'19 CA LB Henry To'oto'o (Tennessee Signee)

[SweetasSoda]

I am judging Pruitt by the big fish. He had that kinda rep coming in here. So far he is about 50/50 and didn't close well last Feb. We will see about this one. At some point all the background noise and excuses have to go away. We are far enough away from it and headed in the right direction.

I'm more concerned with what he does with the fish that he gets than how big they are. It would be easier to go after those you have a good shot at so the public perception would be better, but that's not his personality. Also if gets 1 out of 10, that's great even if it's not on NSD.

 

[LA Vol]

Spread the blame for the Vandy game. Helton had one foot out the door, and Friend and Pruitt were involved in the playcalling that game. Too many cooks and not enough accountability.

 

[orange parmejohn]

I am judging Pruitt by the big fish. He had that kinda rep coming in here. So far he is about 50/50 and didn't close well last Feb. We will see about this one. At some point all the background noise and excuses have to go away. We are far enough away from it and headed in the right direction.

Given where our program is at, I tip my hat to any man that can get 1 out every 2 big time recruits he goes after.

 

[Nashvegas31]

Elite 11 QB

#1 All purpose back(gray) and potential #1 RB overall if Crouch ever goes to RB

Our top 2 TE targets

#1 OL class in country

A Top 150 WR and a 5 star Athlete transfer

#1 Juco DT and a 5 Star DT transfer

5 star talent in Crouch at LB and a steal in 4star Harrison who looks like a Gladiator.

Our Top CB target from the start in Burrell and then another 4 star CB

An all American safety

There are spots that are disappointing at moment but That's not a disappointing class overall. It's just disappointing because we came 2nd in some other big time recruitments but it's going to happen and does happen everywhere.

If I were to pick 2 spots that we need more at its DL, and 1 more WR/LB.

When is last time we had a coach bring in 5 possibly 6 players that were ranked 5 stars at some point in their class? If you count the 2 transfers and Wright he is brining in 5. If we steal pickens that is 6

 

[peaygolf]

I'm 24 and it's still dumb to me

Do some research on the history of UT football.
List those players who are the best in history from those classes you mentioned

 

[butchna]

No, it's a trend with him on every recruit as of late. Pruitt has not closed well on the 2nd signing day as of yet.

Do you consider Pickens as part of that “not closed well”?

 

[BucVol98]

Do some research on the history of UT football.
List those players who are the best in history from those classes you mentioned

I think your confused PG I was saying I'm 24 and I know better than to think there were multiple all-time great Vols that came from the 2010 or 2014 classes, the only one in my opinion was Derek Barnett, I was saying the guy that was making the argument that there were some ALL-TIME GREATS in the 2010 and 2014 class was pretty dumb
QB: 1. Peyton Manning 2. Condredge Hollaway 3. Tee Martin
RB: 1. Johnny Majors 2. Travis Henry 3. James "Little Man" Stewart
WR. 1. Peerless Price 2. Joey Kent 3. Robert Meachem
OL. 1. Steve Delong 2. Cosey Coleman 3. TIny Richardson (Tiny was the man, injuries messed him up)

DT. 1. Big John Henderson 2. Albert Haynesworth 3.
DE. 1. Reggie White 2. Derek Barnett 3.
LB. 1. Al Wilson 2. Keith Delong 3. Raynoch Thompson
S. 1. Eric Berry 2. Deon Grant
CB. 1. Dale Carter 2. Terry McDaniel 3. Terry Fair

 

[Jackcrevol]

QB: 1. Peyton Manning 2. Heath Shuler

1- Peyton
2- Casey
3- Heath
4- Tee

 

[BucVol98]

1- Peyton
2- Casey
3- Heath
4- Tee

Accidentally hit enter before I was done thinking/typing see editted post

 

[buffaloblue]

Don’t think this one is over. Vol

 

[VolDC]

Do you consider Pickens as part of that “not closed well”?

All depends on what you consider closing well. Getting them on campus could be one way of looking at it. Flipping them could be another. I would go with the later. Pickens and To'oto'to this year. Walker and a few others last year.

I'm not hating on Pruitt at all. I am pointing out issues that need to be fixed. At my work I am held accountable for the good and the bad. The good this year is that he has recruited players that fit his system, Seemed to have coached them up as the year went on, but then there is the other side of the coin. He hasn't closed well on big fish in February and the team didn't show up to play after the South Carolina game last year. I think he is a better on the field coach than Dooley and Butch. Butch's second class was rated higher than this one. Realistically is everyone happy with the way this coaching staff is recruiting? Did you expect more out of these guys because of their previous SEC ties? I did.

 

[DaddyChad]

Spread the blame for the Vandy game. Helton had one foot out the door, and Friend and Pruitt were involved in the playcalling that game. Too many cooks and not enough accountability.

Portion of the players didn't want the extra practices or a bowl game. Now part of that is on the staff but you've got to roll with the players you inherit

 

[Kinglberry]

Great point on heavy skill vs heavy line classes. Good part here is with Wright Andy Morris, getting some very high rated linemen.

