The timing of our "new facilities"

[knoxvols11]

Anybody watch the special on Bama? They've got all top notch stuff all the way!

 

[VOLorNuttin]

It is a chicken and egg argument. One of the takeaways from Kiffin (the last real recruiter we had before Butch) is that staff was astounded at the recruiting challenges they faced at UT.

In the modern era, UT is a flagship university with a rich tradition, but a severe disadvantage in the high school talent pool. Proximity will always be a major factor in recruiting, so you need every advantage you can get on the hill.

Historically, UT is at its best when they are full of talent from GA, SC and NC.

FWIW, Fulmer was also beginning to struggle in recruiting before his dismissal.

Actually, this year, many of the top targets/commits are from right here, in state. I think the talent level in this state has risen considerably in the past few years, so that whole notion that we have to look beyond our own borders for talent, isn't quite so true.

Even Bamer, UF, USC, FSU and others, routinely have to look beyond their own borders to secure the talent they need. We may have to rely on it more than they do, but there is plenty of talent within a 4-5hr drive of Knoxville, to draw from. Look at CA and Texas.....people talk about it being rich in talent. Well both of those states span over a much larger region.

It's about as far from the LA area to the Bay area as it is from Knoxville to Columbus OH or Pittsburgh. Houston to Austin is a pretty long drive. So, it's all relative. If we start winning again, talent from nearby states will start flocking in again.

 

[Lexvol]

Actually, this year, many of the top targets/commits are from right here, in state. I think the talent level in this state has risen considerably in the past few years, so that whole notion that we have to look beyond our own borders for talent, isn't quite so true.

Even Bamer, UF, USC, FSU and others, routinely have to look beyond their own borders to secure the talent they need. We may have to rely on it more than they do, but there is plenty of talent within a 4-5hr drive of Knoxville, to draw from. Look at CA and Texas.....people talk about it being rich in talent. Well both of those states span over a much larger region.

It's about as far from the LA area to the Bay area as it is from Knoxville to Columbus OH or Pittsburgh. Houston to Austin is a pretty long drive. So, it's all relative. If we start winning again, talent from nearby states will start flocking in again.

To win an SEC championship we absolutely have to look beyond our borders…and more so than other programs in the SEC.

I completely agree that the talent level seems to be rising in Tennessee. The new facilities absolutely provide a much needed advantage for recruiting both in and out of state.