Let us start with the basic premise that players win games. Recruiting truly is the life’s blood of college football.
Let us celebrate that Tennessee far exceeded expectations in the early phase of procurement, 14th in the country, middle of the Southeastern Conference.
This is a very convincing clue that Josh Heupel and his people can compete in the big league. That was a question in January. The staff did not do well in-state but that was not a fair fight. It closed elsewhere with an outstanding flourish.
“Massive finish” said one analyst. “Foundational pieces.”
The next step will be discovery of how accurate were the Volunteers in evaluations – a key word.
That brings us to story time.
In late fall 1979, Dr. Charles Holland, prominent Knoxville statistician, sent a list of the top 100 high school football talents in the country. I recall wondering what was I going to do with that?
The great Tom Siler had been told by Robert R. Neyland that recruiting assessments didn’t come into focus until Volunteer sophomores played against Alabama. After that, The General could tell.
Dr. Holland said there was a better way.
I had never heard of his top 100 leader, Herschel Walker of rural Wrightsville, Ga. Holland said I would.
He had the data, 6-1 and 215, strength, speed and agility measurements, information about clusters of touchdowns, down and distance. The senior tailback had rushed for 3,167 yards. Walker had started accumulating thousands of pushups and sit-ups from age 12. He was a man among boys. I was oblivious.
Many weeks later, Herschel emerged as first prize in the national recruiting race. You know the rest of the story – Georgia Bulldogs, national championship, Heisman Trophy, professional accomplishments.
This was years before professional ratings companies began assigning stars and even numerical values to three decimal points. It was my introduction to recruiting foresight, to having some idea who could do what in comparison with the thousands of available prep players.
Dr. Holland was far, far ahead of his time.
The current Vols have signed 20 prospects, seven with four stars. They had little chance at one five-star, Powell defensive tackle Walter Nolen, supposedly best in the country at what he does.
Walter was never close to “us.”
Nolen started growing up in the Memphis area. He played his sophomore season at Olive Branch, Miss. He went to IMG Academy in Florida in search of better competition. He played last season at St. Benedict at Auburndale, a private school in Cordova.
Texas A&M gained his commitment this November. He is a big deal.
Tennessee did sign several players others wanted badly. Credit line coach Rodney Garner with pulling defensive lineman Tyre West out of Tifton, Ga. He had been committed to Georgia for a year or more. At the last minute, Florida State thought it had him. The Vols prevailed.
They beat Auburn nose to nose for running back Justin Williams. Big catch in Charlotte was edge rusher James Pearce. That caused a sore spot at South Carolina.
Only at Alabama are national recruiting ratings the definitive measurement of success. Elsewhere, coaching expertise, development, motivation and strategy have a little something to do with the eventual won-loss record.
Under free agency no-rules, the transfer portal may prove of great importance.
Contrary to rumor, next season will not be automatically better. The Vols need linebackers and at least two really good defensive backs. They need another running back. Amazing what Jabari Small accomplished despite a nagging shoulder.
Christmas gift: Thirteen signees say they will enroll in January and go through winter workouts and spring football. Tayven Jackson, quarterback of the future, and three or four young receivers will be early enrollees.
I’ve picked a preliminary favorite, Marquarius White of Pinson, Ala. You will have to look closely. He is almost 5-10 and 155.
We sent his mother a note asking confirmation if his nickname is really Squirrel.
Marvin West welcomes reader comments or questions. His address is marinwest75@gmail.com