Episode 141: Vols find QB, still searching for OC

GoVols247's Wes Rucker, Patrick Brown and Ryan Callahan went into Fort Rucker Studio to break down a hectic week full of highs and lows for Jeremy Pruitt's rebuilding Tennessee football program. Just days after ending their regular season with a tough loss at in-state rival Vanderbilt that removed them from bowl contention and learning that offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tyson Helton, Pruitt changed the narrative by securing a commitment from Atlanta-area native Harrison Bailey, the nation's No. 59 overall prospect and No. 3 pro-style quarterback prospect in the 2020 industry-generated 247Sports Composite. Adding a commitment from an elite quarterback prospect when you don't have an offensive coordinator or quarterbacks coach is a stunning achievement, and it's something Pruitt needed to flip the script after Tennessee ended the season with rough performances against Missouri and Vanderbilt. This podcast episode begins with a quick look back at the Vanderbilt loss and the 2018 season before flipping forward to things currently on Tennessee's radar — the impact of Bailey's commitment and the ongoing search to replace Helton. A few prominent names have ben mentioned in connection with Tennessee's OC vacancy, and the strengths and potential snags with some of those candidates are discussed in this episode. This episode also touches briefly on sophomore quarterback Will McBride's decision to leave the Tennessee program in search of more playing time. McBride always kind of seemed to be the player squeezed the hardest by Tennessee's new offensive scheme, and him being passed by freshman JT Shrout in the pecking order late this season left little doubt regarding McBride's future with the program. It's been a busy week at Tennessee, and this episode touches on much of that news.