On a good day there is exhilaration, liberation, encouragement and just a plain ol’ sense of wow. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s that special blend of ‘v,b’ and ‘its great to be a Tennessee Vol’.
On this note, congratulations to Bruce Pearl and the never say never Vols on an impressive win over the number one ranked Kansas Jayhawks.
A win like this is good for the fans, the program and the school image in light of Coach Pearl’s taking the high road and still getting the win. Add to that the momentum and enthusiasm that carries over to the school as a whole. (Note Lane Kiffin’s embrace of Pearl. That hug had genuine written all over it).
At its low ebb, it can be discouraging, depressing, gut-wrenching, and disheartening. We’re talking of course about all things UT Sports. In particular, the football program and the grueling, never ending world of college football recruiting
Things like an NCAA review, off the field /court legal issues, coaching staff stability, and missing out on this recruit or that are part of what Tennessee fans have dealt with over the last few months.
Like never before it’s not only possible, but nearly required reading if you want to stay in the loop with Tennessee football and basketball. There is so much going on, particularly as we come down the home stretch to NSD; it can be downright . . . addictive.
The real story in my opinion is who we have for coaches at the University of Tennessee. It feels like there is a genuine like and caring about seeing success circulate between Coaches Kiffin, Pearl, and Summit.
While Pat Summit has missed out on some of off court drama (thankfully), she manages to continue doing her thing; coaching and winning. Coach Pearl continues to motivate, continues to fight, and one gets the impressions that he will take the negative (the dismissal and suspensions) and turn it into a big positive.
NEVER SAY NEVER
We want to focus now however on what Coach Kiffin & Co. are doing with this recruiting class and why their dogged, relentless determination is lining up for a big payoff. As mentioned earlier the basketball team showed a ‘never say never’ attitude amidst some unfavorable odds.
But if there is a guru of this mindset, it has to be Kiffin’s staff spearheaded by Ed Orgeron. Time and again we hear reports, recruits, and this staff’s own words emphasize how they never give up on a player they really want. Regardless of status, committed (soft verbal, solid), whatever.
Kyle Prater is one example of where the coaches have stayed in contact. What’s happens next could make Vol fans very happy.
While Tennessee is unlikely to end up with the top ranked recruiting class for 2010. It will not be far away from it either. A top three finish would frankly be an outstanding job. You don’t have to have the number one spot, but you have to be in the top five. The reason is year in and year out, Florida and Alabama will be.
When Tennessee keeps it close like they are doing, then the coaching abilities, the NFL experience and connections, and the track record to evaluate, develop and utilize talent that WILL play on Sunday can without a doubt make up for a couple of spots in any recruiting class rankings.
NCAA REVIEW
But what make this class all the more impressive are the obstacles that have had to be overcome. The NCAA review over the so-called Hostess Gate does not appear to be leading to anything more than a secondary violation. It’s potential damage in its timing however was handled by the staff as well as it could be done.
The biggest fallout would have been Brandon Willis and we just saw how that was resolved. It appears the traveling intern issue will not play out beyond a secondary violation either.
COACHING STAFF STABILITY
When Lane Kiffin’s staff being pursued stops, then we can genuinely start to worry. It is a new part of the Tennessee landscape. Lane’s staff v.01 took a couple of hits, but he’s come back with what is considered a consensus upgrade in Kippy Brown as wide receivers coach.
On the cusp is Rich Bisaccia (Tampa Bay special teams coach) who Bucs fans absolutely do not want to lose. Will the Glazers allow CMB to opt out of his contract? Todd McNair, the running backs coach from USC is another name of interest. Regardless of who comes in, the point is Lane looks to make the staff better.
Can this coach recruit well enough although he’s a better position coach? That and related question we need to leave up to the coaching staff. It kind of, sort of, seems like they know what they are doing, yes?
THE TALENT
(Beyond the Backyard)
As of January 11, 2010
Once again, we update the latest SEC state by state recruiting of the SEC nine home states. When you look at the recruiting numbers in this light, you can see Lane’s reasoning for focusing on the state of Georgia.
The proximity of Georgia to Knoxville is appealing, but also taking a nice chunk of top rated players does anything but help the one of your East division rivals.
When Tennessee was on top in the mid nineties, they were raiding the stats of Georgia for high caliber talent.
The state has held on the number one post of most SEC commits. Even more telling is that clearly when it comes to where the talent is, the SEC is made up of haves and have not’s.
The top four states account for 76% of all SEC school commits from within the SEC states. As Tennessee continues to go after the Top 150 players year in and year out, developing pipelines into the states are a top priority.
The Tennessee coaching staff has to work harder than any of its primary SEC rivals. They’ve dealt with issues on and off the field. They are meeting the challenge of going into rival’s backyard to pull the best players in the country into Knoxville.
It crazy, it’s entertaining, it’s flying by the seat of your pants if you really follow it. But mostly it’s a source of pride to see a coaching staff and their team working so hard to bring Tennessee back to the top. And we appreciate the hard work.