I have lived throughout the SE
One thing I have noticed is this when a kid goes to TN, let's say they are a star or don't even pan out, that the state of TN takes care of them.
What I mean by this? Take Erik Ainge, guy had some substance issues, we took him back in like he was one of our own, back on the radio making a living, Swain, Bradshaw, and the list goes on and on at kids that couldn't make it in the NFL or NBA etc and they have landed jobs in and made a nice living for themselves and the advantage was they played at UT.
I don't know if it's because we have Nashville, Knoxville, and Chatt, three good size cities, or the fans that are loyal, but I am telling you ex-players aren't as well taken care of in places like UGA, Bama, UF, and FSU.
I am not sure why this isn't pushed more in recruiting, hey its great you want to play in the NFL but what happens if something happens? We will be there for you.....Good luck Tee Higgins at Clemson, but, what happens if you blow out a knee? (and I am not saying I want this to happen) Going to live in Anderson and be an insurance agent?
I had high school coaches tell me that they noticed that before in South Florida and they would tell their kids, go somewhere where if you don't make it in your sport, that the community will embrace you and you can be successful.
I think about a kid like Patrick Turner, whatever ended up happening to him, he went to USC, was ok, did very little in the NFL, is he back in Nashville? I can't find anything on him, just another 5 star that went to USC. But, you stay home, come back home after the NFL doesn't work out for you and who knows what opportunities await.
I also find it interesting a lot of kids that leave another state and come to TN, make TN home.
Just sold a boat to an ex-DB that went to TN, says coming to TN was one of the best things he did. Says it's still paying off 15 years after he played. He and I talked about it and he agreed, doesn't understand why local kids, especially Nashville area to Knoxville wouldn't stay home.
Just thought it was interesting, and if you haven't lived in a lot of different areas in the SE you wouldn't know.
Just an interesting topic IMO.
One thing I have noticed is this when a kid goes to TN, let's say they are a star or don't even pan out, that the state of TN takes care of them.
What I mean by this? Take Erik Ainge, guy had some substance issues, we took him back in like he was one of our own, back on the radio making a living, Swain, Bradshaw, and the list goes on and on at kids that couldn't make it in the NFL or NBA etc and they have landed jobs in and made a nice living for themselves and the advantage was they played at UT.
I don't know if it's because we have Nashville, Knoxville, and Chatt, three good size cities, or the fans that are loyal, but I am telling you ex-players aren't as well taken care of in places like UGA, Bama, UF, and FSU.
I am not sure why this isn't pushed more in recruiting, hey its great you want to play in the NFL but what happens if something happens? We will be there for you.....Good luck Tee Higgins at Clemson, but, what happens if you blow out a knee? (and I am not saying I want this to happen) Going to live in Anderson and be an insurance agent?
I had high school coaches tell me that they noticed that before in South Florida and they would tell their kids, go somewhere where if you don't make it in your sport, that the community will embrace you and you can be successful.
I think about a kid like Patrick Turner, whatever ended up happening to him, he went to USC, was ok, did very little in the NFL, is he back in Nashville? I can't find anything on him, just another 5 star that went to USC. But, you stay home, come back home after the NFL doesn't work out for you and who knows what opportunities await.
I also find it interesting a lot of kids that leave another state and come to TN, make TN home.
Just sold a boat to an ex-DB that went to TN, says coming to TN was one of the best things he did. Says it's still paying off 15 years after he played. He and I talked about it and he agreed, doesn't understand why local kids, especially Nashville area to Knoxville wouldn't stay home.
Just thought it was interesting, and if you haven't lived in a lot of different areas in the SE you wouldn't know.
Just an interesting topic IMO.
