Photo's surface of hostesses with recruits........... Clemson turned Vols in

When the New York Times released a story earlier this week that the Vols were being reviewed by NCAA for its use of hostesses in recruiting, Sports Illustrated writer Andy Staples had no idea he had the photo that everyone was wanting to see.  From the looks of the picure, it appears that no major violations were commited from the sign, which doesn't say or suggest anything about the University of Tennessee.  In fact, the encounter appears to be harmless and is consistent with the reports from UT and the player's fathers.

The NCAA interviewed UT commitment Jawuan James yesterday and is meeting with uncommitted prospect Chris Dunkley in Pahokee, FL today.  Unless it is proven that this trip was orchestrated or paid for by someone in the UT athletic departement or other issues are discovered from interviewing the high school prosopects, it is unlikely that UT will face any major recruiting violations.

Earlier I posted that former UT coach Dan Brooks was the person who initially turned the Vols over to the NCAA.  Brent Hubbs of Volquest has confirmed that it was Clemson, but not Brooks that was at that game.  Instead, assistant coach Jeff Scott was the one at the game evaluating players.

At the center of the attention are UT committments Corey Miller and Brandon Willis.  Miller a 6'4 220 lbs DE and rated the #27 player in the entire nation is still firm to the VOLS.  Willis however is not as solid, saying his committment is "medium" to the VOLS.  Willis is 6'3 255 lb DT and is the #41 player in the entire nation. He will visit Miami on December 19.  Both prospects are graduating early and enrolling in college at the end of the month. 

In case you somehow missed the exposure on ESPN, you can watch the ESPN segment here.

Camp Report, Miller likes VOLS

If you can just get them on campus, you will at least have a shot. I'm sure that's what Head Coach Lane Kiffin and Recruiting Coordinator Ed Orgeron was thinking when they took over the VOLS with only 7 weeks until NSD.

What they ended up doing in 7 weeks was getting more than 50 of the top undecided prospects in the nation to officially visit UT, and eventually turned the number #23 class into top 10.

So you know VOLS fans are excited anytime 100 or so recruits are camping in Knoxville during the Summertime.

Confirmation has been received that a lot of the top rated players that were expected did indeed show up. Here is the list of the top prospects who have been confirmed at camp.

Marcus Lattimore- Byrnes, SC (5'11-210) #2 RB in the nation, #4 overall in nation

Corey Miller- Byrnes, SC (6'4-227) #4 DE, #57 overall

Brandon Willis- Byrnes, SC (6'4-250) #6 DE, #46 overall

Zack Fulton- Homewood, IL (6'5-306) #21 OG

James Stone- Nashville Maplewood (6'5-300), #4 OT, #36 overall

Jacques Smith- Ooletwah, TN (6'3-245) DE, UT commitment- 4 star

JC Copeland- , GA (6'4-250) DE, UT commitment- 4 star

The biggest news thus far has been the performance of DE Corey Miller, one of 3 Byrnes phenoms attending camp. No one on the O Line has came close to stopping or blocking him.

Wouldn't it be great if we could land this guy?

According to the Bleacher Report and quotes from Miller, the VOLS got a very good chance of landing the big guy.

“I don’t really have a top school, but I’m really looking at FSU, Cal, Tennessee, and UNC at this point.”says Miller. "I have a lot of interest in Tennessee. Their program has made a major rise. It’s really exciting up there now.”

Miller plans to visit Tennessee on June 1, California on June 12, and Florida State on July 18. Miller is being recruited at TN by Ed Orgeron.

Miller says that he is looking for a place where he feels right at home. He will make his decision sometime during his senior season. [full story]

Sounds like Corey Miller is putting on a show for what could perhaps be his future coaches. It will be interesting to see how our two committed 4 star DE's respond to what has been superior competition.

Two side notes, UT 2010 commitment Risean Broussard made waves at the Houston Under Armour camp over the weekend. The 6'2-289 DT from Lake Charles, LA was named to the Nike Hot 11 for his incredible footspeed and athleticism.

Pahokee H.S. Richard Ash has named his top six as Florida, Florida St., Ole Miss, Tennessee, West Virginia and Minnesota. The Gators are at the top of his list.