Any early recruiting thoughts? ....

[Hollerboy]

Is Butch in on any big-timers? 

[Volznut]

He coached at Cincy...so no.

he will have to retain what we have in the class now. He may let some go if they don't fit his scheme.

[WoodstockVol]

I've heard Butch might be going to see Vonn Bell play! He's going to be a special player,total talent

[Volznut]

I've heard Butch might be going to see Vonn Bell play! He's going to be a special player,total talent

I think Bell is going to Bama

[WoodstockVol]

I think Bell is going to Bama

Damn!

[Clockwork Orange]

I only know two people who have significant contact with current UT players, and both relayed the widely held opinion that Dooley was an arrogant prick who nobody in the department liked.  Everything I hear about Butch Jones is that the players love and respect him. Surely that has to give Jones the edge in living rooms.

He'll have a steep learning curve and a lot of work to do up front, but my impression so far is that he will embrace that challenge. My expectation is that he'll keep most of the current players intact and close the deal with more in-state kids who will get the attention from UT they've been waiting for.

[WoodstockVol]

I only know two people who have significant contact with current UT players, and both relayed the widely held opinion that Dooley was an arrogant prick who nobody in the department liked.  Everything I hear about Butch Jones is that the players love and respect him. Surely that has to give Jones the edge in living rooms.

He'll have a steep learning curve and a lot of work to do up front, but my impression so far is that he will embrace that challenge. My expectation is that he'll keep most of the current players intact and close the deal with more in-state kids who will get the attention from UT they've been waiting for.

Yep,Tennessee has to put more effort in signing the top players in Tennessee

[BanditVol]

I think Bell is going to Bama

He still lists us in his top three, which is pretty amazing:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1328550-is-alabama-the-best-bet-among-5-star-db-von-bells-final-3-schools

(gasp!)  It's Bleacher Report!  Oh Nooooeeees!   

I am saying we have a shot based on the article someone posted below about Dooley's lack of acumen in recruiting the Chattanooga area.  Bell's HS Coach said Tennessee didn't show an interest until three other SEC schools did, and then it was an assistant and not Dooley.

So I am thinking Jones can make a big splash by going to the game (which if tonight, would be tough, but how impressive would that be?), or if not, maybe he can go to the celebration rally if Bell's team wins.

Couple that with the likely immediate playing time he gets at UT vs. riding the pine at bammer, and you have a winning sales pitch.  IMO.  Great way for Jones to make an immediate splash.