Tennessee is coming off a winning season, has a competent coach and is positioned to sign a five-star quarterback for the first time since 2002 after Monday's commitment from Nico Iamaleava.

The Vols still must prove they're capable of climbing the SEC East's ladder, but UT is displaying undeniable signs of progress.

On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks discuss the impact of Iamaleava's commitment, what it means for freshman quarterback Tayven Jackson and debate when the last time was that Vols football fans were this excited about the direction of the program.

Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.

Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/

Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe