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Crompton says 'of course I want to be the man'
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Questions arise when a big-name prospect doesn’t immediately become a starter.
Was he overrated?
Was he given a fair chance to compete?
Tennessee sophomore quarterback Jonathan Crompton has heard all of the above, and many more. In fact, he’d probably like some answers himself.
After all, it’s been more than three years since one of the premier quarterback prospects of the 2005 class announced he would be a Vol. At the time, Crompton’s decision brought excitement — likely not rivaled since Peyton Manning committed to UT in January 1994.
Crompton’s announcement in June 2004, prior to his senior season at Tuscola High School in Waynesville, N.C., now seems like ancient history.
Amid a throng of reporters, television cameras and live radio, the Vols secured what they believed to be their quarterback of their future, and, perhaps, their present.
Crompton’s first season at UT, 2005, was over before it began because of a preexisting shoulder injury. A year later, with an offense to turn around, Crompton wasn’t going to unseat Erik Ainge.
As Crompton began his rehab in the spring of 2006 Ainge seized the reigns. Certainly, UT needed stability after a 5-6 season. Whatever competition had been promised during Crompton’s recruitment was put on hold.
“It’s been hard just because of the competitiveness in me,” Crompton said. “That’s just something I have to deal with. I’m dealing with it a little better. My main goal is for us to win an SEC (championship) and win a national (championship).
“Of course I want to be the man. That’s my goal. That’s always been my goal and I’m going to strive for it.”
Crompton admits there can be a strange balance between simultaneously looking out for his team and looking out for himself.
When is it better to speak up and when is it better to remain silent?
“You’ve got to do what’s best for the team,” Crompton said. “You’ve got to know when to be selfish and when not to be.”
However, Crompton added, “Nobody came to Tennessee to be a back-up. Nobody.”
The Past
Crompton and his family know they’ve lost the respect and admiration of some fans. To some, Crompton is well on his way to being a full-fledged bust just because he hasn’t beaten out Ainge.
Such fans don’t want to hear about the shoulder injury that gave Ainge a prolonged head start. They just want to see Crompton make the sort of plays they expect out of a prospect who was adored long before he ever stepped on campus.
There was certainly a glimpse of that last year. In relief of a hobbled Ainge against LSU last October, Crompton completed 11-of-24 passes for 183 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Crompton’s career highlight to date came when he zinged a 54-yard touchdown pass to Robert Meachem to put the Vols up 24-21 in the fourth quarter. LSU subsequently rallied to win, 28-24.
A week later, the Crompton naysayers would have plenty to crow about when Arkansas thumped UT 31-14, despite two more TD passes from the redshirt freshman.
Outside the locker room, the debate rages on about Crompton. Inside the locker room, there seems to be a strong sense of confidence in what Crompton will eventually do. Perhaps that’s because even in a backup role Crompton’s leadership skills have been on display.
“It’s his team, too,” Ainge said. “I could get hurt on the first play. If he was absent and didn’t try to lead, then it would be a hard position for him to step in.
“I think Jonathan’s done a good job of embracing the back-up role and not trying to steal my thunder. Jonathan works hard and leads by example. He works his butt off.”
Crompton’s recruiting reputation grew because he was so integral in assembling UT’s highly ranked 2005 signing class — a class that fans question almost as much as Crompton.
Crompton’s contacts didn’t just help assemble that class. He also laid the groundwork for some of the prospects in 2006. After all, if one of the top prospects in the nation picked UT despite a depth chart lined against him, shouldn’t others follow?
“He’s one of my real close friends and one of the reasons I came to this university,” said sophomore guard Jacques McClendon. “He’s just a proven leader. He’s one of those guys that people jell to. He demands excellence.”
The Present
There’s surely been some tension at times between Crompton and Ainge. Both came to UT to start, yet only one spot exists.
“It’s a business. It’s a job,” Ainge said, when asked about his relationship with Crompton. “I have a lot respect for Jonathan. I’m sure he has a lot of respect for me. We have different friends.
