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Dangerfield gets some respect from UT
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Tennessee’s coaches like Kendall Dangerfield’s results on the field.
They’re waiting to see similar production in the classroom.
The defensive tackle from Giles County High School in Pulaski visited UT last Saturday to watch the Vols’ first full scrimmage of the preseason.
Dangerfield said coach Phillip Fulmer wants to see his ACT score before the Vols will decide whether to offer him a scholarship. Dangerfield said he will take the ACT next month.
“He (Fulmer) said that I’m a good player and a good person,” said Dangerfield. “He said he wants to see me come play for him.”
The 6-foot-2, 265-pound Dangerfield would like to play for UT. He said his trip to Knoxville confirmed that thought.
“I loved it,” said Dangerfield, who’s also received interest from Ole Miss and Middle Tennessee State. “All the coaches were glad I was there. We watched their scrimmage against each other and I loved it.”
Dangerfield said he was impressed when he watched UT’s defense, a unit he could tell is well-coached.
“They get after it and play hard,” he said. “They have good technique and they’re always firing off the ball. They work hard and have fun at the same time.”
Dangerfield said he’s worked hard in the classroom to improve his grades. He took four classes this summer through an online program at Brigham Young.
Giles County coach David O’Conner has helped Dangerfield focus on his academics. O’Conner said Dangerfield will see scholarship offers if he takes care of the classroom work.
“No doubt about it,” O’Conner said last week. “He can play for anybody in the SEC if his grades are OK.”
O’Conner should know. He coached Amobi Okoye, who was selected with the 10th overall pick by the Houston Texans in April, at Robert E. Lee High School in Huntsville, Ala.
Dangerfield said O’Conner and UT’s coaches have given him confidence in his athletic ability. That’s caused him to work harder in the classroom so he can earn a Division 1 scholarship.
“I know I can make it to the next level,” he said. “I just can’t get the big head and think I’m the big stuff.”
© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by andefromtn on August 16, 2007 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck on improving your grades and hope to see you wearing orange in the fall of 2008.
Posted by marc_ash on August 17, 2007 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Its great to see a kid that is outwardly excited about being a Vol. No candy coating on this one to be PC about the schools he's interested in, just passionate to suit up for the Vols.
Get this kid in camp. Parents, help him get the grades he needs.
Posted by Coach_Joe on August 20, 2007 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right marc_ash! When these kids have dreamed of being a Vol and are that excited they are willing to do whatever it takes to be here. You have to be excited of young men like that. This is the kind of guy that will give his heart and soul for his teammates. I can't wait to see him wearing the Orange!
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