Tennessee Recruiting Scandal Affecting 2010 Class

By now, you’ve heard about the accusations surrounding the Volunteer Football program.   Allegedly, a student group known as Orange Pride has been utilized to help football recruiting efforts by sending attractive co-eds to out-of-state high school football games, host recruiting targets when they come to Knoxville for official visits, and so forth.  The NCAA hasn’t ruled on the accusations yet, but NCAA officials have already spoken out against the practices.  Probation or sanctions against the football program are possible.

You can imagine that could have a negative effect on recruits who are uncomfortable with the accusations.  Yahoo! Sports recently interviewed several Vol commits who were in San Antonio for the upcoming U.S. Army All-American Bowl.  

The biggest part of the Orange Pride story involved Tennessee commit Corey Miller, Brandon Willis (now decommitted) and Marcus Lattimore.  Corey Miller remains committed to the Vols despite the controversy.  Army All-American Defensive End Jaques Smith also remains committed to the Vols and expressed disappointment at how the incident played out in the media.  

Defensive End prospect Brandon Willis re-opened his recruitment after hearing about the scandal and considering his place at Tennessee.  The threat of an NCAA judgement against the Volunteers was enough to make him cross the Vols off of his list.  It sounds like his verbal commitment might have been shaky to begin with.

Recruiting can be a shady business.  There are certainly a lot of gray areas.  When it comes down to it, as a recruit you have to do what’s right for you.  Many Tennessee commits are staying put.  If it doesn’t feel right though, you have examine your options.  It sounds like Brandon Willis did the right thing for himself.  Who can argue with that?