In just one weekend, Tennessee’s football team has shown the consistency under coach Josh Heupel that prospects should be aware of: preparing players for the NFL.
That’s always been the goal of a high school prospect, but it’s now even more relevant. Alabama coach Nick Saban had a reputation that was so sterling that prospects would take less NIL money from Bama boosters. Why? Because Saban had such a long track record of preparing players for the NFL.
Heupel could be nearing that status. With a pair of quarterbacks in the NFL, 13 of his former players in the league and a talented class headed into next year’s draft, the fourth-year Tennessee head coach should already have a firm foothold in high school football circles. Heupel showcases an exciting offense, an attacking defense and program that seems to be trending the right direction. Now, things should just get better after three more Vols were selected in the most recent NFL Draft.
Can Heupel ever get a Saban discount? Yes, but for different reasons. Saban had a realistic shot to be a champion and would make sure players are ready for the NFL. Heupel’s pitch can be much the same except the Vols still need to win a championship for the ultimate price reduction.
Facilities have long been thought of as a major factor for prospects. That’s not really the case anymore. One of Tennessee’s long-standing advantages over other schools is now NIL.
“Not that would make you swing your judgment of where you’re going to spend the next four years. I would hope,” Tennessee center Cooper Mays said when asked…. For more on this story as well as insider info, access and interaction with the Off The Hook staff and great prizes, join Hooker’s Corner. Join now before we start spilling into the streets. Weekly prizes and monthly grand prizes are constantly shipping out. Also, thoughts on topics that YOU would like to see covered, send a message to Dave and the gang.
