In recruiting, past is Vols' biggest problem at present

The Vols were actually supposed to be pretty good when they posted losing seasons in 2005 and 2008. So just how far and why the football program slid so far?
Two coaching changes in 14 months set the table for disaster, then there's also the missed recruiting evaluations by one coach and promises made to high-profile prospects by another that could give first-year UT coach Dooley multiple migrains this fall.
The past is the present in the Vols downward spiral, recruiting or lack of is a big reason why UT's talent is lacking. In retrospect, national rankings predicted some of the downfall.
In two of former coach Fulmer's last three seasons, he couldn't manage to secure a class in the top 20, this was a given for UT's second-most successful coach of all time.
Fulmer's 2006 class, which could still be contributing now via red-shirted players, ranked 24th and 23rd by Scout.com and Rivals.com, respectively. The 2008 class, which had limited scholarships available, ranked 35th by both recruiting services.
Here is the final nail in the coffin two of Fulmer's most highly rated final classes were shaken by departures. Five players from the 2006 class left the program, didn't qualify academically or were dismissed. Four have been lost from the 2008 class. From those two classes, UT lost four offensive linemen, a glaring weakness for 2010.
UT's 2007 class was the exact opposite, it was highly ranked, but has since been one of the most disappointing signing classes in recent memory.
The 32-member class was ranked fourth and third in the nation by Scout and Rivals, respectively.
However, 17 of those signees didn't complete their eligibility. They either never made it to campus because of academic issues, were dismissed after they arrived or left the program.
Fulmer can't be blamed for all of the recruiting misfires. Former coach Lane Kiffin's recruiting approach may have cost the Vols a trio of talented prospects.
Tailback Bryce Brown is expected to leave UT after one season, disenchanted by the coaching change. The UT's football department believe he is disappointed that he didn't play even more in 2009.
Kiffin's talent-first approach may also have caused UT's former staff to overlook character issues with two highly touted players.
The Vols were forced to dismiss receiver Nu'Keese Richardson and defensive back Mike Edwards after the two were charged with attempted robbery.
Then there's the loss of players, due to, two coaching changes in little more than a year.
All that has resulted in 30 UT signees failing to complete their eligibility.