The Butch Jones era officially came to an end and while his staff got off to a great start on the recruiting trail, it’s clear that a lack of talent at certain positions played a part in his demise. The state of Tennessee hasn’t always been known as a talent hotbed, but in recent years the number of Power Five prospects has risen. However, Jones and his staff chose to pass on players who are now thriving at other programs. We take a look at five players from the Volunteer State that Tennessee passed on and take a look at how they might have changed things on Rocky Top.
HOW AND WHY: Where the Butch Jones era went wrong | Why Jones failed
RECRUITING: Recruits react | Five busts that doomed Jones | Highs and lows
HOT BOARD: Realistic guide to Vols coaching candidates
OTHERS WILL BENEFIT: Five programs that will benefit from instability in Knoxville
Why Tennessee passed: Dodson was somewhat of a late emerging prospect on the recruiting circuit, piling up most of his major offers late in the spring of his junior season. But while Texas A&M, Arkansas and Missouri thought he was SEC material, he didn’t get much of a look from the Vols. Some staffs had concerns that Dodson may be too big and not fast enough– he was 6-foot-2, 235 pounds headed into his senior year – to be a successful linebacker at the SEC level.
What he has done: Dodson has quickly emerged as one of the SEC’s best linebackers and firmly in the mix for SEC defensive player of the year. Dodson is tied for fourth in the conference in total tackles, ninth in the conference in sacks and tied for second in the conference in interceptions. With Tennessee facing a number of injuries at the linebacker position in the last few years, it’s worth wondering how things would be different with a player such as Dodson in the middle of the defense.
Why Tennessee passed: Hall picked up double-digit offers during the recruiting process, with SEC schools Missouri, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Mississippi State all on his list. But some injuries slowed his recruiting interest and Tennessee never jumped into the mix, allowing Missouri to land his commitment during the summer of 2014.
What he has done: Hall has emerged as one of the best receivers in the SEC this season and is second in the league in yards per catch while also currently sitting fifth overall in the conference in receiving yards. His totals exceed every Tennessee WR and his six touchdowns would easily lead the team. Hall has taken some time to develop, but given the underwhelming play of Tennessee pass-catchers this season Hall would be a welcome addition.
Why Tennessee passed: A three-star defensive back in the class of 2015, Orr saw his recruitment explode during his senior season. Oklahoma, Ohio State, Georgia and Clemson all offered late but the offer never came from Tennessee. Orr ended up taking an official visit and committing to Arizona State just before National Signing Day 2015.
What he has done: Orr’s college career got off to a terrific start in Tempe as he set the freshman record for interceptions in a season with six in 2015 and earned freshman All-American honors. After another productive season in 2016, Orr elected to transfer closer to home due to family issues and landed at UT-Chattanooga in his hometown. This year the Mocs are having a tough year, but Orr continues to be a standout performer and looks like he will have a shot to play in the NFL. Given Tennessee’s problems at cornerback, Orr could have likely been a contributor had he landed with the Vols.
Why Tennessee passed: Unlike Dodson, Adams didn’t have a plethora of recruiting options. Playing at private school CPA in the Nashville area, Adams quietly committed to Missouri during the spring of his junior year. A two-sport athlete who was also a quality basketball prospect, some questioned how Adams would develop at the college level in terms of being an offensive lineman. Despite being offered by Jones and his staff while they were at Cincinnati, interest in Adams never really came once they ended up at Tennessee.
What he has done: Missouri may be struggling as a team, but Adams has developed into quite the player on the offensive line for the Tigers. He started all 12 games in 2016 for the SEC’s most productive offense and has emerged as one of the team leaders in 2017. Adams has added nearly 50 pounds to his frame since arriving in Columbia and with another year of eligibility left, looks to be setting himself up for a shot at playing in the NFL as well. Tennessee has seen plenty of shuffling along the offensive line this season and having a player like Adams would have surely helped with those issues.
Why Tennessee passed: Hutcherson was a very late-emerging prospect in the class of 2016 and he only picked up a handful of offers, with South Carolina and Louisville being the lone Power Five schools in the mix. He ended up committed to the Gamecocks in December 2015 and while some saw him as a defensive end, South Carolina projected him to play offense. The Vols were never really involved with Hutcherson during the recruiting process.
What he has done: After redshirting his first year in Columbia, Hutcherson has developed into quite the offensive lineman for the Gamecocks, even starting at guard in the school’s victory at Tennessee earlier this season. Hutcherson’s versatility makes him an attractive player in this “what if?” scenario, especially given Tennessee’s shuffling along the offensive line this season. Hutcherson might not have saved Jones’ job but it has to be tough for Vols fans to see an in-state prospect lining up and starting on a better team in the same division.
