The CheckerBoard

I agree with much of what you say, but one problem with the argument is that Fluker was the only 5* out of the group you mentioned. All the others were "coached up" 4* players.

Dooley has done very well in recruiting considering the disaster (and I mean a train wreck, hit by a Tsunami, following a massive earthquake) he took over (when No One else wanted to). I think the roster has come along way in three years. Of course, the point is well taken that it would be easier to win if we had the recruiting classes that AL is bringing in. Although, I think it is a chicken or the egg type thing. If we win a few games we aren't supposed to, recruits will come.

I would add that - granted - the defense has been awful at times, However, the UGA game was the first one in three years where I felt like UT was actually an upper tier SEC team. I agree with other posters, if we win 8 or 9 games this year, recruiting will get better.

Hey man just saying. I understand its not breaking news just a post. Nobody likes a smartass

Saban clearly inherited a better situation than Dooley did. When Saban took over at Alabama in 2007, he inherited Javier Arenas (soph), Glen Coffee (soph), Kareem Jackson (3* frosh), Marquis Maze (3* frosh), Rolando McClain (4* frosh), Greg McElroy (frosh) and Andre Smith (soph). ALL of those players played critical roles in the growth of Alabama as an SEC power. Conversely, Dooley won a dumpster fire as his hire-on bonus. Most (if not all) of the SEC caliber players on the roster either graduated or left early for the NFL before Dooley got there...a few of the SEC caliber players that DIDN'T leave early or graduate were kicked off the team due to various reasons. It's widely known - especially around the Vol Nation - that the depth issues seriously hampered the chances for success during Dooley's inaugural season. IMO, he did well with what he had to work with. Furthermore, he held together a top 15 recruiting class with only a month left until Signing Day that laid the groundwork for the team we see on the field today.

I know this upcoming game is being labeled as "must-win" for Dooley, but is it? Do we really want this team to go through ANOTHER rebuilding process...another offensive system...another defensive system? Aside from the Florida game and the defensive brainfarts against Georgia, this team isn't playing badly. I know we all yearn for the 10-win seasons, but that's unlikely to happen in the near future IMO due to the strength of the SEC. During the runs of the late 90s that we're all so fond of, the only perennial powerhouse that was on the schedule was Florida, and the average number of ranked teams Tenn played those yeasrs was 3.2/yr. and there were only 11 games on the schedule. During Dooley's tenure, since 2010, Tenn has played 5 ranked opponents a season with an average ranking of 9.3. As long as Tennessee plays the Floridas, the Georgias, and the Alabamas of the conference, those will continue to be viewed/counted as losses UNTIL Tennessee can recruit/sign the players they think can play in their system. Does anyone here think that Tennessee is playing on equal footing in terms of personnel with those teams mentioned above? Not me...at least not yet.

I think Dooley is a good coach and a dang good recruiter (as evidenced by La Tech's success this year). Do I think this staff can be successful given the mass exodus of coaches last year...I do, IF they're given enough time. I like the additions of Pittman, Graham, and Ansley to the coaching staff, and if this staff is given time to come together over a few more seasons, this will continue to work in Tennessee's favor on the recruiting trail as the opposing coach's won't be able to play the "Dooley's on the hot seat" card, and I think Hart knows that.

Thanks for allowing me to get this off my chest. I now return the forum to normal ranting and raving.

I think our coaches are unequaled in the recruiting dept. All of our news coaches seemed to have been hired with recruiting in mind and I love it. With all the uber hot seat talk we still have a fringe top 25 recruiting class and several big name recruits that we are still in the mix for. Add a little success on the field and we're looking at a new successful era for UT!