Recruits react to Butch Jones' dismissal at Tennessee
Tennessee parted ways with Butch Jones on Sunday, ending a tenure that saw plenty of highs but also ended mired in lows. Jones earned a reputation early in his tenure as a tireless recruiter and the Vols finished with the No. 5 ranked classes in both 2014 and 2015. This year's class had been firmly planted inside the top 10 before things went off the rails over the past six weeks. Following the news, Rivals.com caught up with several of the Vols commits and top targets to get their reactions. Here's a sampling of those quotes as well as some social media reactions from the prospects.
HOW AND WHY: Where the Butch Jones era went wrong | Why Jones failed
RECRUITING: Busts that doomed Jones | Jones' bad misses at UT | Highs and lows
HOT BOARD: Realistic guide to Vols coaching candidates
"At this time I am still committed to Tennessee. We will see how things develop. I’m just going to take some time and see how things develop. The new coach is a big part of that."
"I was very surprised about the news. I probably will de-commit from Tennessee."
"I am 150% committed."
"I wish nothing but the best for him and his family. I have been talking to Wake Forest, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Louisville. I will now look more into those four programs and look to have a decision by Dec. 22."
"I don’t want to talk about the recruitment. I’m still committed to UT right now. I’m just trying to focus on finishing my season."
"I don’t even know what to say honestly but, I’m staying committed.”
"It’s a tough situation, Coach Jones was a great dude, but I’m looking forward to the next coach who ever it may be. I’m focused on my rehab and doing what I got to do so when I get up there Ill be ready to go and show them UT fans what I’m really made of and also the new head coach."
"No comment."
"I'm 100 percent UT. I love Coach Jones and appreciate everything he’s done for me, I wish it didn’t have to come to this but it happens so ..."
"It's very disappointing. I really looked forward to being coached by Butch Jones. But no matter what i am all vol. I want to be a centerpiece for this program. I can't wait to be a part of it."
"It’s crazy. I felt like he was a great coach and he was building something there. I’m staying committed and just see what happens.”
"Tennessee is a great school and I love it there but Coach Jones was the pushing edge to keep me there at Tennessee the only thing that was keeping me there was the faith in the coaching staff but I guess the people in charge didn’t have as much faith as I did."
