The CheckerBoard

Dooley inherited a mess and has largely rebuilt the program in 2 years. A handful of crucial injuries in '11 really hurt UT, and the KY loss further fueled speculation about his job security. That speculation undermined us with '12 recruits (like Otha Peters) and seems to be hurting us with '13 recruits, too. We make it into the top 2 or top 5 of many touted recruits' lists, but since signing day seem most often to lose out on their verbal commitment -- despite being complimented with some of the best facilities in the nation and them personally liking our coaches & the environment.

I like Dooley and I want him to succeed, but this seems to be a pivotal year for him. UT has more talent than any other time in his tenure (thanks almost solely to his recruiting) and maybe since the later years of Fulmer's tenure. They also have a weaker schedule than last year and maybe weaker than Dooley's first in '10. They can and should win more games. But I agree with those who say they need to win games to sign top recruits in '13 and beyond. I don't think .500 or 7-6 will be enough to keep recruiting going -- and without recruits, their supposed concern about his job security is going to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I agree with you. But I also believe that this year, more so than the past couple, there’s been a lot more buzz from highly rated recruits. And while we may not be ‘sealing the deal’ with some of those guys now, I think it’s a good indication that momentum is gravitating in the right direction. If we come out with a solid winning record this season and make people believers that UT is turning the corner, I think the highly rated recruits start jumping on board and we can start talking about SEC titles instead of just making a bowl game.

My $.02

I don't expect to win a national championship this season all though it's not completely out of the question. We will have the most experienced team the vols have had since probably 05' 06' and better talent also. We have a hungry team and I would rather go into a season with something to prove than be the team everyone is gunning for. Dooley has built a good stable program and the wins will come. Thru all the scrutiny and bad luck which that changes also he has held his head high and kept his eyes on the prize and we should commend him for that, he's made bad situations better and kept this team focused for the most part. I believe he will prove himself in the Win McCollum this year and get the Vols back to where we need to be.

and great post.

If you think Da'Rick was bad (and he wasn't) then our locker room would have been horrible with those scrubs in there, I haven't heard one thing positive about any of them since they left the program. This team wouldn't be where it is right now if Dooley decided to keep them

just because a player is talented does not mean he can help you win . it takes talent, team work, dedication and alot of heart. that's the type of players coach dooley is looking for every one else can take a hike. GO BIG ORANGE!!!

Oku was the only one of those guys that I would want around the team at all. His problem was good inability to handle the mental part of the game. The eat of those guess were no longer worth talking into staying and/or putting up with. Unless, of course, you are being sarcastic, in which case you got us all, I think.

I think Dooley is doing a great job and I will say it now if we fire Dooley you can watch all these recruits walk away . The attention we have been getting from all these 5 * recruits is all because of Dooley and staff he goes and they will walk . Fans need to stop crying for wins right now shut up and be patient let the man do his job . I would be fine with 7-6 or 8-5 for that matter,with talent will come wins and talent will come with stability .

Given the Vols' struggles over the past three years, I think 9 wins is a bit optimistic, let alone 10. 8-5 with a bowl win would be a good season for the Vols. The key to how well this recruiting class will be based on whether Dooley retains his job after the season, and how well the program is progressing under him.

i was counting a bowl win in my total. GO BIG ORANGE !!!

+1

Our days of living on the edge with no-character individuals has passed. We win or lose now with people who represent Tennessee with class and character.