Grading A Class: 2017 Edition

#1
Tennessee Golfer

Tennessee Golfer

I get my corn from a jar
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#1
I was thinking about how we would grade this class so far based on position groups. Hopefully some surprises pop up that improve some of these.

QB: McBride
Grade: D. This might be a little generous but it helps that McBride is an EE. Plus I don't see him transferring if he doesn't win the starting job. Potential additions: None.​

RB: Chandler, Coleman
Grade: B. Chandler is the caliber of back we need every year and can be a nice compliment to Kelly and CFA this year. Coleman will be solid and hopefully will get another back to add some depth. If we can add Felix or Etienne this can bump to a B+. Potential additions: Jordan, Williams, Felix, Etienne.​

WR: Fant, Murphy, Jones
Grade: C+. Murphy is the type of receiver that can contribute early. Fant is a tweener like Croom coming off an injury so similar production to Croom would be a win. Jones is somewhat of an unknown and hopefully he can turn into threat similar to Pig. Adding Thomas would move the grade closer to a solid B but missing out on the local talent keeps it from going any higher. Potential additions: Thomas, Payton.​

TE: Bumphus, Brown
Grade: B-. This is an athletic group that doesn't have to add a lot of size to be able to contribute. There will be a learning curve as neither one has focused on the position in high school. I think at least one of these guys will become a big threat in a few years assuming the offense utilizes the position better than it has been. Potential additions: None.​

OL: Smith, Calbert, Locklear
Grade: A. Landing arguably the best player at the position is huge, especially with his ability play multiple positions right away. Calbert and Locklear are players with big upside who shouldn't have to be forced into action until at least their second or third years in the program. Smith and Locklear being EEs is also huge. OL recruiting as really improved under CBJ. Potential additions: McKenzie.​

DL: Bennett, Crosby, Bembry, Butler, Johnson
Grade: B. Some real potential in this group but quite undersized and hard to see them being real contributors right away. It's good Johnson is an EE but it would've been nice to have a DT that could play some snaps right away if needed. Some big names left on the board in Sterling, Ray, and Concliffe. Add Ray and one of the other two and this grade jumps to an A-. Potential additions: Sterling, Concliffe, Ray.​

LB: Ignont, Gray, Reid, Page, Henderson
Grade:B. I think Gray will be a special teams ace his first year and then convert to a contributor at LB ala JRM. Ignont is the type of athlete we need every year. Reid has a great attitude and it's huge he's an EE. Page and Henderson can hopefully turn into solid depth and special teams contributors. Potential additions: None.​

DB: Bailey, Labruzza, Jackson, Shamburger
Grade: C. Hopefully there is a Sutton in this group because we need immediate CB help in the worst way. Labruzza probably has the best chance out of the group to help early but it would have been nice to have some of these guys come in midterm. Potential additions: Corker.​

Specialist: Cimaglia
Grade: B. Hoping he can be solid and just not give us heartburn over PATs and short field goals. Potential additions: None.​

Overall Class Grade: B-. Compared to expectations from this time last year it's a D- at best. We are getting some guys that can help right away but most of this class will need some time to be able to contribute. Couple that with big instate misses and this is by far Butch's most lackluster class.
 
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#2
#2
I would say that is mostly fair and really puts it in perspective. I think this is a solid class even if it doesn't include as many of the big names that we all thought it would. Losing Tee and Gibbs are real bumpers and there are several others that we seemed to have crapped the bed on. However, this class is not the doomsday class that many make it out to be and hopefully Team 121 can come out next season focused. With Mays and Taylor peer recruiting next year I think we will be more excited about the 2018 group.
 
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#3
#3
Tennessee Golfer said:
I was thinking about how we would grade this class so far based on position groups. Hopefully some surprises pop up that improve some of these.

