re: How long could it take Tennessee to make it back

1 word, recruiting, explains their limitation at this point, regardless of how good or bad surrounding factors are.

As long as you are a fish in a pond that routinely has several classes in the top 10, and you are not, I don't see them returning to success.

And unlike most SEC states, they can't make quick progress with a big, unified, in state haul.

I am not trying to rub it in with the Big Orange, it's just that I have lived in Tennessee for over 10 yrs., and for 6 in KnoxVegas, and their success under Fulmer was on the national stage in recruiting. ( Example: Peyton Manning, Casey Clausen) I am unsure with how far they have fallen here. It doesn't seem to be a focal point of discussion among the talk shows here.

Finally, they look to lose Bray, Hunter, and Patterson. They will not be easily replaced.

With Vandy rising, and so many other good SEC teams presently, UT is on the outside looking in.

Oh, and the new coach supposedly has not had experience recruiting the South. So, how long they stay this way remains to be seen. James Franklin is an excellent example of how quickly things can improve in this state.