New Opportunity

I've been given the opportunity to write for the site KnoxVegasVols.com, and anyone that finds their way here needs to head over and give it a look! The site is relatively new but is under great management and is poised for a great future. The other writers at KVV are great, and I'm very thankful for the opportunity to work with and learn from all of them. So, head on over to KnoxVegasVols.com for all your Vol coverage, and check out our parent site, FanVsFan.com, for all your sports info!

Lost Leaders

Having been a part of the Tennessee football program for the past four or five season, last year's senior class had seen three head coaches and countless position coaches during their time on campus. The instability surrounding the coaching staff caused many of their teammates to leave the program, but those who stuck it out and proved they truly bled orange, will go down in Volunteer history. 

Nick Reveiz, a walk-on, came to Tennessee from Farragut High School in Knoxville. Reveiz, son of former UT kicker Fuad Reveiz, worked himself into a starting role his junior season before suffering an ACL injury early in the season. Reveiz came back even stronger as a senior; leading the team in tackles with 108.

Reveiz went undrafted, but has been signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is currently playing linebacker, fullback, and on special teams. He has impressed with his work ethic but isn't expected to make the 53 man roster.

Denarius Moore was considered by many to only be part of a package deal to bring running back Lennon Creer to Tennessee when he signed with the Vols, however, things changed once Moore got to campus. Creer left the program, and Moore became the team's big play threat. Moore played sparingly as a freshman and sophomore before exploding onto the scene midway through his junior year. His success carried on into his senior season where he caught 47 balls for 981 yards and 9 touchdowns. Moore finished his career seventh on Tennessee's all time leaderboard in both career receiving yardage (2,004) and single season receiving yardage (981).

Moore was drafted in the fifth round, 148th overall, by the Oakland Raiders. His explosiveness, playmaking ability, and consistency in practice has put him in a position to possibly begin the season as a starting receiver for the Raiders, who are already thin at the position due to injuries.

Gerald Jones came to UT as one of the most highly recruited athletes in the nation and quickly showed why. After playing quarterback and corner in high school, Jones broke onto the field as a wildcat quarterback, receiver, and kick and punt returner as a freshman. Although injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential, Jones' first touchdown against Kentucky gave a glimpse of his potential.

Jones was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent and has been a pleasant surprise thus far. However, the Eagles' depth at wide receiver will likely keep Jones from making the roster.

Luke Stocker came to Tennessee for a basketball camp before being introduced to then head coach Phil Fulmer and becoming a football prospect. Stocker followed in the footsteps of former Vol tight ends Brad Cottam and Jason Witten and was drafted in the third round by Tampa Bay following three years as a starter. Stocker caught 85 balls and 8 touchdowns during his time on The Hill.

Stocker is currently injured but is expected to make the Buccaneers regular season roster.

*LaMarcus Thompson has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, and Jarrod Shaw has signed with the Cleveland Browns.

**Chris Walker, Gerald Williams, Savion Frazier, and Victor Thomas are some other notable members of last year's graduating class. Unfortunately, they have been unable to make an NFL squad thus far. 

2012 Recruiting

With only two commitments to start July, many had begun to question coach Derek Dooley and staff's recruiting methods. However, after twelve commits in the last twenty-seven days, most doubts and concerns of Vol fans have been answered.

The defensive front seven has been the major focus of the staff's recruiting efforts this offseason, and last month's string of commits made that obvious. Led by highly-touted inside linebacker Dalton Santos and JuCo defensive tackle Damien Jacobs, this year's class will go a long way toward rebuilding the quality depth Tennessee needs to compete for SEC and national championships in the near future.

