Vols Land Five-Star Forward Jarnell Stokes

In what was considered one of the most highly anticipated announcements this recruiting season, Jarnell Stokes, a 5-star Power Forward from Memphis, Tennessee announced his decision to play his college career at the University of Tennessee. At 6’8″ 255 pounds, Stokes was considered one of the best recruits in this years class as he ranked 11th overall on the Rivals Top 150.

Stokes was recruited hard by Kentucky, Florida, Memphis, and Arkansas along with Tennessee. Stokes addition to the Baller Vols is welcome and could not come at a better time as the Vols seem to be lacking the oomph in the post that contending teams need.

Many connected the dots of Stokes to Tennessee when former Vols Head Coach Bruce Peal was at the helm, but after his departure and the arrival of Coach Cuonzo Martin, many speculated that Stokes was set to go anywhere but Knoxville.

However, attribute this to Coach Martin, but he made up a ton of ground in the short time he has had. Not only did he have to fend off John Calipari, Billy Donovan, and Josh Pastner, but he had to do all of this with mainly a blank resume besides his tenure at Southern Illinois. This proves that Stokes bought solely into Martin’s philosiphy, his ‘idea’ and ‘plan’ for this progam, if you will.“We walk by faith and not by sight. I am truly lucky to have great people surrounding me. All the adversity I have faced has made me a better person,” said Stokes.

This proves one large fact, Coach Cuonzo Martin CAN pull in top notch and elite talent into Knoxville. No one really doubted his ability to coach and rally his troops once his full philosophy is installed, but with the recruits he brought into Knoxville this past recruiting period, many worried he wouldn’t be able to draw top-notch championship talent to K-Town. Today, Cuonzo Martin dispelled that notion.

Stokes fits almost a Tobias Harris role for the Baller Vols and looks to really show off his relentless work ethic that made him one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.

This business idea really meshed with Coach Martin and Stokes is a part of the Basketball Vols because he does believe in what Coach Martin is doing.

One thing to note is that due to Stokes transferring schools between his Junior and Senior years, he was ruled ineligible for basketball this season. However, he took this opportunity to graduate early and has spent time in the weight room every morning and evening the entire season and still remains in great basketball shape despite not being able to play since last season.

As Stokes enrolls at UT in the next month and starts classes, he will also be eligible to join the team this season and play. I’m not positive he’ll make a large impact, but it’s not out of the question for him to be a contributor in the post with the talent he has.

This is a monumental day for UT Basketball. After months and years of down news, today Tennessee fans you can rejoice and enjoy this moment for all it is worth.

As always, it is great to be a Tennessee Vol, welcome home to Rocky Top Mr. Stokes.