Sports Editor Jonathan Toye and Assistant Sports Editor Taylor White covered UT’s National Singing Day on Wednesday and assigned grades for each of the Vols’ position groups.
Quarterbacks: A
While Tennessee neglected to sign a single quarterback for the 2014 class, it signed three four-star quarterbacks in the 2015 recruiting class. Jauan Jennings and Sheriron Jones are considered top-10 dual-threat quarterbacks, and Quinten Dormady is ranked as a top-10 pro-style quarterback in the 247Sports recruiting rankings. With the recent trend of Tennessee quarterbacks suffering mid-season injuries the past several years, the 2015 quarterback signees might see playing time early in their careers.
Running Backs: B+
The Tennessee coaching staff picked up a major victory in recruiting when the top-ranked junior college prospect Alvin Kamara committed to the Vols. The running back from Norcross, Georgia could potentially help form a one-two punch rushing attack with Jalen Hurd. But if either Hurd or Kamara suffer a season-ending injury, Tennessee might regret not signing another quality running back. The Vols did sign three-star John Kelly, who could provide depth to a thin backfield.
Wide Recievers: B
What this receiving class lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Hampton, Georgia native Preston Williams is considered a top-50 prospect and is Tennessee’s only true wide receiver in the 2015 class. At 6-foot-4 Williams fits the mold that Butch Jones looks for in his receivers, but after tearing his ACL this past season, there’s no guarantee Williams will be able to go in time for next season. Vincent Perry of Nashville could also end up at receiver, among several other possible positions.
Offensive Line: A
Tennessee’s frenzied pursuit of four-star offensive tackle Drew Richmond late in the recruiting season is comparable to a college student who is cramming for an exam late at night in Hodges Library. With offensive tackles Jack Jones and Venzell Boulware already committed to the Vols, Tennessee already had a solid offensive line class. But the Vols didn’t want a solid offensive line class, they wanted a great one and swung for the fences with the recruitment of Ole Miss-commit, Richmond. Tennessee managed to flip Richmond from the Rebels and most importantly received an A from the Beacon for its offensive line class.
Defensive Line: A
With a defensive line overhaul that includes highly-touted commits Kahlil McKenzie, Shy Tuttle, Kyle Phillips, Darrell Taylor and Andrew Butcher, the 2015 defensive line class arguably deserves an A+ grade. But since UT does not assign A+ grades, neither does The Daily Beacon.
Linebackers: B+
With Darrin Kirkland Jr. enrolling in January, the four-star Indianapolis, Indiana native seems to be a prime candidate to fill the vacant middle-linebacker role left by A.J. Johnson this fall. The Vols also added depth to an already talented corp of outside linebackers with the addition of four-star Quart’e Sapp, while under-the-radar prospect, Austin Smith may be a steal for Butch Jones at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds.
Secondary: B
With Cameron Sutton, Todd Kelly Jr., Brian Randolph and Emmanuel Moseley returning to the Tennessee secondary for the 2015 season, the Vols didn’t have to sign a great defensive backs class. While Tennessee signed the No. 1 junior college cornerback Justin Martin to the team, the other defensive back signees Micah Abernathy, Stephen Griffin and Darrell Miller will have difficulty finding playing time for the 2015 season.
Special Teams: A
Tennessee signed one of the 2015 class’s best long snappers, Riley Lovingood, and one of the nation’s top punters, Tommy Townsend to its 2015 class. Both positions are expected to compete right away for these vital special teams positions.
National Signing Day GPA: 3.58
Butch Jones and his coaching staff earned a 3.58 GPA for their 2015 recruiting class, keeping their hope scholarship and making the Dean’s List.
