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Grading the class: Running back

Jabo Lee

Three-star all-purpose back Jabo Lee of Dillon (S.C.) High School was the only running back Tennessee signed in its 2013 class.

GoVols247 continues its nine-part, position-by-position breakdown of Tennessee's 2013 signing class with a look at the Vols' incoming running backs.

Ryan Callahan

    • Really tough to develop any relationships with anyone in 31 days. That isn't a excuse, but a fact. Our class this year was made up primarily of existing targets that this staff brought from their various schools, (excluding Jay of course) and the fact that our facilities are the best in the world.

      In 2014 we will get a true sense of this staffs ability to go after the nations top talent and combine that with the multiple visits to our campus, should make 2014 a great class.

      I think this years class by the time they are seniors will be battling for SEC east champ honors and possibly more. That is a realistic and optimistic look at our programs future.

      JettVol ●

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      volwr88

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      GhostofNeyland ●

    • I like the running backs who are coming back. Lets see if new system makes them better. It's called coaching up.

      BillyVol

    • Ryan, did Lee play at all after his injury in the first game of his senior year? His sophomore and Junior film looked solid, exceptional even. would love to know how he does on that injured knee and if he is back to his pre-injury ability.

      frostyvol

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      Ryan Callahan ●

    • While we won't know for a while how it turns out w/Lee, and while I hope he's a diamond in the rough, I continue to be amazed at: 1. How, WR U or not, we had some times in history when we weren't that good at WR, but we were ALWAYS good at tailback until '01, and since then, nada; 2. We can't get any true big time recruits to commit that pan out (none other than Oku and Bryce I-won't-try-unless-I-don't-have-to-go-to-school-AND-they're-paying-me Brown) since the same date; and 3. It ain't just the bad W-L record, as we've been able to get some big time WRs and OLs in here.

      The "why can't we" is the question. Coach Doug Matthews, a man criticized as a perennial homer, continues to talk on his radio show about this subject, stating that in his opinion, we haven't had a RB who showed up, stayed at UT and played who was any better than "purty good" in over a decade, and he defines "purty good" as "the best of the worst and the worst of the best."

      What is it about the running back position that prevents us from getting a truly good RB, which I define as a back which is a legitimate threat to go the distance from at least 50 yards out against an SEC team which is ranked in the top 25, every time he touches the ball?

      Even though I know we're nowhere NEAR as bad at RB as we are in the secondary, the swinging and missing at great RBs over and over and over again is a real burr under the ol' saddle for me.

      This post was edited by doberVol on 2/12/2013 at 1:06 PM

      doberVol

    • doberVol said...

      While we won't know for a while how it turns out w/Lee, and while I hope he's a diamond in the rough, I continue to be amazed at: 1. How, WR U or not, we had some times in history when we weren't that good at WR, but we were ALWAYS good at tailback until '01, and since then, nada; 2. We can't get any true big time recruits to commit that pan out (none other than Oku and Bryce I-won't-try-unless-I-don't-have-to-go-to-school-AND-they're-paying-me Brown) since the same date; and 3. It ain't just the bad W-L record, as we've been able to get some big time WRs and OLs in here.

      The "why can't we" is the question. Coach Doug Matthews, a man criticized as a perennial homer, continues to talk on his radio show about this subject, stating that in his opinion, we haven't had a RB who showed up, stayed at UT and played who was any better than "purty good" in over a decade, and he defines "purty good" as "the best of the worst and the worst of the best."

      What is it about the running back position that prevents us from getting a truly good RB, which I define as a back which is a legitimate threat to go the distance from at least 50 yards out against an SEC team which is ranked in the top 25, every time he touches the ball?

      Even though I know we're nowhere NEAR as bad at RB as we are in the secondary, the swinging and missing at great RBs over and over and over again is a real burr under the ol' saddle for me.

      Bama and LSU have most of them. Their #3 (maybe #4) guys would start for all but a few SEC teams.

      murrayvol

    • doberVol said...

      While we won't know for a while how it turns out w/Lee, and while I hope he's a diamond in the rough, I continue to be amazed at: 1. How, WR U or not, we had some times in history when we weren't that good at WR, but we were ALWAYS good at tailback until '01, and since then, nada; 2. We can't get any true big time recruits to commit that pan out (none other than Oku and Bryce I-won't-try-unless-I-don't-have-to-go-to-school-AND-they're-paying-me Brown) since the same date; and 3. It ain't just the bad W-L record, as we've been able to get some big time WRs and OLs in here.