Agreed on the lineman. With this base he's got so far, future recruiting classes may be more balanced, which should mean a few more skill position guys that will bump up our ranking. Success breeds success, we've seen that with Butch, but long term success comes from reputation that gets passed beneath the headlines. Look at all the players Clemson has, that we had locked up, or so we thought. They were enamored with Butch's success, but digging deeper it seems, they found out his truth. Pruitt has a rep, and it will either be solidified and improved, or not, in these next two seasons.

 

[butchna]

All depends on what you consider closing well. Getting them on campus could be one way of looking at it. Flipping them could be another. I would go with the later. Pickens and To'oto'to this year. Walker and a few others last year.

I'm not hating on Pruitt at all. I am pointing out issues that need to be fixed. At my work I am held accountable for the good and the bad. The good this year is that he has recruited players that fit his system, Seemed to have coached them up as the year went on, but then there is the other side of the coin. He hasn't closed well on big fish in February and the team didn't show up to play after the South Carolina game last year. I think he is a better on the field coach than Dooley and Butch. Butch's second class was rated higher than this one. Realistically is everyone happy with the way this coaching staff is recruiting? Did you expect more out of these guys because of their previous SEC ties? I did.

Another poster’s point which you may have covered, NOT flipping another team’s commit is NOT “not closing”. I’m happy with this coach’s recruiting because I feel he knows the type of players that can play for him and swings big first before working down to base hits. Butch went for ratings and his players didn’t always fit...no matter the star factor. In any case, the players he left Pruitt seemed to have been trained to lose steam as the season went along. Pruitt needs to flip that mentality.

 

[firedog28]

Pruitt knows you can't out bagman the Bammer bagmen!!!

 

[dimondvol]

No, it's a trend with him on every recruit as of late. Pruitt has not closed well on the 2nd signing day as of yet.

Here's the list of the top-15 schools by class ranking to this point, along with their 2018 season results...

Ranking   | School     | Record
--------------------------------------------------------
1         | Alabama    | 14-1 (Natl Champ L)
2         | Georgia    | 11-3 (SEC East Champs)
3         | Texas      | 10-4 (Sugar Bowl W)
4         | T A&M      | 9-4
5         | Oklahoma   | 12-2 (B12 Champs/Playoffs)
6         | LSU        | 10-3
7         | Michigan   | 10-3 (Peach Bowl L)
8         | Oregon     | 9-4
9         | Clemson    | 15-0 (Natl Champs)
10        | Penn St    | 9-4
11        | Florida    | 11-3 (Peach Bowl W)
12        | Auburn     | 8-5
13        | Ohio St    | 13-1 (Big 10 Champs/Rose Bowl W)
14        | Notre Dame | 12-1 (Playoffs)
15        | Tennessee  | 5-7

Our staff can recruit, but without cheating egregiously, I'm not sure we can really expect to be significantly higher than we are right now. And yet, there's a chance based on what happens Wednesday that we finish higher.

 

[PruittEra]

I just think that saying this is the greatest class we've had in 10-15 years is a stretch considering none of them have even seen the field. Those 2010 and 2014 classes had a lot of talent though and that 2010 group of offensive linemen and WRs is as good as there has ever been. Plus I think you have to compare our class to our competitions in regards to how good it actually is and 2 of our 3 biggest rivals have top 3 classes and Florida will likely finish above us too

We may not finish in the top 10 but this still a solid class. Nobody has said anything about it being the best class in 10-15 years. But as I said we won’t know where it truly stands until after they’ve here And played.

 

[VolRoger]

Here's the list of the top-15 schools by class ranking to this point, along with their 2018 season results...

Ranking   | School     | Record
--------------------------------------------------------
1         | Alabama    | 14-1 (Natl Champ L)
2         | Georgia    | 11-3 (SEC East Champs)
3         | Texas      | 10-4 (Sugar Bowl W)
4         | T A&M      | 9-4
5         | Oklahoma   | 12-2 (B12 Champs/Playoffs)
6         | LSU        | 10-3
7         | Michigan   | 10-3 (Peach Bowl L)
8         | Oregon     | 9-4
9         | Clemson    | 15-0 (Natl Champs)
10        | Penn St    | 9-4
11        | Florida    | 11-3 (Peach Bowl W)
12        | Auburn     | 8-5
13        | Ohio St    | 13-1 (Big 10 Champs/Rose Bowl W)
14        | Notre Dame | 12-1 (Playoffs)
15        | Tennessee  | 5-7

Our staff can recruit, but without cheating egregiously, I'm not sure we can really expect to be significantly higher than we are right now. And yet, there's a chance based on what happens Wednesday that we finish higher.

I agree. A 5-7 record in 2018 followed by at least a #15 class is pretty impressive.

 

[volinbama256]

Everyone giving Pruitt somewhat of a pass or rationalizing our record (5-7) to recruiting hits ratio/able to sell the program... I think he and staff have done an above average job getting kids this cycle considering the handicaps. We must improve this season and have no less than a top 10 class based on the talent and how deep we are supposedly already with top blue-chips for '20, or there's no excuses... plain and simple.

