The Dog's 2018 Top 20 Recruiting Wish List

[The Dog]

247, just did a wish list for UT's 2018 class, so I'm going to do mine. I am assuming we hold on to all our current commits. I know that probably won't happen, but for the purpose of this list, let's say it does. These are in order of need and how much I want 'em. Oh yeah, all these guys are considering UT and UT wants.

1. Master Teague, RB. We need a RB in this class and this in-state kid is the best one out there, imo. Powerful and fast

2. Greg Emerson, DL. Another in-state kid with big time talent

3. D'Andre Litaker, DT. This kid completes the Big 3 of the in-state DLs that everybody wants and expects us to get

4. Jordan Davis, DE. Current Alabama commit. In-state kid, if we can flip, would make the Big 3 into the Big 4.

5. Lyn-J Dixon, RB. Actually, we need 2 RBs in this class and this kid out of Georgia, can do it all

6. Xavier Peters, LB. 6'4, beast of a LB out of Ohio. Could end up a DE, if he keeps growing, either way, I want him

7. Cameron McGrone, LB. Most complete LB on our board. Goes to the same HS as DKjr went to in Indianapolis. This is the biggest longshot, imo. He loves Notre Dame

8. Jerome Carvin, OL. Another in-state kid that everybody wants and Bama may be our biggest competition for him

9. P.J. Mustipher, DT. U can never have too many stud DTs, imo. Out of Maryland

10. Jaycee Horn, CB. Son of former Saints WR Joe Horn. Best CB on our board. A lot of competition for this kid out of Georgia

11. Cam Jones, Ath. In-state kid, that UT wants as a LB. Former Indiana commit who is blowing up lately. Imo, our next commit

12. Azeez Ojular, DE. A relentless, pass rusher with a mean streak, out of Georgia

13. Tae Provens, RB. Gillespie says he can fill Kamara's role in the offense, hopefully, we will get a chance to find out. Alabama kid

14. James Mitchell, TE. The best TE on our board and one of the best in the country, imo. More ready for the SEC, than Warren is right now. Pretty sure, he is from Virginia

15. Jemaurian Jones, CB. I love big CBs and this kid is 6'1. Pair him with J. Reed and we would have 2 Mississippi CBs

16. John Campbell, OT. Like I said about DTs, same thing holds true with OT. Beast out of Florida

17. Michael Barrett, DT/QB. But, UT wants him as a RB. Another kid, Gillespie says could fill Kamara's role in the offense.

18. Dorian Gerald, JUCO DE. One of the best JUCOs out there and everybody wants him, including Bama. May be ready to start, immediately. Originally from South Carolina, playing JUCO ball in Cali

19. Anthony Grant, RB. Yes, another RB, but we need 2 and this kid likes us a lot and he is a beast.

20. Elijah Moore, WR. Elite athlete from Florida. Personal favorite, but probably the 2nd biggest longshot on this list.

 

[Orange Swagger]

I would take em all. Good list.

 

[Tennessee Golfer]

247, just did a wish list for UT's 2018 class, so I'm going to do mine. I am assuming we hold on to all our current commits. I know that probably won't happen, but for the purpose of this list, let's say it does. These are in order of need and how much I want 'em. Oh yeah, all these guys are considering UT and UT wants.

1. Master Teague, RB. We need a RB in this class and this in-state kid is the best one out there, imo. Powerful and fast

2. Greg Emerson, DL. Another in-state kid with big time talent

3. D'Andre Litaker, DT. This kid completes the Big 3 of the in-state DLs that everybody wants and expects us to get

4. Jordan Davis, DE. Current Alabama commit. In-state kid, if we can flip, would make the Big 3 into the Big 4.

5. Lyn-J Dixon, RB. Actually, we need 2 RBs in this class and this kid out of Georgia, can do it all

6. Xavier Peters, LB. 6'4, beast of a LB out of Ohio. Could end up a DE, if he keeps growing, either way, I want him

7. Cameron McGrone, LB. Most complete LB on our board. Goes to the same HS as DKjr went to in Indianapolis. This is the biggest longshot, imo. He loves Notre Dame