“Do we hang out outside of the complex? No.”
Perhaps that’s because the two got to know each other so well inside the complex.
“They’re around each other a lot of hours,” offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe said. “We meet a lot of hours this time of year.”
Ainge maintains he doesn’t have to be best friends with a fellow competitor and insists there’s currently no tension between the two signal-callers.
“If you were competing with anybody for anything and you’re a competitive person, you’re not going to want to hold hands and joke around,” Ainge said. “That’s just not how it is when one man is competing with another man for one position.”
Cutcliffe said there’s a benefit for each player. As he’s often said, competition makes players better.
“I think it’s greatly beneficial,” Cutcliffe said. “I intend on seeing them together a bunch watching tape, which will be a great opportunity for both of them to push each other and learn — particularly Jonathan to learn what Erik knows from being a functional part for so long.”
The Future
Since Crompton has been relegated to the bench, the Vols haven’t been reluctant to fill the depth chart with other quarterbacks. UT signed Nick Stephens in 2006, then talented, yet overlooked, B.J. Coleman in 2007.
Does that mean the Vols are looking for another quarterback of the future, perhaps unhappy with Crompton’s progression?
Cutcliffe certainly didn’t seem to think Crompton has left the door open this past offseason.
“He’s physically much better,” Cutcliffe said. “His mental preparation is much better. He’s knowing what’s going on out there.”
That’s been tough for onlookers to confirm. As is often the case in preseason camp, UT’s first team often lines up against the second team, meaning Crompton has often faced the Vols’ best defenders with back-ups alongside.
“He plays in a little tougher circumstances,” Cutcliffe said. “He may have been suffering a little bit more than Erik about guys not being where they’re supposed to be and doing what they’re supposed to be doing.
“He’s handled those (situations) extremely well. He took care of the football. He made great decisions. A year ago, he struggled with that.
“That’s the definitive way to see progress. It’s not measuring a quarterback when everything’s right. When things go wrong, how do you play? That’s where he’s significantly been better than any other time during his career.”
Limiting mistakes is the key to Cutcliffe’s heart — and his depth chart. Cutcliffe isn’t opposed to taking chances, but he wants the gamble to be a safe one.
“The old gambler says know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em,” Cutcliffe said with a smile. “That’s a big part of it.”
© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by bigsid4 on August 25, 2007 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you are a true Vols fan, you know that Johnathan is equal to or better than Erik. No disrespect to what Erik has done during his time here in the football capitol but Johnathan is an athlete who can make plays with his arms as well as his legs. I beleive that Phill and Cut both know this, however Ainge doesn't have much time left and Cromp is only a sophmore on the feild. The orange road is looking bright in the football capitol of the world. GO VOLS! BEAT CAL!!!
Posted by GreerVol22 on August 25, 2007 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Crompton will have his day. If he was better than Ainge, he would be starting.
Posted by TurboFan on August 25, 2007 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Big, if you are such a big fan of Crompton how can you not know how to spell his name, not to mention several other words? And, why would only "true Vols fans" know Johnathan (sic) is better than Erik. Are we all endowed with some magical orange tinted glasses? Logic, man! It's not just for rocket scientists.
Posted by KingsportVol on August 25, 2007 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Crompton is a better athlete.Not to disrespect Ainge.I am excited about our future.I am excited about this season I think we will see both of them
on the field at the same time.Future is bright.
Go Big Orange!!
Posted by bigsid4 on August 25, 2007 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WD40, go spray some on yourself and loosen up it was just an opinion! And thanks for the spell check U know with a few degrees under my belt sometimes the smaller words seem 2 get lost in translation! Good Looking out! Oh yeah Cromp is only a shorter version of his name, you seem 2 B good with words its called a "nickname". I see his name all over websites so spelling his name is not an issue. Anyway, I know he is better because despite limited game experience he makes great plays and looks good doing so. If he got the number of reps that Erik got I know he would be better and we all know that Erik gets a lil shaky at times. GO VOLS!! BEAT CAL!! I LOVE ERIK TOO!!