Here's a look at Tennessee's recruiting thus far:

--Position--Name--Height--Weight--40 Time--Hometown--Star Rating (via Rivals.com)--

QB: Nathan Peterman - 6-2 210 4.8 - Fruit Cove, FL - 3*
RB: Imani Cross - 6-1 229 4.53 - Gainesville, GA - 3*
RB: Alden Hill - 6-2 220 4.58 - Aliance, OH - 3*
WR: Drae Bowles - 6-1 198 4.5 - Jackson, TN - 4*
WR: Keithon Redding - 6-2 200 4.7 - Decatur, GA - 3*
DE: LaTroy Lewis - 6-4 230 4.7 - Akron, OH - 3*
DT: Damien Jacobs(JuCo) - 6-2 300 4.9 - Scooba, MS - Not Ranked
OLB: Justin King - 6-3 215 - Dunwoody, GA - 3*
OLB: Otha Peters - 6-1 221 4.61- Covington, LA - 3*
OLB: Khalid Henderson - 6-1 210 4.8 - Austell, GA - Not Ranked
MLB: Dalton Santos - 6-3 250 4.7 - Van, TX - 3*

CB: Kenneth Crawley - 6-1 170 x - Washington, DC - 4*
ATH: Cody Blanc - 6-1 190 4.4 - Knoxville, TN - 2*
K/P: George Bullock - 6-1 190 x - Knoxville, TN - 2*

***Look for multiple commits [Santos, Peterman, Peters] to get bumped to higher star ratings after they are re-evaluated during the season, as well as, Henderson and Jacobs being evaluated then ranked.

With fourteen future Vols now committed, remaining spots in this year's class are running thin. Due to a lack of available scholarships, the expectation was for the class to only contain around twenty recruits, but with the recent influx of commits, the possibility of this class reaching a full twenty-five is high. With a full class looking more and more possible, only eleven scholarships now remain open. Here's how I feel these eleven scholarships will be distributed:

WR: 2

TE: 1

OL: 2

DE: 2

DT: 2

LB: 1

DB: 1

Sorry For the Wait: Return of V4L

After a six month hiatus, the Vol4Life blog is back! (And yes, I stole this entry's name from Lil Wayne's new mixtape.)

UPCOMING BLOGS:

2012 Recruiting: A look at the 2012 class so far following the recent coup of twelve recruits in twenty-seven days.

Lost Leaders: The SEC's youngest just got younger with the loss of these veterans: Gerald Jones, Denarius Moore, Chris Walker, Nick Reveiz, Gerald Williams, and Luke Stocker.

Early Departures: Those who left the program following the bowl game. Including: Montori Hughes, David Oku, Toney Williams, Jerod Askew, Ted Meline, DeMario Williams, and d-line coach Chuck Smith.

Early Impact Newcomers: A detailed look at first year players, and their expected impact on the season. Including: Alex Bullard, Justin Coleman, AJ Johnson, Curt Maggitt, Antonio Richardson, Marlin Lane, Byron Moore, Maurice Couch, Izauea Lanier, Marcus Jackson, and Cameron Clear.

Youth is Served: A look at the nation's youngest team.

Season Preview: A look ahead at the 2011 season. Including: game outcome and statistical predictions.

A Way-Too-Early Look Ahead: Projected 2011 Offensive Depth Chart

-Returning Statistical Leaders: QB Tyler Bray (125-224, 1849 yds, 18 tds, 10 ints), RB Tauren Poole (204 att, 1034 yds, 11 tds), WR Justin Hunter (16 rec, 415 yds, 7 tds)
-Returning Starters: (8): Tyler Bray, Tauren Poole, Channing Fugate, Ju'Wuan James, Zach Fulton, James Stone, JerQuari Schofield, Dallas Thomas


