I think we are going to be dealing with a lot of these transitions over the next 1-2 years for the below basic reasons.
1). Freshman Expectations at Tennessee are different - Not because the coaches are making promises the kids are just expecting to play/start based on how much we needed them through the recruiting process - Both last year and this year players are committing to UT because they love the coaches, the atmosphere, but mostly they love the thought of coming in and being big timers in the SEC - You look at Alabama, Georgia, LSU, etc...and freshman are reporting to those campuses knowing that there is a Junior/Senior in most cases that are going to be the man and while they want to play it is fairly easy to understand why they are not on the field. Unless they are a freak they take the back seat for 1-2 years and then get their chance.
2). Feelings Hurt About the Other True Freshman - I played sports and it is very hard to watch your peers, at your age and in your class, do very well, have all of Tennessee talking about them, but yet you are stuck on the bench
The lack of playing time for some is due to the below 2 factors (primarily)
a). They came into a position that was not as "needie"
b). They simply aren't as talented, or developed as far as needed, to get on the field for a larger role
In the case of Vic if he were a RB, at similar talent levels to what he offers at WR, he would have been on the field more this year and we would be excited about what he and Jalen could offer next year - Jalen would be the clear starter but Vic would be happy and we would be excited about how well he would develop the next 1-2 years at the position - BUT he plays WR and we have a few talented grown men at the position and we simply did not have the need to throw him to the wolves like we had to do with several other freshman this year.
3). The reality of the future sets in - We will deal with this for 1-2 years - Most freshman reporting to campus see a talented Junior/Senior at their position and they have hopes that once that player leaves they will get their chance. This keeps them on campus for 1-2 years and by the end of the 2nd year they have bought into the program and adapted to all the change. In our case these kids are looking at another True Freshman, True Sophomore, or Redshirt Freshman, playing in their position and they simply see the writing on the wall that they are going to be a 2-3-4 year backup. They are use to being a star, they haven't dedicated 2-3 years to the program yet, and the grass looks greener on the other side - Based on their age they don't understand that the grass looks greener in many cases because better manure was used and they will jump ship - They will then find out that by the time they sit out 1 year, fight to learn a new system somewhere else, if they were truly that good they would actually be starting/playing significantly at UT if they would have just hung around....always injuries, suspensions, etc....that create opportunities for players and if they are good enough they will take it.
I believe the above are big reasons why we are experiencing more of this this year than some other programs. I don't think this is based on what they were sold during recruiting and I don't believe it is due to Butch, and the other coaches, not loving on the kids after they are on campus. I think the reality of watching others in their class be successful and knowing the whole team is young and they could experience 2-3-4 more years of pine riding and it is leading them to other paths.
In the end I think we are more than fine because starters aren't bolting for what they believe is greener pastures - If Jalen Hurd left TN, or Barnett left TN, you would know that there are significant issues.....None of the big timers that got to play are leaving and only the guys that watched the others be successful are interested. They feel slighted, have hurt feelings, but the reality is we aren't all superstars....You learn that through life, work, etc....
1). Freshman Expectations at Tennessee are different - Not because the coaches are making promises the kids are just expecting to play/start based on how much we needed them through the recruiting process - Both last year and this year players are committing to UT because they love the coaches, the atmosphere, but mostly they love the thought of coming in and being big timers in the SEC - You look at Alabama, Georgia, LSU, etc...and freshman are reporting to those campuses knowing that there is a Junior/Senior in most cases that are going to be the man and while they want to play it is fairly easy to understand why they are not on the field. Unless they are a freak they take the back seat for 1-2 years and then get their chance.
2). Feelings Hurt About the Other True Freshman - I played sports and it is very hard to watch your peers, at your age and in your class, do very well, have all of Tennessee talking about them, but yet you are stuck on the bench
The lack of playing time for some is due to the below 2 factors (primarily)
a). They came into a position that was not as "needie"
b). They simply aren't as talented, or developed as far as needed, to get on the field for a larger role
In the case of Vic if he were a RB, at similar talent levels to what he offers at WR, he would have been on the field more this year and we would be excited about what he and Jalen could offer next year - Jalen would be the clear starter but Vic would be happy and we would be excited about how well he would develop the next 1-2 years at the position - BUT he plays WR and we have a few talented grown men at the position and we simply did not have the need to throw him to the wolves like we had to do with several other freshman this year.
3). The reality of the future sets in - We will deal with this for 1-2 years - Most freshman reporting to campus see a talented Junior/Senior at their position and they have hopes that once that player leaves they will get their chance. This keeps them on campus for 1-2 years and by the end of the 2nd year they have bought into the program and adapted to all the change. In our case these kids are looking at another True Freshman, True Sophomore, or Redshirt Freshman, playing in their position and they simply see the writing on the wall that they are going to be a 2-3-4 year backup. They are use to being a star, they haven't dedicated 2-3 years to the program yet, and the grass looks greener on the other side - Based on their age they don't understand that the grass looks greener in many cases because better manure was used and they will jump ship - They will then find out that by the time they sit out 1 year, fight to learn a new system somewhere else, if they were truly that good they would actually be starting/playing significantly at UT if they would have just hung around....always injuries, suspensions, etc....that create opportunities for players and if they are good enough they will take it.
I believe the above are big reasons why we are experiencing more of this this year than some other programs. I don't think this is based on what they were sold during recruiting and I don't believe it is due to Butch, and the other coaches, not loving on the kids after they are on campus. I think the reality of watching others in their class be successful and knowing the whole team is young and they could experience 2-3-4 more years of pine riding and it is leading them to other paths.
In the end I think we are more than fine because starters aren't bolting for what they believe is greener pastures - If Jalen Hurd left TN, or Barnett left TN, you would know that there are significant issues.....None of the big timers that got to play are leaving and only the guys that watched the others be successful are interested. They feel slighted, have hurt feelings, but the reality is we aren't all superstars....You learn that through life, work, etc....
