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

[Ethan Hooper]

Don't the recruiting services do one more update. Not trying to be a star gazer but it sounds like Bates could be getting a bump with a good game.

 

[zhangliao04]

Yes, after all of the AA games I believe.

 

[triad280]

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

the last few classes yes,and he is still an elite athlete,but Jalen Hurd's measurables are off the charts...
he's bigger,stronger and faster...but of course he's that way to everybody...

 

[KnoxVegas]

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

They are definitely impressive. Barnett's shuttle time is off the charts as well for 274 lbs.

 

[SCvol333]

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.

this is exactly what we need at LB - Bates and JRM at LB will be a significant talent upgrade at that position group

 

[SCvol333]

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.

i might make him a starting nickel LB - I think he will see a good number of reps

 

[UT_Tix79]

The only negatives from TOS seem to be his size. This was the last update

"Miami commit Kc McDermott just steamrolled Tennessee LB commit Dillon bates.

Bates looks really tiny"

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

Considering McDermott is a talented offensive lineman, I don't think anyone should find that too impressive. That guy probably has 80lbs on Dillon.

 

[UT_Tix79]

Agreed, like I said that's the only negative TOS keeps mentioning is his size. Normally when they harp on something like that, they use it as a crutch to not bump someone up.

He's looked fast, more than competent in run defense, and very very good in pass defense. And he's not really that small, so I'm not sure what they expect.

Not all lb's are 6'2 230 before beginning college weight training...

 

[TechnoVol]

The only negatives from TOS seem to be his size. This was the last update

"Miami commit Kc McDermott just steamrolled Tennessee LB commit Dillon bates.

Bates looks really tiny"

TOS update is pretty comical IMO... McDermott is 6'6" and over 300 lbs. so yeah, Bates is going to look tiny next to him.

 

[SCvol333]

Agreed, like I said that's the only negative TOS keeps mentioning is his size. Normally when they harp on something like that, they use it as a crutch to not bump someone up.

He's looked fast, more than competent in run defense, and very very good in pass defense. And he's not really that small, so I'm not sure what they expect.

Not all lb's are 6'2 230 before beginning college weight training...

agreed - adding 20 lbs in a college weight program should not be a hard thing to do

 

[CWGvol]

agreed - adding 20 lbs in a college weight program should not be a hard thing to do

Yep, he will probably get 10 just from the fact he's still growing naturally. I think 25 will be no problem.

 

[volgirl99]

"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."

-Mike Farrell

Bates is 6'3 and 220-225 lbs

Uhhhh Mike, we already knew we were getting a good one

 

[wtorange]

TOS update is pretty comical IMO... McDermott is 6'6" and over 300 lbs. so yeah, Bates is going to look tiny next to him.

He is 6'6 330 so my guess is not too many HS linebackers are going to look big next to him. It's hilarious how some folks will try to find any tidbit to make a negative statement on our commits.

 

[Pacer92]

He is 6'6 330 so my guess is not too many HS linebackers are going to look big next to him. It's hilarious how some folks will try to find any tidbit to make a negative statement on our commits.

Agree. Some people just have to find some negative no matter the situation.

Most everybody in the back 7 of a defense is going to look tiny compared to 6'6" 330. Lol

 

[KBVol]

I'm going out on a bit of a limb on Bates, but not much of one....

I say this kid is a starter early in the season if not by Day 1. This kid has a tremendously high football IQ and is very physical. He's 6'3" 217 right now, he's an EE so I'm betting he's 225-230 by Fall. How many other LBs do we have who run 4.5-4.6 and have a 40 inch vertical? Exactly none by my count. This kid starts and impresses as a true freshman IMHO.

 

[terrypedigo]

Bill Bates

If he plays like his daddy, then we got something, and bring on little DOG WALKER.

 

[terrypedigo]

I'm going out on a bit of a limb on Bates, but not much of one....

I say this kid is a starter early in the season if not by Day 1. This kid has a tremendously high football IQ and is very physical. He's 6'3" 217 right now, he's an EE so I'm betting he's 225-230 by Fall. How many other LBs do we have who run 4.5-4.6 and have a 40 inch vertical? Exactly none by my count. This kid starts and impresses as a true freshman IMHO.

Run a true 4.5 I would say 1 and that's him.

 

[RockVol]

I'm going out on a bit of a limb on Bates, but not much of one....

I say this kid is a starter early in the season if not by Day 1. This kid has a tremendously high football IQ and is very physical. He's 6'3" 217 right now, he's an EE so I'm betting he's 225-230 by Fall. How many other LBs do we have who run 4.5-4.6 and have a 40 inch vertical? Exactly none by my count. This kid starts and impresses as a true freshman IMHO.

He's an EE?

 

[terrypedigo]

Uhhhh Mike, we already knew we were getting a good one

They can run there mouth they are not the ones going across the middle.

 

[terrypedigo]

He's an EE?

YES and will be starter by the time the blooms on the trees open.

 

[PassedOutAwake]

i think theres a new article on VQ

 

[terrypedigo]

The only negatives from TOS seem to be his size. This was the last update

"Miami commit Kc McDermott just steamrolled Tennessee LB commit Dillon bates.

Bates looks really tiny"

Anybodys that's every played football have had there nuts knocked to there throat once or twice.

 

[Pacer92]

I'm going out on a bit of a limb on Bates, but not much of one....

I say this kid is a starter early in the season if not by Day 1. This kid has a tremendously high football IQ and is very physical. He's 6'3" 217 right now, he's an EE so I'm betting he's 225-230 by Fall. How many other LBs do we have who run 4.5-4.6 and have a 40 inch vertical? Exactly none by my count. This kid starts and impresses as a true freshman IMHO.

Not sure he's a EE!? Not sure he starts, but I do think he plays a lot as a true freshman though, no matter what his weight is.

He has absolutely too much ability and football smarts to keep off the field IMO.

 

[eazyTD]

Terrypedigo dropping knowledge left and right itt....