volfan911

Jon Poe should be considered instate...just delayed a little bit. volfan911

I know that UT told him he could play both sports. Brent Hubbs told me as much and he's very much "in the know". Redd's coach was quoted as saying that it was not in writing. Do you have sources for your info or are you going by your gut feeling? Even if he was told he would have a "chance" to play, that would mean that they would allow him to go and there and try. Why is that not enough? Shouldn't players have to earn their way on to rosters? If Redd is good enough, he wouldn't have to worry about them giving him a chance - he would earn his way onto the team. Fulmer allowed two players from the '01 class to try their hand at BB, though neither panned out. Some of these kids have it in their head that they are better two-sport athletes than they really are. Volfan911 [Edited by volfan911 on 2-5-03 11:32A] [Edited by volfan911 on 2-5-03 11:35A]

by the way, my great uncle was a TE at Virginia and I respect their program. I just don't think Vince has been told the truth about their intentions for him. In a couple years we'll see if he's still playing BB and 'backer. Heck I hope he becomes an All-American for them. Volfan911

ETSW, did UVA coaches put anything in writing that they would allow him to play BB? Did not UT, VT, and USC all say he could play BB? I know for a fact that UT said he could. I'm not buying the two-sport argument. He had that assurement from the other coaches, not just UVA's. How is my expressing some concerns over what UVA coaches may be telling Vince to pursuade hom to attend there "bashing" UVA. Why do you feel the need to defend them? I'm not taking a pro-UT stance here. I'm remaining pretty darn objective and trying to present as many facts as I can to support my claim that UVA coaches may not be telling Vince the truth when they say they will definately play him at LB. My original point was that he is not built for LB in any way. You say he's 6'8" and still growing. How many LB's you know that are that big? If your son were Vince, would you want coaches telling him what he wanted to hear, or what he needed to hear? Volfan911

I will say this again...though I shouldn't have to...I'M NOT BASHING UVA!!! For goodness sake will you read my post instead of assuming that I'm a Vol wearing Orange colored glasses???? UVA is not promising Vince that he'll play basketball any more than VT,USC, and UT have. They put NOTHING in writing. They gave their *word* just as the other schools he was considering did. Again I am NOT saying he should have gone to UT. The "real" reasons Redd is going to UVA is probably only known to Redd - therefore I take it that since he made the statement that he chose UVA because they'll let him play LB, that's why he's going there. He didn't say anything about them assuring him that he could play BB. All schools told him he could play BB - that was kind of a given. Volfan911

EastTennSportsWriter, UVA did not put anything in writing about playing basketball - his coach said as much. Neither did any of the other schools. UT, USC, and VT all "promised" he could play both sports. I don't doubt his linebacking ability on th *high school* level. And you're right, he doesn't have the size to move down to tackle right now. That's why he was a defensive end prospect - which at 6'8" 250lbs he most definately has the size to play. I'm sure he could chase people down in high school playing LB but so could Albert Means when he played LB at Trezevant. Lots of coaches put their stud player regardless of size at MLB in high school simply so teams can't run away from them. It ain't the same in college and while I think Redd will be a very good college athlete - I don't see him playing LB and I still say the UVA coaches are only telling him what he wants to hear to get him to sign. If Fulmer had told him he could play LB, all of you non-Vol fans would be in an uproar calling Fulmer a liar and a dirty recruiter. At least Fulmer, Holtz, and Beamer were honest with the kid about where they wanted him to play. Volfan911

I honestly think some of you are saying that you feel his decision to go to UVA is a good one just to spite the UT fans. Look, I don't care if he didn't come to UT. Sure, it would have been nice to have him but UT will get their fair share of DEs this year it seems so losing Redd isn't as big as some are making it. I am concerned that the UVA coaches are deceiving him into thinking he's really going to play LB there just get him to sign. I don't agree with lying to recruits about what position they will play. Virginia Tech has good academics and a better program than UVA and the coaches didn't B.S. him about what position he would play in college just to lure him there with pipe dreams of being a 6'8" 260lb+ LB. His coach even said the UVA coaches didn't put it in writing that he definately would play LB. I guarantee you that's not where they're wanting to play him. Heck last year they signed Kai Parham, (6'3" 230lb 4.5 forty)a 5* stud who they planned to play at DEFENSIVE END - so they're gonna recruit a player that's 5 inches taller, significantly slower, and potentially much heavier to play LB. I'm just not buying it. That's why I think he may not be making the best decision. I wouldn't have said a single word if he had chosen USC or VT. But it's his decision and he's made it. Best of luck to him. Who knows...maybe he'll shock the world and become the biggest full time LB ever in NCAA history. I wonder what UVA coaches are planning on doing with their 5* all american LB they signed last year, Ahmad Brooks (6'3 235lbs 4.5) who plans to be back at UVA after an academic problem and the freshman they had starting at inside backer last year? Volfan911 [Edited by volfan911 on 2-4-03 11:02A]

