The CheckerBoard

I don't think today has been a disappointment. Perhaps some people's expectations were too high. This team went 5-7 lost half their coaching staff and still brought in a top 25 recruiting class.

Be happy with the talent CDD has been able to bring in and hope this staff did a good enough job to get the players they needed and players they can coach.

A roster of players with a lot of stars isn't worth a thing if they are all individuals. They need group of players who are dedicated to the team.

Good grief . . . after so many talented athletes signed with the Big Orange, I certainly didn't expect this on the CheckerBoard . . .

10-4, Volviking. This thread may set a new Checkerboard record for NEGATIVITY.

There is a helluva lot to be positive about. We got a 5-star Juco WR and it may be the best haul ever at Wide Receiver U. The D-Line is fortified, we got a highly regarded QB of the future, and new bodies at RB, including a highly regarded prospect.

Yeah, we lost two linebackers, but we have another one coming to visit and you never know what Coach Sal might find lurking around out there.

I'm very upbeat and ready for spring practice to start!

Just checked. -25 was the old record. We have a winner!!

Add that to his second post and he's sitting a solid -50. Not bad for his first 2 posts. Hahaha

Agreed. You can run around worrying what will happen if half the team declares for the draft, because in all likelihood it won't happen. If we win 10 games I won't be complaining if the guys who helped us get there bolt to the NFL. I think people forget that a lot of kids look at how many guys you're putting into the league, and lately Tennessee hasn't been putting as many as they used to. I think we're about to get back to that though, which can only be good for recruiting moving forward.

it hasn't been that long since Bama fans would have been saying the same thing... all programs go through peaks and valleys... this is an unfortunate time for the Vols... but WE WILL BE BACK!!!

I largely agree, SweetBlack: I think DD will do well enough in '12 to stick around and then I hope for a great recruiting class in '13.

Risk I see is losing 2-3 receivers and maybe 1 QB early to the NFL next year. Glad we've got tons of WR's in this class, and the fact we do may be a sign DD foresaw early draftees and took some pre-emptive action.

SS has some serious talent to work with at DT & LB -- and hopefully enough at CB & S. If he's as good as his billing, we'll have a good, maybe even very good D next year. Passing attack should be record-setting. Let's hope we can run the ball (CJG? CP? Lane? Bourque?)

Agreed. +1

And this is the same coach who came in and saved Kiffin's 2nd recruiting class after his whole staff except Chaney & Lance Thompson bolted for S.Cal. And who landed the #10 class last year (and held onto its players) after going 6-7, losing his bowlgame.

Dooley's restocking the talent pool, and taking risks on the field. There's a lot to like about the guy. Seems to do particularly well in adverse circumstances.

I bet similar things were said during Peyton's senior year. I can't remember what happened the next year, do you?

It's hard for me to see Saban leaving Bama. He's making good $$, at a school where he's won 2 NC's in 4-5 years, just landed one of the top recruiting classes in the country, is in the hardest conference in the country and winning or at least competing for its titles every year. He's swimming in money, glory & adulation at Bama. What does TX have to offer over that? Maybe more money, far easier schedule, maybe more job pressure, easier recruiting (but recruiting into Bama ain't hard).

I think I could see Saban going pro (again) sooner than I could see him going to TX. Truth be told, I hope he stays at Bama. I think he's raising the level of play in the conference similar to what Spurrier did when he was at Florida. Great coaches force other coaches to improve their game or get out a'Dodge. Saban's probably part of the reason the SEC has 5-6 consecutive NC's (and the last NC game had 2 SEC teams).

on your scenario... imagine what type of incoming class we will get next year.