Posted by andy112382 on August 25, 2007 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Crompton is a big reason to think that if we assemble a strong run this year, perhaps a title, that we will be very happy the next few seasons with Crompton (most likely) taking over with the young corp of WRs we have on this team. Should be lots of fun coming up in Big Orange Country! GO VOLS!!!
Posted by Hunter on August 25, 2007 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Crompton is doing exactly what he needs to be doing - learning, but getting hungrier by the day. We need his thirst to be unquenchable when spring practice rolls around and it's his show.
Posted by FWBVol on August 25, 2007 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just because a guy is a better athlete doesn't mean he's a better QB. From what I've seen, Crompton is the better athlete than Ainge, but that doesn't make him a better signal caller than Ainge. You look across the NFL and there are a lot of quarterbacks that are better athletes than Peyton Manning...Eli included, but I don't think there's a better quarterback. And that's not saying Ainge or Peyton aren't good or great athletes.
Posted by bigsid4 on August 25, 2007 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I concur but, I don't look at Peyton as just a signal caller. Peyton makes plays with his legs whenever he has to. I look at him as an athlete, signal caller, leader and professional.
Posted by KingsportVol on August 26, 2007 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FBWVol I agree with you and I never said Crompton was a better QB.I just stated the fact that JC is a more athletic and will straight up run over your ass if things get nasty.I am a huge Ainge fan.I think as a tandem this year the sh_t will hit the fan when opposing defenses try to figure out what the hell just happened.Next year will be awesome for us with experienced WR.This year will be awesome with Eric's experience.
Go Big Orange!!!!!!
Posted by cwisenhower on August 26, 2007 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To be a great signal caller, you have to be a great athlete. Athleticism isn't just in the body; it's in the mind too.
Posted by TurboFan on August 26, 2007 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Big, I'm loose. Merely drawing attention to the fact that Jonathon only has one "h". And, two, your "opinion" was tatamount to an accusation of not being true Vol fans if we didn't agree. Not picking on you, just asking that you choose words wisely, as obviously, with several degrees you are truly wise. BTW, I have a couple degrees myself and I am a rocket scientist, not that that makes me any smarter than anyone else. I conjecture that Cromp, with his athleticism will have accomplishments more like Tee and Erik more like Peyton, i.e., which one has a NC?
Posted by snafu14u on August 26, 2007 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ainge is a senior,and not a bad QB. Case closed. In order to be "The Man" you need to beat "The Man".JC is on track ,and doesn't need to be upset. JC will be the QB for the next two seasons.Once again case closed.bonzaivol
Posted by girdle1998 on August 26, 2007 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Crompton is not better than Ainge...I am a true Vols fan. Crompton has great potential. We will see if he has similar results to Tee Martin as a red shirt junior.
Posted by agentorange on August 26, 2007 at 2:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
an uncharateristically (sp) lame article by hooker. btw, hooker, you're writing has gone down hill since you starting doing radio. (jack of all trades, master of none as they say). crompton is waiting his turn like a good teammate. he'll be our next starter. the other guys we've added recently are no differnent than cooter (ie insurance and soon-to-be ga's).
Posted by brdteton on August 26, 2007 at 2:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Big head, for a 0 and 2 back up.....
Posted by FireFulmerNOW on August 26, 2007 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Crompton will run over your ass." AHAHAHAH What a joke. Crompton ran over ONE 175lb db who was backpedaling and he's superman. He threw up two prayers against LSU that Meachem caught, and looked worse than any other UT QB in history against Arkansas, and people think he is some kind of superhero.
You cromptonites are HILARIOUS.
Posted by orangebloodgmc on August 26, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We got 2 good qbs who can start and the best OC in the conference. Fans of the other teams can't stand it. Thank you Coach Fulmer.
