Ask Griff: Should UT retire Reggie White's number?

It's long overdue, and regardless of politics, Reggie White did enough for this university, community and everyone who knew him on and off the field. An especially nice touch would be to have a scholarship or counseling program for student athletes in Reggie's name.

I have long heard that there was tension between Reggie and the UTAD. Whether it was over a donation or egos. It's time to do the right thing. Griff what's the policy or glitch?

bonzai49@netzero.com

GRIFF: The only numbers UT has retired are those of former players who lost their lives in wartime, and I believe it should stay that way.

There's nothing wrong with honoring Reggie White and retiring his jersey, as the Vols have done with past players like Peyton Manning.

But to change an entire code or tradition because White died an untimely death is overboard and shows an indirect lack of respect for others before him whose numbers weren't retired despite their good deeds and accomplishments.

I think Reggie White was one of the greatest defensive linemen to ever grace this earth. And, yes, he did preach the good word and open many eyes and do good deeds.

But not everyone was so enamored with him. White offended many with comments about other races that I did not agree with.

Hold on to your memories of Reggie and cherish them. It should not matter whether his jersey number is retired or not.

Q: Can you give me some insight on what happened to Jabari (Davis) in terms of his career at UT? I realize that we have two other great running backs, but I feel like he never really got a shot. Almost like C.J. (Leak) at QB. Can you give me some feedback? Maybe he didn't listen tot he coaches or just got beat out by the other two.

Thanks. I feel bad for him and hate that his decision to go to UT was a bad one. It would ease my mind if I knew what really happened.

randall.p.macneill@smithbarney.com

GRIFF: Jabari is academically ineligible for the Cotton Bowl after failing to pass the required amount of credits this fall. He finished this season with a career low 34 yards on 18 carries. This, after getting 124 and 125 carries the past two seasons for more than 500 yards.

Jabari was asked to move to fullback at more than one point in his career, but he resisted the move. Former UT running backs coach Woody McCorvey used Jabari is short yardage situations because the 235-pounder did his best running between the tackles.

There were times when Jabari was in the game and a sweep or pitch was called, and that was not his strong suit. Neither was pass protection.

I, too, feel bad his career never really took off with the Vols. But he was always a very nice young man who carried himself well.

Twice during his career he was named the SEC's offensive player of the week, once in 2002 and once in 2003. Interestingly enough, Cedric Houston has never won player of the week honors.

As for C.J. Leak, he was granted a fair opportunity.

Q: This recruiting class is looking strong. So far, with the possible exception of Georgia, we're right on the top of the SEC. With the remaining six or so slots, Fulmer needs to close a few four or five star recruits to keep this class up we're we want it to be.

My question is this: How critical do you think the Texas A&M game is for the future of the program? I think a win could really give us momentum into next year. It would help in the early season rankings that hurt us this year. It could also secure some of the softer commitments.

A loss seems to confirm Tennessee's position as a bridesmaid over the last few years. Do you think some borderline recruits might shy away from Tennessee if we lose?

cherrieconsulting@runbox.com

GRIFF: I'm sure Fulmer will spend the final five weeks of the recruiting season pressing hard to fill team needs. The recruiting ratings are interesting, but not necessarily accurate when you follow how the players actually develop. I don't waste my time on the number of "stars'' a player has. The questions are, do the coaches like him, does he fit a need, and will he get academically qualified? We won't really know about the kid until he's on campus.

I don't think the outcome of the game is very important to recruiting, unless UT gets absolutely embarrassed. Perhaps if it were the national championship game, that would be different.

You are correct that a win would give the Vols some valuable momentum heading into next season, with both the fans and the polls.

Q: I've been a Vols' fan for a long, long time. Saw my first game in the 1940's. My first Vol hero was Mark Major. Special teams play has always been a Vol trademark. As I recall, we always had a special teams coach. Now it seems like special teams are just a small part of a bunch of different coaches duty and it shows on the field. I've never written a letter or an E-mail before, but could you please ask Coach Fulmer why we can't get better special teams play ... maybe a full time special teams coach.

Knisleyjeff@aol.com

GRIFF: UT's relatively week special teams play this season is a result of low numbers and injuries at the key positions that often provide special team standouts.

Linebackers and defensive backs, for example, often contribute a great deal on special teams. UT has three linebackers out, Kevin Simon, Nick Wilson and Marvin Mitchell, who could be contributing in that area. Ditto in the secondary, where Brandon Johnson was suspended and Antwan Stewart was injured.

Derrick Tinsley, arguably the best special teams player on the team, was lost with a broken bone in his leg earlier this season.

Steve Caldwell handles special teams in addition to his duties as the defensive ends coach. There's nothing wrong with what's being drawn up; the flaw is in the execution by these young, untested players.

Special teams will improve as this team grows older.

Q: If the following eight conferences had a championship game on the first weekend of December (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Pac 10, Big East, Conference USA, Mountain West), then on the second weekend in December have four games matching the eight conference champs, then on the third weekend in December have two games. After this third weekend we know which teams would go to the bowl game designated as the national championship and then the other six teams could fill out the BCS bowls. This is so simple that I'm sure it has been suggested before. Do you think it will ever happen?

hglover40@charter.net

GRIFF: I don't see a provision for Notre Dame in there, nor is the WAC represented. OK, enough nitpicking, I see the idea and think it's a good one. Problem is, the presidents at various NCAA institutions will not back up a playoff plan. Sure, it's more money, but also more stress on the players, according to the presidents.

I think the next step is to play an extra game after the first BCS bowls have been decided. It also looks like the BCS ratings system would be revised to include a panel that would select the eight teams and perhaps the top two teams.

Personally, I'm getting a little frustrated by all the politics involved. Former SEC commissioner Roy Kramer was the only guy to ever really have a firm grip on all of this.

If there can't be a playoff, at least at the 12th game back permanently so the odds of having more than two undefeated teams won't be as high.

Send your questions to Ask Griff at askgriff@aol.com.