The CheckerBoard

Agree with you on the hat thing. Kid just seems real humble and appreciative of the support he got here. At this point I don't what else tn could have done. They've pulled out all of the stops for jernigan. Great job by the staff to even get him to campus. Great article Ryan

His comments sound very favorable. The only thing that didn't sound that way was he named us third when he listed his favorites. But we clearly have a shot at him. Over the years, a lot of guys who have come up to Knoxville and then talked about being blown away by the fans and the enthusiasm have ended up in Orange.

From everything I have read about this young man, he could be a player that comes in and make an instant impact for the defense. If the staff can sign a few of those each season, we are well on our way back to being a top team year in and year out. As someone else said, just the fact that Dooley got his foot in the door to make this a possibility speaks very well for his recruiting ability. I like the path this staff seems to be on. Also I see one common variable every time a top defensive lineman is considering UT, Chuck Smith. Great coaches surround themselves with great coaches. Dooley certainly has not accomplished anything to be considered a great coach yet but I sure see all the signs that he knows how to get there. The staff that is there now is top notch, hopefully he can keep it together for a few years.

I have a good feeling about this. Kudos to Chuck Smith

I like this kid and will wish him well wherever he ends up.