Jeremy Pruitt isn’t the only one that believes some of the Vols weren’t up to the challenge of facing the No. 1 team in the nation.

Pruitt made that very clear during halftime with his Volunteer team down 48-14 and again in during his post-game comments during Tennessee’s 58-21 loss to the Crimson Tide. In fact, the Tennessee coach said things won’t get better until some recruits are signed by his program. These comments were particularly interesting when you consider Pruitt has yet to publically call out any of the players he inherited when it took the job in Knoxville.

Interestingly enough, defensive back Nigel Warrior said much the same following the huge loss to Alabama.

“Not everyone was prepared to play this team,” Warrior said after the game during his post-game media availability. “We just had some mishaps. Players not coming to play, things like that. We’ve got to have more people come to play. That’s pretty much it.”

Here’s Warrior on what leads to his belief that the moment proved to be too big for some Tennessee players.

“What leads to that? It has to be in your heart, I guess. It’s all in your heart. That’s where it all comes from,” Warrior continued. “Just being prepared, it’s all preparation. Preparation is going to get you prepared for what’s to going on. I guess some people weren’t prepared. They are still working, don’t get me wrong, we just had some mishaps, like I said.”

The Tennessee defensive back also added this comment before declining why some players aren’t coming out ready to play.

“You can sense the man next to you not in his rhythm and things like that,” he said.

With the fate of Tennessee’s postseason hopes potentially on the line next weekend at South Carolina, it would appear many Volunteers have to do some soul searching following this tough loss to Alabama. If the players in question don’t improve, there’s little hope that the Vols will make it to a bowl game. However, if they answer the call, there’s plenty of reason to believe this team could be playing come bowl season.