      The "why can't we" is the question. Coach Doug Matthews, a man criticized as a perennial homer, continues to talk on his radio show about this subject, stating that in his opinion, we haven't had a RB who showed up, stayed at UT and played who was any better than "purty good" in over a decade, and he defines "purty good" as "the best of the worst and the worst of the best."

      What is it about the running back position that prevents us from getting a truly good RB, which I define as a back which is a legitimate threat to go the distance from at least 50 yards out against an SEC team which is ranked in the top 25, every time he touches the ball?

      Even though I know we're nowhere NEAR as bad at RB as we are in the secondary, the swinging and missing at great RBs over and over and over again is a real burr under the ol' saddle for me.

      Good post, +1

      vol1994

    • Ryan, what do we know about the knee injury? What kind of injury? Do we know if and when he had surgery? Is he 80% or 100%?

      Rab44

    • Rab44 said...

      Ryan, what do we know about the knee injury? What kind of injury? Do we know if and when he had surgery? Is he 80% or 100%?

      Sorry, read where you already addressed this.

      Rab44

    • doberVol said...

      While we won't know for a while how it turns out w/Lee, and while I hope he's a diamond in the rough, I continue to be amazed at: 1. How, WR U or not, we had some times in history when we weren't that good at WR, but we were ALWAYS good at tailback until '01, and since then, nada; 2. We can't get any true big time recruits to commit that pan out (none other than Oku and Bryce I-won't-try-unless-I-don't-have-to-go-to-school-AND-they're-paying-me Brown) since the same date; and 3. It ain't just the bad W-L record, as we've been able to get some big time WRs and OLs in here.

      The "why can't we" is the question. Coach Doug Matthews, a man criticized as a perennial homer, continues to talk on his radio show about this subject, stating that in his opinion, we haven't had a RB who showed up, stayed at UT and played who was any better than "purty good" in over a decade, and he defines "purty good" as "the best of the worst and the worst of the best."

      What is it about the running back position that prevents us from getting a truly good RB, which I define as a back which is a legitimate threat to go the distance from at least 50 yards out against an SEC team which is ranked in the top 25, every time he touches the ball?

      Even though I know we're nowhere NEAR as bad at RB as we are in the secondary, the swinging and missing at great RBs over and over and over again is a real burr under the ol' saddle for me.

      Although you are on point with the haves and have nots and why or why not, you have to think of where this all started.

      We've had good running backs even through Fulmers tenure. Hardesty and Foster both were good backs. Staying healthy was Hardestys' only issue but he runs as violent as Adrian Peterson.

      Foster seemed to have his own agenda whenit came to running between tha tackles. I was not a fan when he was here, but the proof is in the contracts and the NFL records he seems to be adding to his resume.

      Coaching has also stunted our program growth. If you see a stock declining in value, would you invest in it? I dont think so. Well its the same name, same colors, same location but the sign says under new management. Its been 15 years since we won the 1st BCS Championship. We've competed for conference titles in more recent years. But over the past 5 years we've had our very own personal program recession. These kids see that. They notice instability just like everyone else does. Information is just a smart phone away and there is more now than when i was trying to get a scholarship. When they start noticing our product, start using our product, and know that the new management is making head way, we will be on top again. Our history will out shine the bad seasons. But to lay down and die because we are in our program recession is ludicrous. We are Tennessee! We are VOLS! I bleed orange and when that has stopped running through me, thats when i will lay down. But not til then. With all that said.....GET OVER IT! Give these coaches a chance to manage the program. Give the new management time to manage! PLEASE!

      This post was edited by ninosyjr on 2/12/2013 at 2:40 PM

      ninosyjr ●

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      tnbear66

    • I don't know what you call purty good but Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty are both in this decade and any team in the SEC including 'alabama would have been proud to have em. Check your facts.

      allvolrog

    • I see another RB if he gets the chance, Reeves-Maybin.

      This post has been edited 2 times, most recently by clrstory on 2/12/2013 at 3:36 PM

      clrstory

    • I'm really excited about Jabo Lee and I think he will be great for us.

      UTvols365

    • AMEN Brother; Preach to me!!! Some people just don't understand how long it takes to build/re-build a program into a consistent winner; they want it NOW.

      Beach Vol ●

    • They recruited him for the defensive side, which we really need! But who knows..

      RockyTopRoach ●

    • Reeves-Maybin that is..

      RockyTopRoach ●

    • clrstory said...

      I see another RB if he gets the chance, Reeves-Maybin.

