Photo by Clay Owen
Tennessee running back Arian Foster autographs the shirt of Jerrie Larkins of Kingsport television station WKPT-TV during media day Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
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Tennessee publicists apparently didn’t consult with UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe when they decided whom they would promote for individual honors this football season.
In the SEC football media guide, each school has four players pictured as “all-star candidates.” UT’s candidates are quarterback Erik Ainge, safety Jonathan Hefney, linebacker Jerod Mayo and running back LaMarcus Coker.
That’s the same LaMarcus Coker who is listed second team on UT’s depth chart.
“Arian Foster is our starter going in,” Cutcliffe said. “I can’t control what is out there.”
Maybe the UT Sports Information Department was blinded by Coker’s speed. As a redshirt freshman, he rushed for 696 yards and had runs of 89 and 87 yards. Against Marshall, he had 146 yards on only 18 carries. Despite Coker’s impressive first season and obvious big-play potential, he couldn’t beat out Foster in the spring. Foster’s comeback from a disappointing 2006 season bodes well for UT’s running game.
“He’s the No. 1 tailback based on what he did in the spring,” Cutcliffe said. “I’m really pleased with him. I’m also pleased with LaMarcus and Montario (Hardesty).
“I think Arian raised the bar, and people reacted. That’s what has been earned.”
But that’s current, not permanent.
“It doesn’t mean he’s got anything locked up,” Cutcliffe said. “He can be beat out like anyone else here can. I want to see the competition. I think it’s better across the board.”
Foster’s comeback isn’t that surprising. His running ability was obvious as a redshirt freshman when he rushed for 879 yards and a 4.8-yard per-carry average for a 5-6 team. He rushed for 100 or more yards in each of his last five games.
But he didn’t win the tailback job by running alone.
“This is why he’s No. 1,” Cutcliffe said. “He runs the football well. He breaks tackles. He’s got enough moves to make you miss.
“He’s a heckuva pass protector and a heckuva receiver. That’s what you are looking for in an every-down back.”
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
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Comments » 21
RangerForSix writes:
Make the 'simple' and 'fundamental' play Arian. Run hard, protect the QB, make the 'first guy miss you' and just be a 'tough' and 'clever' back! You do those things; and all good things will happen for your 'team' goals. Your 'personal' goals too.
jforte#270419 writes:
Alabama 05 Fumble (not Anderson's fumble that Alabama has memorialized in a print), South Carolina 05 Fumble, Vanderbuilt 05 Stuffed at goal, Penn State 06 Fumble (I'm sure vol fans remember these moments)
I've never seen somebody with such talent have such bad luck or whatever you want to call it.
I wish him the best but if Cut wants the best back on the field he'll put Coker out there. I hope Cut is just pushing Coker to take the spot. Speed is king in the SEC and big play ability means alot. Coker changes what defenses do with his speed.
girdle1998#233171 writes:
Coker is a game changer with his speed. But Foster is the best running back. He has the best vision and cutting ability of all the backs. Injuries and "fumbles" have killed him in the past and in the mind of Vol fans. But if he can stay healthy, I say he gets 1200 yards....
GreerVol22 writes:
I remember a couple of former Vols named Lewis and Henry that had bad cases of fumbilitis....didn't seen to hurt them much. Coach Cutt knows you have to have a clear starter be it at QB, RB, at every position. When one was not clear in '05 we all saw what happened. Its nice to know that we can pop in Coker as needed and with a dual threat back there we can keep 'em guessing. GO VOLS!!!
bloodrunsorange writes:
The first rule in any competition is don’t beat yourself. At least make the other team beat you. Backs putting the ball on the ground, receivers dropping the ball, everyone not on the same play or snap count, not making free throws can and will beat you. The SEC demands focus. Maybe Foster has learned this. I hope all our athletes have learned this simple truth.
vol4jesus writes:
I remember the Vandy game in Knoxville when Toeina(ALBERT) didn't make his free throws(his helmet toss completely miss the rim).last post had free throws in futbol article so I tried to figure out which futbol player missed free throws recently. I know he didn't mean futbol but the round used at t-boling. Pads tomorrow!! GO VOLS!!!
spikevol writes:
oh man, now we have to make free throws too? This game just gets tougher and tougher every year
BOASoldier writes:
That's nothing bryan just wait til next year I hear we are going to have to dribble the ball...
