Recruiting Forum Football Talk VI

[Nash_Vol97]

I cover a professor rugby team and we see many more concussions than I expected.

For the longest time, golf was the number one sport for concussions. It’s simply a numbers thing. Worldwide, golf had the most participants. Think of all the golf courses around the world. Significantly increases the chances of being struck by a ball, getting hit by a club or falling out of a cart or just falling on a slope…

Soccer is now the number one sport for concussions.

I don’t know if anyone has looked at numbers of participants and concussions… it’s usually reported as a total number. Per capita concussion rate annually per sport may change the rankings…

Oh, there are for sure still a good bit of concussions in rugby and I agree with the per capita theory too. I have my own theory about American rugby, but no data to back it up, that concussions are a tad bit less prevalent in rugby overseas than America. I played with two kiwis and a South African while playing on the Nashville rugby men’s club and I remember one time, after one of our teammates got a concussion during the game, one of the kiwis asked me if “Americans have soft noggins.” Haha. He had been living in the US for a couple years at that point and said he has noticed concussions during rugby were happening at a higher rate in the US than they did back home. I told him it I thought it was just because he learned how to tackle appropriately at a young age, while a large majority of Americans that play rugby played football first.

Again, no data to back this up but just always found that interesting when he said that. The other two guys from overseas agreed with his consensus. I’m sure there are overseas players on the team that you worked with though and they or you may have a different view on that.

 

[LA Vol]

Doesn’t help with Key being out. Not saying that is the difference maker because lord knows the PGs are horrible.

Will Key be back this year?

Key was important to the LVs, so that definitely will be an excuse, as will the player returning to Spain mid-season. But those are small pieces of a bigger problem. The LVs are left with two elite players and this is likely their last year in the program. Key may not return, there probably will be transfers out and there are no new recruits coming in-- zero-- because the LVs missed on every 2023 target. So the staff will have to portal shop for players who can elevate a struggling team to play a difficult schedule with the dwindling support of an increasingly uneasy fanbase. The immediate challenge: don't let it get uglier.

@InVOLuntary needs to get right on this. InVOL... ?

 

[Weezer]

Key was important to the LVs, so that definitely will be an excuse, as will the player returning to Spain mid-season. But those are small pieces of a bigger problem. The LVs are left with two elite players and this is likely their last year in the program. Key may not return, there probably will be transfers out and there are no new recruits coming in-- zero-- because the LVs missed on every 2023 target. So the staff will have to portal shop for players who can elevate a struggling team to play a difficult schedule with the dwindling support of an increasingly uneasy fanbase. The immediate challenge: don't let it get uglier.

At what point does DW realize KJH is over her head and a change is needed? Honestly, I feel like the fact we missed on every 2023 target shows it just isn't going to work out. If you can't recruit at Tennessee, the program Pat Summitt built, that's a HUGE red flag. I just hope DW doesn't listen to the LV supporters who feel we have to stay in family, or that the LV's HC has to be a woman. He's demonstrated good judgement on his coaching hires at previous stops. We need to go out and get a winner who can build on Pat's legacy. The coaches we've had since Pat have tarnished what she built IMO.

 

[Weezer]

I know there will never be another Pat Summitt, but we need better than what we have. You can't completely whiff on a recruiting class. You just can't.

 

[Weezer]

KJH and @InVOLuntary have let VN down.

 

[Vol423]

Moving the goalposts lol. Sure thing bud. Hey keep thinking we have a good DB coach because he has some accomplishments in the past. Who needs updated resumes right?

Yes. You're moving the goalposts. You previously claimed he hadn't done anything in the past. Now he suddenly has accomplishments in the past.

 

[Weezer]

I’m probably solo in my opinion, but I really don’t want the mercenaries.
Same for nolen.
The money chasers are not worth it. Betting they are decisive in the locker room and just not worth it. I want players who are going to become VFLs. Not rental players like pruitt went after…

I don't want a team of mercenaries, but I'm not opposed to a couple at key positions, as long as they perform. Honestly, I think the term "mercenary" is becoming overused. With NIL what it now is, you can't blame kids for chasing the money IMO. We don't call adults mercenaries for taking a job that pays more. And a lot of these kids are being put upon to take care of their entire family.

