'17 TN OL K'Rojhn Calbert (UT signee)

#201
#201
highspeed said:
Calbert publicly announced his commitment at his school on Wednesday afternoon.

"I'm a Tennessee guy," Calbert said of the decision. "I understand that I'm a Tennessee guy. I feel like there's a lot of pride in that. I believe in my state. Tennessee is a great state and what would be better to go play for Tennessee?"

At 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, Calbert is a dancing bear athletically. Though injuries kept him out of most of his junior and sophomore seasons, his return to the field as a senior has been eye-popping. Offers have poured in from South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Missouri, Memphis and others.

Tennessee was always the offer he wanted though.

"If somebody would've told me I would be committing to the University of Tennessee on Wednesday the 16th of November in 2016, I would've been like, you're joking. There's no way. But I can most certainly say that I've put in a lot of work and it's taken a toll on me so I'm really proud of myself for believing in myself and giving myself the opportunity."

Someone else that believed in Calbert was Tennessee quality control coach Walt Wells. Wells was as active as anybody in the pursuit of Calbert and that relationship became a big factor in Tennessee's offer and Calbert's commitment.

"He started recruiting me back in the summer and we started that relationship and he hit me up every day and asked me how I was doing and things like that," Calbert said. "He was just letting me know to keep grinding, saying I promise you if it's meant to be it'll be if it's not I'll still be by your side no matter what. He mentioned me in meetings and stuff like that. He really pushed for me. He really wanted me to be a Volunteer. I prayed on it, he prayed on it, we all prayed on it and God answered that prayer and I feel like that's what I prayed for and I got it. He's been a true blessing in my life.

"The relationships I built with the coaches, Coach Walt Wells, Coach Butch (Jones) Coach (Don) Mahoney, I just highly respect those guys and they'll be my guys the next four years hopefully."

-Simmons
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Wow! So happy for this kid. Love his attitude
 
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#203
#203
Calbert's story is unique to say the least. At 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, Calbert is exactly what big-time schools like Tennessee look for in terms of size. The athleticism is there, too. Calbert is a natural on the hardwood and can still dunk despite his heavy frame. That should give you a hint of the type of explosiveness he has.

All the measurables are there, but he's short on experience. Calbert only played live football his freshman season before injuring his knee and missing his sophomore and junior seasons. But, in just one summer and fall he's done enough on the camp circuit and in games to prove he deserves the chance to play at the next level.

Calbert plays with the nastiness required to compete in the trenches in the SEC. His tape routinely shows his desire to punish opposing defensive linemen.
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Now we turn to Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst Woody Wommack for more on Bennett:

"Tennessee's in need of offensive linemen in this class and I think Calbert is a good fit in terms of high upside, low risk, high reward. He doesn't have the ranking that maybe some Vol fans would want, but you're talking about a guy who just converted from basketball. But, we've seen basketball players turn in to football players and be very athletic.

"I think there is some concern there about his early injuries and that's valid, but Tennessee is comfortable and think he can be a big-time player.

"And, with someone with his size and athletic ability, you're more likely to take a chance on someone like that and hope that you hit a home run and that he can be a two or three-year starter.

"I think he will have some time to learn and grow and develop, especially if they land a few more offensive linemen, coupled with a few young guys they have on the roster already. But, it's a good addition and, as importantly, it's an instate player. The Vols have done a good job of building those relationships and continue to make sure they keep the top talent close to home."
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Fort
 
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#204
#204
snowvols said:
Because of his insinuation that something is happening down there. They have an abnormally high percentage of busts in the NFL. Lots of times their players look a lot slower at the next level because of what is supposedly an enhanced college career, so that's what is has to do with it.
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They are doing what Nebraska was doing in the 90s. Same thing with those guys in the NFL.
 
#210
#210
Saw him play a few weeks ago. Athleticism jumped out immediately. He is 290+, but his frame is exactly what you look for in a big time Olinemen. I couldn't believe he wasn't higher rated than he was when I looked him up. After hearing about the injuries, it makes sense. Pumped to get him. Let him redshirt and get stronger, and he will contribute.
 
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#215
#215
How is his first name pronounced? Ron? K-Ron? K-Rojin? I has the confused.
 
#222
#222
Catbone said:
Definitely needs a RS year to bulk up but he's got potential imo
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With the injuries already, is it wise to sign developmental players with knee problems?
Nothing against the kid, I'm happy for him, but I don't think this is a good sign of where UT is with Smith and where they are overall in their recruiting.
 
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