sounds like Redd's coach is even skeptical of UVA playing Redd at MLB. From the Knox News-Sentinel his coach is quoted as saying: "I know he's awfully big to play that position, when Virginia first called me months ago and said they were recruiting him to play there, I said, 'Do you realize he's a legitimate 6-7?' I think he's actually closer to 6-8, now.'' A 6'8", possibly 270lb linebacker....riiiiiiight. I'm not saying all this because I want the kid at UT. I'm saying all of this because I think he's being deceived into believing he's going to be a LB for any length of time at the D1 collegiate level. Heck, if he had gone to either VaTech or South Carolina I would understand. It's his decision and he's made it and I wish him the best. I just don't think his choice was based on very truthful words from the UVA staff. Volfan911

Question: how many 6'7" 260lbs+ LBs do you see in the NFL? Also, Edwards is only 6'5" tops. That's a big difference from 6'7". Witten is only 6'5" as well. I just read where Redd is actually 6'7", not 6'6" as I stated earlier. Back to Kalimba, the guy was super fast and was more like 250lbs when he was at USC. Redd is 2 inches taller and, from what I've seen of him on film, not nearly as quick as Edwards who reminded many of Jevon Kearse with his "freakish" combination of size and speed. Did you happen to see Edwards this year for the Lions? He had 6.5 sacks from his *defensive end* position. Witten may have been a good LB, but can you sit there and say that would have been what was best for him? You could look at him when he was a frosh and tell he was either a DE or TE. Every recruiting service had him listed as DE/TE. Witten probably could never have been as good a LB as he was a TE. Most of these guys would be good at anything they do. Shouldn't the coaches be more interested in doing what's BEST for them? I simply don't think Redd's future is at LB and I think the coaches are doing him a great diservice by saying they will play him there - when they probably won't. Redd will dwarf many of UVA's D Linemen by his sophomore year...I doubt it will take them that long to move him down to the trenches where he belongs. Volfan911 [Edited by volfan911 on 2-3-03 6:19P]

Look, I'm not saying he *should* have gone to UT. I believe in my earlier post I made it clear that he may have even been better off going to VaTech. UT should end up with a lot of quality DEs this year in recruiting and Redd may have gotten lost in the shuffle. I'm not mad at the kid for not going to UT so you refrain from wasting your breat (or finger energy). The kid wants to play LB...he said nothing about UVA's academics. He wants to play Basketball as well (even though he's not a highly thought of BB prospect on the national level) and he probably doesn't think he'd have that opportunity at UT. Again, it ain't academics. His coach told the Virginia reporter that it was because he would be allowed to play LB at UVA. What I'm upset about is the fact that a kid his size and relatively slow speed for the position (though his 4.8 forty speed is definately good enough for the D line or TE), has virtually no chance of playing LB in big time D1 football. I think it's sad that UVA told him he could play LB just to lure him into going there. At least VaTech and UT were honest with him. Heck, it shouldn't even be a question of honesty, you look at a kid that is 6'6" or 6'7" with a frame like his and you see a DE or DT. Witten played MLB in high school. You think it would have been smart for him, had he wanted to play LB in college, to have chosen a school that would have let him play that position? I can guaratee you that he wouldn't be a potential first round choice. I just don't like how coaches lie to recruits. I'm not going to sit here and say UT has never done it - all schools have. But some are worse than others and for Groh to tell Redd he will play LB is insane. Volfan911

I read on a Virginia football board that Elizabethton's coach confirmed that Vince Redd has committed to the Cavaliers. The main reason being that he would be allowed to play LB in their 3-4 scheme instead of DE or TE which he would have played at UT. I mean, COME ON! The kid is every bit of 6'6" and has a frame that will probably get up to about 265-275lbs. How many 6'6" 270lb LB's you guys see out there? If this kid plays LB even 1 snap for UVA, I'll be truly amazed. The kid could be a millionaire one day if he sticks with the position he's supposed to play. It's his decision and I'm not sure at this point if the committment is truly final, but I don't think there was a single school recruiting him to play LB. He'll have to be a freak of nature to be able to play LB in college. How can a 6'6" 270lb LB cover a TE or WR. Ain't gonna happen. I don't doubt he'd be a heckuva run stopper, but you can't be one dimensional anymore at LB in college. For his sake, I would have rather him gone to VaTech where they would have put him at DE or TE - positions he was made for. Volfan911

