'14 FL LB Dillon Bates (UT Signee 2/5/14)

[BaldBiker]

Young man reminds me of me. Except he is younger, bigger, faster and more talented. Aside from those few things we are almost carbon copies of each other.

 

[RockVol]

Cook better get used to this if he plans on going to UF

@RecruitingESPN: #UAAllAmerica #Vols LB commit @dillonbates says hello to Dalvin Cook by blowing past two blocks and forcing a big loss on the play.

@RecruitingESPN: #Vols LB commit @dillonbates having a heck of a practice so far. Another big tackle draws a round of praise from coaches. #UAAllAmerica

 

[ionaVOL]

@RecruitingESPN: #Vols LB commit @dillonbates says hello to Dalvin Cook by blowing past two blocks and forcing a big loss on the play.

@RecruitingESPN #Vols LB commit @dillonbates having a heck of a practice so far. Another big tackle draws a round of praise from coaches.

 

[KnoxVillain]

Can't wait for him to be in orange. Guy is going to be the next big face of Tennessee football.

 

[wU-Tang Vol]

Can't wait for him to be in orange. Guy is going to be the next big face of Tennessee football.

There's a few in this class up for that award

 

[UT = Checkmate]

No wonder they mentioned him as a possible safety. If he's at 4.5, that is great speed for a OLB.

 

[JAllen18]

Can't wait for him to be in orange. Guy is going to be the next big face of Tennessee football.

Theres a few guys in this class who can do that. Getting back to our dominate days guys.

 

[CWGvol]

No wonder they mentioned him as a possible safety. If he's at 4.5, that is great speed for a OLB.

Not to mention his excellent shuttle time and vertical. His awareness and football IQ are also pointed out frequently. He will be great in coverage and thats something we really need. Size will be great too, I think he will have no problem being 225-230 and keeping his speed.

 

[MockingVol]

This guy is going to be huge in ST for us next year and will probably see the field some as 2nd string OLB. The year after though he is going to be a monster for us. I think he could be our defense's leader as a sophomore.

 

[engineerVOL]

Does Rivals have another rankings update before signing day?

 

[AV_12]

Does Rivals have another rankings update before signing day?

Yes

 

[engineerVOL]

Yes

Since Rivals staffers are there I wonder if he be considered for that 5th star? I also wonder if he would already be 5 star if they ranked him as a safety?

 

[UT_Tix79]

Farrell said Bates has been dominant at LB, and has the speed to play safety also. That's a sick combo to have at LB.

I love Bill Bates, but I feel like his son has the potential to be much better than pops was.

 

[Madkins8]

No wonder they mentioned him as a possible safety. If he's at 4.5, that is great speed for a OLB.

Only 7 of 26 DB's ran a faster 40 time than Bates (4.51) at the Opening (of those who ran 40's)

Only 8 of 31 DB's ran a faster shuttle time than Bates (4.09) at The Opening (of those who ran 40's).

Only two DB's, Tony Brown and Kavin Alexander, ran faster 40's and shuttles than Dillon Bates at the Opening...and neither had a comparable Vertical.

If Bates can keep his athleticism at 230, he will be an absolute freak.

 

[UT_Tix79]

Update from Mike Farrell from TOS...

Back from practice and will start sharing thoughts as they come to me.

I think Dillon Bates had a very strong day in practice, great instincts and really reads passing lanes well. He could be a big safety or an undersized linebacker who can play weakside, cover slots receivers and blitz. Vols getting a good one.

 

[chavisut]

He can play at 240.

 

[Dust10]

I think we need to shut down all this safety talk. He will bulk up a bit and be a beast outside backer. I'm thinking like All-American linebacker.

 

[UT_Tix79]

I think he's locked in at LB, however, they're saying his skill set would also make a good safety with his speed.

A undersized LB with good height, reach, and speed can easily add more weight. And with his pedigree, I wouldn't bet against him even if he decided he wanted to play QB...

 

[RiseToTheTop]

6'3" 211

Here are the Combine numbers for our commits (plus Adoree) from The Opening.

Gotcha

211 is fine for a HS OLB
Another 15lbs and he will be set. Plenty of time.

 

[Vol8188]

Combine numbers are unreal. He may be the best athlete in this class.

 

[UT = Checkmate]

I think we need to shut down all this safety talk. He will bulk up a bit and be a beast outside backer. I'm thinking like All-American linebacker.

I don't think anyone was saying he should be a safety but Ferrel I think. I hope we keep all of our current LBs, because we have no legit depth.

 

[PassedOutAwake]

I dont think Ferrell was saying he SHOULD be a safety, he said that he COULD be a safety or an undersized LB at the next level

 

[footballdad51413]

I think we need to shut down all this safety talk. He will bulk up a bit and be a beast outside backer. I'm thinking like All-American linebacker.

Yep think your correct.

@RecruitingESPN: #UAAllAmerica #Vols LB commit @dillonbates says hello to Dalvin Cook by blowing past two blocks and forcing a big loss on the play.

 

[TechnoVol]

Yep think your correct.

@RecruitingESPN: #UAAllAmerica #Vols LB commit @dillonbates says hello to Dalvin Cook by blowing past two blocks and forcing a big loss on the play.

Is it wrong to get chills reading this update? :rock:

 

[RockVol]

@TheDannyParker: @ScoutRecruiting 4-star LB, #Vols commit @dillonbates reading, reacting, getting praise from @UnderArmour coaches. "Great job, great job!"