FreakNotes: Vol commits working the recruiting trail

I hope everyone had a fantastic Independence Day yesterday was able to spend quality time with family and friends. While you’re wasting time this morning trying to get back in the swing at work, I figured it was a great day for a few FreakNotes. Your comments below are appreciated.

  • It warms my heart to see current Vol recruits trying to help their cause by recruiting other players to Knoxville. Tennessee commit Wayna Morris (PT) looks like he could be trying to help recruit five-star wide receiver Jadon Haselwood (PT), who is the nation’s top-rated receiver and current Georgia commit. And just the other day quarterback Brian Maurer (PT) was said to be “going to to out to The Opening and see how many teammates he can find,” according to his coach at West Port, Matt Franklin.
  • The top player in the state of Tennessee in the 2020 class, offensive tackle Bryn Tucker (PT), announced his top five yesterday: Auburn, Tennessee, Notre Dame, LSU and Virginia Tech. “Thank you God for staying with me through the process! My focus will be on these schools #WDE #GBO #GoIrish #GoTigers #GoHokies,” he tweeted.
  • Tuesday’s running back spotlight from NCAAF Nation was Tennessee’s Ty Chandler: “Chandler rushed for 305 yards & 2 TDs last season and added 10 receptions for 108 yards. 2018 has a chance to be a big breakout season for Chandler. The Vols RB Unit looks strong & Pruitt wants to establish his rushing attack.” — Discussion: What kind of season can Ty Chandler have in this offense?
  • I was reminded yesterday that I can’t wait to see Tennessee return to smash-mouth football. Mike Griffith tweeted, “Twelve teams played them, and 12 teams couldn’t stop it,” – fhen-FSU D-Coordinator Mickey Andrews on #Vols signature run play of 1998- they’d run it 12-15 times a game with Travis Henry … (see attached picture via that link for more.)
  • I’ve been catching some heat on the board recently for less than positive reminders of Tennessee’s miserable recent history (see this thread for reference: Tennessee Kentucky on SEC Network). Regardless, here’s another sobering stat: The Vols were last in the SEC in 2017 in points per game, managing an average of only 19.8 points. Can offensive coordinator Tyson Helton jump start this bunch?
  • Tennessee ranks No. 16 on ESPN’s Ultimate Draft Rank, which ranks the schools which have produced the most draft talent across all sports. — Discussion: Schools that produce the most draft talent
  • Tennessee’s Grant Williams came in at No. 11 on Andy Katz’ Top 20 Returning Players for 2018-19. Face it, with Williams and Schofield leading the way, the Vols are going to be beastly next year. — Discussion: Grant Williams rated the No. 11 returning player by Andy Katz
  • Only 58 days until football time in Tennessee!

Freak

6 responses to “FreakNotes: Vol commits working the recruiting trail”

  1. Nice analysis Freak and too love the idea of the Vols getting back to playing smashmouth football this fall.

    • It’s something that’s long overdue. I’m hopeful we’ll see a more physical brand of football emphasized from this new staff. Thanks for the comment, Gunner.

  2. Schofield should be on that return list if Williams is. Schofield was an unstoppable force the last half of last season. His development of a consistent 3-pt. shot, along with his powerful inside game, makes him even more of a mismatch for defenses than Williams, and Williams is a serious problem for defenses. Those 2 on the court together, along with Alexander, with his continued development, is a very dangerous frontcourt.

    • Can’t disagree with any of that, Crazy Ivan. It will be interesting to see who rounds out Katz’ top five.

      Thanks for the comment.