Vol Watch: Tennessee Volunteers Sports Blog

2011 Offensive Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:46:00 +0000

SEC media days begin soon and at their conclusion the start of the 2011 Tennessee Volunteers football season will be 40 days from beginning against Montana. Derek Dooley is referring to this season as “year one” of his time at UT with last year due to all the chaos that was surrounding the program being “year zero.” Tennessee fans are a lot more optimistic going into this season this year than last as they should be. Many people are predicting an appearance in the SEC Championship for the Vols as the Eastern Division champions. Today we will be explaining the Vols improvement by breaking down the offense.

Quarterback: This is a position that has Vol fans excited. Last year after now senior Matt Simms took his lumps against the meat of UT’s schedule heralded true freshmen Tyler Bray got the final five starts of the season. Bray won the final four games of the season in impressive fashion while making several big plays in the passing game. Bray also played fairly well in his toughest test the Music City Bowl against North Carolina until throwing an interception in the second overtime. The word out of summer camp is that Tyler Bray has dedicated himself to learning to the playbook, studying film and all the other nuances that make up a good quarterback it is also said that the lanky sophomore has put on about 15 pounds. Backing up Bray will be senior Matt Simms. Matt played well in the spring game and still believes he has a chance to upset Bray for the starting job in fall camp. Even if he doesn’t he is a very capable backup and is one big hit away from being the starting QB again. It is good for Tennessee that he has remained committed to the team. Rounding out the position are Doak Raulston and freshmen Justin Worley. Worley the Gatorade national player of the year is expected to redshirt.

Running back: Last year’s starter, senior Tauren Poole, returns after a thousand yard season as a junior. Poole is expected to carry the load again. While Poole won’t be confused with Trent Richardson or Marcus Lattimore anytime soon he is a solid back who runs hard and had some big breakaway runs last year. Behind Poole will be sophomore Rajion Neal who is a threat catching passes out of the backfield and showed some big play potential as a freshman. However, it is unclear if he could handle the load in between the tackles in the event of a Poole injury. UT does have a big back on the roster in sophomore Toney Williams (6-0 220). Williams was impressive in the spring game but he has yet to make an impact in a game since arriving at UT I expect that to change this season, especially in goal line situations. The position is rounded out by incoming freshmen Tom Smith and Marlin Lane, both hail from the state of Florida. Some people in the know have been raving about the four-star prospect, Lane, in UT’s off season workout program some even comparing him to former UT back, Jamal Lewis. Sophomore Channing Fugate returns as the starting fullback. Offensive Coordinator Jim Chaney hopes to use him as a weapon out of the backfield as well.

Wide Receiver: This is the position that has UT fans giddy about next season. Mostly because of freak athlete Justin Hunter (6’4 200) who reeled in seven touchdowns as a true freshmen last year. Hunter is joined by fellow sophomore and former five-star prospect Da’Rick Rogers (6’3 215) Rogers has NFL ready measurables already (height, speed, strength etc.) depending how much he has matured this offseason as an individual and route runner he could join Hunter as a potential All-SEC player this Fall. Da'Rick is also expected to be a factor as a kick returner this fall. Nashville native, junior Zach Rogers joins Da’Rick and Justin as the other expected starter. The wild card of this position is sophomore Matt Milton (6’5 210). Milton a former high school quarterback has had some trouble with the transition to wide receiver but he has the raw talent to be a special player for the Vols as well. Rounding out the depth chart are freshmen Vincent Dallas and DeAnthony Arnett. Both will have an opportunity to break into the rotation during upcoming fall camp.

Offensive Line: This is the position that will be the most improved for the Vols this year. The group of true freshmen that took its lumps last year for the Vols now has a year of SEC experience and a year of college strength and condition under their belts. Ju'Wuan James, Zach Fulton, and James Stone who all started as true freshmen last year will be markedly improved. The O-Line is also bolstered by Nashville native, Notre Dame transfer, Alex Bullard. Bullard was named the surprise of Spring-practice by the coaching staff and is expected to start as well this fall. Right now Bullard is slotted at center with the left-handed Stone moving from center to left guard. Junior Dallas Thomas rounds out the starters at left tackle. Thomas was limited at times last season due to injury but at 100% he is a solid SEC tackle. This offensive line has the potential to be really special this year and next being the biggest line UT has had in recent memory. From left to right it will be Dallas Thomas (6-5 305) James Stone (6-3 308) Alex Bullard (6-2 309) Zack Fulton (6-5 330) and Ja’Wuan James (6’6 324). The classic o-line set up of a bigger, power, right side of the line. I expect a lot carries for Poole and co. to the right side. This line will also be much deeper than years past. Freshmen Marcus Jackson and Antonio Richardson will push for playing time as well as sophomore guard JerQuari Schofield.