QB: Tyler Bray[SO], Matt Simms[SR], Nash Nance[FR] or Justin Worley[FR](RS)
~After a strong freshman campaign, in which he threw for 1,849 yards and 18 touchdowns, Bray should easily exceed those numbers in his second season. The biggest concern with Bray this past season was his size--he played around 190 lbs--expect him to be closer to 220 lbs this year. As long as Simms doesn't transfer, he will provide valuable depth and experience behind Bray, as well as, give Worley a chance to redshirt. Although the coaches would like to redshirt him, do not be surprised if the freshman Worley breaks into the depth chart; the coaches, especially offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, love him. Nance will provide depth.
RB: Tauren Poole[SR], Rajion Neal[SO], Marlin Lane[FR] or Tom Smith[FR], Toney Williams[SO]
~Coming off a 1,000+ yard season, Poole will head into spring camp as the favorite to win the runningback position, but sophomores, Neal and Williams, and freshmen, Lane and Smith, will all push for carries. Neal had a decent showing last season before hitting the proverbial "freshman wall." Williams looks to return to full strength following a knee injury his freshman year. Smith and Lane, two highly recruited backs from Florida, have the talent to overtake the upperclassmen, if they can handle the adjustment to the college level.
FB: Channing Fugate[SO], Sam Edgmon[SR]
~Fugate moved into the starting lineup last season during the South Carolina game and went on to start five of the final six games; he will be relied on this season to man the fullback role full-time. Edgmon is a walk-on who has contributed on special teams but shouldn't be counted on on offense, barring injury.
WR1: Justin Hunter[SO], Matt Milton[SO]
~The receiving corp is the most talented part of this team, however, they lack experience. Justin Hunter showed his incredible talents often throughout his freshman year reeling in seven touchdowns on only sixteen catches, but this year he will stuck with the task of filling the shoes left by Denarius Moore. Milton is a huge receiver at 6'6" 220 lbs who could end up at tight end, before all is said and done, but is a great mismatch no matter where he plays.
WR2: Da'Rick Rogers[SO], DeMario Williams[JR]
~Rogers, a consensus 5* in the 2010 class, will have to take over for Gerald Jones this coming year. Rogers had a hard time cracking the lineup early in the season, but cashed in on his opportunities late in the year, catching a touchdown in the bowl game. Williams, playing in his first season following a transfer from MTSU, received high praise from the coaches during spring practice.
SLOT: Zach Rogers[JR] or DeAnthony Arnett[FR], Vincent Dallas[FR]
~Rogers, Arnett and Dallas will all see time at the slot position. Rogers has seen playing time sparingly his first two years on campus but should see more this year, even possibly starting early on before giving way to Arnett or possibly Dallas. Arnett is an Army All-American who is a superb route runner with great quickness. Dallas isn't the route runner Arnett, but he is faster; he is a possibility for kick and punt returner next season.
TE: Mychal Rivera[JR], Cam Clear[FR], Ben Bartholomew[JR], Brendan Downs[FR](RS)
~Rivera, who started his career at Oregon, before going the junior college route, has the task of replacing All-SEC TE Luke Stocker. Rivera, a better receiver than blocker, will split time with the freshman, Clear, and veteran, Bartholomew. Clear will, more than likely, grown into a spot on the offensive or defensive line before his career at Tennessee is done, as he is already north of 260 pounds. Bartholomew has moved back and forth between fullback and tight end during his first three years on the squad and may do the same again this year, but, for now, he will add depth and experience at tight end. Downs could see playing time if Bartholomew moves back to fullback but is a likely candidate to redshirt.
LT: Ja'Wuan James[SO], Marques Pair[FR], Daniel Hood[SO]
LG: Zach Fulton[SO], ^Alex Bullard[SO], Kevin Revis[SO], Kyler Kerbyson[FR](RS)
C: James Stone[SO], Darin Gooch[JR] or Mack Crowder[FR]
RG: JerQuari Schofield[SO], Marcus Jackson[FR], Carson Anderson[JR]
RT: Dallas Thomas[JR], Antonio Richardson[FR], Alan Posey[FR](RS)
~Six returning linemen have starting experience, including Freshaman All-American, James Stone. After a rough season for the offensive line, which featured up to four freshman starters at points, this group should be much improved and a strong point for the offense. The left tackle, guard and center positions look to be secured by James, Fulton and Stone; the right side of the line, however, looks to have position battles. Schofield, who battled an ankle injury last season, will have to beat out the Under Armour All-American, Jackson, while Thomas, who started every game at left tackle last season, will have to beat out the Army All-American, Richardson. The addition of Notre Dame transfer, #Bullard, will provide needed depth and experience, assuming he is allowed to play this season. Posey, Kerbyson and Crowder are probable redshirts, while Revis, Gooch and Anderson look to be career back-ups. Coming off a redshirt season, the athletic Pair could make a serious push for playing time at the tackle position.

^ - Awaiting waiver.
# - Coming off injury.