8. Jerome Carvin, OL. Another in-state kid that everybody wants and Bama may be our biggest competition for him

9. P.J. Mustipher, DT. U can never have too many stud DTs, imo. Out of Maryland

10. Jaycee Horn, CB. Son of former Saints WR Joe Horn. Best CB on our board. A lot of competition for this kid out of Georgia

11. Cam Jones, Ath. In-state kid, that UT wants as a LB. Former Indiana commit who is blowing up lately. Imo, our next commit

12. Azeez Ojular, DE. A relentless, pass rusher with a mean streak, out of Georgia

13. Tae Provens, RB. Gillespie says he can fill Kamara's role in the offense, hopefully, we will get a chance to find out. Alabama kid

14. James Mitchell, TE. The best TE on our board and one of the best in the country, imo. More ready for the SEC, than Warren is right now. Pretty sure, he is from Virginia

15. Jemaurian Jones, CB. I love big CBs and this kid is 6'1. Pair him with J. Reed and we would have 2 Mississippi CBs

16. John Campbell, OT. Like I said about DTs, same thing holds true with OT. Beast out of Florida

17. Michael Barrett, DT/QB. But, UT wants him as a RB. Another kid, Gillespie says could fill Kamara's role in the offense.

18. Dorian Gerald, JUCO DE. One of the best JUCOs out there and everybody wants him, including Bama. May be ready to start, immediately. Originally from South Carolina, playing JUCO ball in Cali

19. Anthony Grant, RB. Yes, another RB, but we need 2 and this kid likes us a lot and he is a beast.

20. Elijah Moore, WR. Elite athlete from Florida. Personal favorite, but probably the 2nd biggest longshot on this list.

Teague is way too high. Might not even crack my top 10.

 

[The Dog]

Teague is way too high. Might not even crack my top 10.

For a long time, I would have agreed with u. But, after watching his "tape" and seeing the burst and power, he has, I changed my mind. Yes, I know he doesn't play in the best classification in Tennessee high school football. But, after the tales of his weight room accomplishments and his 40 times, I believe he is the real deal, plus, if u noticed, I ranked most of the in-state kids a little higher than comparable kids, at the same position from out of state. I believe, if we start dominating our state, with the talent improving so much, lately, our recruiting will be top 10 every year, just by getting most of the in-state kids. Tennessee is starting to become a top 10 state in producing D1 football talent, imo. That, imo, may soon be proven as a fact, if the trend continues

 

[Hacksaw]

Nice post for those of us who don't follow recruiting as closely as others. Thanks!

 

[Bassmaster_Vol]

Teague is a legit 4.4 guy. He's a great back imo

 

[The Dog]

Nice post for those of us who don't follow recruiting as closely as others. Thanks!

Thank u, Hacksaw. Now, if we could only get a LB recruit like your namesake.

 

[Blaze45]

For a long time, I would have agreed with u. But, after watching his "tape" and seeing the burst and power, he has, I changed my mind. Yes, I know he doesn't play in the best classification in Tennessee high school football. But, after the tales of his weight room accomplishments and his 40 times, I believe he is the real deal, plus, if u noticed, I ranked most of the in-state kids a little higher than comparable kids, at the same position from out of state. I believe, if we start dominating our state, with the talent improving so much, lately, our recruiting will be top 10 every year, just by getting most of the in-state kids. Tennessee is starting to become a top 10 state in producing D1 football talent, imo. That, imo, may soon be proven as a fact, if the trend continues

How exactly is 6AAA in Middle Tenn not one of the the top classifications? Some of the most consistent top talent teams all playing each other year end year out? If nothing else look at his game footage from the Maryville game. 4td's and over 280yards...

http://www.scout.com/college/tennessee/story/1729747-junior-clips-master-teague-in-playoff-finale

 

[The Dog]

How exactly is 6AAA in Middle Tenn not one of the the top classifications? Some of the most consistent top talent teams all playing each other year end year out? If nothing else look at his game footage from the Maryville game. 4td's and over 280yards...

