It’s been quite an offseason for the Tennessee Vols’ football team.
It started with the departure of well-regarded offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, who left to take over the football program at ACC doormat Duke. Then another beloved Vol assistant, Trooper Taylor, left to join the staff at Oklahoma State.
When UT head coach Phillip Fulmer brought in Richmond head coach Dave Clawson as offensive coordinator, the Big Orange Nation gave a collective shrug.
Not anymore. Now observers of the UT program — and Volunteers fans — are starting to buzz about the impact Clawson may have on the program.
One observer I talked with about spring practice at UT observed that Clawson might even be more of a detail-obsessed taskmaster than Cutcliffe, who wasn’t exactly known for being a laid-back kind of guy when it came to execution.
Plus, running back Arian Foster looked sharper to many observers and wide receiver Gerald Jones looked in the spring like he is poised for a breakout year.
But Vol fans really stood up and took notice last week. Josh Nunes, a four-star ranked quarterback by Rivals.com from California, committed to Tennessee without even taking a visit to good ol’ Rocky Top. Apparently Nunes was so taken with Clawson that he committed after speaking on the phone with him.
But that’s not all.
Tennessee traditionally only picks up five or six commitments from prospects during the summer and does the bulk of its recruiting work in the months leading up to national signing day in February. Not this year. UT has commitments from 11 prospects already and could add some more before the season begins. Among the bright spots already are pledges from four star recruits Jarvis Giles (tailback), Je’Ron Stokes (receiver) and Damien Thigpen (at the ever popular ‘athlete’ position).
On defense, things are looking up in the secondary with what might be one of the top units the Vols have had in a while. Sophomore star Eric Berry will start at strong safety, with fellow sophomore Dennis Rogan at free safety. DeAngelo Willingham and Antonio Gaines reportedly looked good in spring practice. Added to the mix is junior Demetrice Morley at free safety. Morley is one of the feel-good stories of college football. He was dismissed from the UT program for not keeping his grades in order, but stayed in Knoxville and attended classes at Pellissippi State on his own and regained admission to the university and football program.
While many UT fans had doubts as to what direction the program was heading last season, there seems to be optimism things in Knoxville are on the upswing.