Offense by Class:
FR: 14
SO: 14
JR: 7
SR: 3
 Possible redshirts:
QB: Justin Worley
TE: Brendan Downs
OT: Alan Posey
OG: Kyler Kerbyson
C: Mack Crowder

Post-NSD 2011

The confirmation of Eddrick Loften's signed Letter of Intent(LOI) today signified the completion of Coach Derek Dooley's first full class at Tennessee. Coach Dooley's first class may not contain the "star power" of past year's classes, but the class is filled top to bottom with high-character and high-quality athletes. New reports out of Knoxville say the coaches even backed off their recruiting some highly-touted prospects, such as Clemson runningback signee, Mike Bellamy, a 5* prospect, because of character concerns. Out of the twenty-eight signees in the class of 2011, only three are said to have possible academic concerns; these concerns typically mean the player is only in need of a higher ACT/SAT score. Just as impressive as the academic side is the lack of character issues associated with the young men of this class; there do not seem to be any troublemakers in this class, unlike the classes of past staffs.

This class is the foundation of the powerhouse Dooley and co. hope to build Tennessee into once again. The class will provide early depth at each position across the board next season, and many of the prospects will see major playing time early on. Look for the biggest impact to be made in the secondary, as well as smaller impacts at tight end, linebacker, and wide reciever.

FINAL CLASS:

QB: Justin Worley - 3* - 6'4" 205+
RB: Tom Smith - 3* - 5'10" 205
RB: Marlin Lane - 4* - 6'1" 210
WR: DeAnthony Arnett - 4* - 6'0" 175
WR: Vincent Dallas - 3* - 6'0" 180+
TE: Cameron Clear - 4* - 6'6" 265
TE: Brendan Down - 3* - 6'6" 235+
OL: Alan Posey - 3* - 6'6" 350
OL: Antonio Richardson - 4* - 6'6" 325
OL: Kyler Kerbyson - 3* - 6'5" 315
OL: Marcus Jackson - 4* - 6'2" 315+
C: Mack Crowder - 3* - 6'4" 270+
DE: Jordan Williams - 3* - 6'5" 250
DE: Curt Maggitt - 4* - 6'3" 215
DT: Maurice Couch - 4* - 6'2" 305
DT: Trevarris Saulsberry - 3* - 6'4" 280
DT: Allan Carson - 2* - 6'2" 327
LB: AJ Johnson - 4* - 6'3" 245
LB: Christian Harris - 3* - 6'2" 235
DB: Byron Moore - 4* - 6'1" 205
DB: Justin Coleman - 4* - 5'11" 175+
DB: Brian Randolph - 3* - 6'0" 190
DB: Geraldo Orta - 3* - 6'0" 180
DB: Tino Thomas - 3* - 6'0" 200
DB: Pat Martin - 4* - 6'0" 205
DB: Izauea Lanier - 4* - 6'1" 190
DB: Eddrick Loften - 4* - 6'0" 200 *Originally part of 2010 class.
ATH: Devrin Young - 3* - 5'7" 156

+Early Enrollee

*Ratings from Rivals.com
*Height, Weight from UTsports.com

~Check my previous blog: "Restocking the Cupboard: National Signing Day 2011" for my first year predictions on each player.

Restocking the Cupboard: National Signing Day 2011

After three dark years of trials and tribulations, beginning with Coach Phil Fulmer's resignation in 2008, through Lane Kiffin's brief tenure in Knoxville, and continuing into Coach Dooley's first year on campus, the sun is finally rising on Rocky Top, and boy, is it beautiful. Dooley and co. have just finished their first year on campus together and there finally seems to be some stability. All nine assistant coaches appear to be sticking around for at least one more year, and Dooley looks to be settled in for the long haul.

The benefit of coaching stability on recruiting and restocking the talent on this team will become more and more apparent over the next few years, as the coaches are able to develop a positive rapport around the nation. The coaches didn't have the luxury of time when it came to building a positive rapport with high school coaches, recruits and their families this year. They have, however, done a stellar job on the recruiting trail thus far.

From here I will give a short breakdown on currently committed recruits, as well as, who I believe will fill out the remaining spots in this class.