 

[VolNash17]

I don't want a team of mercenaries, but I'm not opposed to a couple at key positions, as long as they perform. Honestly, I think the term "mercenary" is becoming overused. With NIL what it now is, you can't blame kids for chasing the money IMO. We don't call adults mercenaries for taking a job that pays more. And a lot of these kids are being put upon to take care of their entire family.

Totally agree

 

[TitanicVolz]

Sh*t we dont need a team full of mercenaries and all that just sprinkle 3 or 4 dudes like Jennings in the mix.That dude was what giving your all and being a VFL is about.I actually felt like leadership at times was lacking last year Hooker can only do so much.I definitely feel like guys now have their feet under them you'll see more taking that leadership role/mercenary mentality in 2023.

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

DW is in a tough spot with the LVs.

Sadly, Pat's gone. The best way to honor her legacy is by maintaining standards and winning. This is not that.

!!! You definitely don’t let the program that she built to be the best in the nation for decades, go to crap in a handbasket!

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

Kelley isn’t going anywhere wasn’t expecting Key to be out needs to recruit a big for next badly

They sucked when she wasn’t out. One could argue that they have played better without her.

 

[LA Vol]

IDK what UTAD is going to do about the women's marquee programs. They're high achievers academically, with SAs who rep UT well. Coaches and players are active in the community. It looked like the WBB rollercoaster was chugging back up-- started the season ranked #5 with expectations of a F4 run before thudding out of the Top 25. They've been unranked for more than two months and haven't beaten a ranked team this season.

The softball rollercoaster is on the incline pre-season, albeit with lower expectations. So we'll see. Both programs are a long way from where they once were.

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

Key was important to the LVs, so that definitely will be an excuse, as will the player returning to Spain mid-season. But those are small pieces of a bigger problem. The LVs are left with two elite players and this is likely their last year in the program. Key may not return, there probably will be transfers out and there are no new recruits coming in-- zero-- because the LVs missed on every 2023 target. So the staff will have to portal shop for players who can elevate a struggling team to play a difficult schedule with the dwindling support of an increasingly uneasy fanbase. The immediate challenge: don't let it get uglier.

@InVOLuntary needs to get right on this. InVOL... ?

She is way in over her head! You should never have problems recruiting women basketball players to Tennessee.

 

[CAVPUT]

I could be wrong but I swore I read a while back that the lady vols were one of the few women's basketball programs that made a profit. I think you get the right person in there and the seats would be packed again. It's all about the product you put out there. Our men's marquee sports show that.

Honestly, I don't follow the sport so I can't offer numbers, but if you find data showing they've been profitable, I'd like to see the data. Not disputing your comments at all. Like I said, I don't follow the sport.

 

[Weezer]

IDK what UTAD is going to do about the women's marquee programs. They're high achievers academically, with SAs who rep UT well. Coaches and players are active in the community. It looked like the WBB rollercoaster was chugging back up-- started the season ranked #5 with expectations of a F4 run before thudding out of the Top 25. They've been unranked for more than two months and haven't beaten a ranked team this season.

The softball rollercoaster is on the incline pre-season, albeit with lower expectations. So we'll see. Both programs are a long way from where they once were.

I don't know much about the softball program, but Tennessee, more than any other program IMO, brought women's basketball to national prominence. We owe it to the memory of Pat to keep our program at or pretty damn near the top. Her players did it both off the court and on. I still can't get past how KJH whiffs on an entire recruiting class. That just blows my mind.

 

[jakez4ut]

View attachment 533206

 

[Weezer]

I'm not sure who DW could pursue to really revive the LV program, though. I know last time, a lot of people liked the Louisville coach, but I think they're struggling this year, too.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

I don't know much about the softball program, but Tennessee, more than any other program IMO, brought women's basketball to national prominence. We owe it to the memory of Pat to keep our program at or pretty damn near the top. Her players did it both off the court and on. I still can't get past how KJH whiffs on an entire recruiting class. That just blows my mind.

