Clausen advises patience

Perhaps no one can appreciate the challenges that lie ahead for Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge better than Casey Clausen.

Clausen, who was quarterback for UT from 2000-03, had a similar situation working with young receivers entering his senior year.

"We had a highly touted group that included Robert Meachem, Bret Smith and Jayson Swain, and we'd just lost Kelley (Washington) and Jason (Witten),'' Clausen said. "We were hoping to get something out of our young guys early, but it just takes time.''

While Ainge has returning receivers Josh Briscoe, Lucas Taylor and Austin Rogers, Clausen had James Banks, Mark Jones, Tony Brown and C.J. Fayton to fall back on.

"We had to move James and Mark to receiver, and they both handled it well,'' Clausen said. "I remember Meachem had a great fall camp, but then he hurt his knee. Jayson was the most consistent, while Bret was a guy who made big plays.

"But I know from what I've seen and talking to Rick (Clausen), Erik is going to be good to go this year,'' he said. "He'll see those freshmen continue to get better, and he'll know when to get the ball to them.''

Clausen's 2003 Vols showed steady improvement en route to finishing ranked No. 6 in the nation before a disappointing fall in the Peach Bowl to Clemson.

UT opened that year 4-0, largely behind the play-making of Banks, who's now at Carson-Newman College. Then the Vols lost back-to-back games at Auburn and against Georgia.

Swain finished his freshman season with 21 catches, while Smith had just five.

"I know nobody wants to hear this, but you just have to be patient with young receivers,'' Clausen said. "Shoot, that's any position in college, lineman, linebacker or receiver, it takes freshmen time to adjust.

"I know people point to what Kelley (Washington) did as a freshman (64 catches, 1,010 yards in 2001), but he was a full-grown man who had been a professional athlete.''

Clausen, now working with the Poms and Associates Commercial Insurance Company in Woodland Hills, Calif., said he also has a greater appreciation for what the UT coaches are going through.

"That year I spent as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State (2005) while getting my Master's changed my perspective,'' Clausen said. "As a quarterback, you get way too much praise when you win, and when you lose, you better get ready for criticism.

"But it's even worse for the coaching staff.''

Clausen said fans need to appreciate what UT coach Phillip Fulmer and his staff are going through.

"No matter what happens, you can't fire the kids, so the coaches take the blame,'' Clausen said. "Those guys are there from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and their livelihoods are in the hands of 18- or 19-year-old kids.

"People can say what they want about Coach Fulmer, but for him to be at one school for that long a time and done what he's done is amazing.''

Clausen said as the years go by, he appreciates his UT career more.

"I think the first thing you've got to do as a quarterback at Tennessee is realize there will only be one Peyton Manning, and he'll go down as the best quarterback to ever play the game,'' Clausen said. "You've got to be your own guy, and at Tennessee I was able to do that.''

Mike Griffith may be reached at 865-342-6289.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!