Yes, Butch Jones won at Cincinnati and yes, past Vol players love him, but the biggest question about Butch Jones to the Vols has been this -- can he win SEC recruiting battles? There was no real evidence to suggest that he could. And in order to win big in the SEC, the Vols needed to return to the best years of Phil Fulmer, when talent was everywhere on Rocky Top. Could Butch recruit top players, especially the top players in his own backyard?
Well, this morning Vol fans got a massive answer to the biggest question hanging over Butch Jones when five star running back Jalen Hurd, one of the most heralded recruits in the state of Tennessee in a very long time, and a top ten football recruit in the nation, tweeted out this message: "I have officially committed to play football at The University of Tennessee. #VFL #RisetotheTop"
Wow, what an unbelievable get for Butch Jones.
Every program in the nation wanted Jalen Hurd. You can look at his 247 Sports profile here.
In last year's 5A state title game Hurd rushed for 394 yards and seven touchdowns.
He's flat out unbelievable to watch play, a first rate game changer of the highest order.
Don't believe me?
Check out his highlight video.
Warning, if you are a Tennessee fan, this Jalen Hurd highlight video will probably give you an erection.
Hurd is 6'3" and over 200 pounds so he's got the ability to deliver a blow, but, as you can see from the video, he can flat out fly.
Best comparison of Hurd's running style? He's like a faster Eddie George.
Since the firing of Phil Fulmer just about every bit of unexpected news for Vol fans has been bad.
The past five years have been downright awful, the Voltanic hit an iceberg and just kept sinking over and over again.
Well, Jalen Hurd isn't just a lifeboat for Vol fans drifting in the ocean, he's a billionaire's yacht.
Suddenly Butch Jones's recruiting -- there was zero chance of Hurd committing to Derek Dooley -- is offering signs that everything about the Vol's malaise may be about to change. Jones also locked down four star Todd Kelly, Jr. on Sunday -- Kelly is the second highest rated player in the state -- and Hurd and Kelly are Tweeting at many of the nation's top recruits this morning, urging them to come to Knoxville and be a part of the nation's top recruiting class.
Could Butch Jones really pull that off?
We'll see, but for now he's answered the biggest question on his resume? Can he win SEC recruiting battles?
Hurd's commitment makes the answer a resounding yes.
And for those who want to grouse about signing day being 11 months away, Hurd is a mid-term enrollee. He'll be on campus by December.
Congrats to Butch Jones and Tennessee, this kid is a game-changer.