Softball was really good but they haven't been anywhere near what they were. The Weeklys are legends and Ralph has retired but Karen is still around. The main issue is not being able to develop pitchers and refusing to change their offensive philosophy. Softball is more in line with baseball in the power game is where it's at but the Softball team is still running a bunch of slappers out. So it takes us 3 hits to score 1 run, it takes other teams 1 hit to score 3 runs.
It's not going to get any easier either. Texas softball is solid, and Oklahoma softball is the Georgia football of their sport currently. When they join its just going to get that much tougher.

 

[jakez4ut]

Kamarion Franklin is bringing his mom and family this weekend.

“I really just need to see how much of a priority I am for the coaches and the program,” Franklin said on this. “How are the coaches going to treat my mom, who is coming with me, and me, and my family basically? Then just see what everything is like again and have a good time.”

Sounds like TBA needs a 'we want kamarion' chant?

 

[VolNash17]

IDK what UTAD is going to do about the women's marquee programs. They're high achievers academically, with SAs who rep UT well. Coaches and players are active in the community. It looked like the WBB rollercoaster was chugging back up-- started the season ranked #5 with expectations of a F4 run before thudding out of the Top 25. They've been unranked for more than two months and haven't beaten a ranked team this season.

The softball rollercoaster is on the incline pre-season, albeit with lower expectations. So we'll see. Both programs are a long way from where they once were.

The question is will Tennessee be their bargain bin selves of the past when making a hire (last two situations in WBB program) or will they go out and get someone that is almost guaranteed to have really good success. There’s been a template to who Tennessee hires.

 

[VolNash17]

I'm not sure who DW could pursue to really revive the LV program, though. I know last time, a lot of people liked the Louisville coach, but I think they're struggling this year, too.

He’s having an abnormal year, but 78% win percentage over 13 seasons or so with 4 final fours is about as established as you’re going to get. Louisville isn’t Tennessee either in WBB obviously so maybe this year will make it easier for him to move on and potentially take the Tennessee job. Tennessee could put him over the top and he could benefit Tennessee as well obviously. Still rather young at 51. Known as a good recruiter.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Today in 1970........................

Terry Bradshaw from Louisiana Tech was the first pick in the NFL Draft by the Steelers!

If I had one game I had to win......he would be my QB choice.

Hacksaw Reynolds was the #22 pick by the Rams.............

In today's game? I wouldn't take Bradshaw personally. I'd want some one that could throw it all over the field with accuracy and Terry being a career 51.9% with only 2 more TDs than INTs tells me for the style of offense I'd want to run he'd be a liability.

Joe Montana is a pretty safe bet...high completion %, low INT ratio, proven winner in big game moments...

But I'd actually take Steve Young or Aaron Rodgers if all other thing are equal (OL, skill players, and defense).

Young: 64.3% and just 2.6% for INT % (same as Montana)
Rodgers: 65.3% and just 1.4% for INT % (lowest in NFL history for a career)

Both can also run when needed. Rodgers has over 3400 rushing yards with a 4.8 YPC and 35 TDs. Young had over 4200 rushing yards with a 5.9 YPC and 43 TDs.

So for me at least

1a. Steve Young
1b. Aaron Rodgers
2. Joe Montana

 

[Nuctech777]

While I loved Bradshaw as a kid if I needed to win a game I'd probably go with Montana.

As much as I hate to say it and he wouldn’t be my pick, but if you take Tom Brady, you know you will get all the calls.

 

[Buddy’s Bandit]

IDK what UTAD is going to do about the women's marquee programs. They're high achievers academically, with SAs who rep UT well. Coaches and players are active in the community. It looked like the WBB rollercoaster was chugging back up-- started the season ranked #5 with expectations of a F4 run before thudding out of the Top 25. They've been unranked for more than two months and haven't beaten a ranked team this season.

The softball rollercoaster is on the incline pre-season, albeit with lower expectations. So we'll see. Both programs are a long way from where they once were.

Look at Duke in WBB.

 

[StoVol]