Josh Heupel sends strong message that should resonate with recruits
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel didn't say much on Thursday during his final media session before UT's game against Missouri on Saturday, but he still managed to send a strong message to recruits. Heupel made it a point to say that Tennessee is the best place for student-athletes to take advantage of NIL (name, […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel didn't say much on Thursday during his final media session before UT's game against Missouri on Saturday, but he still managed to send a strong message to recruits.
Heupel made it a point to say that Tennessee is the best place for student-athletes to take advantage of NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals.
"NIL is a huge part of the landscape now," said Heupel on Thursday. "From the moment that the rulings changed, you've heard me say how important it is as a former player the opportunities I would've been afforded. I think our players have handled it in a really positive way."
"Can't underestimate at all the importance that Spyre (a NIL collective associated with UT) has had in providing our players [with] opportunities," added Heupel. "It's life-changing for them. It's a huge part of the success as we continue down this road as a program. That's a huge part of it."
"We're uniquely situated. The Power T, this fan base, this city that is Knoxville. The opportunities that can and are afforded to our players. To me, this is the No. 1 destination when it comes to NIL opportunities."
I know there are mixed feelings on NIL deals, but it's something that's here to stay. And it's going to be a key ingredient when it comes to the success of college football programs in the coming years.
Heupel is doing the right thing by publicly praising Tennessee's NIL efforts. This is something the Vols need to use to their advantage as much as possible if the program is going to continue to chase championships.
And based on what Heupel had to say on Thursday, it sounds like that's the case on Rocky Top.
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
