Well, Sunday brought about more meetings on the University of Tennessee campus featuring Butch Jones, Mike DeBord and other members of the Vols' football program and athletics department.
DeBord left Rocky Top between 1-2 Sunday afternoon.
While DeBord, we are told by folks on campus, left a very positive impression this weekend, as we noted late Saturday night Jones has continued vetting candidates.
In fact, Jones will be flying out to both recruit and conduct additional interviews in airports and other settings along the recruiting trail throughout the next 48-72 hours.
Mike Norvell is a name we've heard consistently and reported since Friday; but Norvell has a $900,000 annual salary per a USA Today report. Sources indicated to us that Norvell has indicated any discussions about a position would need to initiate with a seven-figure salary.
More names we picked up today include Matt Canada, the N.C. State offensive coordinator who just finished his second season with the Wolfpack.
Noel Mazzone, who has ties in the SEC after runs at Auburn, Ole Miss and in the ACC at N.C. State, is the offensive coordinator presently at UCLA but as noted above, has strong ties in the South and is on the list of candidates Jones and his inner circle are vetting.
Typically in these situations, a head coach will bring in his agent --- in this case, Jones is represented by Trace Armstrong --- to help facilitate conversations with potential candidates beyond just the initial texts and phone calls.
South Carolina's G.A. Mangus is a name that we've previously reported and one that has consistently surfaced across the course of the weekend.
North Carolina's Gunter Brewer is another candidate the Vols are exploring and could meet with in the next 48 hours.
Additionally, sources told us that Jones has spoken/will speak with 1-3 NFL assistant coaches.
Other names who have been confirmed by VolQuest.com to have been definitely vetted by Jones & his inner circle include Billy Napier, Josh Heupel and Seth Littrell.
DeBord met with all of the Vols' quarterbacks, and then had an additional film session with Joshua Dobbs, who brought with him Marquez North. DeBord met with additional support staff.
Several NFL coaches and personnel people, as well as Urban Meyer among others, have reportedly reached out to Jones on DeBord's behalf.
Fit and continuity continue to be top-tier priorities for Jones in the OC search; he's very mindful of returning 10 starters and wanting to be able to utilize same terminology, system and more. DeBord has previous ties with Willie Martinez, Mark Elder, John Jancek, Don Mahoney and Steve Stripling.
While Zach Azzanni continues to be a name consistently mentioned on the short list of head coaching candidates at his alma mater, Central Michigan, where John Jancek also could be a candidate. If Jones can retain Azzanni, it would not be unexpected to see Azzanni elevated to something along the lines of passing game coordinator while Robert Gillespie could be in line to gain a promotion to recruiting coordinator.
RECRUITING
It wasn't a very eventful weekend on campus in terms of recruiting as the Vols only had a handful of visitors on campus.
Official visitor Michael Horton we heard had a good time but right now it seems as if there may not be room for Horton if he were to want in unless others fell off the board.
Tennessee did host kicker Laszlo Toser for an official visit this weekend. He's the reigning Mr. Football award winner for kickers in Tennessee and while he seems to be leaning towards accepting a preferred walk-on spot at Tennessee and other similar options at East Carolina, Alabama and scholarship opportunities at smaller schools.
2016 instate linebacker Daniel Bituli was on campus this weekend as the Vols continue to trend in the right direction there.
Also, local commitments Zach Stewart were on campus as well.
While it wasn't a busy weekend on campus it was elsewhere as other Vol targets and commitments were on visits around the country.
Kendall Bussey Jr was at Texas A&M and we have heard that visit went well for the Aggies but as of Sunday afternoon Tennessee still believes they will have the opportunity to host both Bussey Jr and his father, Bussey Sr (who didn't make the visit to College Station with Jr.)
We'll be trying get in touch with the family to see what the latest is tonight.
Venzell Boulware was in Columbus, Ohio, and the feeling we get now is that it would be an upset for him to end up a Buckeye. From what we understand, Boulware communicated with Tennessee's staff throughout the weekend and there seems to not be a ton of worry there.