53 Days Get Excited:

Prediction.

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:45:00 +0000

I expect neither team to be able to run the ball. Pittsburgh's banged up offensive line wont be able to block BJ Rajii and company and the famous steel curtain will shut down James Starks and the Packers rushing attack. The difference will be the Packers pass offense. Aaron Rodgers will spread the Steelers with Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and Donald Driver for a lot of explosive plays.

Final Score: Green Bay 27 Pittsburgh 13

Filling In

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 06:29:00 +0000

Ramon Foster was not ever expected to even make the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. The Ripley, Tennessee native, was an undrafted free agent after his career as a Vol came to an end. However, the kid who was a three sport athlete in high school and three year starter for the Tennessee Volunteers wasn't going to let the disappointment of going through all 7 rounds and not getting drafted stop him from following his dreams.

Foster made the Steelers roster during training camp and appeared in 14 games his rookie season in 2009. Foster even started 4 games in place of an injured Chris Kemoeatu. However, when the 2010 campaign started, Foster, once again found himself as a backup.

The Steelers O-Line was decimated by injuries all season and Foster was forced back into the starting lineup against the Baltimore Ravens in week 13. Foster hasn't relinquished the starting role this time. Even with the return of Steelers guard Trai Essex, Foster has started seven games in a row, and will be the Steelers starting right guard in the Super Bowl.

Much like the hard task fellow Vol, Packers, Chad Clifton faces blocking James Harrison, Foster will be charged with trying to contain the Packers feared defensive tackle, BJ Raji. Foster's play will be especially important since the status of Steelers regular starting center, Maurkice Pouncey is unknown.

Clifton Familiar With Big Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 06:54:00 +0000

Clifton number 70, was part of the great 1998 Offensive Line.

Chad Clifton a Martin, Tennessee native arrived at the University of Tennessee as part of the 1995 recruiting class. After red-shirting his freshmen year Clifton emerged as a 4 year starter at Tackle during his UT career. The highlight of his career being when Clifton was the starting left tackle on the 1998 National Championship team.

Mike Lombardi, of The National Football Post and NFL Network, spoke with ESPN's Bill Simmons on the BS Report Monday, He expects the Packers to spread out the Steelers and be able to throw at will with their explosive receivers against a Steelers defense that is built to stop the run. If the Steelers are going to win the game he said, "the MVP will have to be James Harrison or LaMarr Woodley because of the pass rush they would have put on Aaron Rogers."

Thus, in his opinion and mine if Clifton the man entrusted with protecting, Aaron Rogers' blindside, is effective in neutralizing the Pittsburgh pass rush, the Packers will be able to win the Super Bowl.

Good news for the Packers is that Chad Clifton has is most famous for being able to come back injuries. In 2002 he suffered a vicious blindside hit from Warren Sapp on an interception return. Clifton’s pelvis was separated and he had to be hospitalized in a Tampa area hospital for a week. The next season Clifton returned to the starting lineup and enjoyed a pro bowl season this year. With two weeks to heal from the stinger he sustained in the NFC Championship game he is fully expected to be ready to go and be a critical part of a championship winning team just like he was for the ’98 Vols.

Super Week Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:17:00 +0000

The Super Bowl hype machine goes into full gear today as ESPN as well as The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers descend upon the Dallas/North Texas area. The Packers will be arriving to their North Texas practice site on Wendesday giving the team off for travel on Monday and Media Day on Tuesday.

Chad Clifton has recovered from his neck stinger suffered in the NFC championship game and is expected to practice all week and start on Sunday. Which is good news for the Packers who had to alter their entire game plan when he left the game against the Bears. Due to Clifton's back up T.J Lang not being able to block Julius Peppers one-on-one. Clifton will have to be at full strength Sunday to be able to protect Aaron Rodgers from Steelers, James Harrison.

Vols In Superbowl

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:43:00 +0000

Well the Super Bowl hype has begun. This year features 4 former University of Tennessee offensive linemen. For the Green Bay Packers, Center Scott Wells, and Tackle Chad Clifton. For the Pittsburgh Steelers Ramon Foster and Chris Scott represent Tennessee on the offensive line. The Packers and Steelers have been riddled by injuries on the offensive line though out the season and into the playoffs. For the Packers Wells and Clifton have been longtime starters on the line and stalwarts in protection for Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers all season. However, Clifton who has had a pro bowl season suffered an injury in the NFC Championship game against the Chicago Bears. The Packers need Clifton had a 100% in the Superbowl against to protect Rogers from the Steeler's James Harrison and the rest of their fierce pass rush.

