John Adams: Tennessee's 2014 recruiting class marked by attrition
The caliber of football recruiting classes might vary greatly from one school to the next, but the expectations are the same. Schools expect short- and long-term gains.
Sometimes, the gains are overshadowed by losses. Such is the case for Tennessee’s 2014 class, which was judged as the sixth best in the country in 247Sports Composite rankings.
More than half of the signees in UT’s 32-man class are no longer in the program. And while the attrition has cut into the available manpower, it also has created more opportunities for the 2017 class, which will assume center stage Wednesday on National Signing Day.
The huge 2014 signing class was all about opportunity. The program’s drop-off in talent created chances for immediate playing time for coach Butch Jones’ second Tennessee recruiting class.
Some seized that opportunity. Others fell by the wayside. And some sought opportunities elsewhere.
The class hasn’t been without success stories, though. Included among the 17 signees no longer in the program are All-American defensive end Derek Barnett and wide receiver Josh Malone, both of whom opted for the 2017 NFL draft after their junior season. Running back Jalen Hurd also left early, quitting the team before the last month of the 2016 season when he was on his way to becoming the school’s all-time leading rusher.
Tennessee also benefited from the play of junior college signee Von Pearson, who led the Vols in receiving in his second season. Junior college transfer Chris Weatherd contributed at linebacker but started only one game. Offensive lineman Dontavius Blair, the most celebrated junior college signee in the class, never panned out.
Blair left the program before the start of this past season. Other members of the class didn’t stick around nearly that long.
Running back Treyvon Paulk was dismissed from the team in September of his freshman season. After playing two seasons at Hutchinson Community College, he’s now a member of Samford’s 2017 recruiting class.
Four-star recruit Derrell Scott, another running back in UT’s 2014 class, transferred to East Carolina after his freshman season. Tight end Daniel Helm (Duke), defensive end Dewayne Hendrix (Pittsburgh) and wide receiver Vic Wharton (California) also left Tennessee after their freshman season.
The departures have taken their toll on UT’s depth chart. So has the lack of development of some 2014 signees, seven of whom are still on the roster but haven't started more than five games.
The most acclaimed member of the class returning will be Evan Berry, an All-American kick returner in 2015. Seven other members of the class have become full time starters.
Senior offensive guard Jashon Robertson has started 35 games. So has senior tight end Ethan Wolf. Center Coleman Thomas has started 27.
Senior Aaron Medley has been UT’s placekicker since his freshman season. Although safety Todd Kelly Jr. didn’t become a full time starter until this past season, he made the All-SEC freshman team in 2014 and figures to be one of the senior leaders on UT’s next team.
But no matter what the seniors achieve this fall, their class likely will be remembered most for attrition.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @JohnAdamsKNS