Recruiting Spotlight: Where Will They Sign?
By Gage Arnold
Recruiting Spotlight will take an in depth look at Vol commitments from the Class of 2012 and provide insight into where the player fits into the team and the impact they will have.
In this weeks edition of Recruiting Spotlight we are going to take a look at a couple key prospects for the Tennessee Volunteers and break down where they will chose. Some of the names listed have been verbal commitments to the Vols for months, but as the class nears a close, we here at All For Tennessee want to get you in the loop when National Signing Day hits.
Dalton Santos, MLB
First up is a fan favorite, Dalton Santos. This mean, gritty, hard-nosed Mike Linebacker from Texas has been a given for the Vols since he committed at the beginning of August. However, with ‘dream school’ Texas offering Santos this week, coupled with his visit to see the Longhorns this weekend many feel a flip to the other UT is in order for Santos. The Vols have some pull here still, but it’s an uphill climb for new Defensive Coordinator Sal Sunseri.
Prediction: Texas
Davante Bourque, RB
Here we see another Tennessee Commitment who has been wavering in the past few weeks in Bourque. The tall upright slashing RB from Louisiana gave the Vol faithful hope of a bright future at the running back position with the combination of Bourque and returning Sophomore Marlin Lane. Bourque visited Miami this weekend and I’m sure Al Golden gave him some things to think on as the Canes have made a strong late push. However, looking at Davante’s comments, I think he remains solid to the Vols and makes a solid impact next season.
Prediction: Tennessee
This is hands down my favorite recruit in this class. McNeil has superstar ability and already has been rumored to be mimicking his game to resembe former Vol All-American, Eric Berry. McNeil has the talent to step in from Day 1 and start in the Secondary for the Vols who have a large gap missing with Brent Brewer still recovering from his torn ACL. After visiting Nebraska and talking to Oklahoma State, McNeil looks to be winding his recruitment down and after all he has endured I think he too sticks with the Vols.
Prediction: Tennessee
Jacoby Briscoe, DT
A long-time friend of Davante Bourque, Briscoe is a verbal commit to the University of Miami, but he is visiting Tennessee this weekend and there are rumblings that Bourque is pulling him hard to flip the Volunteers. I think Briscoe would be a welcome addition, but after stating he’s been a Miami fan since he was seven years of age, I don’t see him flopping after two weeks of his friend talking to him.
Prediction: Miami
Korren Kirven, DT
Here’s where it gets interesting… Kirven is a Rivals Top 200 player and one of the top 15 defensive tackles in the country. However, the uncommitted defensive tackle is smack dab in the middle of Hokie Country in Virginia and there is a lot of hometown pressure to go to the local school. Do note though, his parents are rumored to be visiting UT and checking things out for themselves without Korren. A 10-hour drive without their son to check into a school has to bode well for the Vols. Call it a hunch, but I think Kirven is a Vol on National Signing Day.
Prediction: Tennessee
One of the most sought after recruits, this JUCO WR who has two years to play is a physical monster. The former high school teammate of current Vol QB Justin Worley, Patterson is big, quick, and strong… not bad attributes to have for a potential SEC WR. LSU, Georgia, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Tennessee all have a shot, but at this point I think its a coin flip. Patterson just visited LSU this weekend and honestly I think they will be the flavor of the week for Patterson.
Prediction: LSU
Justin Shanks, DT
Tennessee’s hopes to land Shanks essentially went out the window when Lance Thompson left for Alabama… Move along folks, he’s gonna be a Nole.
Prediction: Florida State
Chase Robison, DE
I find this interesting as he has just come up on the map for the Vols, but nonetheless is a solid player. He’s been committed to Texas Tech for a long while, but is the Vols to end up offering, it would give Robison a lot to think about. Not the biggest or the fastest, Robison would be a perfect for a rush linebacker role in a 3-4 for the Volunteers. Note, with the addition of a slight transition to the 3-4 defense it will require a lot of depth at linebacker as rotation is used a lot. A solid pickup, watch for this kid on NSD, these are the types of NSD Surprises that aren’t the flashiest pickups, but help stabalize a team and lead them to victory in the SEC.
Prediction: Tennessee
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