The Steelers are desperately thin on the offensive line and will be without stand out Center rookie Maurkice Pouncey. Ramon Foster has emerged as a solid starter for the Steelers on the offensive line but rookie Chris Scott has seen minimal playing time all season. One more injury on the line for the Steelers could push him into duty in the most important game all season.

Volwatch will be updated daily up until the Super Bowl. We'll keep following the UT players in the game and their health. As well as take a look back at their time at UT and other great Vol performances in the Super bowl.

1 Point Loss Stings Vols But Earns Due Respect in NCAA

noreply@blogger.com (skasper06) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:01:00 +0000

The only thing Wayne Chism and the Tennessee Volunteers could do when the buzzer went off was sit… silently.

As Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans celebrated after their 69-70 win against the Tennessee Volunteers, the familiar smell of the final four became more distinct. As for The Volunteers, the ride had come to an end.

Tennessee absolutely played their hearts out. On offense, they had ball movement, great shot selection and amazing execution. On defense, they had countless tipped passes and an impressive number of steals. The entire team really stepped up and showed they wanted to win this game. JP Prince didn’t miss a shot the entire game (including three alley-oop dunks) unless you count the half court buzzer beater at the end of the game. The Vols shot an impressive 7-16 from 3 point land, hitting their first six in a row. Overall the Volunteers played great.

There was just one problem though…

Free throws.

Tennessee shot a miserable 14 of 21 from the free throw line. Call it a personal pet peeve, but I can’t stand a bad free throw percentage. When a team is in the Elite 8, fighting for a national championship, you can’t go 14 for 21 from the free throw line. When you only lose by one point and you know you played great, you look at the numbers and that free throw percentage will give you nightmares.

As for Michigan State? Well honestly, they didn’t shoot that much better from the charity stripe going 16 for 21, but without those two points, Tennessee wins by one. See where I’m going with this?

The Spartans definitely had some impressive moments. They matched Tennessee with nearly every shot. Just when Tennessee thought they had something going, Durrell Summers would score 2 of his 21 points and his Spartan teammates would bounce right back.

They were nearly dead even to the very end…nearly. When the final buzzer sounded, Michigan State was just good enough to edge out the Vols and to go to the Final 4 for the fifth time in ten years and will play Butler for a chance to go back to the National Championship game where they have some unfinished business from last season.

Vols headed to first Elite 8 after upsetting Buckeyes

noreply@blogger.com (skasper06) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:37:00 +0000

The Tennessee Volunteers played their hearts out against the Ohio State Buckeyes and earned a trip to their first Elite 8 appearance in school history.

Throughout the entire game it was a hard fought battle, but in the end Tennessee wanted it more. All throughout the game Tennessee showed more poise and determination against the Buckeyes. They had more ball movement, more points in the paint, way more rebounds, and more alley-oops from half court and it all equaled up to more points at the end of the game.

Ohio State had three guys go the full 40 minutes of the game, and only used two bench players; three less than the 10 man rotation Bruce Pearl used with his Volunteers team. I was still impressed with how hard the Buckeyes played using so few players. As hard as they played, they just couldn’t get used to the constant rotation Tennessee threw at them.

Every time Ohio State would get a good tempo going on offense or defense, Tennessee would throw a different player into the mix, which gave just enough difference to throw off the Buckeyes game. Even with the rotation headache, Ohio State had a narrow lead for the majority of the game.

Ohio State unleashed their secret weapon in the second half, Evan Turner. One of the players who played the entire game, Turner finished with 31 points and 7 rebounds. All through the second half he seemed unstoppable. It didn’t matter who was guarding him, he always seemed to hit, and every time he did, every Vols fan got a little bit more worried.

Tennessee had a secret weapon of their own though...

Wayne Chism took over for the Vols in the second half finishing with 22 points and 11 boards. Call it superstition, but when Chism took off his headband early in the second half he transformed into a totally different player. Chism took the lead of his team and showed his teammates the way to the Elite 8.

Helping Chism take control of the game were big man Brian Williams and lefty JP Prince. Williams had 12 rebounds combining with Chism for more boards than the entire Buckeyes team. Not to mention he also hit the go ahead basket with 12 seconds to go in the second half. Prince finished with 6 assists and 14 points, including throwing down a dunk from a half court alley-oop that started Tennessee’s momentum boost early in the first half.

