rexvol
The Minister of Defense
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Georgia RB focused on Cats, Vols Georgia RB focused on Cats, Vols
Jeff Drummond
CatsPause.com
Talk about it in The General's Quarters
Kentucky and Tennessee will close out the regular season in a couple of weeks down in Knoxville, but the Cats and Vols are already waging a battle on the recruiting trail.
Toney WilliamsToney Williams, a three-star running back from Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton who committed to Tennessee in May, has re-opened his recruitment since the announcement that Phil Fulmer would be stepping down as the Vols' head coach at the end of the season. The 6-foot-1, 227-pound back had also been recruited by programs like Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana and N.C. State, but says he is focused on UK and UT at this point.
"I think it will probably come down to one of those two," Williams said. "Those are the two I've felt the most comfortable with, but with Tennessee, we don't have a coach right now, so I really need to look harder at Kentucky just in case.
"I've been up there (to Lexington) a couple of times before, and I liked it. I saw them play Florida Atlantic last year, and I was up there for spring practice. I like the campus and the facilities. I also like the coaching staff, especially coach (Joker) Phillips. He's a guy who has stuck with me, even after I committed to Tennessee. I was always there saying keep us in mind, just in case."
Williams said he has formed a "strong relationship" with Phillips and likes the fact that he is not only the Cats' current offensive coordinator but has been named head coach in-waiting when Rich Brooks decides to hand over the reins.
"That makes me feel good because I already have that personal relationship with the guy who is going to be the head coach," Williams said. "Plus, I like his offense and how he uses the backs. Their backs always get a lot of carries and play a big part of the offense. And it's a pro-style offense, unlike a lot of teams you see today."
Williams has yet to schedule an official visit with UK, but says one is in the works. He does not have a timetable in mind, but much will be determined based on what Tennessee does with its vacant position.
"They're saying they should know something in the next two weeks," he said.
Either way, the UK-UT game has become a can't-miss broadcast for Williams.
"I'm definitely going to be watching that one," he said. "That's going to be fun to see who comes out on top, but I don't think it will really influence my decision all that much. I just want to see how both teams' offense looks and where I think I would fit in the best. My relationship with the coaches will probably be bigger than anything else."
Williams said it's much easier for him to take a "serious look" at Kentucky now that the Cats are coming off back-to-back bowl victories over Clemson and Florida State and appear poised to make a return trip to the postseason this year.
"They're definitely on the way up," he said. "They've proven to me that they can be a really strong program in the SEC."
Williams closed his senior season at Milton with close to 2,000 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns. He is rated the No. 49 running back nationally by Rivals.com.
Jeff Drummond
CatsPause.com
Talk about it in The General's Quarters
Kentucky and Tennessee will close out the regular season in a couple of weeks down in Knoxville, but the Cats and Vols are already waging a battle on the recruiting trail.
"I think it will probably come down to one of those two," Williams said. "Those are the two I've felt the most comfortable with, but with Tennessee, we don't have a coach right now, so I really need to look harder at Kentucky just in case.
"I've been up there (to Lexington) a couple of times before, and I liked it. I saw them play Florida Atlantic last year, and I was up there for spring practice. I like the campus and the facilities. I also like the coaching staff, especially coach (Joker) Phillips. He's a guy who has stuck with me, even after I committed to Tennessee. I was always there saying keep us in mind, just in case."
Williams said he has formed a "strong relationship" with Phillips and likes the fact that he is not only the Cats' current offensive coordinator but has been named head coach in-waiting when Rich Brooks decides to hand over the reins.
"That makes me feel good because I already have that personal relationship with the guy who is going to be the head coach," Williams said. "Plus, I like his offense and how he uses the backs. Their backs always get a lot of carries and play a big part of the offense. And it's a pro-style offense, unlike a lot of teams you see today."
Williams has yet to schedule an official visit with UK, but says one is in the works. He does not have a timetable in mind, but much will be determined based on what Tennessee does with its vacant position.
"They're saying they should know something in the next two weeks," he said.
Either way, the UK-UT game has become a can't-miss broadcast for Williams.
"I'm definitely going to be watching that one," he said. "That's going to be fun to see who comes out on top, but I don't think it will really influence my decision all that much. I just want to see how both teams' offense looks and where I think I would fit in the best. My relationship with the coaches will probably be bigger than anything else."
Williams said it's much easier for him to take a "serious look" at Kentucky now that the Cats are coming off back-to-back bowl victories over Clemson and Florida State and appear poised to make a return trip to the postseason this year.
"They're definitely on the way up," he said. "They've proven to me that they can be a really strong program in the SEC."
Williams closed his senior season at Milton with close to 2,000 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns. He is rated the No. 49 running back nationally by Rivals.com.
