It is mostly about recruiting

Is it really possible to plug a gaping hole at defensive tackle by moving an end inside? Running short of offensive linemen sounds serious. What happens if you run out? Can the best coach in the world make something out of nothing, transform a sow’s ear into a silk purse?

Contrary to summer faith in coaching miracles, college football 2010 will be mostly about recruiting two or three years ago. You absolutely must have horses to run the race. There are minor points to be scored for unity, emotional uplift and doing the best you can with what you have. The big payoff is based on what you have.

Recruiting is complex. Early evaluation is important. Correct evaluation is even more important. Personal relationships are the next step. Powerful salesmanship is decisive. Beautiful setting, river and mountains. Big stadium. Colorful checkerboards. Fine facilities. Strong support system. Passionate fans. Pathway to the pros.

Recruiters must attempt to read 17-year-old minds. Are parents, uncles or girlfriends the key to decisions? Geography matters more to some. Confident youngsters expect competition but a clear shot to potential playing time looms large for others. What varsity players say when prospects visit may be pivotal.

Tennessee, right now, is trying to persuade Tennessee high school stars to stay home while encouraging Georgia talent to move north for immediate opportunity. Saying proper words and pulling correct strings determines success or failure two or three years from now. Getting it right really matters. Case in point: Randall Cobb. Alcoa High.

In June of 2007, Cobb said yes to Randy Sanders, former Tennessee player and coach, dearly departed and repositioned as quarterback coach at Kentucky. The early commitment was based in part on prior connections.

That fall, Cobb the quarterback led Alcoa to its customary state championship. In 15 games, he rushed for 793 yards and 13 touchdowns. He passed for 1,765 yards and 22 touchdowns. He returned punts and kickoffs. He was simply awesome. Strong student. Good person.

A few miles away, in the sacred halls of UT athletics, second floor, Phillip Fulmer and assorted assistants had spent months between a rock and a hard place. They knew Cobb was a fine athlete who did not fit Tennessee quarterback criteria. The Vols were always looking for another Peyton Manning, not a 5-11 scrambling jackrabbit.

Eventually, that November, Tennessee got around to offering Cobb a scholarship. No question about his several skills and no argument about how short the commute from Alcoa. Randall would make an exciting wide receiver and kick returner. Come on over.

Cobb wanted to play quarterback in college. Sanders said he could play quarterback at Kentucky. Cobb reaffirmed his choice of the Wildcats.

As a UK freshman, he was a quarterback in theory but more receiver in fact. Injuries and ineptness opened a door and Cobb started the final four games at QB. Against Tennessee, Nov. 29, 2008, at Neyland Stadium, Cobb ran 11 times for 22 yards, completed four of seven for 23 yards, returned two punts for 13 yards and retired with an injury. UT won.

Last year, Cobb was Kentucky’s best offensive player, absolutely wicked in the Wildcat formation. He was a playmaker, clutch, a brave guy who fought for extra yards. He had three game-winning touchdowns. He rushed for 573 and 10 TDs, caught 39 passes for 447 and four scores, accumulated 653 return yards and another touchdown and, incidentally, completed five of 13 passes.

He was some of everything against Tennessee in Lexington last November, very difficult for the Monte Kiffin defense to hem up, more than 200 in total yardage. Amazingly, the Vols won. I do believe Montario Hardesty did it.

Cobb, now a junior, is ranked among the best players in the Southeastern Conference. He may be the most versatile. I read, just the other day, that he is a prospect for the Heisman Trophy. That may be a little much. 

I do think Cobb would look very good in an orange shirt. I don’t think Tennessee has a comparable talent. I do think Randall drives very near campus each time he comes home or goes to Lexington. I do not look forward to his next stop at Neyland Stadium.

This is not a sob story about a good one that got away. Somebody made him a low priority. The Vols don’t have space for all in-state high school stars. There are dozens. Tennessee needs only those who can help win games and championships. The secret is picking the best ones out of the crowd.

Thus, we are back to evaluation, early as practical and precise as possible. After that comes the task of establishing relationships, building a comfort zone, showing need, explaining why Tennessee is the best possible place to play football for a Tennessee boy who intends to live in Tennessee.

In some cases, it comes down to coaching honesty or putting on a colorful Hawaiian shirt, playing used car salesman and saying exactly what the prospect wants to hear.

This is the simple summation of college football today. It is about recruiting.

Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is westwest6@netzero.com.