Big Orange Report 2-23
By Warner Agee
Meet the Vols Signing Class 2009
Monte's New Troops
When Tennessee defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was introduced to the press, he said, "I'm 68 going on 48." For one of the greatest defensive minds that has ever walked onto a football field, this must be an exciting time, to be able to return to college football, coach with his son and once again become a teacher of the game. The first signing class for the Kiffins has some great potential for the Vol defense. In a previous piece, we mentioned Janzen Jackson and Darren Myles, Jr., a pair of nationally top ten ranked defensive backs. They will join the recruits below to help from the nucleus of the Big Orange defense for the next four years.
Marlon Walls-OLB/DE (6-2, 235, 4.75) from Olive Branch, Miss., and Hargrave Military Academy-Originally a member of the 2008 signing group, Walls had to wait a year before joining the Tennessee program. Assuming that all his academics are now in order, this splendid defensive prospect seems set to join the team this summer. Rivals rated him the No. 5 overall prep school prospect in the nation this year and he was the 2007 Memphis Touchdown Club's area player of the year. As a senior at Olive Branch, Walls tormented opposing offenses by accumulating 127 tackles, 11 sacks, forced five fumbles and recovered three loose balls. He was named the Shelby Metro's No. 2 most wanted prospect one year ago. Walls may have grown into a defensive end position after playing linebacker in high school. Competed for his high school in track, running a leg of both the 400 and 200 meter relays.
Greg King-Outside linebacker (6-3, 205, 4.65) from Memphis Melrose-One of the few players in the class that still has some work to do academically, King would be a candidate for early playing time when he enrolls at UT. He was hailed as the No. 9 overall prospect in the state by the Knoxville News-Sentinel after a spectacular senior season for the Golden Wildcats when he amassed 130 tackles with fours sacks and four forced fumbles. All the major recruiting services had him among the top 30 linebacker prospects in the country this winter. He has been billed as a big hitter who gets to the ball with hostile intentions.
Robert Nelson-Outside linebacker (6-0, 210, 4.7) from Stone Mountain, Ga.-Here is, perhaps, the most under-rated youngster in this class. Robert Nelson is a football player, a heat seeking missile of a linebacker who displays explosiveness off the ball and instincts that allow him to find the guy with the treasure and knock him down. During his career at Stone Mountain High School, Nelson collected an eye-popping total of 383 tackles and 24 quarterback sacks. Despite holding offers from several other schools including Auburn, Nelson waited until late in the evening on signing day for the papers from Tennessee so that he could become a Volunteer. This is the type of attacking, aggressive linebacker that Monte Kiffin covets for his defenses.
Nyshier Oliver-Defensive back (5-10, 185, 4.5) from Jersey City, N.J.-An early commitment to Tennessee, Oliver pulled out on the Volunteers and was pledged to Notre Dame for several weeks before Lane Kiffin was able to turn him back towards Knoxville. A tremendous all-around athlete who also is track star at Saint Peter's High School, Oliver adds glitter to the strength of the class as a potential early contributor in the defensive backfield. He was ranked the 39th best overall athlete in this year's class of high school seniors by Rivals.com. Could get a look at both free safety and cornerback and he might also compete for kick return duties next fall.
Arthur Jeffrey-Defensive tackle (6-4, 290, 5.15) from Sarasota, Florida-Listed as a pre-season top five recruit at defensive tackle, Jeffrey was sidelined by a torn ACL during his senior season in high school. As a junior, he booked 74 tackles, 28 stops for minus yardage, 11 sacks, forced four fumbles and blocked five kicks. Reports are that his rehabilitation is going well and that there is an outside chance he might be able to play in September in order to add depth at tackle on the UT defense. Despite the injury, Scout.com still listed Jeffrey as a four-star prospect nationally.
Jerod Askew-Middle linebacker (6-1, 232, 4.65) from Chesapeake, Virginia-A Parade Magazine first team All-American selection, Askew was also ranked by Rivals as the No. 6 middle linebacker in the nation and the No. 79 overall prospect in their top 100. He was also named a SuperPrep All-American after anchoring his Oscar Smith High School defense which allowed opponents to average only 4.1 points per game in 2008. His incredible senior numbers include 140 total tackles, 22 knockdowns behind the line of scrimmage, 10 sacks and three pass interceptions. Also considered a prospect to play on the outside, ESPN called him the No. 12 strong side linebacker in the high school ranks this past year. Should play immediately and could even challenge for a starting job this autumn.
Mike Edwards-Cornerback (5-10, 178, 4.55) from Cleveland, Ohio-Coach Lane Kiffin killed two birds with one stone here, he got a terrific cornerback prospect and also put his foot in the door of one of the top high school programs in the nation at Glenville Academic Campus. Scout.com rates Edwards the No. 21 corner prospect in the nation after a senior year which was highlighted by five pass interceptions. He was a first-team all-state selection in talent-rich Ohio after being named to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's top 40 recruits in the state. Again, it should be noted here that Edwards is the first player from Glenville to sign with a Southeastern Conference school. Coached by Ted Ginn, Sr., Glenville annually produces a minimum of a half dozen division one prospects. This was one of the young men who seemed extremely excited about having the opportunity to play for the Big Orange.
