How current players are Tennessee Vols' most valuable recruiting tool
When it comes to recruiting, every detail — even the minor stuff — is extremely important. One little thing can be the difference in landing an elite recruit. One comment, one seemingly unimportant detail, could be what sways a recruit toward one school or another. But while every little detail is important, there might not […]
When it comes to recruiting, every detail — even the minor stuff — is extremely important.
One little thing can be the difference in landing an elite recruit. One comment, one seemingly unimportant detail, could be what sways a recruit toward one school or another.
But while every little detail is important, there might not be a bigger recruiting tool for programs than current players.
The Athletic's David Ubben recently took a detailed look at what a typical recruiting weekend looks like for the Tennessee Vols. It's a tremendous article that's worth checking out.
One thing that stood out to me in Ubben's article is the role of current players in the recruiting process.
Everything about visits — both official and unofficial — is very structured. There's a clear plan for what programs want recruits to see. It's not exactly an organic experience. And most recruits know that. They know they're seeing the best of a program.
It's when recruits get to spend one-on-one time with current players — without the influence of coaches/recruiting hosts — that the secrets (if there are any) come out.
Jabari Small, a three-star running back who signed with Tennessee during the 2020 recruiting cycle, explained to The Athletic how he relied on Vols running back Eric Gray to tell him the ins and outs of UT's football program.
Small quizzed Gray about what preseason camp was like and what being a freshman in the program was like. If he proved he was really talented, would he really get a chance to play? “He’s going through the same thing I was going to be going through. I didn’t really know what to expect, but he answered all my questions and told me the truth, and I really liked what I heard,” Small said.
This is why Jeremy Pruitt's honesty with recruits is such a good thing. If Pruitt was lying to get players to sign with Tennessee, recruits would eventually find out.
The fact that Pruitt keeps his promises made during the recruiting process is something that will help Tennessee when it comes to signing top players. Pruitt doesn't have to worry about what his players will say to potential signees. He doesn't have to worry about guys like Eric Gray scaring off a player because they've had a bad experience at UT.
Pruitt is one of the best recruiters in college football for a reason. He looks at the big picture. And it's paying off for Tennessee.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
