Interesting takeaways from the Athletic article:
Nothing particularly positive written about Pruitt, some extremely negative stuff about his interactions with Tennessee high school coaches (most of which has been screenshot on twitter already). Tee, Osovet, and Cheney mentioned as positives from that staff, tho. Old staff mostly about just getting the guys they wanted, business is business, and that was it. New staff approaching recruiting from a relationship perspective. Even if a high school doesn't have SEC-caliber players, new UT staff still stays in contact. Heup, Golesh, Elarbee, and Mack mentioned as having a lot of contact.
When asked about future NCAA sanctions, all but one HS coach said they didn't think it would have any effect. Mentioned that most HS players are numb to the idea since seemingly most programs are under investigation for one thing or another with very little in the way of repercussions. No HS coaches report hearing other schools using possible NCAA sanctions to negative recruit us.
Asked if Heup can turn UT around, one coach had an interesting answer: "Tennessee has to bring the sizzle and the glamor back to the program. But they can’t do that by just recruiting four- and five-star kids in the state, because Alabama will get the ones they want anyway. They’ve got to get the two or three in-state difference-makers that fit them, that will contribute at an early age. Because with the transfer portal, a kid will come back to UT from Alabama if his buddy is having a great experience at UT and is playing. … (The Vols) can’t just chase stars. They have to chase kids who can contribute right away and are the right kind of guys."
"Best UT recruiter you've met?" -- Golesh mentioned several times. Chavis mentioned a couple times. David Johnson, Tee, Thig. One coach says too much turnover since Fulmer to really know who does well over extended time period.
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