Mahoney is expected to be with Boulware early in the week before he makes his way to Knoxville for an official visit next weekend.
Finally, Preston Williams was at Auburn but he left Saturday night and from talking to several people it doesn't sound like there will be further conversations between the Tigers and Williams. Like Boulware, he's expected in Knoxville next weekend.
Another note from Auburn was junior college target Camion Patrick making a visit to see the Plains. Auburn didn't offer as of Sunday afternoon but the Tigers would very much be a factor if they did offer. Louisville is still in it as well. We will see what his plans are for this weekend.
As many have asked about his situation, Patrick is shooting to be a 2015 graduate this summer but it's not guaranteed that he would be and there's still the chance he's a 2016 early enrollee in December.
As we've mentioned, Butch Jones will be spending the first part of the week interviewing offensive coordinator candidates but after those are finished he will be back on the road recruiting.
Look for Jones to visit Darrell Taylor like Tuesday night if not Wednesday (depending on the interview schedules) along with Zach Azzanni and Steve Stripling.
Thursday should be a busy day as Jones is expected to meet with Prince Tega Wanogho Jr. as Tennessee continues to see what the options are for the talented defensive end.
John Kelly is expecting to host Robert Gillespie and Jones on Thursday as well.
Quarterback commitment Sheriron Jones said he is expecting to have Jones in his home as well this week but as of Sunday night that visit wasn't scheduled and it may not be until Jones has an OC hired so they can meet with the California signal caller together.
Look for Jones to likely meet with Drew Richmond at some point this week. Richmond continues to be open to visiting Tennessee and from talking to several people Sunday afternoon we believe Richmond is very much leaning towards taking a Tennessee visit next weekend.
Jones will likely meet with Allen at some point towards the end of the week as well.
One last thing, as we first mentioned a few weeks ago, Illinois offensive lineman Jack Shutack is looking at walking on at Tennessee but he has other scholarship offers as well. He's expecting to officially visit Tennessee next weekend.
This post was edited on 1/25 7:19 PM by P_Fortenberry
This post was edited on 1/26 7:04 AM by P_Fortenberry
DeBord left Rocky Top between 1-2 Sunday afternoon.
While DeBord, we are told by folks on campus, left a very positive impression this weekend, as we noted late Saturday night Jones has continued vetting candidates.
In fact, Jones will be flying out to both recruit and conduct additional interviews in airports and other settings along the recruiting trail throughout the next 48-72 hours.
Mike Norvell is a name we've heard consistently and reported since Friday; but Norvell has a $900,000 annual salary per a USA Today report. Sources indicated to us that Norvell has indicated any discussions about a position would need to initiate with a seven-figure salary.
More names we picked up today include Matt Canada, the N.C. State offensive coordinator who just finished his second season with the Wolfpack.
Noel Mazzone, who has ties in the SEC after runs at Auburn, Ole Miss and in the ACC at N.C. State, is the offensive coordinator presently at UCLA but as noted above, has strong ties in the South and is on the list of candidates Jones and his inner circle are vetting.
Typically in these situations, a head coach will bring in his agent --- in this case, Jones is represented by Trace Armstrong --- to help facilitate conversations with potential candidates beyond just the initial texts and phone calls.
South Carolina's G.A. Mangus is a name that we've previously reported and one that has consistently surfaced across the course of the weekend.
North Carolina's Gunter Brewer is another candidate the Vols are exploring and could meet with in the next 48 hours.
Additionally, sources told us that Jones has spoken/will speak with 1-3 NFL assistant coaches.
Other names who have been confirmed by VolQuest.com to have been definitely vetted by Jones & his inner circle include Billy Napier, Josh Heupel and Seth Littrell.
DeBord met with all of the Vols' quarterbacks, and then had an additional film session with Joshua Dobbs, who brought with him Marquez North. DeBord met with additional support staff.
Several NFL coaches and personnel people, as well as Urban Meyer among others, have reportedly reached out to Jones on DeBord's behalf.
