🏈 Aaron Douglas?

[rammerjammer]

I was reading an article about Derek Dooley, and how crazy recruiting has got over the past decade. It got me to thinking about how he is a lot like the man that he spent the most time with as an assistant. (Nick Saban) Derek, obviously comes from good stock and I think is going to be successful at UT.

I said all of that to say this. I find it odd that Douglas (who was recruited and played one year for Kiffen) didn't want to play for Dooley. Dooley is proving to be a lot like Saban, in how he handles his team, approach, coaches, etc.

What was it about Dooley, whom he never gave a chance, verses Saban, who can be an absolute hard ass. Just makes me wonder what the young man is/was thinking. Especially with such strong ties to UT. (if memory serves me correct both parents went to UT and his father played football there)

 

[psychojoe]

You are right about the deep family ties. In addition to his Dad I believe his Mom was a UT basketball player. I know Dooley really made an effort to get him to stay at UT. I don't know if Dooley just rubbed him the wrong way, or if the mess that Kiffen left behind just soured him on the Vols completely. The Vols were never in the mix for his services coming out of the junior college.

 

[planomateo]

maybe Dooley doesn't appreciate rap music

 

[TerryP]

Saban hasn't allowed him to interview with the media yet—I think he's in school, but that's indicative of a starting rotation...maybe wrong on the "in school" bit...don't think so—so I'm wondering if he's going to be a contributor this fall.

Let's bring this discussion up in spring camp...if he's getting "air time," he's getting serious playing time.

 

[Swamptick]

Terry, how good is this kid?

 

[TerryP]

Terry, how good is this kid?

What makes this interesting is he was recruited as a TE. He played at UT as an OT.

He's got a HUGE UT tradition in his family. It's just a good story.

Scout had him as the number one offensive tackle recruit even though he played TE. Yet, they had him ranked pretty low...I want to think they had him as a three star.

BUT...

That makes sense. He might contribute this year.

Where? There's the question.

He's light for the OL...makes me wonder where they'll use him.

We'll know soon.

 

[TerryP]

Let me add this...

There's something notable about his choice of where he was going to play.

He was recruited, and played for Kiffen at UT.

He already knew their playbook. He was offered by USCw. From Kiffen. Same playbook.

He chose Bama.

Just makes you think for a bit...he's a starter at USC now. At Bama...with two years of eligibility, he's competing for a starting job.

 

[TheChief]

There are a million possibilities as to why he chose Bama.

Mom and dad have always told him what he can and cannot do and where he can do it. Now they can't.

He had words with some players at ut who are in positions of perceived power. He saw he would have nothing but conflict with them if he were at ut, no matter who the coach is.

There is trouble on the west coast.

He wants a ring.

A girl he is after mentioned something about Alabama.

He wants a fresh start.


It could be anything.

 

[LBS]

There are a million possibilities as to why he chose Bama.

Mom and dad have always told him what he can and cannot do and where he can do it. Now they can't.

He had words with some players at ut who are in positions of perceived power. He saw he would have nothing but conflict with them if he were at ut, no matter who the coach is.

There is trouble on the west coast.

He wants a ring.

A girl he is after mentioned something about Alabama.

He wants a fresh start.


It could be anything.

I'm with Chief. How a place FEELS to the player is very often cited when recruits choose a school. USCw does not feel like Knoxville or Tuscaloosa. Knowxville under Dooley does not feel the same as Knoxville under Kiffin.

Further, Dooley is not a Saban clone just as Saban is not a Beliche (sp?) clone. Consider that Dooley is has a law degree while CNS emphasizes his West Virginia upbringing. There is a difference that could be more appealing to certain kids [That is something to keep an eye on in future recruiting battles.]

 

[Mcgrath]

Terry, how good is this kid?

What kid you are talking about???

 

[TerryP]

Aaron.

 

[BamaPride]

Aaron.

I thought he was referring to Bonney.