CURRENTLY COMMITTED:

QB: Justin Worley - Gatorade National POY. Early enrollee. Ideal size. Rated a 3* prospect on Rivals, Scout, ESPN and 247 recruiting services. Questions about mechanics, arm strength.
RB: Tom Smith - 3* on Rivals, Scout, ESPN, 247. Already 6' 200lbs, looks college ready. Will get early carries following transfer of Oku. Questions about breakaway speed.

RB: Devrin Young - Dominated East TN at Bearden HS. 2* on ESPN. 3* on Rivals, Scout, 247. Only 5'7. Will not contribute much early on on O, but can provide immediate impact on special teams.

WR: DeAnthony Arnett - Played in Army AA game. 4* on all services. Consensus top-5 WR. Will play early at slot receiver. Perfect compliment to Hunter, Rogers. "Unguardable" at Army practices and camps.
WR: Vincent Dallas - Early enrollee. Similar to Arnett but not as polished. Blazing speed. Can play early in the slot or on special teams.
TE: Brendan Downs - Early enrollee. Athletic TE from Bristol. Probable RS. Perfect TE size. 3* on all services.
T: Alan Posey - Huge T prospect from GA. Choose UT over Clemson. Should be a RS.
G: Kyler Kerbyson - Top OL prospect from Catholic HS. Offered by UF, USC, Bama, etc. Would RS in ideal situation but thin OL may press him into action. 4* on Scout.
G: Marcus Jackson - Early enrollee. Top-10 G prospect. Played in UA AA game. Will push for early PT. 4* on Rivals, ESPN, 247.
C: Mack Crowder - Early enrollee. Teammate of Downs at Bristol HS. 3* on all services. Consensus top-10 C prospect. Should RS.
DE: Jordan Williams - Athletic freak. 3* on all services. From Gainesville, FL. College-ready body. Will play early at thin DE spot.
DT: Maurice Couch - Top-8 Junior College prospect. Most important recruit in class, at position of need. Immediate impact, possible starter. 4* on Rivals, Scout. 5* on 247.
DT: Trevarris Saulsberry - Teammate of J Williams at Gainesville HS. Should RS. Not college ready. Not expected to contribute early. 3*.
DT: Allan Carson - HUGE DT prospect from AL. 6'2 320. Shouldn't contribute much early but could get PT. Staff feels he is a diamond in the rough. No other big offers. 3* on Scout, 247.
LB: AJ Johnson - 4*, top-150 prospect. Played in UA AA game. Will play early. Already 6'3 235. Could grow into a DE but will start at MLB.
LB: Christian Harris - 3* offered at camp by Lance Thompson. Not heavily recruited. Big LB, 6'2 230. Possible RS, depending on depth.
CB: Justin Coleman - 4* on Rivals, 247. Early enrollee. Will compete for early PT at CB and on ST.
CB: Izauea Lanier - Top-15 JuCo prospect. 4* on Rivals. Perfect CB size. Expected to play early, push for starting spot.
DB: Tino Thomas - 3* from Memphis. Ideal measurables 6'1 190, 4.4. Should RS but could contribute on ST.
DB: Geraldo Orta - 4* on ESPN. Former Clemson commit. Questions about speed. May be just ahead of Thomas; could contribute on D, ST.
S: Brian Randolph - 3*. Huge hitter. Expected by many to contribute early both on D, ST. Possible backup at S.
S: Pat Martin - 4* on Rivals, ESPN. Big hitter. Will contribute early on ST, D. Early commit, great recruiter.

PROSPECTS:

