The most hectic day in recruiting now has come to a close, and Tennessee Football has largely wrapped up its 2024 class. Caleb Calhoun and Dave Hooker dive into the group a bit further on Off the Hook Sports’ Thursday, Dec. 21 podcast while also taking a look at classes around the conference and around the nation. They talk about the basketball Vols as well.
Most underrated signees in Tennessee Football class
After breaking down the most important signees in the 2024 Tennessee Football recruiting class Wednesday, Thursday calls for a look at those who signed with very little fanfare but could make an impact. Which players are the most underrated signees for the Vols? Who among them is most likely to start quickly?
SEC class breakdown
To nobody’s surprise, the Georgia Bulldogs finished No. 1 in the nation, and the Alabama Crimson Tide finished No. 2. Meanwhile, the Florida Gators had a disastrous day, and the Texas A&M Aggies lost out on one player while failing to sign one who is visiting UT in January. Hugh Freeze had a bizarre quote amidst the Auburn Tigers signing press conference.
Approach to recruiting by Tennessee Football
Although Josh Heupel and Tennessee Football were unable to secure a top 10 recruiting class, they got major wins by returning a lot of their key guys from last year, and they were methodical by addressing needs in the transfer portal. Can filling needs and returning experienced players on a yearly basis outweigh recruiting now?
Nico Iamaleava effect in recruiting
Josh Heupel said Wednesday in the Vols’ signing press conference that the presence of Nico Iamaleava is making it very difficult to add other quarterbacks to the roster via the transfer portal. UT also signed incoming freshman Jake Merklinger. Is this a sign of how great Iamaleava can be once he becomes the starter next year?
Ron Slay talks basketball Vols
Coming off their win over the N.C. State Wolfpack, Tennessee Basketball is now No. 8 in the AP Poll and No. 7 in the Coaches Poll with an 8-3 record. The Vols will now host the Tarleton State Texans for their final game before Christmas. Former Vol Ron Slay comes on the show to discuss the state of the program at the moment.
Signing class and the SEC/Big Ten takeover
Of the top 25 247Sports composite recruiting classes on the first day of the early signing period, 20 were teams who will be in the SEC or Big Ten next year. Considering the fact that there are technically 67 Power Five teams overall, that’s a significantly large number. The Florida State Seminoles lost a flip, and the Colorado Buffaloes failed to sign a top player. Is this a big deal?
