Big Weekend

all-volsThe Hill was buzzing this past Saturday as Spring Practice kicked off for the Tennessee Volunteers.  Over thirty former players were on hand, including Leonard Little and Jamal Lewis.  As the Vols, under first year coach Butch Jones, showed off a new attitude and up tempo style, several recruits watched as well.  Apparently, they liked what they saw as the Big Orange snagged two huge commitments.

It’s no secret that the Vols will graduate several offensive linemen after next year, and Tiny Richardson, an upcoming junior, is likely a high draft pick if he leaves early.  With that in mind, Butch Jones is after a solid handful of offensive linemen.  Coleman Thomas fits the bill, and he has chosen to be a Vol for Life.  Thomas is 6’6” and 295 pounds.  He is athletic, playing middle linebacker on defense and excelling on the basketball court.  Thomas was recruited as a center, but could project at any of the five line positions.  That type of athleticism and versatility is exactly what the Vols were after.  The commitment of the Virginia native also marks a movement of the Vols into a state they haven’t recruited heavily the past several years.  Historically, Virginia has been good to the Vols, and perhaps a new trend has begun.

The second commitment of the weekend was one of the biggest the Vols have received in some time.  Todd Kelly Jr., son of UT great Todd Kelly, decided to stay home and play.  Kelly is a Knoxville native and one of the top defensive backs in the country.  His offer list reads like a Who’s Who of college football, but the Vols’ closest competition seemed to be Alabama and Ohio State.  Both came up short compared to Butch Jones’ rejuvenated Big Orange.  Kelly is so dynamic he will make a run at being a top twenty player in the final rankings and as a defensive back also fits a need for the Vols.  His commitment sends a message to other recruits considering Tennessee.

Source: David Swann