Tennessee Tries to Salvage Class

The recruiting cycle for the Tennessee Volunteers goes as such: No. 3 nationally one year, No. 40 nationally the next (which is where they are currently ranked this season), followed immediately by a top-5 class again. It is a roller coaster of emotions for Vol fans.

Many experts consider this season a bit of a disappointment for the Vols on the recruiting trail. Phil Fulmer is trying to change that late in the campaign.

To be fair, the two biggest 'newcomers' this next season are already attending class in Knoxville, just not at UT. Former Alcoa DE/TE and Florida St Seminole (and five star recruit) Brandon Warren and prodigal defensive back Demetrice Morley - who was previously booted off the team - are both working to get back into school at Pellessippi Community College. Both are slated to be on the roster in this fall. Both will be impact players.

However, Fulmer could make a move up recruiting rankings with a few late commitments. It would be nice for Vol fans to land big O-lineman Antoine McClain. The Vols did pick up two commitments recently: OLB Marlon Walls and DE Montori Hughes.

Hughes may not even make it into classes. Walls is the real catch.

The longtime Tennessee fan is a really solid player at the linebacker position. First, he has great size that cannot be taught. He is tall, rangy and thick, with room to get even bigger. In fact, if he gets too big he will likely be moved down to defensive end. At that spot, Walls would be a terror off the edge in pass rush situations.

As a linebacker, he shows nice physicality and burst. He explodes into ball carriers - at times he needs to be more under control when attacking - but generally gets the job done.

There are two major areas that are important to Walls development as a linebacker. First, he has really nice athleticism for his size. He can drop into the flats or deep middle if needed and play solid pass coverage. He also has solid range when pursuing outside plays. Second, his diagnostic skills will need improvement if he expects to play linebacker. He needs to be reacting more on instinct.

Walls moved to Mississippi prior to his senior year and had been committed to Ole Miss. The Vols got a prospect with tremendous upside and versatility...if they can hold on him.

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