 

[SaguaroVols]

I'm happy with this class with Wright considering our performance this season. Meets most of our needs.

The 2020 class is going to be the one that Pruitt has to close out and finish in the top 5-10 with so many elite prospects in GA and TN. Got a great start with Bailey.

Critical that we make a bowl and show progress this upcoming season.

 

[jim43]

All the negative complaining about the 4* & 5* recruits we may, or may not get, and how we are not doing good, makes me really wonder about many of our fans on these boards.

I am so thankful Coach Rick Barnes has the NR. 1 TEAM IN AMERICA WITH NOT ONE 4* OR 5* RECRUIT ON THIS TEAM.

Good coaches make more difference than star count. I trust the coaches we have to know what a prospect looks like; not what some yo-yo sitting in an office somewhere deciding who can, or cannot play.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

I think your confused PG I was saying I'm 24 and I know better than to think there were multiple all-time great Vols that came from the 2010 or 2014 classes, the only one in my opinion was Derek Barnett, I was saying the guy that was making the argument that there were some ALL-TIME GREATS in the 2010 and 2014 class was pretty dumb
QB: 1. Peyton Manning 2. Condredge Hollaway 3. Tee Martin
RB: 1. Johnny Majors 2. Travis Henry 3. James "Little Man" Stewart
WR. 1. Peerless Price 2. Joey Kent 3. Robert Meachem
OL. 1. Steve Delong 2. Cosey Coleman 3. TIny Richardson (Tiny was the man, injuries messed him up)

DT. 1. Big John Henderson 2. Albert Haynesworth 3.
DE. 1. Reggie White 2. Derek Barnett 3.
LB. 1. Al Wilson 2. Keith Delong 3. Raynoch Thompson
S. 1. Eric Berry 2. Deon Grant
CB. 1. Dale Carter 2. Terry McDaniel 3. Terry Fair

Yeah I think he misunderstood ya, I caught what you meant. And you have a good list there, but I will add a few more. QB- Tony Robinson, while he floundered in the NFL and got hurt halfway his senior year you could agrue there was never a more talented QB. Johnny Majors said he was the greatest talent he ever coached. RB-Chuck Webb he was a force, had not he got hurt in the first game of his sophomore year records would have shattered. Put Charlie Garner and Reggie Cobb in there as well. LB-Steve Kiner, Hacksaw Reynolds, Al Wilson, Eric Westmorland, Raynoch Thompson, Keith Delong. DT-Henderson,Haynesworth,Doug Atkins. DE- Leonard Little, Richard Cooper, Todd Kelly Sr. Safety-Charles Davis, Chris White. CB-Carter, McDaniel played safety mostly I am pretty sure. Terry Fair. And as far as WR goes, you can add Gault, Pickens, Stanley Morgan, Tim Magee and I am sure a few more. GBO!!!

 

[Smokeytom]

This thread feels a lot like the Crouch thread before he announced for us. I think this staff has him locked up and they put out their own disinformation.

Call me a conspiracy theorist.

HT is a Vol come Wednesday.

 

[VolDC]

Another poster’s point which you may have covered, NOT flipping another team’s commit is NOT “not closing”. I’m happy with this coach’s recruiting because I feel he knows the type of players that can play for him and swings big first before working down to base hits. Butch went for ratings and his players didn’t always fit...no matter the star factor. In any case, the players he left Pruitt seemed to have been trained to lose steam as the season went along. Pruitt needs to flip that mentality.

I guess my point is that I expected him to recruit closer to the top 5 than the top 15 with the coaches he brought with him. Tee is a definite upgrade in recruiting. I will say we need to be recruiting better at rb, wr, dl, and lb. He has this year, and maybe part of next year before the Legion of the Miserable start their crap. He better get to moving.

 

[peaygolf]

I think your confused PG I was saying I'm 24 and I know better than to think there were multiple all-time great Vols that came from the 2010 or 2014 classes, the only one in my opinion was Derek Barnett, I was saying the guy that was making the argument that there were some ALL-TIME GREATS in the 2010 and 2014 class was pretty dumb
QB: 1. Peyton Manning 2. Condredge Hollaway 3. Tee Martin
RB: 1. Johnny Majors 2. Travis Henry 3. James "Little Man" Stewart
WR. 1. Peerless Price 2. Joey Kent 3. Robert Meachem
OL. 1. Steve Delong 2. Cosey Coleman 3. TIny Richardson (Tiny was the man, injuries messed him up)

DT. 1. Big John Henderson 2. Albert Haynesworth 3.
DE. 1. Reggie White 2. Derek Barnett 3.
LB. 1. Al Wilson 2. Keith Delong 3. Raynoch Thompson
S. 1. Eric Berry 2. Deon Grant
CB. 1. Dale Carter 2. Terry McDaniel 3. Terry Fair

My fault. I apologize......