So what does all this mean? It means as amazing as Evan Turner is, he couldn’t beat Tennessee by himself, and even though the Buckeyes played great and showed a few scary moments to Tennessee, the Volunteers finished on top and are headed into their first Elite 8 appearance to face the winner of Northern Iowa and Michigan State on Monday.

Kentucky puts Tennessee out of SEC title contention in third matchup of season

noreply@blogger.com (skasper06) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:19:00 +0000

In the SEC semifinal game I was on the edge of my seat screaming and shouting at the TV as I usually do when I watch any Tennessee basketball game. Tennessee had so many chances, but when it came down to it, they just couldn’t get the job done.

This was an extremely physical game. Every 10 seconds it seemed like a foul was being called on someone, including two technical fouls on both teams and an ejection for UT’s Melvin Goins late in the second half. As hard as Tennessee played, and as bad as they wanted it, Kentucky wanted it more.

Tennessee’s biggest problem all night was they couldn’t hit anything, shooting just 17 of 55 from the floor while Kentucky hit over half of their field goals shooting 25 of 48. What happened to your guys Bruce Pearl???

I’ll tell you what happened. One word: Defense

Kentucky played outstanding defense the entire game. Not once did Tennessee score without being contended. There were times when I thought Tennessee had an easy bucket, and then out of no was a stolen pass, or a blocked shot. It was easy to see Tennessee was playing frustrated all day, and somehow I get the feeling that the arena being full of screaming fans wearing blue didn’t help the Vols’ nerves.

Then on the other side of the court, Tennessee’s defense honestly made me sick. Every time Tennessee left Kentucky’s Eric Bledsoe all alone to shoot beyond the arch, I thought surely they would make the adjustment to keep that from happening again. Instead, Bledsoe hit 5 from downtown without a single one really being contested. Then there was Kentucky’s DaMarcus Cousins. This guy had one of the best games of his season, manhandling the paint on both sides with 19 points and 15 boards.

Kentucky had amazing Defense. Tennessee had none.

Tennessee is a better team than this. They have beaten Kentucky. They have beaten Kansas.

Then again, they have lost to Florida and USC.

So while they definitely are a better team, they are also inconsistent. I know, they lost Tyler Smith and some other talent earlier in the season, but they have proved they can win regardless so to me, that excuse is null and void. If Tennessee can just zone in on their true capabilities, they can and will do some damage in the NCAA tournament.

Sunday, Kentucky will face Mississippi St. for the SEC championship, and they have truly earned the right to be there. Kentucky has an amazing squad, arguably the best in college basketball. And while the third game between Tennessee and Kentucky this year went to the Wildcats, I have a feeling they will see each other again soon…

New Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Hey everyone below is the debut article from Vol Watch's newest writer, Stephen Kasper, here he profiles the draft prospects of several Vols in the upcoming NFL draft. He also mentions Montario Hardesty's incredible spin move which can be seen here:

Vols in the NFL Draft

noreply@blogger.com (skasper06) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:51:00 +0000

If you’re a fan of more than just the Vols football team and you want to see where our beloved Vols alumni end up in the NFL, this is just the subject for you.

Montario Hardesty, Dan Williams, and Eric Berry are the best Volunteers in the draft this year. With the draft only a few weeks away, what uniform are we likely to see these guys put on after it’s all said and done? Well, the draft is as unpredictable as Armageddon, but I like to think I have a decent guess.

I’ll start with Montario Hardesty. Here’s a guy who I thought should have started his entire college career, even over Arian Foster. He’s got decent speed and the ability not only to break tackles but to evade them. Remember his sick spin move?

So, what are some possibilities for Hardesty in the draft? Well, the NFL free agency isn’t over just yet and with a few big name running backs still available it’s hard to tell. However, my pick has got to be San Diego. The Chargers cut LaDainian Tomlinson leaving their primary back to be the 5’6” speedy Darren Sproles. While I do love Sproles, especially at his other job (punt and kick returner), I am not convinced he can handle the workload of a full time running back.

Don’t get me wrong, Sproles is very good and when he does find a hole he gets through it fast and explosive. San Diego is very confident is Sproles or they wouldn’t have cut an amazing running back in LT. With that confidence they have in Sproles, I don’t see the Chargers making a running back their first priority in the draft. But I still firmly believe they want more depth at the position, and that’s exactly what Hardesty gives to any team. The Chargers have a late pick in each round so I could see them picking up Hardesty with their 3rd round pick. If the Chargers don’t get him, look for Hardesty to go a few picks earlier to the Eagles who released Brian Westbrook, or if he drops a few picks to the Redskins with new running back-crazy head coach Mike Shanahan.