Posted by invisiblekid on August 26, 2007 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The only two opinions that matter at this point on the subject are Cutcliffe's and Fulmer's and they say Ainge is the starter. With Cutcliffe back in the fold and the presssure that Fulmer is under to produce after the '05 season, I don't believe for a second that they would hesitate to start Crompton if they thought he gave them the better chance to win. Crompton will get his chance and I'll be glad to see it, but hopefully it's next year.
Posted by gvegasvol on August 26, 2007 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey firefulmer... you said Crompton looked worse than any other QB in UT history. Did you happen to see any of the LSU a couple of years ago when Ainge flipped a ball up in the air while he was being tackled in the end-zone? Pee-wee QB's know better than to do that. All-in-all Crompton really is not all that bad. The 2 losses really cannot be all his fault, after all it's not his job to tackle folks on the other team. He didn't give up 59 points to the other 2 teams!
Posted by andy112382 on August 26, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FireFulmerNOW - Are you seriously already trashing the second string QB? This is CRVol isn't it? Come on, you can tell us! You didn't say a single good point in there, this HAS to be CRVol.
Posted by KingsportVol on August 26, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FireFulmerNow is Ralphie from the paysite.
Posted by tennecwingrider on August 26, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Believe it or not, the best qb I saw in the final scrimmage last Tuesday behind Ainge was Nick Stephens. He was very poised and had command of the offense. Actually threw a long bomb for a TD on his second pass. Crompton looked very anxious and nervous. Not comfortable in the pocket. Had several short throws into the dirt, several passes blocked at line and trouble finding receivers. I am sure Crompton is the heir apparent and was having a bad day for some reason, but Stephens was impressive and looked like he had been coached well.
Posted by FatherVol on August 26, 2007 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Athleticism can ONLY be in the mind because all "-isms" are ideologies, ways of viewing at the world and its human activity. Athletic ability is what a person's physical potential can reveal; each of us has it to one degree or another.
Posted by gvegasvol on August 26, 2007 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good post FatherVol. All this time I thought "ism" meant:
1. Action, process; practice: vegetarianism.
2. Characteristic behavior or quality: puerilism.
3. State; condition; quality: senilism.
4. State or condition resulting from an excess of 5. something specified: strychninism.
6. Doctrine; theory; system of principles: Darwinism.
Posted by Basketball_Jones on August 26, 2007 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We'll see next year how good this guy is. I got one name for you guys...Tee Martin. Tee rarely saw the field till it was his time to start and we all know how that turned out, hopefully JC will be the same
Posted by gbrbossman on August 26, 2007 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have more respect for a player that waits for his time to come without complaining. Imagine all of the hype next season around Florida & UGA between Tebo and Stafford. It will be great when Crompton outshines them both and UT once again reigns in the east.
Ainge is the man now. Crompton will be the man next year. I recall a 2 year starter that did pretty well for himself after waiting his turn named Tee Martin.
Posted by bigfan502 on August 26, 2007 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck vols, just win the first game.
Posted by txsvol on August 26, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Look to our history: Tee Martin was a better 'athlete' than Peyton, and he brought the National Championship to the Hill. Nobody really thinks that Tee was a better QB than Peyton. This year is Erik's, barring injury. The next two years are Jonathan's, unless Nick Stephens or BJ Coleman beats him out. Believe me, I don't care who starts as long as we win. Go Vols!
Posted by FWBVol on August 26, 2007 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FireFulmern, you've got to be kidding. How many UT quarterbacks do you really remember? Crompton threw four TD passes last year and two INTs. Randy Wallace, who had two of the best receivers in UT history to throw to, Larry Seivers and Stanley Morgan only threw four TDs against six INTs in 1976. There's also a guy named Steve Alatorre in the early 80s that wasn't too good or A.J. Suggs, who quarterbacked the Vols in 2000 before transfering to Ga. Tech. I could go on, but to say a kid is the worst QB in UT history based on two or three games is absurd.
