I did a little research on TN RB signees that were rated 4* or higher (Rivals) from the last 15 recruiting classes (2008-2022) so I could get a better idea on the impact of TN’s signing of GA RB Justin Williams.
A few basic observations:
- J. Williams is the highest ranked RB prospect UT has signed in the last 5 years & the highest-rated since Ty Chandler in the 2017 class.
- J. Williams is the 6th highest-rated RB UT has signed in the last 15 years.
- UT has signed a RB rated 4* or higher in 9 of the last 15 classes. UT signed zero RBs with a 4* or higher rating in the 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020, & 2021 classes, but signed 2 4* or higher RBs in the 2009 & 2014 classes. So 11 total 4* or 5* RBs signed in the last 15 signing classes.
- Out of the 11 RBs signed, 6 transferred out and didn’t finish career at UT, 2 finished their careers at UT at RB position, 1 is still playing at UT but switched positions, 1 was signed JUCO and played 2 seasons, and 1 (J. Williams) just signed & hasn’t had opportunity to play yet.
Complete List:
Year - Name - Rating - National Ranking - Position Ranking
2022: Justin Williams-5.9-154-11
2021: NA.
2020: NA.
2019: Eric Gray-5.8-NR-7 (APB)
2018: Jeremy Banks-5.8-NR-15
2017: Ty Chandler-5.9-80-6
2016: NA.
2015: Alvin Kamara-6.1-NR-NR (JUCO)
2014: Jalen Hurd-6.1-31-5
2014: Derrell Scott-5.8-202-9 (APB)
2013: NA.
2012: NA.
2011: Marlin Lane-5.8-NA-23
2010: Rajion Neal-5.8-151-9
2009: Bryce Brown-6.1-1-1
2009: David Oku-5.9-97-1 (APB)
2008: NA.
What does it all mean? Absolutely nothing, but thought the data was interesting nonetheless. I do believe Williams can be tremendously productive & put up huge numbers in Heupel’s offense.
A few basic observations:
- J. Williams is the highest ranked RB prospect UT has signed in the last 5 years & the highest-rated since Ty Chandler in the 2017 class.
- J. Williams is the 6th highest-rated RB UT has signed in the last 15 years.
- UT has signed a RB rated 4* or higher in 9 of the last 15 classes. UT signed zero RBs with a 4* or higher rating in the 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020, & 2021 classes, but signed 2 4* or higher RBs in the 2009 & 2014 classes. So 11 total 4* or 5* RBs signed in the last 15 signing classes.
- Out of the 11 RBs signed, 6 transferred out and didn’t finish career at UT, 2 finished their careers at UT at RB position, 1 is still playing at UT but switched positions, 1 was signed JUCO and played 2 seasons, and 1 (J. Williams) just signed & hasn’t had opportunity to play yet.
Complete List:
Year - Name - Rating - National Ranking - Position Ranking
2022: Justin Williams-5.9-154-11
2021: NA.
2020: NA.
2019: Eric Gray-5.8-NR-7 (APB)
2018: Jeremy Banks-5.8-NR-15
2017: Ty Chandler-5.9-80-6
2016: NA.
2015: Alvin Kamara-6.1-NR-NR (JUCO)
2014: Jalen Hurd-6.1-31-5
2014: Derrell Scott-5.8-202-9 (APB)
2013: NA.
2012: NA.
2011: Marlin Lane-5.8-NA-23
2010: Rajion Neal-5.8-151-9
2009: Bryce Brown-6.1-1-1
2009: David Oku-5.9-97-1 (APB)
2008: NA.
What does it all mean? Absolutely nothing, but thought the data was interesting nonetheless. I do believe Williams can be tremendously productive & put up huge numbers in Heupel’s offense.
