When Tennessee unveils its 2015 signing class Wednesday, one name noticeably absent will be South Doyle's JocquezBruce. The Knoxville native volunteered to blueshirt, which allowed Tennessee to pursue other potential prospects down the stretch.
"I volunteered myself to blueshirt so I could help out the team," Bruce told VolQuest.com Tuesday afternoon. "I wanted to help out so we can continue to add great players to help get us back to where want want to be."
By volunteering to blueshirt, Bruce couldn't take an official visit to Tennessee. Additionally, Tennessee coaches never had an in-home or in-school visit with Bruce. It was a gesture that top-Vol Butch Joneswas impressed by.
"He told me I'm doing the right thing and he appreciates me for that," Bruce said. "He was shocked at the same time because he didn't think someone would volunteer. I just wanted to do it, and not taking an official wasn't a big thing to me. I've seen it all before."
So what does this mean for Bruce going forward? Nothing changes and when he arrives for school, he will be on full scholarship.
"I'll be attending school the same time everyone else is so it's not a biggie," Bruce said. "I'll be on full scholarship. I can't wait to be a Vol."
Bruce views this as a positive and having his name formally announced Wednesday isn't a big deal. He knows where he stands in the eyes of the coaches and he believes he and Tennessee benefit from the decision long-term.
"I gain respect for this," Bruce said. "Not only from the coaches, but from the community as well. I know they want to get all of the big-time recruits and if this allows us to add other guys then I've accomplished my goal by wanting to do this."
Bruce has quite the personality and he hopes the staff remembers this gesture when fall camp begins in August.
"I'm hoping the coaches remember this and I can get some early P-T (playing time) for doing this," Bruce said with a smile.
