Is Butch Jones the best recruiter Tennessee's ever had?

[Eastsidevol]

He never cherry picked alabama. He stole a couple like weary and tee Martin but that's about it. Joey Kent was wanted by neither in state school. We rarely if ever have gotten a player from that state that was wanted by auburn or alabama.

I agree with you for the most part. We did also pull Jayson Swain and Jason Allen out of Alabama as well which was impressive. Had Caddy also until Barn stole him away. When Bama was down we were able to steal a few.

 

[1972 Grad]

Fulmer was an accomplished recruiter. I always said that Fulmer was not as great as everyone thought. People often assumed that no one else could recruit at UT and overcome not having homegrown, in-state talent. When Fulmer had to recruit in this newer culture, he didn't fair as well. He was old school and not innovative in a way that wows these players today.

Are you saying that Fulmer wasn't down with the struggle?

 

[Eastsidevol]

Fulmer also had the #1 ranked class in 1994. Having the number 5 class is great but to actually bring in the best class is special. If Jones could actually go out and get a #1 class in the next few years then the discussion of who is best gets even closer. Of course Jones would have to best out the Alabamas and LSUs which would be hard to pull off. LSU and Bama were down a little during the Fulmer glory days.

 

[Vol knight]

Not until he pulls in classes that win us an SEC title and/or NC

I'd argue that the classes we are pulling in now certainly are talented enough to do so.

 

[thebjd]

Fulmer also had the #1 ranked class in 1994. Having the number 5 class is great but to actually bring in the best class is special. If Jones could actually go out and get a #1 class in the next few years then the discussion of who is best gets even closer. Of course Jones would have to best out the Alabamas and LSUs which would be hard to pull off. LSU and Bama were down a little during the Fulmer glory days.

Bama was just one year removed from a national title in 1993 when the team was recruited. Auburn went undefeated that year and Florida was a national title contender as well. To beat out FSU and Miami also was impressive. Jones is a helluva recruiter, Fulmer was too.