Recruits being treated fairly

[Big Orange Rock]

You can spin it how ever you want and its not gonna make a difference. You don't tell a kid that has been committed for months that he may not fit the system five days before signing day. Three weeks ago he could have had his pick of schools, not so much now.

Now if you get your head outta Kiffins rear and open your eyes you may be able to see it.

And by the way I have never said that I wasn't a Kiffin fan or that I wouldnt support him. Yes I did like Fulmer, thought he was a good coach, but I also thought it was time for a change. Didn't like how it was done, but whats done is done.

I like Kiffin's chances, but this was wrong and it cast a negative shadow on the program.

What you are not hearing is that things have changed. We signed someone who is a thigpen clone with more size. The coach being the honest person he is likely went to DT and said look man I know you have been committed for a long time. I am appreciative that you stuck with us thru it all. That being said, things have changed on the horizon in the past few weeks and we are getting some guys in here we think may have a better shot than you do and your field of expertise has gotten quite a bit more crowded.. I will honor your scholly if you want to stick it out but the future regarding you might not be as bright as it was yesterday and I just wanted you to know that man to man. If you want to look elsewhere and find a better opportunity where it wont be as crowded at your position you may want to do so and I in fact encourage you to do so. If you dont find anything better then we will honor your commitment as we said we would all along.

 

[OHvol40]

What you are not hearing is that things have changed. We signed someone who is a thigpen clone with more size. The coach being the honest person he is likely went to DT and said look man I know you have been committed for a long time. I am appreciative that you stuck with us thru it all. That being said, things have changed on the horizon in the past few weeks and we are getting some guys in here we think may have a better shot than you do and your field of expertise has gotten quite a bit more crowded.. I will honor your scholly if you want to stick it out but the future regarding you might not be as bright as it was yesterday and I just wanted you to know that man to man. If you want to look elsewhere and find a better opportunity where it wont be as crowded at your position you may want to do so and I in fact encourage you to do so. If you dont find anything better then we will honor your commitment as we said we would all along.

Exactly, and DT has plenty of time to find the right place.

 

[LosAngVol]

A. While DT still has time to find the right place, the timing certainly limits what else is out there for him.

B. Granted Kiffin can sell this as a first year thing, where these are not his recruits and thus his honesty is helping these kids out in the long run. But if I was a volunteer recruit for 2010, I would certainly be watching this and think that even after I had an offer, I still need to be looking around because this coaching staff has no problem telling me they no longer want me a week before NSD.

C. I wanted Fulmer out. I want to win now.I liked the Kiffin hire, and after being at last years UCLA game, I want this ship turned around. But from a character stand point, this just rubs me the wrong way.

 

[volsgrad89]

There is also speculation that Thigpen was interested in playing RB and he definitely wanted to play WR. I really couldn't see him doing either at UT. He could have a bigger impact in the Big 10 or at ND than just special teams at UT. He has a lot of guys in front of him at every position and I'm not sure that 4.4 speed with that size is going to be successful in the SEC. He would get jammed by CBs and wouldn't be faster than most of them. The guys his size that play in the SEC run in the 4.2 to low 4.3 range.

Yeah, all the players his size in the SEC run 4.2 and 4.3. Dude, you need to come out of the cave before making these statements. There are only a handful in the entire SEC with this type of speed.

 

[OHvol40]

Yeah, all the players his size in the SEC run 4.2 and 4.3. Dude, you need to come out of the cave before making these statements. There are only a handful in the entire SEC with this type of speed.

I agree with this.

But also speed does not = talent.

 

[volsgrad89]

I love it that all of the Fulmer supporters would rather Kiffin take him and never let him see the field and have a chance at a good college career. How ironic that you guys are criticizing CLK's ethics while Fulmer knowingly played less talented upperclassmen and talented kids didn't receive the proper attention and coaching and basically wasted their talent. Ever wonder why so many underclassmen were getting in trouble? They weren't allowed to contribute. Kiffin will get this program on the same page and ready to compete with each other and the rest of the SEC.

