Strange: When less is more

Suppose the bank installed a foolproof new alarm system. And then nobody tried to rob it.

That’s kind of how it is with Britton Colquitt.

Tennessee has one of the best punters in the nation. But the offense is so productive it doesn’t get to use him very often.

Colquitt is, of course, a Tennessee legacy, the son, brother and cousin of Vol punters. Bled orange since the day he was born, he said.

And yet ?

"There are times,’’ he admitted, "when we have the ball and I go, ‘You know what, I wouldn’t mind if we get stopped, so I could go in there and pin ’em back.’

"Just to kind of spice up the game a bit.’’

Colquitt, only a sophomore, has spiced up UT’s punting game. He’s averaging 46.9 yards per kick.

Look up the NCAA statistical rankings and you’ll find Baylor’s Daniel Sepulveda leading the nation with a 46.2 average. To be ranked requires a minimum of 3.6 attempts per game.

Colquitt has punted only 19 times thus far, an average of 3.2 per game. He’s really at 2.7 attempts over seven games, but the fact that he didn’t punt at all against Air Force isn’t counted against him.

He punted just once, in the final minute, at Memphis. Only against California (5) and Florida (4), has Colquitt kicked enough to keep up with the NCAA minimum.

Among all punters regardless of attempts, Colquitt is third nationally, behind Matt Fodge of Oklahoma State (49.2 yards) and Justin Brantly of Texas A&M (47.1).

Colquitt would enjoy being ranked, but not at his team’s expense.

"Before the (Alabama) game,’’ he said, "I looked at coach (Phillip) Fulmer and said, ‘I hope I’m not in the stats this week.’

"He said, ‘I hope you’re not either.’

"Even if I only get a couple, people are still going to remember them.’’

At his pace, Colquitt will attempt only 32 punts over the 12-game regular season. As a freshman, he booted it 59 times — in 11 games.

Blame it on Tennessee’s revitalized offense.

"That’s a good thing, when the punter is off in the distance,’’ said Craig Colquitt.

Craig is a UT punting legend. His 42.5-yard career average (1975-77) ranks third on the school chart.

And, third in his family.

Jimmy, Craig’s nephew and Britton’s cousin, holds the career mark at 43.9 yards (1981-84).

Dustin, Craig’s son and Britton’s older brother, ranks second, 42.6 yards (2001-04).

Jimmy averaged a school-best 46.9 yards in 1982, which Britton has equaled to this point.

"If he continues on the path he’s on,’’ said Fulmer, "I think he could leave here as the best that’s been here.

"That’s saying a lot, just in his family.’’

The path he’s on is improving from a 41.2-yard average in 2005 as a redshirt freshman.

Why the significant jump? Several reasons.

"More confidence,’’ Britton said. "I’m not going out there thinking, ‘I hope I hit it good.’

"It’s, ‘What can I do with this one?’ "

Fulmer notices:

"He doesn’t have that nervous little freshman look anymore. You can see he’s growing up.’’

None too soon. In 2003, in his first month on campus, Britton had a series of alcohol-related infractions. His only known lapse since was being AWOL for a scrimmage last spring, saying he overslept.

"Britton’s an interesting guy,’’ Fulmer said. "We have a great personal relationship, but I darn sure have to keep him accountable.’’

Craig also has a couple of ideas on why Britton is more accountable.

One, Dustin has made a similar improvement from his rookie year with the Kansas City Chiefs, up from 39.4 yards to 47.3 this season.

"They were always close,’’ Craig said. "Britton always wanted to compete with his brother, and he also sees what could be out there for him.’’

Two, Craig sees a more energized atmosphere on campus this fall compared to last season’s malaise.

"There were so many loose ends (last year),’’ Craig said. "There’s a new emphasis at Tennessee.

"The (David) Cutcliffe move. More coaches are very involved with special teams.

"Even Bruce Pearl in basketball. The dynamics of all of Tennessee’s athletics has changed. I love it.’’

Meanwhile, Britton stands cocked and loaded when needed, even if he’s not needed very often.

"A quarterback,’’ he said, "can throw an interception or two and still have a great game.

"As a kicker, you’ve got to be on your ‘A’ game every time.’’

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.