Our next former Vol on the list is Dan Williams. In college we loved his ability to clog the middle and stop the run. That’s what Tennessee has always been known for and he lived up to that responsibility.

The Minnesota Vikings have the one of the best pass rushes in the NFL with Jared Allen and Ray Edwards, but they need some more force in the middle and that’s exactly what Dan Williams would give them from day 1. Their main man in the middle right now, Pat Williams, is soon to retire if not this year, in the near future. With defensive linemen like Gerald McCoy and Ndamukong Suh in the draft, Williams won’t be drafted until they are gone. Lucky for him that’s going to be pretty quick and I see the Vikings picking up Williams at pick 30 in the 1st round.

If the Vikings don’t pick up Williams, look for Rex Ryan and his defense-happy Jets to snatch him up right before the Vikings. If he ends up dropping to the second round and the Buccaneers can’t get Suh or McCoy in the first round with their 3rd overall pick, Williams would be a likely pickup and consolation prize early in the second round for Tampa.

Speaking of Tampa Bay, with the 3rd overall pick in the draft, Eric Berry is next on the list! Ask me and I will tell you I hate thinking of Berry in Tampa Bay. For some reason I just don’t like it, but it’s my honest pick. And I can’t blame the Bucs. They need help at the DB position and Berry will come in as a rookie and give any team an immediate boost not only in the secondary, but on the entire defense. It’s well known that the Bucs would like to have Suh or McCoy, and if either are somehow still available after the first 2 picks, The Bucs will go with them and what I predicted with Dan Williams becomes more possible.

If this does actually happen, and the Bucs don’t get Berry for Suh or McCoy, it won’t be long before Berry is picked up. Predicting where he might end up is extremely difficult. Just about every team in the top 10 could use the help in the secondary. After Tampa Bay in the draft there is Washington, Kansas City, Seattle, Cleveland, Oakland, and Buffalo. Other than Washington, who I am fairly certain will draft a QB with their first pick, any of those teams are possibilities for Berry. But I definitely don’t see him dropping out of the top 10. The draft is unpredictable, but one thing is certain about Eric Berry’s future. He will completely change how other teams play him and his future team.

A few other Vols to be on the watch for in the draft include John Crompton QB, Rico McCoy LB, Chris Scott OT, and Dennis Rogan CB.

Dooley Speaks

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:26:00 +0000

Derek Dooley spoke at length with the Knoxville Tip Off club a couple days ago very interesting press conference and his first public appearance since national signing day. (If the video doesn't work try a browser other than Internet Explorer.)

SMH

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:10:00 +0000

Well the Lane Train is gone to what is according to him the number one job in America. Some of us would disagree. This is simply a devastating blow to the program. Now many rumors are running around Knoxville as to who his possible replacement will be. Texas D-Coordinator, Will Muschamp and Air Force Head Coach, Troy Calhoun have pulled themselves out of consideration according to the Dallas Morning Star and the Denver Post. ESPN's Joe Schad has said he expects Duke's head coach and former Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe will be one of Athletic Director Mike Hamilton's candidates. There also rumors that some UT trustees are attempting to go behind Mike Hamilton’s back and hire back Phil Fulmer as either coach or AD. Its possibly well known booster “Thunder” Thornton who has never seen quite eye to eye with Mike Hamilton as portrayed by Clay Travis book “On Rocky Top”. Lots more to come as well as some of my eye witness reactions on campus to the aftermath of Kiffin's leaving.

Also, the title is a Swiperboy reference it means shaking my head he says it in a lot of his posts on Twitter.

On the other hand Tennessee teams always respond well to adversity like these guys.

The Home Stretch

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:44:00 +0000

Lane Kiffin is seven games into his inaugural season at The University of Tennessee and despite a 3-4 record, optimism and confidence surrounding the program is at an all time high. Mostly due to success in recruiting and fielding, a team that is much more competitive than last years. Tennessee arguably should be 5-2 with wins over UCLA and Alabama.

However, the would of, should of, could of talk has to end this week. Tennessee faces a fierce pace rushing South Carolina team, led by old UT nemesis Steve Spurrier, on Halloween. If UT can pull out the victory at home an 8-4 record and a possible Chick-Fil-A bowl bid becomes very practical. Montario Hardesty will once again, be called on to carry the load. The run game needs to neutralize SEC sack leader Eric Norwood who will be a huge mismatch for UT’s redshirt freshmen tackle Aaron Douglas.

Prediction: South Carolina’s defense will keep the game close up until halftime but Monte Kiffin’s unit will continue their dominating play as well. Jon Crompton continues his renaissance play that started in the 4th quarter against Auburn. Montario Hardesty goes for 100 yards and a touchdown. The Vols break it open in the 4th quarter for a final of 31-10 UT.

