Michael Palardy from Ft Lauderdale chose UT over offers from LSU, Bama, Ark, Auburn and many others.

congrats Vols. This may pan out if Kiffin can get them in field goal range consistently. ;/

Over Alabama? I didn't see his name on the board; not to mention we already have our kicker commited (who also does double-duty as a 220 lb linebacker. I can't wait to see this kid.)

It always sounds good when Bama is mentioned.


RTR

Well, he is scout's top ranked kicker and he got 13 offers which sounds pretty darn high for a kicker. Also, rivals lists him as having an offer from Bama, but maybe he lied.

Yeah he's definitely a great kicker it sounds, but only scout would be ranking kickers while Rivals is still evaluating positional players. I'm pretty sure he had a solid offer from us, but one has to wonder how solid the offer was once Cade Foster and Jay Williams commited. We certainly don't have the room for 3 kickers on scholarship.

Anway, congrats Vols...sounds like a great kicker.

Top kicker Palardy commits to Vols
By Dave Hooker (Contact)
Originally published 07:38 p.m., July 2, 2009
Updated 08:13 p.m., July 2, 2009


Michael Palardy, rated the No. 1 kicking prospect in the nation by Scout.com, has committed to kick for Tennessee.

The kicker from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., made the announcement during a cookout at his home with family and friends on Thursday evening.

Much of Palardy’s decision was based on his visit to Knoxville for UT’s kicking camp in early June.

“When I went up to Tennessee, it speaks for itself,” said Palardy. “Knoxville is unbelievable. It’s like a home away from home.”

Palardy, a commitment for the 2010 class, said he was also impressed with UT head coach Lane Kiffin and running backs/special teams coordinator Eddie Gran, who recruits the South Florida area.

“I love coach Kiffin and coach Gran, what they’re bringing to the table and what they’re doing with their team,” Palardy said.

Palardy visited UT, Alabama, LSU and Florida. He held 13 scholarship offers.

“I’ve seen enough,” Palardy said. “I feel like it’s the right time. There’s no need to prolong it.”

The strong-legged Palardy kicked 98 percent of his kickoffs for touchbacks, converted four-of-five field goals and made 76-of-78 extra points.

UT’s kickoff men Chad Cunningham and Britton Colquitt registered only four touchbacks in 46 attempts last season, although college kickers kick from five yards further back.

Palardy is the third of UT’s 12 commitments that can be credited to Gran. The longtime South Florida recruiter has secured commitments from two other Miami prospects: offensive lineman Jose Jose and linebacker Ralph Williams.

UT has only one scholarship kicker on its roster: Daniel Lincoln. The junior was 10-of-18 in field goal attempt last season.

Palardy is teammates with several other UT prospects from St. Thomas Aquinas, including defensive backs Cody Riggs, Lamarcus Joyner and Keion Payne. Riggs is the younger brother of former UT tailback Gerald Riggs, Jr.

Always picking on a brother.

RTR

Can he play quarterback?

Prolly why he went to Tenn..... we have a great kicker.

Congrats on the pick-up.

Long time between now and signing day, Jerry. I remember making that point several times last season when so many of you were laughing at our recruiting. Didnt turn out too bad for us, did it? Maybe we get Scroggins, maybe we don't. I do think we'll get a guy who can win games for us down the road.]

[quote=Chalk;693208]Prolly why he went to Tenn..... we have a great kicker.

Yea, I'd imagine that was the deciding factor, the bammers already have a kicker.

Of course I'm just breaking your balls here.

[quote=Rockytopman;693210]
See the post right above yours and right below this one....

I sure hope we have a decent season. Give me a chance to break a few balls myself.