Future favorite: Vic Wharton III
I dont know Todd Kelly Jr., but I like him because of roots. Ditto Dillon Bates.
That said, until further notice, Vic Wharton III is my favorite incoming football Volunteer. He has not caught a pass or returned a punt for the orange, but he has demonstrated a deep appreciation of the University of Tennessee, complete faith in Butch Jones and sincere gratitude for an opportunity to make a difference.
Perhaps you know Wharton background basics. Former Volunteer all-SEC basketball guard Brandon Wharton, 1,651 points in the late 1990s, is his uncle.
Vic was an athletic freshman of some distinction at Catholic High.
He transferred to Christ Presbyterian Academy outside of Nashville and had a great sophomore year in football, basketball and track.
He transferred again, to Independence High in Thompsons Station, and became one of the better all-around, mid-sized (6-0, 190) athletes in the country. There might have been a connection between that move and the school adding his dad to the coaching staff.
Do what? You never heard of Vic Wharton Jr. or Thompsons Station, population 2,194, steeped in history, Civil War battleground, Williamson County, between Franklin and Spring Hill?
Young Vic III did what he could to make Thompsons Station more famous. He played defensive back, quarterback, running back, wide receiver and kick returner. He did all that very well, about 2,500 all-purpose yards as a senior, nine touchdowns running, eight receiving, six doing other things.
He made a bunch of tackles, intercepted some passes, threw a touchdown pass, had a 98-yard kickoff return, etc.
One college coach said Vic is an instinctive defender. Another said he is better as a receiver, not a burner but once under 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. If that isnt flying, it is takeoff speed.
Some who do recruiting evaluations say he is a four-star prospect. That is incidental. Heres what matters: Because of Jones, Vic was more interested in Cincinnati than Tennessee when Derek Dooley was coach.
When Jones switched schools, Wharton decided he was part of the package. He had to wait only for confirmation that he was wanted. Butch had previously offered a Cincinnati scholarship after Vic camped with the Bearcats.**
When the Tennessee offer came, Vic was first to commit for the class of 2014. He called Jones on Christmas Day 2012. A few minutes later, he appointed himself assistant recruiting coordinator and called TK. That is code for the aforementioned Todd Kelly Jr.
Soon others were in the loop. The theme was the future, trying to restore Tennessee football to its rightful place of prominence.
Over and over, Vic Wharton III said to prospective teammates, Once we get there, we are going to help make a difference.
Optimism.*Enthusiasm.*Faith in tomorrow.*And why not?
I think hes the greatest coach in the country, Wharton said of Lyle Allen Butch Jones Jr.
I mean, I just cant wait to play for him.**
Even with more talent on the roster, I am almost certain there is still a place for leadership. The Vic Wharton approach is good enough for now.
