'21 MD LB Aaron Willis (Tennessee signee - In the portal)

[The Dog]

I had forgotten about Evans. Hopefully we’re looking at the others as well

I'm under the impression that Willis and Evans are stone cold locks to UT

 

[MarcoVol]

I'm under the impression that Willis and Evans are stone cold locks to UT

 

[Dudleys87]

I'm under the impression that Willis and Evans are stone cold locks to UT

That’s what I gather as well. Hopefully Mother’s Day is a great day all around for Mother’s everywhere and Tennessee

 

[Volnut]

 

[DustinVFL]

Really like the kid’s film. Does anyone have any concerns about his height? I’m not sold that he is actually 6 feet tall. He certainly can play and I am gonna be thrilled when we land him

 

[Volnut]

Sorry, couldn't resist. Crootin' sho is fun these days!

 

[BreatheUT]

Peach Bowl with Casey Clausen. Sure sign Phil was losing the program.

Didn't Fulmer lose to another ACC school in a bowl game around the same time. Yes, the signs of underachievement were getting obvious.

 

[BreatheUT]

the only thing Mondon has that Willis doesn't is the "freak" size. but i agree, since Willis hit the radar screen for us, i've wanted this kid in our class. for sure.

only other difference, and i'm not sure it's really a thing, is i feel like Mondon is more an OLB, though everything says he's a true 4x4 guy...and WIllis is more inside, though everythign says he's a 4x4 guy too....i just think natually, mondon fits outside, willis inside.

but it's probably splitting hairs. both can play anywhere needed really.....

If it's between one or the other then give me Willis because higher likelihood we get Evan's too.

 

[onevol74]

Didn't Fulmer lose to another ACC school in a bowl game around the same time. Yes, the signs of underachievement were getting obvious.

Clemson.

 

[jakez4ut]

Clemson.

And Maryland

 

[The Dog]

Clemson.

Phoned that one in, too. I had been up all night (New Year's Eve) got lucky with a fat girl that could su...., uh, nevermind. But, I had to call friends to come track me down in Maynardville, so I could hurry to the bowl game party. Thank God, I passed out in the 3rd quarter of that blowout.
Edit: Apparently, that game was Jan. 2. I still was up all night

 

[escapegoat2]

I'm under the impression that Willis and Evans are stone cold locks to UT

That’s what I think as well. By reading the tea leaves on here.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Really like the kid’s film. Does anyone have any concerns about his height? I’m not sold that he is actually 6 feet tall. He certainly can play and I am gonna be thrilled when we land him

No concerns, but he is small for a 3-4 ILB. I can see him playing the role of Landon Collins in Saban/Pruitts defense. More of a hybrid safety/LB depending on formation.

 

[swchandler1988]

No concerns, but he is small for a 3-4 ILB. I can see him playing the role of Landon Collins in Saban/Pruitts defense. More of a hybrid safety/LB depending on formation.

FWIW, Lewis and Willis are the exact same size

 

[Joe Dirt]

FWIW, Lewis and Willis are the exact same size

They are the same weight, but aren't built the same. Lewis has massive shoulders and looks like he could easily add 25 pounds. Willis looks like he's built like a safety.

Either way, can't have too many kids with speed and instincts. I'm sure the staff will find the best spots for them.

 

[Smokeytom]

The game is changing. Offensives are almost exclusively 11 personnel these days. Your LBs need to be athletic enough to play pass coverage. It’s also hard to stop the run when in Nickel package, so if you can find freak OLB prospects like this guy and Lewis then you can hang out in your base defense much more often, letting these types of kids drop back and cover or blitz hard off the edge.

Pruitt is a defensive genius. He’s building the defense of the future. He wants enough LBs and DBs to be able to constantly attack these up tempo spread teams. It’s awesome to watch him recruit right now, and it’s going to be even more fun to watch him bring back the Orange Swarm and rack up the Ws.

 

[tn4elvis]

The game is changing. Offensives are almost exclusively 11 personnel these days. Your LBs need to be athletic enough to play pass coverage. It’s also hard to stop the run when in Nickel package, so if you can find freak OLB prospects like this guy and Lewis then you can hang out in your base defense much more often, letting these types of kids drop back and cover or blitz hard off the edge.

Pruitt is a defensive genius. He’s building the defense of the future. He wants enough LBs and DBs to be able to constantly attack these up tempo spread teams. It’s awesome to watch him recruit right now, and it’s going to be even more fun to watch him bring back the Orange Swarm and rack up the Ws.

Our defense is going to be flat out nasty for the next few years.

 

[Vol8188]

No concerns, but he is small for a 3-4 ILB. I can see him playing the role of Landon Collins in Saban/Pruitts defense. More of a hybrid safety/LB depending on formation.

He’s also being recruited by every top 3-4 coach in the country. I think our stereotype of the 250-260lb Levon Kirkland style 3-4 ILB is changing. Analytics in the NFL say the key to winning is passing on offense and coverage on defense. Idk how much of that translates to college. But I think 220-230 ILBs who can cover are what you’ll see a lot of from us going forward. I think it’s what Bama and UGA will be playing with too.

 

[Vol8188]

The game is changing. Offensives are almost exclusively 11 personnel these days. Your LBs need to be athletic enough to play pass coverage. It’s also hard to stop the run when in Nickel package, so if you can find freak OLB prospects like this guy and Lewis then you can hang out in your base defense much more often, letting these types of kids drop back and cover or blitz hard off the edge.

Pruitt is a defensive genius. He’s building the defense of the future. He wants enough LBs and DBs to be able to constantly attack these up tempo spread teams. It’s awesome to watch him recruit right now, and it’s going to be even more fun to watch him bring back the Orange Swarm and rack up the Ws.

I’m still amazed at what this staff did on defense last year.

Edit: I’ll add that Bama was almost exclusively 10 personnel with a lot of 0 mixed in last year. Forcing you to get even faster at LB or get them off the field.

 

[Smokeytom]

I’m still amazed at what this staff did on defense last year.

Edit: I’ll add that Bama was almost exclusively 10 personnel with a lot of 0 mixed in last year. Forcing you to get even faster at LB or get them off the field.

Yep. 4 WR sets are becoming more and more common. And hell, with the modern TEs, even 11 personnel acts like a 4 WR set. Some freak TEs out there.

 

[Nashvegas31]

No concerns, but he is small for a 3-4 ILB. I can see him playing the role of Landon Collins in Saban/Pruitts defense. More of a hybrid safety/LB depending on formation.

As others have said, it’s a new era for type of players you need. You also need a good mix of different strengths to play matchups.

 

[butchna]

Phoned that one in, too. I had been up all night (New Year's Eve) got lucky with a fat girl that could su...., uh, nevermind. But, I had to call friends to come track me down in Maynardville, so I could hurry to the bowl game party. Thank God, I passed out in the 3rd quarter of that blowout.
Edit: Apparently, that game was Jan. 2. I still was up all night

Oh the Dog stories. That Disney movie yet to be made.

 

[BigOrangeGoose]

 

[turnuptheVOLtage]

I'm glad we have the LBs for the future, but we need more DL talent. Kind of tired of seeing opposing QBs having a 5 minute Q&A session in the pocket before having to throw the football

 

[Catbone]

I'm glad we have the LBs for the future, but we need more DL talent. Kind of tired of seeing opposing QBs having a 5 minute Q&A session in the pocket before having to throw the football

Yeah pass rush has been a bit suspect since Pruitt has been here. Need a beast DE