Tennessee Football: Major in-state RB target announced his commitment to Ohio State. What does this mean for Butch Jones?
By Colby Howell
Tennessee football can’t catch a break when it comes to depth, especially with running backs. The Volunteers and Butch Jones lost another in-state prospect.
Tennessee football lost a major recruit today to the Buckeyes. Running back Master Teague has announced he chooses Ohio State over the Vols, Auburn and Georgia.
Teague, a member of the 2018 class, is ranked by 247Sports as a 3-star prospect and the number 8 running back in the nation. Not to mention, he is the No. 8 prospect out of Tennessee and 201 pick overall.
He is also a three-star on Rivals and the No. 32 running back in the nation and No. 15 in the state overall.
The 5’11” 210-pound Murfreesboro, Tenn. prospect’s commitment to Ohio State is a big loss for Tennessee. The Vols are in great hands with John Kelly, no doubt. And, Ty Chandler will certainly carry his weight in future seasons. Files-Aime is fine, too but what happens after that?
Depth continues to be a major concern and when it comes to running back, Tennessee football simply need help.
Vol Nation is praying Kelly can stay healthy after losing stars like Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurd last season. Under strength coach Rock Gullickson’s supervision it’s promising but, certainly risky.
So…
HOW DOES LOSING MASTER TEAGUE TO THE BUCKEYES EFFECT BUTCH JONES?
More or less, it doesn’t.
Yes, Jones had trouble last season recruiting in state targets. Missing out on major prospects like Tee Higgins, Jacoby Stevens and Jacob Phillips to other big time programs certainly knocked the wind out of the Vols.
I mean, these are the top players in the state of Tennessee from 2017 and Jones missed them. The good news is Butch has a lot to sell with this program.
Considering where the program used to be under travesty, Derek Dooley, Jones can sell on perception and promise. As far as competition, that may be the catch for these prospects.
The Vols’ were the favorite to win the East last season but clearly, they did not. Recruits notice that. While it’s nice to sell on attention, promise and fan dedication, some recruits want titles.
What I think Teague doesn’t quite realize is the lack of competition at the RB spot for the Vols. Going to Ohio State means he will have to fight his way through Mike Weber (rSo.), Antonio Williams (So.), J.K. Dobbins (Fr) and more.
Carlin Fils-Aime has yet to really “wow” any fans and he’s a bit light on weight. At 5’11” and 175 pounds, his health could be a concern considering how much of a beat-down running backs take.
Teague certainly had the size advantage over Fils-Aime by 35 pounds. I believe he would’ve been in competition with 187-pounder Ty Chandler for the No. 2 spot in future seasons, passing Fils-Aime.
Perhaps, even the No. 1 spot if John Kelly racked up enough stats to enter the NFL draft early…
FINAL THOUGHTS:
It’s a big blow to lose Teague, especially to someone outside of the SEC. In my opinion, I don’t even think he was ever seriously considering Tennessee in the first place.
He was thought to be leaning heavily toward Georgia. It doesn’t look good on Jones’ attempt to land more in-state prospects.
Teague’s announcement happened not long after Florida running back Jashaun Corbin announced his decommitment from Tennessee as well. However, there’s still plenty of time left.
It’s time for Robert Gillespie (RB’s coach at UT) and Butch Jones to step up. They’re able to sell recruits on vision, promise and now playing time.
Yes, some recruits may want to take their time and learn the ropes before jumping on the field. Though, if these 3, 4 and 5-star prospects are as hungry as they appear to be, playing time can be a powerful recruiting tool.
Butch has demonstrated his ability to handle pressure. Look at the most recent TN-GA game. He just needs to remain calm and stay on the phone with these recruits. He indisputably has plenty to offer.