This has gone on long enough... "Also, Tennessee fans are taking what they saw from Kentucky in one game...one game, to me that seems like "orange colored glasses." ...When did I say Kentucky wasn't good last year? Quite the contrary. You don't have to keep telling me they were a pretty good team with a good offense. I would have killed for UT to have an offense like Kentucky's last year. That's besides the point. You were trying to say that UK lit up UT and that was NOT the case - just go look at the stats as I pointed out earlier. End of story. As for Michael Bush, dont' get your hopes up. Kentucky is probably in the backseat behind Ohio State, Tennessee and Louisville (where he'll visit this weekend). Again, I don't understand this: "Our recruiting seems to be getting better, our coaching staff gets more experienced...that seems like its on the rise to me" YOUR COACHING STAFF IS BRAND NEW. This is their first year at UK. What are you talking about? As for why UT soundly beat UK this year, man it was just UT's day. They came in and executed a very cold and very windy day. UK didn't play well. Why is that so hard to fathom. Heck Rutgers gave Miami a heckuva game. Sometimes teams don't show up with their "A" game and honestly if UK had played their best they would have probably beaten UT this year. I doubt it had anything to do with Morris. At that time, none of the UT "insiders" I know had heard anything of Morris' potential departure. I'm not sold that the players knew. Bama's players didn't play poorly after rumors of Coach Fran leaving. Volfan911

He may not project as a RB. If not, he won't have to gain 30+ lbs...maybe just gain about 10-15. I don't think anyone claimed he was a major prospect, but he wouldn't be doing bad for himself if he went somewhere like Memphis or MTSU or even a JUCO or smaller D1-AA school - no shame in that. I've heard he's a pretty good guy and wish him the best. Volfan911

MaryvilleRebels, we were talking about whether or not KENTUCKY was on the rise. So when you make statements like: "I heard several people say that Kentucky was going to beat Tennessee, some even said by a lot." "Maybe Tennessee getting raped by Maryland in a crappy bowl game is going up, I dunno, afterall I'm just a Kentucky fan!? " ...statements such as these imply that Tennessee is on the downfall - totally irrelevent to Kentucky's situation. I took it as though you were trying to knock UT by assuming I was one of those Vol fans with orange colored glasses and I think you did assume that. I don't pretend to think UT is on the rise which is why I thought it odd that you went out of your way - and off the main subject - to point out UT's down year as if that had anything to do with Kentucky's success. Now, I'd like to examine a few more of your statements from your more recent post... "Yea Kentucky recruited illegally, but you know what, that was two coaching staffs ago. "...Okay, illegal recruiting in your opinion is irrelevant because it was done two coaching staffs ago. Well, we feel that Kentucky may no longer be on the "rise" because it was done a "coaching staff ago". Just as the guys who were illegally recruiting are no longer around, the guy - Guy Morris - who was turning things around there is no longer around either. "Seems to me that Kentucky fans still think they are on the rise, afterall, our defense has improved and our running game has improved." But, that was a coaching staff ago, right? Not to mention the fact that your "running game" was all Artose Pinner - and he's gone as well. "Did Tennessee's defense shut them down like Vol Calls proclaimed? I don't think so, I still don't see how a good defense can shut down the best offense in the SEC, no one else could do it, why would Tennessee be different?"....WHAT? Go look at UK's total yardage. No, I'll save you the time - 172 yards!!! What game were you watching? You're argument isn't just week...it's totally flawed. This *should* be the end of the discussion but sadly it gets worse. "Also, if you don't believe that other major schools are cheating with bribes and rules abuses, like your godly Tennessee...well then you must be living in a perfect world where everything is just how you want it, because you're crazy to think that. Sex, money, whatever is offered by top colleges and Alabama and Kentucky were just unlucky enough to get caught."....Again, neither of us implied UT is innocent of ever cheating. I think all programs have to some extent. But some "extents" are more "extended" than others wouldn't you agree? And those are the guys that get caught. I'll say this, before he left UF, Spurrier stated that he thought Fulmer ran one of the cleanest programs he was familiar with. I don't think any programs are totally clean. But it's better to have a little dust on you than be covered in mud. Volfan911 [Edited by volfan911 on 1-30-03 11:01A]

