The NCAA dropped the hammer on the University of Tennessee Friday for more than 200 infractions under Jeremy Pruitt as head coach from 2018 to 2020.

Most of the violations came in recruiting and direct payments to prospect, current student-athletes, and their families.

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According to the NCAA, Pruitt and Tennessee did not self-report any violations during the three years.

Pruitt has been hit with a six-year show cause. If he is to become employed in an athletically related position by an NCAA program during the show-cause time, he will be subject to a suspension from 100 percent of the first season of his employment.

Pruitt, 49, is an Alabama native and former defensive coordinator for the University of Alabama. He served three stints on Nick Saban's coaching staff as a director of player development (2007-09), defensive backs coach (2010-12), and defensive coordinator (2016-17). He assisted the Crimson Tide to national championships in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2017. Does this mean the Tide will take Pruitt back? No, but it is something to think about. Alabama does have Kevin Steele as its defensive coordinator this season.

Continue to follow touchdownalabama.com for all updates on Pruitt.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.