes, with the exception of the 2007 recruiting class
2) the level of talent recruited in this class in a mere 3 months is incredible
3) we have the #1 player this year (not necessarily the #1 Vol recruit ever)
4) just the hype of a new coaching staff
5) a good number of these players will see the field due to a lack of depth/and or quality players; also, the WR situation right now allows for Teague and Nuke to see more than just a few snaps and some special teams

this is not and wont be the best recuiting class ever. theres potential for "the best to come" once we start winning games...
 
#21
#21
We have had some amazing talent at Tennessee, so I would really reserve judgement until they start playing.
 
#22
#22
Kiffin himself said that this class wasn't up to the standards we should set for the future...
 
#23
#23
hndog609 said:
Like who? Berry? Moore? Jones? McCoy? And that's just names off the top of my head still on the team.

A seriously overplayed hand. In later years especially the problem wasn't Fulmer's unwillingness to play talented Fr but not having enough of them.
Click to expand...


This is a well known fact that Fulmer would play a less talented upper classman over a more talented under classman. That has been discussed even back to the early 90's when I was in school at UT. I don't know where you are getting the idea over the years that this was not his philosophy. I think most people who follow the Vols would agree with me over you, so I think I played my hand just right.
 
#25
#25
General Jack said:
Yup, agree... the new staff is much more willing to let freshman contribute.
Click to expand...
Not that he was a freshman, but I heard Hubbs on the local radio this morning and his quote was "This coaching staff continues to be amazed by how good Hardesty is, considering he hardly got a chance to be THE back last year" and I literally laughed out loud and shook my head. Thank God the days of the senior playing because he is the senior are gone.
MDBJJC said:
He has some high freaking standards
Click to expand...
The coaches on this staff have proven track records in recruiting. They should have those standards.
 
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