      I agree cistory I know everybody except maybe GT was recruiting him to play D but he put up HUGE numbers. I don't know if he prefers defense or sees it as his best chance to get to the NFL but im with you I think he could be the best RB on the team.

      blue tick

    • Here is a simple fact. The door will truly be WIDE open for a big-time back to walk into early playing time next year. If recruiting is really about relationships and having enough time, then this staff will have no excuse not to sign one of the elite backs next year. Early playing time, SEC, huge stadium, crazy fans, relationship with staff who wants to spend time at UT--it's all there for the taking. Hopefully we can add to that list: over-achieving coaching staff who have proven in one year that they know how to turn things around, win games, instill confidence and discipline, and coach with the big boys.
      Vols!!

      VolBol ●

    • VolBol said...

      Here is a simple fact. The door will truly be WIDE open for a big-time back to walk into early playing time next year. If recruiting is really about relationships and having enough time, then this staff will have no excuse not to sign one of the elite backs next year. Early playing time, SEC, huge stadium, crazy fans, relationship with staff who wants to spend time at UT--it's all there for the taking. Hopefully we can add to that list: over-achieving coaching staff who have proven in one year that they know how to turn things around, win games, instill confidence and discipline, and coach with the big boys.
      Vols!!

      I agree. Although it would've been great to get a 5 star or just a big name back here, we actually are ok for now. We have plenty of proven backs who are familiar with our line and the grind of the SEC. I think the coaching staff did a great job with addressing the immediate needs here. There were a few misses but in the time they had, imo, I think they did great. But the 2014 recruiting season has started now. It looks to me like the have a good handle on it so far. We just have to let the new management manage.

      ninosyjr ●

    • allvolrog said...

      I don't know what you call purty good but Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty are both in this decade and any team in the SEC including 'alabama would have been proud to have em. Check your facts.

      Well, why not call into "Big Orange Sunday" with Coach Matthews this Sun. at 8:00 a.m. central on 104.5 in Nashville and tell him to check his facts, too? Sorry, but Hardesty was hurt too much (not his fault at all, but doesn't change things, either), and Arian didn't give us near the effort he is now giving the Texan$. As I mentioned, same deal w/Brown and the Eagle$, apparently.

      Is it bad luck, bad coaching, etc.? I don't know, but the bottom line is that we've not been very good at the RB position since '01, and temporary successs for a game or two, coouplesd with later success in the NFL, does not change that.

      doberVol

    • ninosyjr said...

      But to lay down and die because we are in our program recession is ludicrous. We are Tennessee! We are VOLS! I bleed orange and when that has stopped running through me, thats when i will lay down. But not til then. With all that said.....GET OVER IT! Give these coaches a chance to manage the program. Give the new management time to manage! PLEASE!

      PLEASE! Re-read my post, which you quoted. Where did I attack Butch Jones? No, he's not had enough time to recruit, and I have every hope he'll get us a great RB in the '14 class, but my point had nothing to do with him. I wanted to discuss long-term RB strike-outs in recruiting.

      And I don't need to "GET OVER!" anything. I said that it annoyed me. "Burr under my saddle" is not suicidal. I did NOT say that my life was over; I did NOT say we had no hope for the future; I did NOT say it wasn't all prior coaches' fault rather than Butch's: and I acknowledged that we'd had some great OLs and WRs in the same time frame (do I not get credit for that positive statement), making my (and Coach Matthews') confusion all the greater as to why we haven't been able to do it with RBs. Bad luck accounts for some of it, but it doesn't explain the drought of over a decade.

      While I join with many of you in my annoyance at the constant negativity on other Vol forums, it has almost gotten to the opposite extreme here, where someone's post meets with an immediate attack if they post something which is in the slightest negative.

      Here, my post was ONLY about recruiting RBs; it was only directed to the past; and it asked the question WHY we've had trouble. That's all, but some peoples were overly defensive, abd immediately reacted as if I had typed, "All is lost; we have no chance; and Coach Jones stinks."

      Lots of us who try to keep a balanced approach--never too up, never too down--bleed orange, too, and always want the Vols to GO!, whether or not we put it in every post.

      It's really sad if we've gotten to the point on this forum that the only posts which will be tolerated without attack are along the lines of why everything's looking up, Coach Jones is great (he may or may not be; I'm very happy with him so far, but the bottom line is we don't know yet), a particular player is great, why we need to be patient, etc. Even if some of those are very legitimate points, are those the ONLY points we can discuss here?

      C'mon, guys. Some of you almost (no, not quite) act as if someone's said something bad about one of your kids when they post anything which isn't blue skies and rainbows.

      doberVol

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