MaryvilleRebels...first of all, I didn't say ANYTHING about Tennessee going up. Don't put words in my mouth. No matter what the circumstance, Kentucky still hasn't beaten Tennessee since 1985. If I were on here trying to explain why Tennessee lost the games they did this season, you would probably be calling me a cry baby and telling me to quit making excuses. Kentucky WAS on the rise - under Morris. Until their new coaching staff has a successful season, I don't think it's safe to say they're still on the rise. Ask a clear minded Bama fans how "on the rise" they still feel now that Coach Fran is gone. As for Academic All-SEC...hey, you're the one that said they were flunking out...a 2.5 ain't flunking, buddy. And if I'm not mistaken, a 3.0 is required for Academic All-SEC (I'm not 100% sure about that so don't hold me to it). But that's besides the point. They aren't all flunking out...not even a majority of them, as you implied. Look, I'm sorry your home state team is probably going to continue being a bottom feeder in the SEC. Hey, my team isn't on top anymore. I'm not happy about that. But I'm not hating on UGA for stepping up or UF for beating us even though they had to adjust to a new coaching staff. Good for them. That just means I expect more out of my Vols and hope they get back on top. Volfan911 [Edited by volfan911 on 1-29-03 9:09P]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Earnest Williams of Crockett County should be one of the top recruits in the state next year. He's been the best athlete on Crockett County's team the past two years and he have his chance to shine next year now that Artis Pitts is graduating. He still ran for well over 1,000 yards behind Pitts this year. Earnest is 5'10 180lbs, should project as a DB/WR. SEC material definately. Volfan911

I have to disagree Sequatchie. Gaines is only 5'8". I can't remember when Tennessee put a 5'8" receiver out there (aside from Eric Locke but he rarely played). Derick Tinsley is every bit of 6'1" and weighs about 190lbs. The two are really nothing alike outside of their shiftiness. Tinsley really didn't play that much WR. Aside from all of that, Tennessee currently has Montrell Jones, Tony Brown, C.J. Fayton, Jonathan Wade, Jomo Fagan, and possibly James Banks (if C.J. Leak can win the backup QB role although that is doubtful). Not to mention the fact that they will probably bring in 3 WRs in this recruiting class. Jason Swain (6'2" 200lbs UT commit) is big time, Bret Smith from Arkansas is one of the top ranked WR in the nation with great size (6'3" 180lbs) and speed. He's a UT lean. If they can get the Meacham kid (6'3" 200lbs) out of Oklahoma, who is considered a top 5 nationally ranked WR, they'll be stacked at WR this year. Granted, the WR corps last year was pathetic, but that doesn't change the fact that there will be an overload of numbers at that position. On the other hand, UT can always use a shutdown corner and I think in the end that's what they'll try to use Gaines for. Though I wouldn't count him out at tailback if he can get up to about 195lbs. JMHO Volfan911

Guy Morris, the guy who was starting to turn things around a *little* bit...is gone. Rise? What is this about Tennessee boys that go to UT flunking out? Bartholemew was an academic All-SEC, along with John Finlayson and a few others who weren't starters. Trey Teague was a bright kid as was Offenheusel and Chad Clifton. Even if the Tenn. boys were all flunking out, how is that relavent to this topic? Weren't we talking about UT's *recruiting* Tennessee boys? Now, educating them would be another topic. Volfan911

I agree Ego

he was a RB at Covington. He is projected to play either RB, DB, and or kick return specialist at UT. Reminds many of Corey Larkins. Volfan911

i didn't feel like taking the time to read all these posts so i don't know if this has been said but..... It's not the quality of players that this state lacks...it's the quantity. Tennessee is forced to go out of state to get a lot of talented players. If there is a player in-state who is talented enough and plays a position that UT has a need for, THEY WILL RECRUIT HIM - IF they think he is good enough. Fulmer is a Tennessee boy himself, do you guys really think he has some sort of personal vendetta against Tennessee boys? I think one thing that causes some doubt about the players in state is that the level of competition below 4A is almost a joke as a whole. Sure there are some very good teams in 3A and below but there aren't many in relation to states like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, California, etc. The problem is low population as well as a relatively low number of minorities statewide. Tennessee does not disrespect players like Cooper Wallace. Did you forget that UT already had Jason Witten who was a frosh at the time? They simply didn't need Wallace. These coaches want the best players and they're not going to disrespect someone who they feel has the talent and character to play for their program - bottom line. Some kids don't develope until they're in college and just don't display the skills in high school necessary to play for a big time school. These coaches try not to take to many "projects" and focus on those kids who already have some of the tools to play. It's just like running a business. If you're a boss, you're not going to hire someone on "potential" if you can help it. These coaches want players they feel are ready or will be ready faster than most. Volfan911

