The one, the only… Gene Cross.

The 36-year-old Cross has received recognition as one of 10 assistant coaches “ready to take the next step” to become a head coach by CBSSportsline.com and also as a top 25 recruiter by Rivals.com.

Cross… has extensive recruiting ties in Chicago. That’s an area UT has had much recruiting success in recently, signing Chicago natives such as Florentino Valencia, Jerrah Young and Tyrone Kent.

Unfortunately, I’m not able to make the press conference, or I’d have some more for you after the meet-up. But I think I like the notion of hiring an up-and-comer instead of a down-and-outer. For a big, fluffy, snuggle piece from when he was hired at Notre Dame, mash this thing right here.