After Tennessee debacle, Michael Taylor ‘blessed’ to be a Gator

When Michael Taylor revealed that he had decommitted from Tennessee this past Wednesday, it was naturally assumed it was because coach Lane Kiffin pulled an about-face and jettisoned Rocky Top for Southern California. But the truth is the fast-rising linebacker from Atlanta’s Westlake High School had already backed out before the Kiffins bolted. Taylor had silently committed to the Florida Gators a week ago Sunday before leaving his official visit to Gainesville. He went public with the news this past Sunday.

JaWuan James returns to Tennessee as Vols assess damage

It will take a few years to assess the damage Lane Kiffin caused the Tennessee football program with this selfish antics. But the initial blast to recruiting seems to be over and certainly wasn’t as devastating as it could have been. But thanks to the quick hiring of new coach Derek Dooley, UT has managed to talk some high-profile prospects off the ledge and gotten them to stick . . . for now at least. Several major prospects have elected to stay on, including North Gwinnett offensive tackle JaWuan James. James left Knoxville last Thursday to return home to Suwanee to counsel with his family and gather his bearings. According to his high school coach, Bob Sphire, James returned to UT over the weekend and he began classes Monday (James has not answered multiple messages since last Wednesday)

Calhoun’s Da’Rick Rogers, Nash Nance to visit Tennessee

Georgia fans who thought the storm had blown over for Da’Rick Rogers when Tennessee’s Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron blew out of Knoxville are going to have to think again. The Vols, under the direction of new coach Derek Dooley, were back in Calhoun Monday night recruiting both Rogers, a longtime Georgia commitment and the No. 1 player in the AJC’s Top 50, and his quarterback/best friend Nash Nance. Once again, the record-setting duo has agreed to take an official visit to Tennessee. The date was arranged after UT offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, one of the lone holdovers from Kiffin’s staff, visited with the two players in the Nance home Monday night.

UGA, Georgia Tech, Tennessee coaches visit Centennial DE

Centennial's Euclid Cummings was a popular player with college coaches today. He received visits from Georgia offensive line coach Stacy Searels, Georgia Tech receivers coach Buzz Preston and Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. The new Volunteers coach made a favorable impression on the 6-foot-4, 230-pound defensive end. "I like [Kiffin]," Cummings said. "He seemed to be an honest person. He kept it real with me." In recent weeks, Cummings has said he's considering scholarship offers from Georgia Tech, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. So is Cummings now interested in Georgia? "I would be if they offer me," he said.

Ole Miss, Tennessee inquire about North Atlanta QB Londry-Jackson

Interest in North Atlanta quarterback Jamal Londry-Jackson's continues to rise. Injured during his junior season, Londry-Jackson threw for 1,652 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior campaign. He rushed for 276 yards and five scores. Those numbers caught the attention of new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who visited Londry-Jackson's home earlier today. "I was still at school, but coach Kiffin talked to my mom," said Londry-Jackson, who received a visit from Georgia Tech assistant Buzz Preston on Monday. "He said I have a good live arm, am athletic and good at my position. But I don't fit into their pro style of offense that they're going to run. "My game is out of the shotgun because we ran the spread. But he took my package and said he'd spread the word about me." The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Londry-Jackson also spoke with coaches from Kent State and Ole Miss today. "We talked to [assistant] coach [Tracy] Rocker of Ole Miss tonight on the phone," Londry-Jackson said. "He seemed interested. He said they'll call me next week. "They'll let me know, yes or no, about an offer then."