QB: McBride
Grade: D. This might be a little generous but it helps that McBride is an EE. Plus I don't see him transferring if he doesn't win the starting job. Potential additions: None.​

RB: Chandler, Coleman
Grade: B. Chandler is the caliber of back we need every year and can be a nice compliment to Kelly and CFA this year. Coleman will be solid and hopefully will get another back to add some depth. If we can add Felix or Etienne this can bump to a B+. Potential additions: Jordan, Williams, Felix, Etienne.​

WR: Fant, Murphy, Jones
Grade: C+. Murphy is the type of receiver that can contribute early. Fant is a tweener like Croom coming off an injury so similar production to Croom would be a win. Jones is somewhat of an unknown and hopefully he can turn into threat similar to Pig. Adding Thomas would move the grade closer to a solid B but missing out on the local talent keeps it from going any higher. Potential additions: Thomas, Payton.​

TE: Bumphus, Brown
Grade: B-. This is an athletic group that doesn't have to add a lot of size to be able to contribute. There will be a learning curve as neither one has focused on the position in high school. I think at least one of these guys will become a big threat in a few years assuming the offense utilizes the position better than it has been. Potential additions: None.​

OL: Smith, Calbert, Locklear
Grade: A. Landing arguably the best player at the position is huge, especially with his ability play multiple positions right away. Calbert and Locklear are players with big upside who shouldn't have to be forced into action until at least their second or third years in the program. Smith and Locklear being EEs is also huge. OL recruiting as really improved under CBJ. Potential additions: McKenzie.​

DL: Bennett, Crosby, Bembry, Butler, Johnson
Grade: B. Some real potential in this group but quite undersized and hard to see them being real contributors right away. It's good Johnson is an EE but it would've been nice to have a DT that could play some snaps right away if needed. Some big names left on the board in Sterling, Ray, and Concliffe. Add Ray and one of the other two and this grade jumps to an A-. Potential additions: Sterling, Concliffe, Ray.​

LB: Ignont, Gray, Reid, Page, Henderson
Grade:B. I think Gray will be a special teams ace his first year and then convert to a contributor at LB ala JRM. Ignont is the type of athlete we need every year. Reid has a great attitude and it's huge he's an EE. Page and Henderson can hopefully turn into solid depth and special teams contributors. Potential additions: None.​

DB: Bailey, Labruzza, Jackson, Shamburger
Grade: C. Hopefully there is a Sutton in this group because we need immediate CB help in the worst way. Labruzza probably has the best chance out of the group to help early but it would have been nice to have some of these guys come in midterm. Potential additions: Corker.​

Specialist: Cimaglia
Grade: B. Hoping he can be solid and just not give us heartburn over PATs and short field goals. Potential additions: None.​

Overall Class Grade: B-. Compared to expectations from this time last year it's a D- at best. We are getting some guys that can help right away but most of this class will need some time to be able to contribute. Couple that with big instate misses and this is by far Butch's most lackluster class.
Click to expand...

I think without additions the DL group is a C or C+, and the same with the overall grade. I'd say C+ is the ceiling for this class pending the potential additions that we know about. A bad result after last year's solid if very unspectacular class.

Nice write up though.
 
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#4
#4
We have a chance to make it better by nsd...thats the positive.
 
#7
#7
McGeesPub said:
I think without additions the DL group is a C or C+, and the same with the overall grade. I'd say C+ is the ceiling for this class pending the potential additions that we know about. A bad result after last year's solid if very unspectacular class.

Nice write up though.
Click to expand...

This class is ranked between 8 and 11 by the 4 rating groups. If posters rank it overall as a c or c+, there must not be very many good football players in this year’s high school senior class. It is time for posters to recognize reality rather make statement by pulling stuff out of the blue.
 
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#8
#8
VOLINVONORE said:
This class is ranked between 8 and 11 by the 4 rating groups. If posters rank it overall as a c or c+, there must not be very many good football players in this year’s high school senior class. It is time for posters to recognize reality rather make statement by pulling stuff out of the blue.
Click to expand...

Since we are past signing day and the rankings are final and all.

