I hear the bar maid ringing the bell. It is now last call for beer, alcohol, and recruits. History tells us that this is the time of year that Phil Fulmer generally shines. If one had to single out one reason for Fulmer’s continued employment at the University of Tennessee recruiting would surely be at the top of the list. For all of the recent shortcomings of the program, the national pundits continue to heap praise on the recruiting prowess of the head coach in Knoxville. Unfortunately for UT fans, this class doesn’t seem to be moving beyond mediocrity.
Signing day may end up quieting the critics yet again, but right now it isn’t looking so good. Most of the problem lies in the deficiencies surrounding the recruitment of the Vol’s biggest need. Does anyone know any good defensive tackles? In Fulmer’s defense, five star defensive tackles are simply hard to come by. How many 290-pound guys do you know that run a 4.85 forty-yard dash? It doesn’t take a genius to see that these players are in short supply.
Last year with the recruitment of William Brimfield, Donald Langley and Relando Melancon it appeared as though UT had answers for their recent struggles. Now, Melancon is at Louisiana Tech, Brimfield is on the offensive line, and Langley is left as the only one left to carry the torch. Those developments, coupled with a quick look at the recruiting boards indicate that the next “difference maker†on the defensive line may still be a few years away.
It is much easier for a talented skill position player like Dennis Rogan, Eric Berry, Percy Harvin, Knowshon Moreno etc….to make an immediate impact in the SEC. A boy can run the ball, catch the ball, defend the pass, and at times even throw the ball well at the college level. This is not meant to disparage the contribution of any those young, talented players, but it takes a grown man to play defensive tackle in the SEC.
When a man is required to do the job there are very few players than would be considered “locks†at defensive tackle. Take Demonte Bolden as an example. He was a five star recruit with all of the tools. He had the size, the speed and the quickness. It has taken three years for him to become a viable threat. Without rambling any further it is time for a few quick shots to the head to wake everyone up about recruiting.
– On paper, with the possible exception of the quarterback position, the Vols should be better at every position next year. I think Dan Williams and Demonte Bolden are both capable of being imposing, but the Vols desperately need depth on the defensive line. Remember Justin Harrell? Of all the coaches on staff I trust Dan Brooks to get the most out of his players. Next year, I expect Wes Brown, Chase Nelson and Walter Fisher to be ready to play.
– Recruiting services are fun and interesting to follow. Without a doubt being in the top ten helps your teams future chances. However, 5* skill position players are much more important than the five star defensive linemen. My preference is to find the 240-pound defensive ends, add weight and make them defensive tackles. Even in that scenario there are so many variables. Will they maintain their agility with the extra weight? Will they be tough enough to play inside? Will they understand the different assignments involved with playing on the interior?
– Is it time to give Vlad Richards another shot on the defensive line?
– Maybe recruiting is an exact science. SI recently published a report that also appeared in the sports forum on the Volnation. According to the report, three Florida State grads are using mathematical models to predict where recruits will eventually land. Their success rate is better than 70%. After testing the initial numbers and variables, proximity, current success, and playing with a team in the BCS conference proved to be the most important factors swaying today’s athletes. Now….if they could only predict which recruits will end up in the slammer!
We are trending toward an era in college football where the most coveted recruits seem less interested in immediate playing time. Instead they are looking for a winning tradition, and a coach who is going to get them to the next level. A point that is often missed in the shuffle is one that Hatvol mentions often. Talent attracts talent. The Vols may be able to afford a poor recruiting class this year. If the problem persists into next year it will set this team back at least two, and maybe three years.
It is last call. Here is a toast to shoring up our defensive line. Until next time, Go Vols.