Fit and continuity continue to be top-tier priorities for Jones in the OC search; he's very mindful of returning 10 starters and wanting to be able to utilize same terminology, system and more. DeBord has previous ties with Willie Martinez, Mark Elder, John Jancek, Don Mahoney and Steve Stripling.
While Zach Azzanni continues to be a name consistently mentioned on the short list of head coaching candidates at his alma mater, Central Michigan, where John Jancek also could be a candidate. If Jones can retain Azzanni, it would not be unexpected to see Azzanni elevated to something along the lines of passing game coordinator while Robert Gillespie could be in line to gain a promotion to recruiting coordinator.
RECRUITING
It wasn't a very eventful weekend on campus in terms of recruiting as the Vols only had a handful of visitors on campus.
Official visitor Michael Horton we heard had a good time but right now it seems as if there may not be room for Horton if he were to want in unless others fell off the board.
Tennessee did host kicker Laszlo Toser for an official visit this weekend. He's the reigning Mr. Football award winner for kickers in Tennessee and while he seems to be leaning towards accepting a preferred walk-on spot at Tennessee and other similar options at East Carolina, Alabama and scholarship opportunities at smaller schools.
2016 instate linebacker Daniel Bituli was on campus this weekend as the Vols continue to trend in the right direction there.
Also, local commitments Zach Stewart were on campus as well.
While it wasn't a busy weekend on campus it was elsewhere as other Vol targets and commitments were on visits around the country.
Kendall Bussey Jr was at Texas A&M and we have heard that visit went well for the Aggies but as of Sunday afternoon Tennessee still believes they will have the opportunity to host both Bussey Jr and his father, Bussey Sr (who didn't make the visit to College Station with Jr.)
We'll be trying get in touch with the family to see what the latest is tonight.
Venzell Boulware was in Columbus, Ohio, and the feeling we get now is that it would be an upset for him to end up a Buckeye. From what we understand, Boulware communicated with Tennessee's staff throughout the weekend and there seems to not be a ton of worry there.
Mahoney is expected to be with Boulware early in the week before he makes his way to Knoxville for an official visit next weekend.
Finally, Preston Williams was at Auburn but he left Saturday night and from talking to several people it doesn't sound like there will be further conversations between the Tigers and Williams. Like Boulware, he's expected in Knoxville next weekend.
Another note from Auburn was junior college target Camion Patrick making a visit to see the Plains. Auburn didn't offer as of Sunday afternoon but the Tigers would very much be a factor if they did offer. Louisville is still in it as well. We will see what his plans are for this weekend.
As many have asked about his situation, Patrick is shooting to be a 2015 graduate this summer but it's not guaranteed that he would be and there's still the chance he's a 2016 early enrollee in December.
As we've mentioned, Butch Jones will be spending the first part of the week interviewing offensive coordinator candidates but after those are finished he will be back on the road recruiting.
Look for Jones to visit Darrell Taylor like Tuesday night if not Wednesday (depending on the interview schedules) along with Zach Azzanni and Steve Stripling.
Thursday should be a busy day as Jones is expected to meet with Prince Tega Wanogho Jr. as Tennessee continues to see what the options are for the talented defensive end.
John Kelly is expecting to host Robert Gillespie and Jones on Thursday as well.
Quarterback commitment Sheriron Jones said he is expecting to have Jones in his home as well this week but as of Sunday night that visit wasn't scheduled and it may not be until Jones has an OC hired so they can meet with the California signal caller together.
Look for Jones to likely meet with Drew Richmond at some point this week. Richmond continues to be open to visiting Tennessee and from talking to several people Sunday afternoon we believe Richmond is very much leaning towards taking a Tennessee visit next weekend.
Jones will likely meet with Allen at some point towards the end of the week as well.
One last thing, as we first mentioned a few weeks ago, Illinois offensive lineman Jack Shutack is looking at walking on at Tennessee but he has other scholarship offers as well. He's expecting to officially visit Tennessee next weekend.
This post was edited on 1/25 7:19 PM by P_Fortenberry
This post was edited on 1/26 7:04 AM by P_Fortenberry