Watch #14 pull an Animal House at the end.

And So It Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Fall practice started yesterday finally giving Coach Kiffin and his staff a chance to start working with the 2009 edition of the Tennessee Vols. The early storyline has to be injuries, especially at wide out. Austin Rodgers is out for the season due to a torn ACL and UT's best deep threat from last year Denarious Moore will sit out until late September from a foot injury. Gerald Jones is also still wearing a cast from off season wrist surgery. However, Jones is embracing a leadership role and practicing despite the cast on his hand. At UT's thinnest position, defensive line expected starter, Wes brown, is continuing to battle knee problems and sat out practice yesterday.

Despite the injury problems, there were several bright spots, including the play of true freshmen Marsalious Teague, David Oku, and Bryce Brown.

Follow the link for a video of yesterday’s practice: http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080409aag.html

Eric Berry also made predictions for the season on ESPN

Links Round Up

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:10:00 +0000

Breaking News BJ Coleman is leaving the program read more here: http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2009/apr/23/coleman-leaving-vols/

Here is an inside look at spring practice:

In the next few days I will post my thoughts on spring practice, the QB situation, and start previewing the 2009 season.

What Can Brown Do For You?

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Bryce Brown commits to Tennessee @ Rivals Video

Bryce Brown the number 1 prospect in the country committed to the University of Tennessee today. Brown is a 6'0 FT 215LB running back from Wichita, Kansas. Brown said that his last visit to UT last weekend was what led him to make his decision. Brown also said that he liked what he saw from the offense during spring practice and that he thinks the Vols coaching staff can help him reach the NFL.

Watch this video of some of Brown's highlights and hear why anaylsts think he is the best prospect in the country:

News Round Up

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:35:00 +0000

First off Spring Practice begins today It will be the new staffs first chance to see what these players can do on the field in person since coming to Knoxville. The staff has already begun to shake things up by moving Rico McCoy a 2-year starter at weak side linebacker to strong side. Linebacker coach, Lance Thompson, believes this will free McCoy up to rush the passer more. Sacks are definitely expected to come at a premium this year following the loss of Robert Ayers and the continued lack of depth at defensive tackle. Thus, any added production from McCoy who has knack for big plays would be a big bonus for the defense.

The staff has also already been at work shaking things up on the offensive side of the ball moving a pair of tight ends. Redshirt freshmen, Aaron Douglas to tackle and former Florida State standout, Brandon Warren, to wide receiver.

The battle for the starting quarterback job also became clearer following Nick Stephens wrist injury. Stephens is expected be out 3 to 4 works after he injured his wrist falling during a non-contact drill. This opens up the door for Jon Crompton to emerge as the starter once again going into fall camp. One can only hope his bounce pass will have a little more zing on it this year.

In other news, Coach Kiffin has continued to make waves. South Carolina recruit Alshon Jeffreys, was the subject of a fierce recruiting battle between Tennessee, USC, and South Carolina. Recently told ESPN’s Chris Low that Lane Kiffin told him that if he chose the Gamecocks, he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life like all the other players from that state that had gone to South Carolina.

What can I say? Kiffin is the man.

As recruiting battles heat up, oddsmakers in Vegas and elsewhere begin to make their opinions known.
If online betting is your thing, remember,
this is Coach Kiffin's first class, the class of 2014, and they won't see the field for
another year (or two if they red-shirt). Be smart when wagering and know your limits.

Friday’s practice the first in full pads will be open to the public in Neyland Stadium you can read more in Kiffin’s letter to the fans here:http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031009aaa.html

Lastly, The Vols added yet one more prospect to the 2009 recruiting class when Oklahoma native David Oku picked Tennessee over Auburn and Syracuse. Oku is the second rated all-purpose back on Rivals.com and should be a strong addition to the Vols backfield in the future.

Check out David Oku:

Kiffin V. Meyer

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:04:00 +0000

As the Sports Center report sums up Kiffin made some accusations towards Florida coach Urban Meyer the other day, which has caused quite a fuss in SEC country. It has left Florida fans in an uproar while Vol fans can just add to the list of fan bases of whose skin Lane Kiffin has managed to get under while at UT. Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier have also not hidden there contempt of Kiffin during his tenure in Big Orange Country.