Ok, all the people that say Kiffin is wrong. If, he indeed did tell the kid, 'You don't fit our system'. Unless, it was a character issue or grades. Is a Fulmer supporter. Dude, you are wrong on this thread in every way!

First of all, people aren't whinning. They are making comments, just like you. And, they are entitled to their opinions without being a supporter of Fulmer.

Most in here are very big Kiffin supporters. But, they don't feel it is right to wait eight weeks to tell a kid he doesn't fit the system, without cause.

We shall see. If, Kiffin had a reason. Until then, don't try and force your opinions on anyone else!!!

 

[volsgrad89]

However, I do agree with all of your comments about Fulmer. I am glad he is gone. There was too much talent wasted and not developed during his tenure. And, I feel his tenure should have ended years ago. After all, he came in the back door in the first place.

 

[OHvol40]

Ok, all the people that say Kiffin is wrong. If, he indeed did tell the kid, 'You don't fit our system'. Unless, it was a character issue or grades. Is a Fulmer supporter. Dude, you are wrong on this thread in every way!

First of all, people aren't whinning. They are making comments, just like you. And, they are entitled to their opinions without being a supporter of Fulmer.

Most in here are very big Kiffin supporters. But, they don't feel it is right to wait eight weeks to tell a kid he doesn't fit the system, without cause.

We shall see. If, Kiffin had a reason. Until then, don't try and force your opinions on anyone else!!!

:dance2: ha

Not directed toward you Volsgrad, I know you aren't a Fulmer supporter. Just some other people are, and I thought it was funny.

 

[Lexvol]

I see both sides of the argument. In the end it is like being "left at the altar". It might be a little late, but it is still better than getting into a bad marriage.

 

[Oldblood]

I see both sides of the argument. In the end it is like being "at the altar". It might be a little late, but it is still better than getting into a bad marriage.

Agree. Better late than never. Also, we don't KNOW exactly what Kiffin said to him. Kiffin has been telling quite a few recruits to expect early playing time. It could be as simple as Kiffin telling DT that he just didn't seem him getting playing time early, and if that is what he was looking for he might want to consider another school. He was just being honest. And, he did not pull the offer. If DT is as good as some are saying, he could certainly earn playing time.

 

[utmba93]

Agree. Better late than never. Also, we don't KNOW exactly what Kiffin said to him. Kiffin has been telling quite a few recruits to expect early playing time. It could be as simple as Kiffin telling DT that he just didn't seem him getting playing time early, and if that is what he was looking for he might want to consider another school. He was just being honest. And, he did not pull the offer. If DT is as good as some are saying, he could certainly earn playing time.

That's probably pretty close. Most coaches just tell these guys... sign here and I'll make you the greatest player of all time as a four year starter. you might have to compete for the job, but with your awesome skills, I don't think Reggie Bush could take the position away from you.... blah... blah.... blah....

Kiff, just tells 'em straight up, Reggie is pretty good. You might struggle to beat him out. If what you want is for me to tell you that you'll play right away, I can't do that.

Of course, Saban can.

 

[Lexvol]

Agree. Better late than never. Also, we don't KNOW exactly what Kiffin said to him. Kiffin has been telling quite a few recruits to expect early playing time. It could be as simple as Kiffin telling DT that he just didn't seem him getting playing time early, and if that is what he was looking for he might want to consider another school. He was just being honest. And, he did not pull the offer. If DT is as good as some are saying, he could certainly earn playing time.

Agreed. From every recruiting note I've read the conversation is the same. "Here is the blueprint for the new Vol House, and here is where you fit". Sometimes an architect has to move things around.

 

[jwells]

I guess it would be better for the kid if he just sat the bench because he didn't fit....:ermm:

 

[Vol423]

I see that Kiffin is keeping things interesting.

I love all the people that think that Kiffin is doing the kid OR the team a favor by staying silent and letting him commit to a team for which he isn't a good fit, and they have the nerve to say that what Kiffin HAS DONE lacks integrity.

