The CheckerBoard

Very depressing NSD. Again.

You're right, Driz...gotta win some games. But might not do that when UT isn't getting at least a small share of the best players.

Defensive backfield was a HUGE need...and UT gets nothing significant.

Thanks, Dooley.

Get ready to lose again.

I know I may get some downvotes for this but I don't believe Jones was hired for his recruiting skills, because I don't believe there was alot to evaluate. Recruiting at Central Michgan and Cinci with limited resouces is not the same as recruiting at Tennessee. Just look at Bynum's recruitment last year. However, I am pleasantly surprised with his effort irrespective of the outcome. He had alot to overcome with little time to build relationships.

Jones was hired because he's won 4 championships in 6 years as a HC. He is supposed to be a good coach. Next year he will arguably have the best team at UT in comparison to the rest of the league that he we will have for the next three to four years. This isn't a situation like his first year at Cinci when he only won 4 games. If he has the chops to coach in this league and win some games he shouldn't, next year is his best chance to show and prove for the foreseeable future. More losing isn't going to help bring in talent.

I agree that 2012 was better, but after 2013 no Couch, McCullers, Smith, Miller, Hood, Walls, all gone on Dline. You can't count on Curt or AJ staying. On O no James, Fulton, Bullard, Stone, Neal and you can't count on Richardson staying. The roster probably won't be as good in 2014 and certainly won't have the same combo of talent and experience.