Posted by vol4jesus on August 26, 2007 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FWBVol, your Last word summed up the post by Ralphie. Sounds kinda cute doesn't it? Ralphie come in now its supper time. It was unfair that Ralphie got lumped in with CRVOl, JWRaymond to mention a few of the posters who sre sometimes cited for negativity. Its really just stating the facts for those of us who don't understand. So for all you do this post is for you. GO BIG ORANGE beat them bears!!!
Posted by RangerForSix on August 26, 2007 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ainge is the starter! WHY? Fulmer and Cutcliff believe in him the most. WHY? He's beaten Georgia in Athens, twice! He beat South Carolina in Columbia, twice(Holtz then Spurrier). He beat CUT's Old Miss. team in Oxford on the last drive. He's beat Woodson's Kentucky, head to head, twice. He's beat Alabama twice. He beat Cal., Vanderbilt, (really Florida too in 2004), etc...
There is no 'genuine competition' at the QB position, until next season; or Ainge gets hurt. Ainge has worked hard in class, worked hard on the football field, over come adversity several times, and has been a 'four year starter' at UT. He just has got so much 'big-game' experience and wins, he's really very good!
"Jonathan will be a two year starter at U.T.. That is a privilege for any QB!"
By the way, Jon is very good too. He's just one-play away. He just needs to stay positive and continue to grow into honorable manhood. Go VOLS!
Posted by onecrazyvol on August 26, 2007 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RangerForSix you rock!! Nice post.
Posted by thevol on August 26, 2007 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great post Ranger, you said it all. Nothing else to add except Go Big Orange!
Posted by jamesd3741 on August 27, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't even understand why this article was written. Crompton came to UT knowing that he'd be a backup for a couple of years then, hopefully, the starter for a couple of years. That's the way it is in any decent football program. Who out there thought he'd come in and be the starter as a freshman or sophomore? If Ainge hadn't turned things around last year, maybe, but that kind of thing is the exception to the rule the SEC. Bottom line, Crompton is exactly where he should be developmentally and this article is asinine.
Posted by sjt18 on August 27, 2007 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
During the Fulmer tenure, Shuler started as a So, Manning Fr, Martin Jr, Clausen Fr, Ainge Fr.
I agree that james' way is better but it hasn't been the rule under CPF.
Posted by Sheepscape on August 27, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ainge is the man, Crompton will have his chance. This infighting among fans about which quarterback is better should stop.
Posted by owpgfam on August 27, 2007 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
how do you know that crompton came here knowing he'd be the backup? he plainly says in the article the nobody comes here to be the backup. as far as you or i know he fully expected to be given a chance to compete for the starting job. now you and i know that experience is going to win out everytime but neither of us know that he knew he'd be the backup.
Posted by sjt18 on August 27, 2007 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JC has competed for the starting job. Count me as a big fan having come from western NC myself. But he didn't take the job away from EA.
JC is stronger and a little faster. But EA isn't slow or a bad athlete. He's gained up to about 230 so he isn't small any more either (think he was like 190 when he arrived). Both guys are smart. Both can throw the football.
Right now, Cut who knows a thing or two about QB's thinks EA gives the team the best chance to win. He believed that last year as well.
I believe that had Ainge not gotten hurt, UT would have beaten LSU. With an experienced Ainge rather than green Crompton, there might have been more audibles in the Ark game to get the WR's off of press coverage... making it a different game.
UT is blessed to go 3 deep at the QB position with quality players. Could most of us even name the backups at UGA, UK, or Bama?
Posted by marc_ash on August 27, 2007 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not so sure JC's transition will be that easy. Coleman is the real deal. Cut picked this guy personally and said this is the one he wanted.
It will be interesting to see how things progress now that Cut has someone in the system he has chosen personally. Can't argue with his past picks, thats for sure.
Posted by owpgfam on August 27, 2007 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
who's to say he wouldn't have hand picked crompton if he had been here? he did recruit him to nd. that's a weak argument.
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