 

[NMVol]

I guess it would be better for the kid if he just sat the bench because he didn't fit....:ermm:

So Kiffin told him that he sees a hard road to the playing time DT wants at running back and wide receiver at a late visit. The scholarship is there, other than that DT was in all likelihood promised nothing by the new staff. If he did not know that all bets were off as to schemes discussed with the old staff...shame on DT. A lot of you are acting like a player having a conversation with a coach about realistic playing time should be avoided. I would not be surprised if Kiff & Co. had prior to last weekend said something like "we are evaluating where we think you might fit in. Nothing is certain yet." That's far from creating an unrealistic expectation. If DT thinks otherwise about playing in the new scheme then bring it.

It is true that this situation would not have occurred but for the coaching change. Life is not fair. Reality is fluid. Time waits for no one. Kiffin has a job to do. He is no way obligated by any promise Fulmer may have made concerning position or playing time.

 

[gainesvol82]

Yeah, all the players his size in the SEC run 4.2 and 4.3. Dude, you need to come out of the cave before making these statements. There are only a handful in the entire SEC with this type of speed.

How many 5'7 170 skill position guys in the SEC that don't have at least 4.4 speed? The fact is that we can get atheltes with his speed who have much better size and fit what we want in a DB or WR. He would be manhandled by bigger DB's or WR's who are his speed or faster.

 

[gainesvol82]

Ok, all the people that say Kiffin is wrong. If, he indeed did tell the kid, 'You don't fit our system'. Unless, it was a character issue or grades. Is a Fulmer supporter. Dude, you are wrong on this thread in every way!

First of all, people aren't whinning. They are making comments, just like you. And, they are entitled to their opinions without being a supporter of Fulmer.

Most in here are very big Kiffin supporters. But, they don't feel it is right to wait eight weeks to tell a kid he doesn't fit the system, without cause.

We shall see. If, Kiffin had a reason. Until then, don't try and force your opinions on anyone else!!!

Dude, dude.....duuuude. I never said everybody who doesn't like this is a Fulmer supporter. I called out a poster who has acted bitter ever since Fulmer got canned. I'm not trying to force my opinion on everybody but speculating that our coach is a scumbag with only partial info to go on is f'ng ridiculous. I'm failing to understand why UT fans feel DT was entitled to playing time at UT because that's the only thing Kiffin is taking away from him. People need to quit making this out like Kiffin pulled the rug out from under him and is ruining his future because he helped it. I will repeat. DT IS NOT ENTITLED TO A SPOT ON THE ROSTER OR A SCHOLARSHIP BUT KIFFIN WILL HONOR THE SCHOLARSHIP OF A PLAYER HE DOESN'T THINK HE WILL USE. HOW IS THIS "NOT RIGHT"?

 

[ridethelightening]

So Kiffin told him that he sees a hard road to the playing time DT wants at running back and wide receiver at a late visit. The scholarship is there, other than that DT was in all likelihood promised nothing by the new staff. If he did not know that all bets were off as to schemes discussed with the old staff...shame on DT. A lot of you are acting like a player having a conversation with a coach about realistic playing time should be avoided. I would not be surprised if Kiff & Co. had prior to last weekend said something like "we are evaluating where we think you might fit in. Nothing is certain yet." That's far from creating an unrealistic expectation. If DT thinks otherwise about playing in the new scheme then bring it.

It is true that this situation would not have occurred but for the coaching change. Life is not fair. Reality is fluid. Time waits for no one. Kiffin has a job to do. He is no way obligated by any promise Fulmer may have made concerning position or playing time.[/QUOTE]

Yet, he is still honoring the commitment and informed Thigpen that the scholarship could still be his. People are acting like Lane just kicked him to the curb w/o a pot to p--- in.

 

[gainesvol82]

However, I do agree with all of your comments about Fulmer. I am glad he is gone. There was too much talent wasted and not developed during his tenure. And, I feel his tenure should have ended years ago. After all, he came in the back door in the first place.

