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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Butch Jones’ first recruiting class is about to step inside Neyland Stadium for the last time.
Saturday’s game against Missouri is Senior Day for program-changers such as Josh Dobbs, Cam Sutton, Dylan Wiesman, Malik Foreman and Jalen Reeves-Maybin; they were building blocks in Jones’ first signing class in 2013.
That group, along with others who have played for the Big Orange over the past four seasons, helped restore Tennessee football. That group has helped Tennessee become bowl eligible in three consecutive seasons for the first time since 2002-2004. They still might help the Vols win their first SEC East title since 2007.
Dobbs and Reeves-Maybin were two of the four 4-star recruits in that class, which 247Sports.com ranked No. 24 overall, No. 10 in the SEC. Sutton was a 3-star prospect who clearly outperformed his rating.
Brian Randolph arrived before Jones and the 2013 class, but he was one of many who helped lay down the foundation. Randolph, a defensive back, played on Jones’ first three UT teams and now plays for the Los Angeles Rams. He suffered an unfortunate injury, tearing his ACL in Week 1.
Since the injury, Randolph (No. 37, above) has been training at Tennessee and spending time around Team 120. Saturday Down South talked with the Vol for Life about the 2016 season, as well as Jones’ program as the first cycle of recruits completes its four-year period.
“I’ve been following the team closely,” Randolph said. “Couple problems last year were that we couldn’t finish and this year they can, and there are a couple extra wins. They’re playing good and still have a chance to win the East.
“I’ve been in the locker room a lot and everyone thinks they’re undefeated still.”
The turn of events from last year’s hot starts and this year’s slow starts could be reflective of how games play out against SEC-caliber talent.
“It’s the SEC and they’re playing the best talent, so some of that you have to give credit to the other teams,” Randolph said of the slow starts in 2016. “You just have to know that other players are going to make some plays against you because you’re playing against great talent. I don’t think the slow starts are a trend and I don’t think it’s a problem.”
Randolph doesn’t believe it’s an issue because of how hard Jones works on preparation. One factor that does not change on a daily basis, through good and the bad, is how Jones operates.
“Coach Jones is a great business man and very coordinated and organized,” he said. “Every day is planned out and goes by an agenda he goes by.”
Soon, those seniors will head off on their own paths, taking with them life lessons learned from their head coach. Randolph said the time goes by fast, and the end comes quick.
“It’s hard to believe, it feels like they just got here,” he said. “Ever since they got here they worked hard and never got a big head. They’re very down to earth and are good people. They did a great job and have been a big effect on the team ever since they’ve been here.
“A lot of credit should be given as Tennessee is getting back to where it belongs.”
Fifth-year seniors will also be honored on Senior Day. Kenny Bynum, Jason Croom and LaTroy Lewis all have been under Jones since his arrival and have played a role in the program. Charles Fogler is also a fifth-year senior walk-on.
Dan Harralson covers Tennessee football for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow Dan on Twitter @danharralson.