Edit: Also, as of yet, we've done a mediocre job of filling needs, especially at CB and DL in my opinion.
 
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#9
#9
Tennessee Golfer said:
I was thinking about how we would grade this class so far based on position groups. Hopefully some surprises pop up that improve some of these.

QB: McBride
Grade: D. This might be a little generous but it helps that McBride is an EE. Plus I don't see him transferring if he doesn't win the starting job. Potential additions: None.​

RB: Chandler, Coleman
Grade: B. Chandler is the caliber of back we need every year and can be a nice compliment to Kelly and CFA this year. Coleman will be solid and hopefully will get another back to add some depth. If we can add Felix or Etienne this can bump to a B+. Potential additions: Jordan, Williams, Felix, Etienne.​

WR: Fant, Murphy, Jones
Grade: C+. Murphy is the type of receiver that can contribute early. Fant is a tweener like Croom coming off an injury so similar production to Croom would be a win. Jones is somewhat of an unknown and hopefully he can turn into threat similar to Pig. Adding Thomas would move the grade closer to a solid B but missing out on the local talent keeps it from going any higher. Potential additions: Thomas, Payton.​

TE: Bumphus, Brown
Grade: B-. This is an athletic group that doesn't have to add a lot of size to be able to contribute. There will be a learning curve as neither one has focused on the position in high school. I think at least one of these guys will become a big threat in a few years assuming the offense utilizes the position better than it has been. Potential additions: None.​

OL: Smith, Calbert, Locklear
Grade: A. Landing arguably the best player at the position is huge, especially with his ability play multiple positions right away. Calbert and Locklear are players with big upside who shouldn't have to be forced into action until at least their second or third years in the program. Smith and Locklear being EEs is also huge. OL recruiting as really improved under CBJ. Potential additions: McKenzie.​

DL: Bennett, Crosby, Bembry, Butler, Johnson
Grade: B. Some real potential in this group but quite undersized and hard to see them being real contributors right away. It's good Johnson is an EE but it would've been nice to have a DT that could play some snaps right away if needed. Some big names left on the board in Sterling, Ray, and Concliffe. Add Ray and one of the other two and this grade jumps to an A-. Potential additions: Sterling, Concliffe, Ray.​
LB: Ignont, Gray, Reid, Page, Henderson
Grade:B. I think Gray will be a special teams ace his first year and then convert to a contributor at LB ala JRM. Ignont is the type of athlete we need every year. Reid has a great attitude and it's huge he's an EE. Page and Henderson can hopefully turn into solid depth and special teams contributors. Potential additions: None.​

DB: Bailey, Labruzza, Jackson, Shamburger
Grade: C. Hopefully there is a Sutton in this group because we need immediate CB help in the worst way. Labruzza probably has the best chance out of the group to help early but it would have been nice to have some of these guys come in midterm. Potential additions: Corker.​

Specialist: Cimaglia
Grade: B. Hoping he can be solid and just not give us heartburn over PATs and short field goals. Potential additions: None.​

Overall Class Grade: B-. Compared to expectations from this time last year it's a D- at best. We are getting some guys that can help right away but most of this class will need some time to be able to contribute. Couple that with big instate misses and this is by far Butch's most lackluster class.
Click to expand...

Really wish we had kept at least Breyon Gaddy.
 
#10
#10
VOLINVONORE said:
This class is ranked between 8 and 11 by the 4 rating groups. If posters rank it overall as a c or c+, there must not be very many good football players in this year’s high school senior class. It is time for posters to recognize reality rather make statement by pulling stuff out of the blue.
Click to expand...

This class will fall into the 15-20 range by NSD
 
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#12
#12
BigOrangeTrain said:
I really thought more of our commits woud get bumps before NSD. I agree with you though. 15-20 sounds about right and thats mediocre in the SEC.
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It seems like every year we think a number of bumps are coming, and they never seem to save one or two. I'm not immune to this, but I'll adjust my expectations in coming years, I think.
 