Ol' Miss was interested in Gaines. I think he's really more in the 170lbs range as he said himself in an interview yesterday that he is "also working on putting on some weight because I have to be heavier than 170 pounds to play at Tennessee." It's great to see a local boy get offered a scholly to play for the Big Orange. Here's wishing him the very best. Volfan911

you realed in no one. Saying that Pennington was a better quarterback than Manning would spark some debate from plenty of people - even those that aren't UT fans. I try to be as objective as possible. Answer me this: was Wheurfel (sp?) a better QB than Manning? He put up better numbers in college and beat Tennessee every time. Where is he now? A third string QB? Yeah, he's had a GREAT career. All I'm saying is that a LOT of QB's putting up good numbers has to do with their supporting cast and system. Maybe Pennington will continue to have great success and put up better numbers than Manning for the rest of his career. If he does that, I'll consider him a better QB. But to say that he's better based on 1 year is a little premature. You act as though Manning is a scrub. The guy has been one of the best QBs in the league since he came in - though he has been known to throw a few INTs here and there - he consistently throws TDs and puts up big yardage and gives his team a chance to win. All I'm saying is that greatness isn't measured in one season. If Pennington is the better QB, he'll prove it. Until that time, I'll keep on thinking that Manning is better based on past individual accomplishments. Gladiator, As for Diane Sanford...It's interesting that you would make a comment that suggests you *know* something when you obviously are just as "in the dark" on the subject as everyone outside Tee Martin and Diane Sanford. Diane Sanford had a significant previous relationship with Tee according to his family and friends. That's not a rule violation. It would be like if you went to a school to play football and your mom's boss that you knew very well gave you money to help you out. Therefore, if she gave him money, it would be up to the NCAA to decide whether or not rules had been broken. I believe they dropped the case and found no evidence of UT's wrong doing. Tell me this, even if Tee had accepted money, do you really think Fulmer et al knew about it? Dickey has a good reputation for reporting violations as he did in this case. Remember, he took the schollys away - not the NCAA. Steve Spurrier even said before he quit at UF that he felt that UT had one of the cleanest programs he was familiar with in the SEC. Since it is unlikely that either of us has any real evidence to produce that could prove the other wrong about UT's alleged cheating, it's probably pointless to even argue about it as we'd end up back where we started - you NOT a UT fan and me a UT fan and both with tired fingers. And BTW, Jason Swain is a talented prospect. Nothing wrong with being excited about him coming to UT. Did you see that catch he made in the national all star game? Maybe we'll have some WRs to throw to next year. Volfan911

I'm sorry, Pennington had a great year, but that does not make him a better QB than Manning. UT's losses were not the result of poor play by manning. Was it Peyton's fault UT's defense could never stop UF? You blame all of the faults of UT's players and the Colt's players on Manning, yet give Pennington all the credit for being lucky enough to play for a good team and a strong supporting cast. Manning had a down year, but I think his numbers have shown how good of a QB he is. Pennington never won any NC's and he isn't gonna win a Super Bowl this year. Volfan911

Doesn't look like they're gonna get a big time QB in this class. There's a 3 star QB from Marietta, Ga., Zack Richardson, who was awaiting a scholarship but I'm not sure he's still interested since they offered Bo Hardegree. The only legit shot they have at landing a big time "quarterback" is Michael Bush, 6'4" 225lbs, who is a great great athlete but I wonder if his true position is quarterback. There's a kid from Kentucky, Brian Brohm, who has been featured in Sports Illustrated that I'm sure Tennessee will be on strong next year as well as the Booty kid down in Louisianna. Both will be among the top qbs in the country next year. By the way, Bush and Brohm faced off in Ky state championship game. Bush threw for 500+ yards and 5 TDs and LOST - only because Brohm threw for almost 600 yards and 6 TDs. Both are phenominal with the ball in their hands. UT would take either obviously. Volfan911