More 'Crootin with Butch Jones

Butch Jones made a heck of a statement in the recruiting world when he got stud 2014 running back Jalen Hurd and standout safety Todd Kelly Jr. to commit early in March. Since then, his and the Tennessee program's momentum has continued to build as the Vols now have 10 pledges for the 2014 class, 5 of which are 4-star rated or better. For reference, the Vols under Derek Dooley had 2 commits at this point last year. Right now the Vols rank in the top 5 for their 2014 recruiting class according to just about every recruiting service.

Yesterday, the Vols picked up their second 4-star tight end commit in as many weeks in Daniel Helm. The Vols currently do not have tight ends that are real proficient in the passing game on their roster. Butch Jones and tight ends coach Mark Elder have addressed this in getting the commitments from Helm and Ethan Wolf.

Put simply, what Butch Jones has done in recruiting only being on the job since December is astounding and really underscores how miserable a recruiter Derek Dooley was for the Vols. To come in and take over a program coming off back-to-back 5-7 seasons and get this type of momentum already is astounding. Imagine what he could do at UT if he proves he can win. The early signs point to Tennessee having made a home run hire judging from the early recruiting success and by 61,000+ who attended the spring game (2nd most in program history).