However, other ESPN personalities have not responded as well to Kiffin as the PTI guys Tennessee alumni Gene Wojoiciechowski wrote this scathing article about CLK on Friday. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/storycolumnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3887550&sportCat=ncf

Wojoiciechowski is also being echoed in Crimson Tide country: http://www.al.com/sports/birminghamnews/kscarbinsky.ssf?/base/sports/1233911763228540.xml&coll=2

I have to say that I disagree with these two columns and think that Kiffin is a genius. I am willing to bet that Kiffin knew already that Meyer wasn’t breaking the rules but rather knew what a media firestorm it would create if he did call out the Gators. Thus, in the aftermath of signing day all that ESPN has been talking about college football wise has not been the great classes that LSU and others landed but rather the Tennessee Volunteers. As they say, any publicity is good publicity. Now following the fall out of Kiffin's accusations we find out that Nick Montana, (yes Joe Montana's son) will be visiting UT next week. I think it's clear that CLK is smarter than Al Davis thought after all.

In addition, I cannot wait for Sept. 19 even though UT will surely be huge underdogs against the Gators UT vs. UF will finally have the same spark it did before Spurrier left for the Redskins.

Signing Day Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Lane Kiffin’s first signing class has officially materialized this week following the late commitment of Louisiana native Janzen Jackson. In VolWatch’s opinion this recruiting class is a big success considering Kiffin had only two months to recruit players and most of that time was spent putting together a coaching staff giving the coaches even less time to recruit players. The Big Orange signed 20 players this year and the class has been ranked 18th by Scout.com, 17th by Rivals.com and 15th by ESPN. Standouts of this class are safety Darren Myles JR, of Atlanta, CB Janzen Jackson, and WR Nu’Keese Richardson who de-committed from Florida and signed with Tennessee on Wednesday.

Kiffin also began putting up the proverbial fence he promised to put around Tennessee recruiting wise when he was first hired. The Vols signed former Hillsboro star and state championship MVP, Eric Gordon. Paris, Tennessee native Marsalis Teague also de-committed from Florida on Wednesday before signing with the Vols. The pair of four-star prospects are both expected to play Corner back in college however; Teague could also see time as a slot receiver. Seven Tennessee natives are part of this year’s recruiting class.

There are a pair of a potential diamonds in the rough with this class as well. Stone Mountain, GA native Robert Nelson given only one star by scout.com and three by Rivals is considered by UT’s staff as one of the best linebackers in the country and was rated by the staff as a five star prospect. They felt that Nelson has been underrated because of his height at only 5-11. However, the rock of Monte Kiffin’s defenses in Tampa Bay, Derrick Brooks, is listed at only 6 foot himself. Sounds like the new UT coaches knew exactly what they were looking for and got it with Robert Nelson. OL coach James Cregg also called OT prospect JerQuari Schofield the best tackle in the country. Based on the film he has watched of over 50 tackle prospects.

View a complete list of Tennessee’s commitments here: http://www.govolsxtra.com/gvx/football/signees2009/

Check out Tennessee's Nu'Keese Richardson Making Plays at WR:

Coaching Staff Finalized

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Lane Kiffin finally has finalized his first coaching staff at the University of Tennessee. Joining Kiffin on the staff will be his father Monte Kiffin long time defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and widely regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators in all of football.

Jim Chaney will be joining the staff from the St. Louis Rams as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Chaney gained most of his notoriety as the offensive coordinator for the highflying Purdue teams of the Drew Brees and Kyle Orton era. However, he says that after his time in the NFL he has learned to appreciate more the importance of the running game. Thus, Vols fans should not be expecting an offense that throws 40 times a game. Either way it will still be Lane Kiffin that calls the plays.

Former Ole Miss Head coach Ed Orgeron joins the staff as recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach. Orgeron is a great recruiter he used to hold the same title of the USC Trojans and is credited for assembling the talent of the Ole Miss team that recently won the Cotton Bowl in decisive fashion. Since leaving Ole Miss, he has been the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints.

Lance Thompson joins the staff from the University of Alabama as linebackers coach. While at Alabama, he was named recruiter of the year by Rivals.com.
Eddie Gran joins the staff as running backs coach from Auburn. While at Auburn, he coached many notable running backs such as Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, and Brandon Jacobs. Gran also fills the coaching void that was very apparent under the final years of Fulmer’s regime and that is the official title of a special teams coach. Hopefully the Big Orange won’t be giving up so many big punt returns next year.

David Reeves, Lane Kiffin’s brother-in-law, joins the staff as quarterbacks coach from South Carolina where he was also the recruiting coordinator. It will be his responsibility to mold a productive starter of the quarterbacks already on the roster since it does not appear UT will sign one in this year’s recruiting class.