http://www.scout.com/college/tennessee/story/1729747-junior-clips-master-teague-in-playoff-finale

U are right. I did so much homework, for all the other players, I was thinking he played for one of the private schools. My bad, and way to call me on it. But, that makes my reason for him to be number 1, even more justified. He is just so explosive and when he needs to lower his shoulders and run through tackles, he does. Plus, like Blaze said, he did it against the best competition in the state

 

[The Dog]

How exactly is 6AAA in Middle Tenn not one of the the top classifications? Some of the most consistent top talent teams all playing each other year end year out? If nothing else look at his game footage from the Maryville game. 4td's and over 280yards...

http://www.scout.com/college/tennessee/story/1729747-junior-clips-master-teague-in-playoff-finale

I was so wrong. I think I had him confused with Ty Chandler for a minute there. Either way, Teague is still number 1 on my wish list

 

[Blaze45]

U are right. I did so much homework, for all the other players, I was thinking he played for one of the private schools. My bad, and way to call me on it. But, that makes my reason for him to be number 1, even more justified. He is just so explosive and when he needs to lower his shoulders and run through tackles, he does. Plus, like Blaze said, he did it against the best competition in the state

I have had the pleasure of watching him play ball for the last 7 years, and becoming friends with his family. They are fine people.. He has put 4.39 4.38 on his 40 ... Did so at one of his visits at UT. I personally hopes he wind up there as well. His parents and he have really got some very strong ideals as to where he should go. They have not shared that, but the fact that Tenn is on that short list when all the "experts" picked SC Tells you something.

 

[RollerVol]

I mean, we all have our favorites, but, there's no way I can argue, reasonably, with that list...k:...

PS. I'll take all...:salute:

GO VOLS!

 

[FrostyDawg]

I was wondering why GA's wish list would be so popular...wrong Dawgs.

 

[VolBricks]

My list is simple. I want the kids that want to "Give their all for Tennessee" every down. No more 5* Prima Donna's who quit because we won't run the I formation for them.

 

[Crazy Ivan]

Teague is a legit 4.4 guy. He's a great back imo

Yep. I would have Teague as my #1 RB target and #4 overall on my board. I would move 2, 3, and 4, the 3 top DL targets left, up to 1, 2, and 3.

 

[The Dog]

Yep. I would have Teague as my #1 RB target and #4 overall on my board. I would move 2, 3, and 4, the 3 top DL targets left, up to 1, 2, and 3.

I can't argue with that. Football is won at the line of scrimmage. I think one of the reasons I made Teague number 1, may be that I think it is, more or less, a done deal that UT will get Emerson and Litaker. Hopefully, I am right. It's just a matter of preference and I want that rare, speed and power combo that Teague has

 

[UTwick]

Great post complete with info to support your conclusions. Great list of prospects. Hope it turns out close to this.

 

[The Dog]

Great post complete with info to support your conclusions. Great list of prospects. Hope it turns out close to this.

Thank u, UTwick. I just enjoy recruiting and try my best. I know there are a lot more, who know recruiting better tham me, like Montrel Hardy and Ron Swanson, to name 2. In fact, I would like to hear what they have to say about my list. Honestly, I make a list like this every year, just the 1st time, I felt like sharing it. I figured most people could care less, but when someone like u appreciates it, it makes it worth while. Plus, I enjoy the feedback, even when I am wrong, I like to hear other people's opinions. I learn something new from VolNation, everyday

 

[Blake25p]

I would flip Teague and Davis. We need big time DE's and we have one instate. Need to do everything we can to flip him, need to sell him on being the next great DE out of Tennessee and have the instate guys peer recruit him like crazy.

