VolNation Q&A with Tom Luginbill of Scouts, Inc.

Considered by most to be the top uncommitted quarterback of the 2010 class, Lakewood, California signal-caller Jesse Scroggins will end all speculation and announce his college choice on Wednesday. Scroggins will decide between Tennessee, USC, and Florida.

Tom Luginbill is the National Recruiting Director for ESPN’s Scouts, Inc. and was kind enough to take the time to share his thoughts on Scroggins, as well as his perception of Tennessee’s program under new coach Lane Kiffin.

VolNation: Considering the current depth chart, many feel that a quality quarterback is the top priority for the Vols in the 2010 class. Currently, Tennessee is without a commitment from a quarterback and, even though it’s only July, some fans are already becoming anxious. Is this a legitimate concern at this point or is it still too early?

Tom Luginbill: I think it is somewhat of a concern in two areas. One—it is not a terrific class as a whole top-to-bottom in a year where Tennessee really needed it to be given their current situation. Two—all of the top prospects at the position that Tennessee really liked, mainly two guys Andrew Hendrix and Chase Rettig have given their commitments to other schools. Obviously this has limited their options somewhat and I really don’t believe they want to “settle” just to get somebody, they want the right guy in their eyes.

VolNation: How do you rate Jesse Scroggins compared to the other top quarterbacks in this class?

Tom Luginbill: When we come out with our first edition of the ESPNU 150 on August 5th I anticipate he will be one of maybe just a handful of QB’s that will likely be in it this year. Right now he currently ranks in our top 3 overall QB prospects and has made a push for the No. 1 slot.

VolNation: What kind of message would it send to the Southeastern Conference (and the country) if Lane Kiffin was able to secure a commitment from Jesse Scroggins, and in the process, lure him away from USC and Florida?

Tom Luginbill: Not much, but it would send the right message to Tennessee fans which is more important right now. Tennessee is more concerned with filling a need with a talented guy than impressive peers or sending a message.

VolNation: For those who might not have seen film on Jesse Scroggins, how would you describe his game and who would you compare him to?

Tom Luginbill: He reminds me somewhat of a shorter Jason Campbell although we feel Scroggins at this stage has a stronger arm than Campbell had coming out.

VolNation: What do you like most about Jesse Scroggins and do you believe he would be a good fit in Lane Kiffin’s system?

Tom Luginbill: He is very calm and poised and shows good command of the scheme. He will try and take some chances at times that he shouldn’t because of his faith in his arm, but he is a pocket guy with enough athleticism to get out of trouble and we feel he would be a terrific fit in Tennessee’s system. He has a good feel for timing and working through progressions and he is not always in the shotgun.

VolNation: Does Jesse Scroggins have the physical tools to compete for a starting job as a true freshman? And mentally, is he the type of player that could shoulder the load of resurrecting a program?

Tom Luginbill: Physically yes, he can play as a freshman. Mentally, time will tell especially with a roster like Tennessee’s right now that has some holes to fill. Even for the best of them, there is a steep learning curve at that position when you make the jump and it always helps to have great personnel around you which may not necessarily be the case with the Vols right off the bat.

VolNation: Early playing time and distance from home are certainly two important factors that every prospect must consider when choosing which college to attend. What do you believe will end up being the biggest factor in Scroggins’ decision?

Tom Luginbill: Fitting into the atmosphere, not just the offense or finding early playing time.

VolNation: Lane Kiffin and his staff came to Tennessee late in the game last year and were able to secure, by most accounts, a top 10 recruiting class. Do you think they can duplicate that success this year, and how much of an impact could Scroggins play in determining the ultimate course of this class?

Tom Luginbill: Possibly, but too early to tell and Scroggins would be a big piece of the puzzle.

VolNation: Tennessee currently has 12 commitments for the 2010 class. Based on what you’ve seen to this point, how would you rate the job Kiffin and his staff have done? Of those 12, are there any that especially stand out?

Tom Luginbill: Terrific in terms of needs and talent. Look at the positions of the players committed and you will see that not only are they areas of need where there is a void, but also they are the most important positions on the field outside of quarterback. You have to build your team from the inside-out and they know they are not talented enough in those areas to compete so they are rebuilding there.

VolNation: Who are a couple of guys that would be important commitments for the Vols in the 2010 class?

Tom Luginbill: OT Chaz Green, Scroggins, DE Corey Lemonier, DT Calvin Smith just to name a few.

VolNation: Jesse Scroggins is the only final Elite 11 quarterback that has not committed. If he chooses USC or Florida, who should be Tennessee’s next target?

Tom Luginbill: Tough question, most are committed within the top 30 or guys. They may have to go the JUCO route.

VolNation: Barry Brunetti is another quarterback of interest that will be attending the Elite 11 Camp in Las Vegas. He’s an in-state kid that is currently committed to West Virgina, but some believe Brunetti is a player that could still be on Tennessee’s radar. What’s your take on him and do you believe he has the tools to be successful in a pro style offense at the college level?

Tom Luginbill: I think if he was 3 inches taller everybody would have offered him. he has a great delivery and live arm, but I am not sure he is Tennessee’s type of guy in terms of the right fit. This is not to say he isn’t respected by their staff, but for the same reasons they parted ways with Tahj Boyd last year, Brunetti is more of a spread guy.

VolNation: What do you expect to see on the field from Tennessee in 2009? Would you take ‘over’ or ‘under’ seven wins?

Tom Luginbill: Unfortunately I would have to take “under” at this time. They are working at it and grinding on the road, but they have to play with what they have now.