I liked Fulmer and defended him even fairly recently. He should have been gone after '05 but I respect what he did despite his shortcomings. I have no problem with people questioning or doubting Kiffin. I just feel that it does or program no good for our own fans to call him out on something that he knows infinitely more about. The man knows how to recruit and is surrounded by professionals who are at the top of the food chain. Are we really thinking that Kiffin and staff will make silly moves and put us in a bad spot for future recruiting? Their track record tells me no and that this isn't a big deal at all.

 

[vogols11]

IMHO:

Kiffin wouldn't have recommended DT look elsewhere unless there was somebody waiting in line who would have a better chance to contribute. You only have so many scholarships to give out, so if you have a legit chance to get someone better, you have to do all you can. If that means dropping some news on a guy a few days before NSD, so be it. The stakes are too high in the SEC to not get the best players.

DT has more time to look than a week, because he doesn't have to sign next Wed. I know that some schools may give out all their sch-ships and whatnot, but a lot won't. He will get a fair shake.

Then again, if he wants to prove Kiffin wrong, he can come to UT and fight for a spot with everyone else. Kiffin will play the best players.

I'm hoping Kiffin believes we can get an Eddy Lacy, Bryce Brown, Teague, Myles, etc. and is gambling that DT will leave to make room for one of them. Kiffin is just trying to lay the groundwork for a winning program. Sometimes the truth hurts kids, but honesty with these recruits is the best policy.

Vo Gols!

 

[Oldblood]

If a coach bases all of his decisions on what the fans think, he will soon be joining them. I know that I won't agree with everything Kiffin does, and if I did, then he would probably be doing something wrong. I am more concerned with results.

 

[bpvol]

How is it any more biased than what you just posted? Back up plan? WTF are you talking about? He has been committed since the beginning and Kiffin has had an ample amount of time to tell this kid that he didn't fit. Why would he need a back up plan?

I would imagine that he felt that since no one has let him on this little bit of information that he didn't need a freaking back up plan.

This kid wants to play football not sit on the bench for the sake of a scholarship. What choice does one really have when your potential coach tells you "that you don't fit the system and you may want to look elsewhere"?

Your a highly rated 4 star recruit that turned down every major college that recruited you because of your commitment to the University of Tennessee, took no official visits because of your commitment to the University of Tennessee, stuck with your commitment even after all of the turmoil and get told 5 days before signing day that you "may not fit the system". This is not some scrub, this kid has serious potential and could have went anywhere he wanted but he chose to stick with UT.

Yeah honor his scholarship. They might as well have pulled it out from under him because they really didn't give him a choice but to look else where.

So you wouldn't be one of these posters that crucify these recruits when they start de-commiting because of a coaching change? Or change their mind because of a visit they took? Just a back up plan right? yeah-right.

I think people are missing the real issue. If Kiffin thinks that there is a real chance that the talent coming in will reduce Thigpen's chance of seeing the field, I would think he would feel obligated to let the recruit know that. "Thank you sir for your commitment to Tennessee. There will always be a place for you here. However, we do have X,Y,Z coming in, so we want you to be aware.
"Coach Kiffin,thank you for your honesty...I'd like to look around just in case there is a better oppurtunity for me"

 

[smokey8555]

It is likely we don't know everything associated with this move. Undoubtedly, at some future date, more information will surface. Life has taught me to gather all the data before deciding on whether circumstances were handled correctly or not.

DT will be allowed to remain at his choosing and UT will honor its commitment. However, with him back on the market, many other doors may open for him if his playing abilities are what he thinks they are. Its entirely possible that other schools would make room on their own rosters should they believe DT is the better choice.

The option of having this known before NSD would be my choice if I were in a similar postion.

 

[HwyChile]

Has it occured to anyone that we don't have all the facts? There is probably a very good reason why Kiffin did this. We are purely speculating here with incomplete facts. If we knew all the facts, I bet it would make perfect sense why he did it.

 

[pantone151]

Has it occured to anyone that we don't have all the facts? There is probably a very good reason why Kiffin did this. We are purely speculating here with incomplete facts. If we knew all the facts, I bet it would make perfect sense why he did it.

Thisx10..There is more to it.
Posted via VolNation Mobile