KNOXVILLE—Butch Jones and Co. added five bricks (if you’re not familiar with the “brick” terminology, read here) over the last six days in what amounted to a wildly successful “Foundation Week.” For perspective, Tennessee had FIVE total commitments at this point last season and signed 23 players in 2013; yet the Vols have 24 commitments in the 2014 class….in July.

Remember the consensus when Butch Jones was hired? The vast majority of people thought he was a good coach but questioned his ability to recruit at an SEC level? Fast forward less than eight months and the Vols have the No. 1 class in the nation according to Rivals, Scout, and 247Sports. ESPN’s system doesn’t account for junior college prospects, and the Vols have three highly-rated JUCO players committed at this point; even so, ESPN still rates the 2014 Vol class 4th nationally.

That’s a 1st, 1st, 1st, and 4th for the first full class of Jones’ tenure; and simply put, there’s not a better recruiting class assembled nationwide. Jones has answered the biggest question mark on his resume and answered it soundly. Yes the Vols need more linemen, but trust him to get the job done. At this point, only a loon (or a Vandy fan) would argue he doesn’t have a plan.

Below you’ll find info and analysis on every recruit who pledged to be a Vol during “Foundation Week.” Before we get there, one word of caution. Don’t let Jones’ recruiting success lead you to unrealistic expectations for the coming season. The 2013 Tennessee roster has several holes, and the highly-touted prospects you’ll read about below won’t wear orange until 2014.

Cortez McDowell

Consensus 4-star
6-1, 205 pounds, Safety
Locust Grove, GA (Locust Grove)

McDowell, who many thought was going to commit during his visit for the Orange and White Game, made his pledge to play for the Vols early last week. He’s one of the nation’s top safety prospects and hold offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and a host of other programs. At 6-1, 205 pounds, he has near prototypical size for a safety. He’s a smart defender who reads opposing offenses quickly and is rarely caught out of position. McDowell is also a big hitter with above average speed who can cover a ton of ground. He is comfortable playing zone or man coverage and could play free safety, strong safety, or outside linebacker for the Vols. For highlights from his junior year, click here.

Ray Raulerson

Consensus 3-star
6-4, 280 pounds, Offensive Tackle
Tampa, FL (Plant)

Though not the highest rated pickup of “Foundation Week,” Raulerson was arguably the most important. The Vols are likely to lose their entire starting offensive line after the season, which makes adding linemen to the 2014 class paramount. With his commitment Thursday afternoon, Raulerson joined Coleman Thomas and Orlando Brown as the third offensive lineman in the 2014 class. Tennessee OL coach Don Mahoney likes linemen who can play multiple positions and Raulerson fits that bill. His technique is well ahead of most high school linemen and he can play all five offensive line positions. Look for him to play guard for the Vols, but his athleticism combined with a frame that can support some added pounds could result in him seeing time at tackle. He’s equally skilled in the pass and run game and should be a great fit in Jones’ balanced spread offense. Raulerson holds notable offers from Auburn, Louisville, Kentucky, Oklahoma State, and Vanderbilt. For highlights, click here.

Dominique Booth

Consensus 4-star
6-1, 200 pounds, Receiver
Indianapolis, IN (Pike)

One of the top receivers in the nation and one of Tennessee’s 11 ESPN top 300 commits, Booth was a silent commitment for at least a month before his public Friday pledge to sign with the Vols. A versatile player, he can play in the slot or outside. Despite playing the majority of the season with a soft cast on his right hand, he caught 67 passes for 853 yards and 13 TDs as a junior. “He’s tough to get down to the ground,” Steve Wiltfong, a recruiting analysts for 247Sports.com said in a report. “He’s a big, physical receiver. He has good hands. He loves playing.” Booth fights for yards after the catch and isn’t afraid to compete across the middle of the field. He can get open against man and zone coverages and eludes press coverage effectively. He’ll have a chance to compete for playing time the moment he steps on campus and plans to enroll early. With his commitment, it’s not likely the Vols will add another receiver in this class unless Josh Malone warms on Tennessee. Booth holds notable offers from Alabama, Florida State, Vanderbilt, Clemson, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. View his highlights here.

RaShaan Gaulden

4-star Rivals, 3-star 247, Scout, ESPN
6-1, 180 pounds, Safety
Spring Hill, TN (Independence)

Rated as the No. 6 player in Tennessee, Gaulden is a teammate of the first member of the 2014 class, Vic Wharton. After multiple campus visits, Gaulden pulled the trigger and committed to Butch Jones and Co. Saturday afternoon. He’s being recruited to play cornerback for the Vols, though he could also play safety if he adds weight. An aggressive player who explodes to the ball, Gaulden runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and led his team in tackles with 68, plus accounted for 2 sacks and 4 interceptions last year. He also lettered in wrestling and track. He takes proper angles to the football, is rarely out of position, and has the fluid hips necessary to break from a back pedal and hit his stride without missing a step. Gaulden holds notable offers from Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and others. For highlights, click here.

Kevin Mouhon

4-star 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN, 3-star Scout
6-2, 220 pounds, Linebacker
Norcross, GA (Norcross)

Rated as the No. 246 player and No. 12 inside linebacker in the nation by ESPN, Mouhon is a highly-regarded linebacker who has the potential to contribute early. The Vols have long been viewed as the favorite to sign Mouhon, and he made his intentions official Sunday during Tennessee’s inaugural “Foundation Day.” He has a diverse skill set and can be productive in coverage and in run support. Mouhon excels rushing the passer and though he’s being recruited to play middle linebacker, he could see time at defensive. He was offered a scholarship by Tennessee in December and has made numerous visits to Knoxville since then. The talented prospect reportedly runs a 4.6 40-yard dash has great range at the linebacker position.  Last season he recorded 152 total tackles, five sacks, two interceptions, and one touchdown. In addition to Tennessee, Mouhon has notable offers from Ohio State, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Nebraska, and others. You can view his highlights here.

For information on every 2014 Vol commitment, view our Vol Commitments Page.