Back to Business

The coaching change whirlwind has finally settled down on Rocky Top and it's time to get back to business as usual. Coach Derek Dooley went from "Who in the world is that?" to the Coach who will bring balance to the Big Orange Universe. I think that Tennessee had to dig deep in its coaching search to find Dooley but he could be just what we need up on The Hill. He was clearly raised to be a southern gentleman by his father and Georgia coaching legend Vince Dooley which is more than I can say about the last guy running the show in Knoxville. Speaking of Lane, I can't really blame the guy for taking his dream job but it just came at the worst time possible. Who knew that Pete Carroll would leave one of the best jobs in the country to try his hand again in the NFL? Lane left at the worst time possible but Coach Dooley salvaged a great recruiting class in two weeks and has us back on track. Dooley has already shown that he can get it done on the recruiting trail but now he must prove that he can coach with the big dogs in the SEC. It will definitely be an interesting summer and fall in Big Orange Country. There will be no learning curve for Dooley because he will welcome the Gators and Oregon Ducks to Neyland Stadium in the first few weeks of the season. We will know very quickly how well Dooley can swim in SEC waters.

Thoughts on Recruiting
How crazy is it that grown men and women live and die by the decisions of 17 or 18 year old high school football players? I am guilty of getting sucked in myself and found the night before National Signing Day to be much like Christmas Eve for a child. I couldn't sleep because I was so anxious to find out what kids were going to sign a letter of intent to play for the Vols and I actually watched a live online video feed from WR prospect Markeith Ambles at 12:30 am. It was great, he sat around and bragged about himself and talked on his cell phone while hundreds of fans from around the country were watching to see if he would give a hint as to who he would play for. I am also guilty, as many others are, of becoming friends with these guys on facebook to get any extra information that might give me an idea if the kids would play for the Vols. Markeith chose USC so many Vol fans have removed him from their friend list and are no longer following him on Twitter. I can't even imagine what it is like to be these athletes who are already celebrities at age 17. I just hope that these kids don't let the hype go to their head and put in the necessary work to be successful in college as an athlete and student.

On to Hoops
I was lucky enough to get some great seats to the UT/Vandy game last night and showed up at Memorial Gymnasium ready for a Tennessee victory. Obviously the Vols basketball team forgot that they actually had to put forth a decent effort to beat the 'Dores. My hat is off to Vanderbilt but this is the same Tennessee team that beat #1 ranked Kansas earlier in the season. I really like Bruce Pearl but sometimes the motivation and inspiration he brings is not enough to beat teams that are fundamentally sound and execute on both ends of the court. I am not going to get too low with this loss but I hope the Vols can finish the season strong and make a good showing in the NCAA Tourney. Key stat from the game last night: Vanderbilt shot 37 for 43 from the free throw line and Tennessee was 13 for 21. Just a small discrepancy in free throw attempts...I'm Just sayin'.

Personal Notes
My son Cooper just turned two months old and he recently began to smile at his mother and me. I think he will be ready to attend the Manning Passing Camp in the near future.

I am staying busy with work and the Jeter Law Firm is well on its way to being the next Cochran Law Firm. I am working on personal injury, workers' compensation, criminal and domestic cases and am enjoying being an advocate for those who need legal assistance. I still have aspirations of becoming a sports agent and we will see where that dream takes me.

My sister Elizabeth and her husband Rusty have decided to adopt two young children from Rwanda and had a very successful fundraiser on Monday night at Jim and Nick's in Murfreesboro. We are excited to meet the new additions to our family.

I think the only thing left to say is Go Vols and I'll hang up and listen to your comments.