After gaining ground in 2018 recruiting, Jeremy Pruitt will have to play catch-up in 2019, too
John Adams
New Tennessee football coach Jeremy Pruitt had a late start on this recruiting class. However, he wasted little time gaining ground.
As a result. the Vols’ 2018 class has climbed to No. 16 in 247Sports composite team rankings.
But for Pruitt and his staff, the Vols still will be playing catch-up after they finalize the 2018 class. For evidence, check 247Sports team rankings for 2019.
Georgia is ranked No. 1 with seven commitments, including three five-star and four four-star recruits.
Alabama is third with five commitments – all four-stars.
LSU is fourth with six commitments, including one five star and two four stars.
Florida is seventh with six commitments – two four stars and four three stars.That’s how competitive the SEC is. And that’s why there’s so little time to celebrate one successful recruiting class.
Pruitt knows that from his long history as an assistant coach in this league. So it’s no wonder he emphasized recruiting in both his first and second meetings with the local media.
It’s a 365-day-a-year job, he said. And any day at least not partially devoted to recruiting can get you beat as much a turnover or blown coverage.
In fact, Pruitt didn’t just bring up the 2019 recruiting class. He mentioned the 2020 class.
The Vols have only one commitment for 2019. But based on Pruitt’s track record as a recruiter, that could change quickly.
The competition will be just as committed to procuring early commitments.
Alabama has a recent history of following one No. 1 class with another one under coach Nick Saban. Now, Georgia seems intent on following the same course under former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.
As impressive as Georgia’s run to the national championship game in Smart’s second season was, his recruiting has been just as noteworthy. His 2018 class is ranked No. 1 in the country. And he’s leading the way in 2019, too.
That’s what Pruitt and his staff are up against. And he should understand that better than anyone. The former Alabama defensive coordinator also worked in the same capacity at Georgia.
His competition will extend beyond Georgia and Alabama, though.
My guess is that new Florida coach Dan Mullen will recruit better than Jim McElwain did. Mullen didn’t get enough credit for his recruiting efforts at Mississippi State. After all, recruiting isn’t just about collecting players with the most stars. It’s also about judging talent, and that has been a Mullen strength.
Recruiting to Florida will give him more access to the best players than he had at Mississippi State. That increased access will extend outside the state as well.
Mullen’s staff often might find itself butting heads with Pruitt’s staff – in state as well as out of state. From his time at Florida State, Pruitt has strong recruiting connections in Florida, just as he does in Georgia and Alabama – two other states that produce outstanding college prospects.
No doubt, Pruitt already has renewed those connections in his new job. When you’re playing catch-up in recruiting, you can't ever slow down.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: Twitter.com/johnadamskns.
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