'10 TN DB Lonnie Ballentine (Announcing 3/29)

[Hens67]

with lofton potentially not getting qualified..this is huge for the team

 

[VOLFREAK11]

Loften is going to qualify from what i hear

 

[Lord Vader]

Because they didn't sign 28 guys.

And that rule seems to be about useless anyways imo. LSU signed 29 and Auburn signed 32 lol.

UT only signed 25. Adding Ballentine will not be a problem at all. With him visiting Friday, I cannot see that as nothing but good news.

 

[LorettoVol]

Bringing his mom with him this weekend according to GVX. More often than not, that seems to be a positive. Hoping thats good news for us.

 

[KnoxVegas]

Reading that article UT looks very good for this kid come Monday.

Memphis prospect opts for early college in unusual move GoVolsXtra

Is that a misprint at the end when it says Ballentine will turn 17 in April?

 

[chavisut]

Is that a misprint at the end when it says Ballentine will turn 17 in April?

No, Ballentine was originally part of the 2011 class but is graduating early.

 

[SGMVols]

Is that a misprint at the end when it says Ballentine will turn 17 in April?

He's graduating a year early, so that shouldn't come as a surprise.

Edit: chavis beat me to it.

 

[VolOnthePlains]

Memphis prospect opts for early college in unusual move GoVolsXtra

Article on GVX

 

[Volinnooga]

As for his prior commitment/decommitment at Memphis, did he decommit prior to Porter coming on board? If so, I think a commit to Memphis is scaringly likely

 

[CountVolcula]

And that rule seems to be about useless anyways imo. LSU signed 29 and Auburn signed 32 lol.

UT only signed 25. Adding Ballentine will not be a problem at all. With him visiting Friday, I cannot see that as nothing but good news.

Thanks!!

 

[ReeceBobby]

CDD is going to charm the britches off of Mama Ballentine. UT lock (jmo)

 

[Escape Goat]

I will settle for strong Vol lean. It's rare to see many CB's this tall that are any count.

 

[Lord Vader]

Tennstud made these 2 posts on TOS. He has very good connections to the Memphis area.

While driving around town rounding up goodies for the bb parties starting tonight, I received two (2) calls from great, well connected, individuals which lead me to believe that UT is Ballentine's choice. I'm sorry but I can't add more but, right now, it's UT!!

Yes, they've added that from their original story so yes, he's coming up to Knoxville. UT was trying to keep it quiet but somehow it got out. That's a great sign. He called UT Tuesday and told them he was coming up. Thus, unless we mess up, something bad happens, then one has to assume that he's bound for UT.

 

[chavisut]

There's no way. Dooley doesn't recruit 4 star types.

 

[Lord Vader]

That visit tells me one of two things. Either he is coming to personally commit to UT and have his mom there, or he is telling UT I coming to visit I am yours to lose so if you want me convince me and I think CDD can do that.

Or, he has already made it clear that he wants to be a Vol and is coming in so his mom can personally meet the coaches and see the campus and, more importantly, meet with the academic people and make sure his grades and transcripts are in order so he can get accepted into school and get his summer classes.

 

[utvolpj]

Does anybody actually take stud seriously though?

evidently someone does. I'm sure he'd let you visit the hot tub too chavis

 

[Lord Vader]

Does anybody actually take stud seriously though?

yea, pretty much everybody except VNers on Memphis stuff.

 

[chavisut]

evidently someone does. I'm sure he'd let you visit the hot tub too chavis

I'm unaware, I don't spend anytime on TOS. I've just seen a lot of heat towards him on here.

 

[chavisut]

.

 

[VolATLien]

If he does commit where do you see him playing? I assume he would start at DB but could he grow into a LB?

 

[Lord Vader]

CB. that what he wants to play and that's what we are recruiting him as.

 

[VolOnthePlains]

Not every tall DB has to convert to LB. A guy like Sapp makes sense to switch because he already has the weight and doesn't look natural as a safety (IMO). I think Ballentine stays as a DB.

 

[VolATLien]

CB. that what he wants to play and that's what we are recruiting him as.

I heard that but... well i have not seen any film so idk. Just doesnt seem right.

 

[PayingUTKTuition]

Hmmm... visiting UT on Friday...not a full class for 2010...In need of DBs... likes Tennessee...I like the way it sounds.

 

[thunder5]

Out of curiousity...when will Rivals rate Ballentine?

What will the rating likely be?

Will it effect our final ranking for 2010 or 2011...assuming we land him?