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.
Showing posts with label Vols. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vols. Show all posts
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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
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.
*Height, Weight from UTsports.com
~Check my previous blog: "Restocking the Cupboard: National Signing Day 2011" for my first year predictions on each player.
Monday, January 24, 2011
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.
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!
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!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
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!
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!
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