Recruiting Spotlight: National Signing Day Preview
By Gage Arnold
Recruiting Spotlight will take an in depth look at Vol commitments and provide insight into where the player fits into the team and the impact they will have.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, it’s not Christmas, it’s much better than that. I mean, who really likes the coffee mug Aunt Jill gets you anyways? In one short answer, it simply is National Signing Day for College Football.
With National Signing day literally right around the corner on Wednesday, I just want to take some time to preview what all this entails for the Vols, some possible additions and loses to the class, and give you a brief overview of who we have committed (I’ll do an in-depth review once Letters of Intent are signed and faxed). So let’s dig in.
Cordarelle Patterson
This guy’s name has heated up as of late for the Volunteers and many have rumored that the 6’4” 205 lb. wideout will chose between Georgia and Tennessee. UGA WR Coach Tony Ball and UT WR Coach Darin Hinshaw have both put in a ton of time recruiting Patterson and this one will be close. However, with the way things sound this week and with Patterson’s track record of being a kid with his head on straight, I think he chooses to be a Tennessee Vol.
Korren Kirven
Kirven is a Virginia-native and many think hometown pressure will lead Kirven to become a Hokie. Again, I disagree, I think Kirven likes UT, sees opportunity and makes a jump to Knoxville. I’ve heard a lot of positive info on Kirven this week and I’m not positive but I think signs are pointing to him signing with Tennessee.
Otha Peters
Described by one reporter as, “one giant muscle,” Otha Peters is the definition of an SEC-ready player at linebacker for the Vols. However, after a visit to Arkansas this weekend, many are worrying that Peters could have a change of heart. From what I hear there is nothing to worry about with Peters, he visited a campus, got the royal treatment and an inkling of doubt is understandable. However, Peters is smart and I am resting assured he will as well be a Vol on Wednesday.
A.J. Leggett
This guy is new to a lot of people’s boards, but this kid can play. A 4-star prospect who is committed to Marshall because essentially he wanted to have a backup plan for D-1 Football if his academics hold him back from being admitted to an SEC school. Leggett visited this weekend and the visit, “gave him something to think about.” Mainly, Leggett has been looking for a school who would take this chance on him and I think UT is in the position to do that. He is a risk of not being declared eligible, but the talent he possesses along with the fact that if he does not qualify, we can back count an early enrollee in 2013 to take his spot, so the risk doesn’t have too much drop off. Leggett is talented and I think the Vols will soon give him a committable offer and he will be a Volunteer.
Quinshaud Davis
As described by my editor Sam Scott, “Tennessee is the flavor of the week, and with a high school kid who is 18, that has to work in UT’s favor.” I can’t help but agree with Sam as Davis looked to be bound for Columbia, South Carolina to play with Steve Spurrier, but in the past week it looks as if USC has backed off and Tennessee has taken over. Not the sexiest pickup, but I honestly think he could be a solid contributor on special teams and work his way up. Again, I think Davis is UT bound as well.
Davante Bourque
There’s been talk that Bourque is considering Miami along with Tennessee and will make an announcement on Wedneday between the two schools. I don’t believe this though, Bourque has done nothing but make me think he won’t be a Vol.
Class Projection
Here I’m just going to simply project the class.
QB — Nathan Peterman (Early Enrollee)
RB — Alden Hill (Early Enrollee)
— Davante Bouruqe
— Quenshaun Watson
WR — Jason Croom
— Alton “Pig” Howard
— Drae Bowles
— Cordarelle Patterson (Projected)
— Quinshaud Davis (Projected)
TE — Justin Meredith (Early Enrollee)
OL — N/A
DE — Darrington Sentimore (Early Enrollee, JUCO)
— Trent Taylor (Early Enrollee)
— LaTroy Lewis
DT — Danny O’Brien
— Daniel McCullers (JUCO)
— Korren Kirven (Projected)
LB — Otha Peters
— Justin King
CB — Daniel Gray
— Tino Thomas (Early Enrollee–Grayshirt)
— Deion Bonner
— A.J. Leggett (Projected)
S — LaDarrell McNeil
ATH — Cody Blanc (Early Enrollee)
K — George Bullock
Again, note that this is a projection. I honestly think we have a great shot to land all on the list. On this note, I bid you adieu. Enjoy Signing Day and more importantly, Go Vols!
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