Willie Garza joins the staff as defensive backs coach. Garza played the position at Texas during the 90’s and has spent the past 3 years as North Dakota State’s defensive coordinator.
Frank Wilson and James Cregg round out Kiffin's first staff. Wilson coming from Mississippi State will coach Wide Receivers. Cregg was the offensive line coach for the Oakland Raiders under Kiffin, and while at UT, he will coach tackles and tight ends.

Lastly a Video To Remind Everybody of the Good Times

It's Offical

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:30:00 +0000

Monte Kiffin confirmed reports today that he will be joining his son, Lane, at The University of Tennessee next season. Monte Kiffin is widely regarded as one of the best defensive minds in all of football and is most famous for being the architect of the traditional stout Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense.

More On the Story: http://blogs.usatoday.com/gameon/2008/12/monte-kiffin-wi.html

Recruiting Update

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:42:00 +0000

Lane Kiffin put down his first fence post around the state of Tennessee yesterday. As he promised he would to keep, the best instate talent at UT in his first press conference. When dynamic Hillsboro corner back Eric Gordon committed to UT. The 5-9 185 4-Star prospect said Kiffin was his main reason for picking UT. In addition, Kiffin has told another quarterback prospect that was recruited by Fulmer and his staff that he would not be a good fit for his offense. Bryce Petty of Midlothian, Texas was told in a phone call from assistant coach Jason Michael that he would not be the best fit at UT. While he still had a scholarship if he wanted it, it was obvious to Petty it was time to de-commit. This makes one hope that Kiffin has a surprise QB commit coming so that UT can avoid a repeat of last year’s QB debacle.

more about eric gordon: http://tennessee.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=67441&sport=1

Transition at UT

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:24:00 +0000

As his players carried Fulmer off the field following his final 20-10 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats it became clear that the Phillip Fulmer era had officially ended. Many people had questions about where the direction of the Volunteer football program would be going as well about Phil Fulmer and his staff’s future endeavors.

Fans didn’t have to wait long to find out about the team’s new direction because the next Monday, Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton formally introduced, Lane Kiffin, as the new head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers. Many former Vol legends such as, Peyton Manning, have adopted a wait-and-see attitude towards the hiring of Kiffin. While many fans especially those who were advocating Fulmer’s departure in the first place are ecstatic about Coach Kiffin’s hiring. Sports management major, Chase Woodfin, reacted by saying “When I heard Kiffin would officially take over the job I was excited for the future of our program and was happy with the decision our athletics director made.”

Kiffin brings many changes to the football team. He quickly dismissed most of the assistant coaches, including long time defensive coordinator John Chavis. For now Kiffin is retaining four of Fulmer’s assistant coaches on the offensive side Stan Dayton Latrell Scott Doug Adkins, and Jason Michael. Kiffin is going to evaluate and continue to interview the coaches before he makes a final decision on whether to retain them or not.

John Chavis has not made any public comments on if he plans to continue coaching or not however several sources have let it known that he tops Clemson’s wish list at defensive coordinator.

Phil Fulmer has refused to out rule returning to coaching in the future but it does not seem likely now that he has officially taken an administrative position with the university. Coach Fulmer will serve over the next three months as a “special assistant to the president”. It is unclear what exactly his role will be to UT president John Peterson but the position begins immediately and is effective until Feb. 28.

While the players made it clear they were upset with the forced resignation of Coach Fulmer they for the most part have warmed up to Lane Kiffin. Before the press conference, announcing him becoming the new head coach Kiffin met with the team for 41 minutes and told them that no starting job is safe. Saying they will have to earn everything in practice regardless of what they have done in the past. “He is a different coach than what we are used to. He is all about discipline and is younger so he approaches us differently” offensive guard, Jacques McClendon said. When asked if he thought Kiffin’s NFL experience could help in the SEC McClendon said, “I think the experienced staff he will bring in will help us tremendously. Being at the NFL and at Southern Cal I believe that he has seen everything that there is.”

Through the extensive efforts to make sure Fulmer went out in a dignified way and making sure the coaching search wasn’t long and drawn out the transition from Fulmer to Kiffin has gone as smooth as possible.

Lane Kiffin?

noreply@blogger.com (Graham) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:12:00 +0000

Numerous reports are pouring in from ESPN and the Knoxville News Sentinel that Lane Kiffin will be named the new head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers on Monday. Athletic director, Mike Hamilton is apparently waiting till after Fulmer's final game against Kentucky to make the announcement as to not detract from "Phillip Fulmer Appreciation Day" tomorrow. The Vols are looking to close out the season and Fulmer's tenure with a win against the visiting Wildcats. Phil Fulmer is undefeated against Kentucky and will hopefully continue one of the longest winning streaks in a series in the country.