#13
#13
When I read most who bellyache about recruiting based on stars do they know anything about what to see in a player on tape. If all 3 star kids were equal because they are three stars by these sites and 4 star are just that then it would stand to reason that all 4 star plus 5 would be in NFL and no 3 star kids. But yet NFL is half 3 star and even few 2 star league. Basically lets not label all of them equal but know what we see.
 
#14
#14
One instance on our recruiting class. k'Rojhn Calbert. OL I have watched this kid live because he played our team I work with and talked to the kid alot. he plays with great passion and heart and has all the skill you look for in OL recruit. He is better than some of the OL I was able to watch at UA and army all star games. Not all three star recruits are the same.
 
#15
#15
I absolutely agree not all 3* are alike. IMO the problem is we take too many 3* recruits that other top programs we are trying to beat on the field don't want.
 
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#16
#16
Pretty solid OL, DL, LB, RB....DB is BIG concern after TY. Would seem we could sell early playing time...hoping for late surprise signing like LY.
 
#17
#17
its not always how many its getting the right ones. There are alot of three star kids when i watch tape or see live I know they will never make it at SEC level. Example two. The only reason Page III is not a 4 star is his weight. He is a player and has all athletic tools and hips that can turn on a dime. If he weighed 20lbs he would be 4 Star. Lets see what Rock can do with him now that we will have old school weight coach back.
 
#20
#20
CrunchingTheVolz said:
I absolutely agree not all 3* are alike. IMO the problem is we take too many 3* recruits that other top programs we are trying to beat on the field don't want.
Click to expand...

Bingo. And watching the tape is nice, but you're usually watching a highlight reel.
 
#21
#21
I watch the person and their individual skill set not the highlight film. There is a difference.
 
#22
#22
WARNING: I am going to pump some sunshine. So look away if you do not have your sunglasses or sunscreen on.

I went through our current commits. I looked at their offers and ranking. We all feel weary since the class has so many three stars, but in my opinion a lot of those guys are extremely close to being four stars and have great offer lists. Some are even ranked four stars on a site or two, but a composite three star on 247. I know we have missed out on some guys, and this class could be a lot more star studded, but I think it will be a great class as far as filling position needs and depth. I really feel like we are going to get lucky on a lot of these three stars and have solid guys on the field. I think some will even grow into stars.

However, with all that being said I would like us to add a couple high profile guys from now until NSD. We need another big DL in this class, a solid CB, and maybe a highly touted WR with Malone's departure. QB does not concern me as much since we have QD, JG, and SJ, but will need someone next class. We are staying competitive in recruiting, but it does sting when we have a class with about 236 points and Alabama/Georgia have over 300 points. The state of Tennessee is loaded with Vol friendly recruits in 2017 and the 17' class has the potential to be one of the best.
 
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#24
#24
VOLINVONORE said:
This class is ranked between 8 and 11 by the 4 rating groups. If posters rank it overall as a c or c+, there must not be very many good football players in this year’s high school senior class. It is time for posters to recognize reality rather make statement by pulling stuff out of the blue.
Click to expand...

Look at the star average on Rivals and the average grade on 247. That's a better reflection of the quality of the class compared to other programs.

UT's average is current 20th in the country and 7th in the SEC. By Rivals stars, UT is 21st in the country and 7th in the SEC... just ahead of Muschamp and USCe.

You can also just look at it from the perspective of how it compares to other Jones classes. Currently his star average according to Rivals is 3.35. In his previous 4 classes: 3.18, 3.65, 3.69, 3.50.

As many of us predicted, his failure to win impressively in his first 3 and now 4 years is costing UT with recruits.
 
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#25
#25
McGeesPub said:
Since we are past signing day and the rankings are final and all.

Edit: Also, as of yet, we've done a mediocre job of filling needs, especially at CB and DL in my opinion.
Click to expand...

The signing date for the 2017 class in February 1st 2017. That is two and a half weeks in the future. Tennessee”s ranking can go up or down, depending on hat happens in the 16 days.
 
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