He hadnt heard from any UT coach in awhile and was not going to be part of the class, which is why they didnt let him sign early
You're right, you have a conversation with the coach and player, and offer to put in a word with other teams.
You line up other teams then have the conversation/s. You definitely don't send a messenger to handle it.
Best thing a new coach can do is try to right that wrong. He went full stupid and sent a messenger to burn the bridge down. Smart move.
Is there 19 or 20 guys signed right now? They could sign no one and self impose a 5 scholarship reduction.
Roc's final three are UAB, Memphis and Jackson State. They wouldn't let him sign early due to grades. This is more on Pruitt than Heupel, really. They knew in November he probably wasn't going to be part of this class
Heupel should have made the call himself and had a better plan in place before doing so. He definitely burned this bridge and possibly others. Agreed Pruitt started this problem but he could have done a better job handling it. imo