re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

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Tyler Shelvin told me on Friday that he was shutting his recruitment down and would not be taking any more visits. That is the good news.

The bad news is that from an academic standpoint there are still some hurdles that he must overcome the second half of the year with correspondence courses being a route he is already going to replace some classes. It’s going to be very close as far as qualifying academically and will likely even go into the summer.

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Updated from Rucker (Vols reporter)

"The highlights... 
-This was Ray's fifth trip to Tennessee but first time he stayed overnight. He loved the trip, said Vols "definitely" helped themselves. 
-Trey Smith was his host. He and Trey get along really well and already knew each other, so and they had a great time. 
-Ray loved talking to the Tennessee coaches and getting to hang out with everybody, fun games like bowling and stuff, etc. 
-Walt Wells and Steve Stripling are probably gonna visit him Tuesday this week. 
-Still planning on visiting Alabama and Florida the next two weekends, still has Vols, Tide, Gators, OleMiss and MissState in top five. 
-Still planning on NSD decision, most likely."

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Austin Price | VolQuest

From Friday night to Sunday in the early afternoon, Tennessee had LaBryan Ray's full attention. The smooth yet aggressive defensive end from Madison, Alabama left Knoxville very impressed.

"The visit went really well," Ray said. "Me and my family had a great time. From start to finish it felt like a family and I felt comfortable. We did a lot of fun things and had a great time."

The Tennessee staff has been with Ray every day since coaches could be back on the road last Thursday. They have left their impression and they worked Ray using the family approach.

"Coach Wells, coach Strip and coach Ollie are all guys I have really good relationships with," Ray said. "They have been on me for a while and I've had the time to talk with them and get comfortable. Coach Wells knew my brother from his time at Western Kentucky. It's good and refreshing. Brandon knows a little bit about him. He's a great dude and a great coach."

Tennessee had each prospect out for several fun events over the weekend. That included a night at the bowling alley where Ray wasn't quite as impressive as he is between the white lines.

"I'm alright," Ray said with a laugh. "Coach Wells beat me one time and he isn't going to let me live it down. From then on, he let me hear about it. He's a character."

His host was new Vol Trey Smith. A wise move to put a current team member that is actually in the same class as Ray with the big defender.

"I was happy to find out that Trey was my host," Ray said. "I've got to know him from camps and other things. He showed me around and we had a good time. He's a good dude. We went against each other in practice at the Under Armor game and we actually talked about it a lot this weekend."

The natural reaction is to think Ray will end up at Alabama. He begs to differ and is quite clear that he is approaching each school with the same mindset. Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Mississippi State join the Vols in the final five for Ray with trips to see the Tide and Gators the next two weeks.

"I'm taking visits and I'm going off of me and my time," Ray said. "I'm not in a rush. I'm trying to make the best decision for me and my family. It gives me time to think about everything. I think my (personality) benefits me. It's the way I was raised in how I act and how I carry myself."

After the visits to Tuscaloosa and Gainesville, Ray will take time to pray and think about his best fit. He knows what he's looking for and is patiently searching.

"You have to go somewhere that is comfortable," Ray said. "The family part is something that is very important. If football isn't in play, can you see yourself there going to school. Those are things you have to think about. I didn't used to view it that way, but now I do. Obviously playing time is also important and how many people are at your position."

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Yea, there is a LSU lurker.

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