RB: Marlin Lane - 4*. Longtime Clemson commit. Down to UT, FSU, UM. Great size. Knee injury jr year caused big drop in ratings this year. Compared to Arian Foster by Rivals.
TE: Cameron Clear - 4*, top-150 prospect. Jumbo athlete from Memphis. Could play TE, OT, DE; prefers TE. Must get. Considered Vol lean. Down to UT, Bama, Barn, Duke.
TE: Brandon Fulse - 4*. Played in UA AA game. Not expected to qualify. Would have immediate impact. Says he is wide open. Considered an Auburn lean.
OT: Antonio Richardson - 4*. Played in Army AA game. Top instate prospect. Must get. Considered a Vol lean. Down to UT, UGA, Barn. May visit USC 1/28.
DE: Leon Mackey - 4*. Big JuCo DE. Down to UT, MSU. Would have immediate impact. Hasn't qualified previous 2 years; I don't expect him to now.
DT: Gabe Wright - 4*, top-150 prospect. Big time DT. Played in UA AA game. Would play early. Down to Barn, UT. Said to have silently committed to both staffs. Knows how to play the recruiting game. Not a must get but a definite need.
DT: Mickey Johnson - 4*, top-150. Similar to Wright, not a must get but a need. Would play early. Down to UT, LSU. Less than 50% chance of qualifying.
LB: Lamar Dawson - 4*, top-150. Played in Army AA game. Big LB, 6'3 230. Top prospect in KY. Would have immediate impact. KY lean. Down to UT, KY, UCF, USC, UO, UF.
LB: Curt Maggitt - 4*, top-150. Incredible speed. Top-5 pass rusher in class. Needs to add weight, 6'4, 210. From FL. Reportedly wants to leave state. Down to UT, Wisc, UF. Immediate impact.
DB: Byron Moore - 4*, top-5 JuCo prospect. Formerly at USC. Would start at CB or S from day 1. Down to UM, UT. UM lean. Being pushed to UM by father.
S: Eddrick Loften - Committed to UT in 2010 class. Didn't qualify. Still hasn't qualified. Being counted in '11 class, but I do not expect him to get in. Could head to JuCo.
ATH: Willie Carmichael - Unranked. Explosive athlete from Greeneville. Doesn't have the grades to qualify and has not been recruited because of that but is supposed to visit UT 1/28. I really want Carmichael to end up at UT, but first he will have to go the JuCo/Prep school route.

MY PREDICTION:

RB: Lane - UT - could happen any day.
TE: Clear - UT - staying in state.
TE: Fulse - Barn, JuCo
OT: Richardson - UT - staying in state.
DE: Mackey - MSU
DT: Wright - UT - honestly, I have no idea. Just being optimistic. I do think one of Wright or Johnson ends up at UT.
DT: Johnson - LSU, JuCo
LB: Dawson - KY - I'm torn here. If Dooley can win over the family, Dawson will be a Vol.
LB: Maggitt - UT - wants to leave FL. Loved UT visit. Wisconsin is just too far. One of Maggitt or Dawson will end up in orange.
DB: Moore - UM
S: Loften - UT, S&P-JuCo - maybe Loften can get here after 2 years in JuCo.
ATH: Carmichael - I don't see Carmichael signing with anyone; just going straight to JuCo.


Everything I've heard says that UT's class will have 27 prospects in it. I'm going with 28. Because of NCAA rules, only 26 players can enroll in school, meaning 2 players will end up going the Prep school or JuCo route or someone(s) may decommit. I expect Loften to end up in a JuCo, however, I have no info as to who else, if anyone, may. The possibility is always there, though. Examples: John Brown, Loften, Dave Clark from '10 class, James Green from ' 09 class. I haven't heard of any player wavering on their commitment. Tino Thomas recently made an official visit to USM and had good things to say. Tino or someone else could look elsewhere, but I do not see that happening.

One more thing. There has been much speculation of a "big fish" 5*, surprise recruit ending up in orange. Many names have been thrown around: FSU RB commit James Wilder Jr., DT Timmy Jernigan, TE Jay Rome, DE Anthony Chickillo, DE Jadeveon Clowney, etc. I don't see any of these happening. Of course anything is possible...


GO VOLS!

Welcome!

This is my first venture into the world of blogging, so stick with me! I plan to release, at least, one blog per week giving my opinions on the sports world. Most of my blogs will deal with University of Tennessee athletics, however, I am a fan of sports in general and will venture off Rocky Top on occasion. I have some ideas in mind for forthcoming blogs and will do my best to get them out soon!

Tentative Upcoming Blogs:

UT basketball: Better with or without Pearl
UT football: Year 1 under Dooley
UT football: Signing Day 2011 (pre- and post-signing day 2/2)

Hopefully, as I get these blogs out, I can gain some followers. So, if you do stumble upon my work, give some feedback! Please! And if you enjoy, recommend V4L to your friends!

Go Vols!