 

[TNnative]

For a long time, I would have agreed with u. But, after watching his "tape" and seeing the burst and power, he has, I changed my mind. Yes, I know he doesn't play in the best classification in Tennessee high school football. But, after the tales of his weight room accomplishments and his 40 times, I believe he is the real deal, plus, if u noticed, I ranked most of the in-state kids a little higher than comparable kids, at the same position from out of state. I believe, if we start dominating our state, with the talent improving so much, lately, our recruiting will be top 10 every year, just by getting most of the in-state kids. Tennessee is starting to become a top 10 state in producing D1 football talent, imo. That, imo, may soon be proven as a fact, if the trend continues

The Tennessee job market has led to a significant population boom in Tennessee. Not sure where we rank in job growth, but there have been several new employers move into the state. That has led to a lot of high quality new schools, both public and private, and a high number of them are serious about their sports programs.

More and more D-1 programs are sending scouts and recruiters to see these kids play, and boosters are making them feel welcome. Unless something really stupid happens to change the momentum, I don't see any if concerning the trend continuing.

I can't imagine we will ever reach the sheer numbers of a California, Florida, Georgia, or Texas but the frequency of years we have 10 players listed in the top 200 will be less of a surprise.

As to your list, those are some high quality picks. Yes, please!

 

[TNnative]

Thank u, UTwick. I just enjoy recruiting and try my best. I know there are a lot more, who know recruiting better tham me, like Montrel Hardy and Ron Swanson, to name 2. In fact, I would like to hear what they have to say about my list. Honestly, I make a list like this every year, just the 1st time, I felt like sharing it. I figured most people could care less, but when someone like u appreciates it, it makes it worth while. Plus, I enjoy the feedback, even when I am wrong, I like to hear other people's opinions. I learn something new from VolNation, everyday

I can only speak for myself on this, but I appreciate when someone uses his common sense and his brain to actually do some research and make a post worth reading. Yeah, you may have just agreed with someone else's list on some picks, but selecting a Emerson or a Likater is a no brainer. And you also picked some players I had overlooked. Longshots? Maybe, but definitely worth watching.

And it beats the heck outta outrageous predictions and assertions that seem to blow out of some peoples butts like they are going in for a colonoscopy in a few hours. You just became a poster who's contributions I look forward to watching for.

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

I have had the pleasure of watching him play ball for the last 7 years, and becoming friends with his family. They are fine people.. He has put 4.39 4.38 on his 40 ... Did so at one of his visits at UT. I personally hopes he wind up there as well. His parents and he have really got some very strong ideals as to where he should go. They have not shared that, but the fact that Tenn is on that short list when all the "experts" picked SC Tells you something.

I'm guessing those strong ideals include staying close to home, if possible, thus the reason SC didn't make his short list.

 

[Blaze45]

I'm guessing those strong ideals include staying close to home, if possible, thus the reason SC didn't make his short list.

That it does..also remember both parents are psychologist (one is a former college player and professor) and have made their living reading people. I believe that they are not just listening to the hype. Body language, attitude, demeanor can be a tell all. They know they are being sold, but those who come across as having genuine intent and people that want to see their son succeed, while maintaining good character will ultimately be those on the top of their leader board

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

That it does..also remember both parents are psychologist (one is a former college player and professor) and have made their living reading people. I believe that they are not just listening to the hype. Body language, attitude, demeanor can be a tell all. They know they are being sold, but those who come across as having genuine intent and people that want to see their son succeed, while maintaining good character will ultimately be those on the top of their leader board

Well, I may be biased, but based on his top three and how well Butch's players speak of him and his staff and the family environment, this makes him a Vol lock.

 

[chavisut]

For a long time, I would have agreed with u. But, after watching his "tape" and seeing the burst and power, he has, I changed my mind. Yes, I know he doesn't play in the best classification in Tennessee high school football. But, after the tales of his weight room accomplishments and his 40 times, I believe he is the real deal, plus, if u noticed, I ranked most of the in-state kids a little higher than comparable kids, at the same position from out of state. I believe, if we start dominating our state, with the talent improving so much, lately, our recruiting will be top 10 every year, just by getting most of the in-state kids. Tennessee is starting to become a top 10 state in producing D1 football talent, imo. That, imo, may soon be proven as a fact, if the trend continues

He plays in 6A in the toughest public school region in the state.

Edit- Been addressed. Also, the big private school division is the toughest in state.