DaVonte Lambert Shuns Vols; Signs With Auburn
By Zach Ragan
Oct 26, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones reacts on the sidelines against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers suffered their first major disappointment with their 2014 recruiting class on Wednesday, when DaVonte Lambert decommitted from Tennessee and signed with Auburn.
Lambert, a four-star defensive end from Waynesboro, GA, committed to Tennessee on August 13.
The Auburn Tigers made a strong late push for the talented defensive end, which was apparently enough to persuade him to sign with the Tigers.
Obviously this is a big loss for the Volunteers, as Lambert was a player that would’ve been able to contribute immediately on the Vols’ less than stellar defensive line.
Lambert’s flip from Tennessee shouldn’t concern Vol fans as far as Butch Jones’ recruiting skills as concerned. Lambert is just one player. You can’t sign them all (even though Tennessee is doing their best to) and you’re bound to miss on some guys, no matter what your coaching pedigree is.
The Vols will rebound from this and still come away with a top 2014 recruiting class.