Bigger_Al writes:
Wasn't that Riggs that fumbled inside the 10 against Alabama in 05? (Again, not the Anderson fumble.) My brain cell remembers it that way...
jweaver3#395614 writes:
The great thing about our best running years was the ability to put different backs on the field for a change. Foster, Coker and Hardesty all bring something a little to the table and it will take them all for us to have a GREAT rushing year. We need the speed, power and receiving ability.
IE. Hayden,Stewart,Graham(Cobb and Webb)(Lewis,Stephens and Henry) It takes a team effort in the running game as well as Great line play.
Go Vols!!!!
TXVOLSFAN
PinHead writes:
I fully expect that Zuum-Zuum, (L. Coker) (el two-two)(think Mazda....)will soon be running head and shoulder pads above Msrs Foster and Hardesty. They can spell him for a much needed rest. Just get Danny from Bolivar on the phone and let's get this season started.
GreerVol22 writes:
4jesus, I just suggested a different street. Never the less, humble apology for some late night childish bantor.
vols1086 writes:
i agree. i think coker is that dynamic player that has a chance to score everytime he touches the ball. i don't like arian. i never really have. but if he can finally get those 3rd and shorts and coker gets at least 15 touches a game i dont really care who the starter is.
agentorange writes:
Foster carries the ball like a loaf of bread. i have to hold my breath just to watch him run. i think he'd make a nice fullback, too. plus, coker showed he is just plain better than foster last year.
invisiblekid writes:
SJT18, hope you are right about the offensive line but I have to lean more torward TDTN's thinking in being concerned about them. I think the shift away from the running game last year came after a couple of sub-par performances against the Gators and Air Force to the tune of -11 and 79 net yards rushing respectively. And if you take Coker's long run against Marshall out of the stats, that game wasn't impressive either from a rushing standpoint. I do agree that experience in the backfield should help out in making better reads but that is going to be offset up front with the loss of Sears. I think the further development of McNeil should help and hopefully Chris Scott is ready to step in but that remains to be seen. Going to be interesting to see how things play out the next few weeks in practice, that's for sure.
invisiblekid writes:
Also have to admit I am thoroughly confused at whether we are talking about dribbling a basketball, football or soccer/futbol ball at this point.
scvols writes:
This is the same player that cost us the SC game two years ago and the PS game last year. I hope he wins us so games this year instead of losing them.
TheBurningSensation writes:
Does it bother anyone that were not finding a way, a different offense, that gets both Foster and Coker in the backfield at the same time. Using Hardesty as the back up, and the fullback as the change. (Think Ronnie Brown/Cadillac Williams). It gauled the hell out of me in 1999 when we didn't use Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry at the same time with Onterrio Smith as the backup. You know split the backfield, I formation, traps, counters, quick pitches, etc. I thought we could have repeated in 1999, but chose to show the same thing that won us the Championship. I understand the philosophy of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", but get your best 22 players on the field and expoit the other teams weaknesses (every week). I'm so sick of hearing "We're TN. You gotta come beat us". NO...every week you gotta go out and beat down the other team. Play to win, don't play not to lose. Sorry for the rant. It's my first time in a chat room.
GreerVol22 writes:
And a heck of a post it was! Your probably as orange blooded as any of us and rightlyfully so, frustration is very common around Tennessee football. The only thing I wish Fulmer would fix is punt and kick off coverage. Chief and Cutt will have everyone else ready. We win Florida and LSU last year if we dont give up returns to the 35. If Fulmer does not fix this with the new rule in place, we could lose a couple more that we shouldn't. Ever wonder why 100,000+ gasp at a kickoff, followed by a lady yelling "get him, get him, get him, get him, get him," for what seems like forever? Fulmer, its one of your game maxims. WIN THE KICKING GAME.
rockytop#413695 writes:
Brian, what's up cuz? Stuck here in NC. Can't wait to come to Ktown for a game. Wonder what "special package" coach is going to put in for Berry, Taylor, or whoever. I'd like to see Berry take the snap and have the option of handing off to Foster and Coker, or keeping himself. That would throw some opposing co-ordinators into a panic. Later David Elam.
vmittal#638173 writes:
I cannot believe Coker got suspended. Who will replace him on the media guide? He would've been good to have for the trip to Cal.
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