Insider Mailing: Finally, a Head Coach Edition

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We answer your best questions about Tennessee athletics and anything else in our weekly mailbag, Insider Mailing.

“Regarding recruiting…we’ve had several decommits since Pruitt took charge. We are down to below 15 recruits for the 2018 class. Do they know something we don’t?” – Jordan

Nathanael: I wouldn’t worry too much about the decommits. To me, those kids are either being “processed” (for lack of a better term/more tact) or they are guys who fit Butch Jones’ system and not the system Pruitt wants to run. I understand being worried when you see three decommits in one day and the Vols’ commit number dip below 15 (it sits at 11 now with Alontae Taylor back in the fold and Michael Penix decommitting), but I think this class will ultimately be better for it once it’s all said and done.

Will: This weekend is huge for official visits. A lot of guys are coming in town this weekend who weren’t in on Tennessee at all a few weeks ago. Jacob Copeland is the big name to watch. If Jeremy Pruitt gets him, and I think there’s a good chance he will, then this class looks a lot better.

“Has anyone gotten Coach Pruitt on the record about Jauan Jennings? Do we think he’ll let him back on the team?” – Morgan

Nathanael: I didn’t ask about it in his introductory press conference and nobody else did either because he hadn’t had enough time at that point to really know the situation and talk with Jauan or others involved in the situation. But I plan on asking him during his next presser (whenever that is) if possible. It’s something worth addressing very soon.

Will:  I think there’s a chance Jennings comes back. But I’d say it’s more likely he won’t return at this point. We will see.

“Chances of Heavy landing Cade?” – Blake

Nathanael: I’d say very slim at this point. Not because I don’t trust Fulmer or have faith in Pruitt’s ability as a recruiter either, but just because I think there’s too much ground to make up on Cade Mays at this point.

Will: Maybe 15%? It’s not likely. But they’re trying awfully hard to make something happen there.

“What style of offense will Helton bring? Pro style so we can get recruits that want to play in the NFL I hope?” – Jeff

Nathanael: I think Tyson Helton’s offense (assuming he’s the OC for UT) will still be much more spread-oriented but will have more pro sets in it than what Jones’ did. I don’t expect a fullback or anything really, but I’m expecting to see something similar to what you saw back in the Kiffin days only with more spread concepts. And I’m not just saying that because Helton is coming from USC. Go watch USC’s offense from this past year and you’ll see what I mean.

Will: It’ll be a spread offense with a lot of pro style concepts mixed in as well. USC was never hesitant to go under center in short yardage situations, which will make a lot of fans happy. Helton will also bring the NASCAR offense, where he gives the quarterback multiple plays at the line of scrimmage and he has the option to choose which one the offense runs based on the defensive setup. That NASCAR offense is also a very fast no-huddle, which is where Jarrett Guarantano had his most success last season.

“Do you think Tennessee tries to go after Trevor Lawrence? I know he had Tennessee high on his list early on in the recruiting process but didn’t like the offence Jones ran. With TN moving to a more pro style O, do you think he takes a second look?” – Christian

Nathanael: It’s looking more and more like four-star QB Adrian Martinez won’t be a part of Tennessee’s 2018 class, and three-star QB Michael Penix just decommitted from the Vols as well. I do wonder if Pruitt and his staff try and get someone like Trevor Lawrence back interested in the Vols. Because I think Tennessee definitely needs at least one if not two quarterbacks in this class.

Will: I think they’re just focused on keeping Adrian Martinez right now. It wouldn’t look great to him if the Vols were chasing another blue chip quarterback. They may settle for a lower rated player, but they’ll only go after a big name if Martinez closes the door on Tennessee.

“Should we believe the hype about the BasketVols: are they making it to the NCAA tourney this year?” – Erin

Nathanael: Yes, believe it. I think they not only make the NCAA Tournament, but I think they win a game as well. That definitely depends on their match-up, but I think they get 20 or more wins this season and are solidly in the Tournament, not just as a bubble team.

Will: I think so. This team may even be ranked for much of the season. They just need to stay healthy inside. Chris Darrington’s emergence as a prolific scorer against Lipscomb really interests me. If he can be a consistent sixth man, this team can be very, very good come March.

“Your key and player to watch for the BasketVols vs the Heels?” – Ryan

Nathanael: Grant Williams will be the top guy for the Vols or at least the one they try to get the ball the most. But I’d watch out for someone like Jordan Bowden to play a big role in this game. I also think Kyle Alexander will be very important down low in this one. This is a big game for Tennessee. Arguably the biggest game for the basketball Vols since the NCAA Tournament in 2014.

Will: Darrington is my player to watch. I’m interested to see if he can be a consistent double-figures scorer for this team off the bench. He already plays great defense, and if his hot shooting continues then he becomes quite the threat off the bench. The key for this team is shot selection. If the Vols make their outside and mid-range shots against North Carolina, they’ll win. You know what you’re getting from Grant Williams inside. But opening up the defense with outside jumpers will make things a lot easier on Tennessee’s post players.

“How long until we get Matthew McConaughay as a celebrity fan? #aight #aight #aight” – Andrew

Nathanael: We need a commercial or Jumbotron ad with him and Pruitt ASAP.