Part 2: How Fast Will Tennessee close the Recruiting Gap?

(Part 2)

What has to Happen?

1). Coaching staff stays intact – This is a no joke staff. Ed Orgeron’s recruiting and tutelage of Miami, USC, and Ole Miss players speaks volumes. Eddie Gran brings serious game to the recruiting table. He knows a thing or two about developing players also. Attempts to lure one or more of these coaches away will happen. The common goal, the mission at hand, and satisfaction of building a championship team will hopefully be enough. The money this staff is being paid can’t hurt either. But does anyone feel like their not earning it? Didn’t think so.

2). Fill out and balance ALL needs – Before you can have second team players who could start on a lot of other teams, you have to have all the bases covered. Quality, speed, and depth. There is no SEC title without it.

3). Build Pipelines – An example of building a ‘pipeline’ into a talent rich area is South Florida. Coach Gran has done a very nice job there. It should be remembered though, the whole staff is piecing together this mosaic. It is noteworthy that California is right there on the verge also. They have the potential for building a pipeline quickly. Coach O’s relentless approach is well documented and his insight into what it takes and how to get there is second to none. It must be said to see as many high profile recruits listing Tennessee in their top three after a 5-7 season is impressive.

4). Some Good Early Results – 8-4, 7-5 are two common predictions for the Vols in 2009. Many top level recruits will have an eye on the Tennessee season. Avoiding an unexpected loss is huge. This staff knows how to generate momentum and get the most out of it. Finding a big win can validate the direction of the program in ways words cannot. A SEC road win at Florida, Alabama, or Ole Miss would be perfect for this scenario. Beating Auburn, Georgia, and South Carolina at home would have a favorable effect also.

When?

IF the aforementioned factors all line up Orange and White, then by year three. The recruiting gap will not be completely closed, but sufficient enough to challenge. In 2011, the Vols should be in the SEC championship game. The freshman class will be juniors. They will be in their third year of actually playing under the Kiffin reign and against SEC opponents. The subsequent recruiting classes of 2010 and 2011 will be better.

The fact of the matter is top tier talent will come and play right away. Some will leave early. We may not see a Bryce Brown in his senior year. But allowing freshmen who have the ability to get battle tested early makes the maturity curve go up. So does the confidence. There is a lot of excitement and anticipation for this season. Let’s not forget to appreciate seeing a resurging program heading back to the top sooner rather than later.