So now Tennessee has landed the nation’s No. 1-rated recruit, running back Bryce Brown.

I think Brown is a talent who could one day contend for the Heisman.

HOWEVER.

The baggage this kid brings with him to Knoxville is tremendous and his presence would have been treacherous to any program–hence the fact that most schools wanted nothing to do with him by the time signing day rolled around.

Furthermore, let’s keep it real.  This kid is NOT an Adrian Peterson-type of talent.  I’d be shocked if he had a huge freshman season.  Remember, he played high school in Kansas, against a very low level of competition.  He will take time to adjust.  Let’s also not forget that the sole reason he was ranked the top player in the country by Rivals was his performance in an All-Star game. 

So, color me skeptical about his immediate impact, though I do think he will eventually be very good. 

And finally, I think this is another bad move by the King of the Offseason, Lane Kiffin.  The short term prestige of landing the nation’s top recruit could result in some long-term pain for the program down the road.  But Kiffin seems to have no problem pushing the envelope when it comes to NCAA regulations.  Luckily, Kiffin does have a veteran staff around him to help keep Brown and his entourage in order.  But make no mistake, it’s a gamble that could come back to haunt the Vols.