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National exposure is a good thing for a college program—especially when it’s positive, and especially when said program has endured four consecutive losing seasons.
Yet, it’s odd to read an Associated Press article relating Tennessee and stability. But stability is exactly what the Vols are hoping for under Butch Jones, who is taking part in his second spring practice as the Vols’ head coach.
Consider: This the first time since the 2007 eastern division championship team (and yes I realize the league doesn’t award division championships) that Tennessee has returned its entire coaching staff. For those counting, that’s seven years.
“It’s huge,” Jones said. “You can’t put a value on it because it’s so significant. You win with consistency and continuity, consistency in messaging.”
Even more mind-boggling is Jones, who was hired in December of 2012, has been a part of the program longer than about half of his spring roster. Say that out loud and let it sink in for a minute.
Football is all about the Jimmys and the Joes, as some like to say, and Jones proved in his first full year on campus that he can recruit. Tennessee’s 2014 class was ranked in the top five in the country.
Last year’s roster lacked speed; we heard about it nearly every week during the season. This spring, the increase in speed is already evident on the practice field—as is the increase in strength. Players are getting stronger. Nine current Vols can squat over 600 pounds, up from ZERO last season.
“Things don’t change overnight,” Jones said. “We live in an instant gratification society, I understand that, but we’re going to build it the right way so it’s set in stone for a very, very long period of time.”
We hear you, Butch. Brick by brick.
VOLS RANKED 32ND IN EARLY POLLS
With only four spring practices under its belt, it’s ridiculously early to be talking about where Tennessee might be ranked. I suppose it’s even more ridiculous as it relates to a team which finished 5-7 last season and pretty much lost its entire offensive and defensive lines. However, according to Scout.com’s 2014 pre-season rankings, Tennessee is ranked as the 32nd best team in the nation.
32. Tennessee
2013 Record: 5-7, 2013 Final CFN Ranking: 72
Why The Ranking Should Be Higher: Butch Jones is building a powerhouse. The recruiting has been fantastic, the overall athleticism and skill are being ramped up, and the pieces are in place to come up with a good season with six of the top seven tacklers back and some good young players to build around on offense.
Why The Ranking Should Be Lower: About that offense – it needs a bit of a reboot. Four starters are gone up front, the quarterback situation needs to be settled, and the receiving corps is really, really young. There’s reason to be excited and there are big things happening, but …
The 2014 Team Is Trending … 2015. The program is at least a year away – it takes two-to-four years for a recruiting class to kick in – and while things are getting better, it’s still a process. Impatient Vol fans might be ready for things to change now, but once things start to work, the results will be consistent
SOURCES: USA Today, Scout[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]