TAMPA, Fla. - Forget a New Year's resolution.
Jonathan Crompton didn't wait for the ball to drop in Times Square to decide to change.
Crompton's new year began way back in September.
Sitting with his high school coach during Tennessee's bye week the last weekend in September, UT's backup quarterback decided he wanted to make a change.
Not that anything was wrong, but with the opportunity to become the starting quarterback only a few months away, he didn't want to wait.
So Crompton returned to Knoxville and met with UT coach Phillip Fulmer to discuss his blueprint for a new Crompton.
"He said you're going to see a different attitude. It's never been a bad attitude, but going to the next level to get himself ready," Fulmer said. "I think he's been pretty serious about it."
And thorough.
On the field, in the weight room, in the film room and the classroom, Crompton has made a renewed effort to elevate himself to another level.
He's even lost weight, too, in an effort to tone up and become a little faster.
"Just getting every aspect of my game better," Crompton said. "The little things are what makes the difference. Studying myself more and seeing what I can do on and off the field, in the classroom, everything. It's my whole life."
It's Tennessee's future, too.
With offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe set to depart for Duke following the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin on Tuesday, plenty of changes are on the horizon.
Not lost in the coaching shuffle is the departure of Erik Ainge, who has started all but one of Tennessee's last 26 games at quarterback and leaves Knoxville third on Tennessee's all-time passing yards list and the record-holder for single-season completion percentage and completions in a season.
But with Ainge's departure comes the opportunity for Crompton to take over the starting job.
That transition has been three years in the making for Crompton, who has completed 38 of his 78 career passes for 498 yards and four touchdowns.
Crompton hopes those numbers are just a prelude to two years leading Tennessee's offense, a wait that has been frustrating at times for the third-year sophomore.
"It's been tough," he said. "I can kind of see the light now. It's going to be fun and a new chapter in my life."
Same goes for the Vols.
UT will have a new offensive coordinator in place after the Outback Bowl. Whoever winds up calling plays - and coaching quarterbacks - for Tennessee will have a major impact on Crompton's career.
So will redshirt freshman Nick Stephens and freshman B.J. Coleman, who will also compete for the starting job.
While Crompton can't start learning the new coordinator's playbook, he can start working on the universal aspects of his game.
And he has, starting with those two talks during the Vols' open date and continuing through Tennessee's final practices leading up to the Outback Bowl.
"Regardless of who the offensive coordinator is or what direction we go, football's football," Fulmer said. "You're going to do (fundamental) things well. You're going to understand a system, play within that system and take care of the ball. All those things are important.
"You just can't go out there and play on your God-given talent. You've got to take it to the next level."
Crompton has his eyes focused on the next level - both personally and for the Vols.
"We're all excited because we have a great group of guys coming back on offense and defense," Crompton says. "We're just getting ready to see who's going to come in and win us a championship."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 86
gohawks1 writes:
Looking forward to seeing you out there, Jon.
GrandCanyonVol writes:
I like all three quarterbacks. I think Tennessee is in good shape at this position. Looking forward to next year already. Need the right coaches. Coaches do make a difference. They make a big difference. They are the difference in winning and losing. Have a great new year!
TENACVOL writes:
Crompton is the future...looking forward to what this young man is capable of in the starting role. Great article and very impressed by this young man's leadership.
Go Vols.
Bigger_Al writes:
Good to know that he is working that hard. I hope he can do it when he is "The Man". I didn't like seeing him throw picks in his late playing time this year (against Bama and Florida?). I do like his attitude and toughness.
I understand that Stephens has a rocket arm, and his scrimmage stats are usually pretty impressive. I wonder how much competition there will be.
GerryOP writes:
Five more days Jonathen and you da' man. Nice to hear a UT QB with a little fire in his voice. After two Clausens and Erik Ainge, getting a bit tired of laid back, calm, cool, and collected.
invisiblekid writes:
How about mastering those charts before tackling trying to read blueprints?
VolsorCat writes:
12 Times: Buck Fama!!!!
Phowell23 writes:
12TIMES..."and as a BAMA fan". That explains it.
orangebass writes:
Time for something new, Jon has not been given a fair shot, nothing against Ainge but he was at best 85 % this year and it showed especially in the big games. This year is shot, Fulmer should give him a chance to play when a game still has meaning.
With the early schdeule vols face next year any experience at QB will be critical, why not put Jon in in the 2nd quarter and see what happens ????
TNPilgrim writes:
It's just a shame that Crompton didn't get more playing time this year. Practice is never the same as real game experience, but Fulmer continues to ignore this fact and neglect the development of depth at QB. However, things may be improving in other areas if the SEC championship game is any indicator - maybe we'll see the orange pants next year with the road uniforms.
TNPilgrim writes:
10Times - you didn't listen to your Daddy. I know a lot of Bama fans and they sure don't sound like you.
bkitchen#251927 writes:
12times your quarterback is John "tons of talent" Parker Wilson you might want to listen to your own advice before you open your mouth
CoverOrange writes:
Your father was Abraham Lincoln, 12timesanidiot?
rootin4volz writes:
Hey 12TIMES...Looks like you have opened YOUR mouth about twelve times and removed all doubt for us Vol fans.
CoverOrange writes:
BTW, I would trade two of those three QBs for a good DT, might even throw in an extra TE. Why? Who is the QB for LSU? Exciting guy huh? For Ohio St? I'm trying to remember too. Where is Tebow? Oh yeah, NOT playing for NC. We don't have a single DT on the recruiting board right now.
VOLS85 writes:
If we're in the mood to talk about idiocy 12TIMES, let's try your grammar on for size.
Here's my top 5 incorrect uses of grammar that have been used by 12TIMES in this story:
1 - "36 my Father told me something when I was a kid and I am going to tell you it know"
(Let us try the word "now" at the end of your sentence.)
2 - "Alabama has beat the hillbillys two out of the last three years"
(Hillbillies is the correct plural usage, not hillybillys...but nice effort at intelligence.)
3 and 4 - I seen you play boy and as a BAMA fan I want you to be the starter to
-(Last I checked "I seen you play" does not qualify as even remotely grammatically correct.)
-("too" would be the correct way to end that sentence...shocking I know.)
5 - "Alabama has the money to pay a coach 4 million and if he leaves they want have to go to a bank to borrow the money to pay him off"
(let's try a new way to spell here...instead of "want" I would suggest you insert "won't" which is a contraction of "will not.)
I won't demoralize your team because I feel as if you have done a sufficient job at that. Also, I am a senior in Economics and International Business (not English) at The University of Tennessee. So please, before you go and make a weak attempt at trying to belittle your neighbor to the north, recall your lack of intelligence in this post.
I'LL SEE YOU IN TAMPA!
GO VOLS!!!!!!!
newtonrail writes:
Great posts 36!
orangesox writes:
If being able to drink a keg of beer by himself at a weekend softball tournament was all that would have been required to make someone a good QB, Freddie Kitchens would have been the man!!
TnVolFaninSmyrna writes:
Crompton, we appreciate your re-newed efforts to better yourself, but don't be surprised when you see BJ Coleman under center next season.
wyomingvol writes:
John Parker Wilson was the best player to play at 'Buma......
UTvols12342000 writes:
I will be really disappointed if Crompton does not get the QB position for the start of next year and is only his to lose. He could have chosen almost anywhere to play and already be starting there. He has worked and studied and been a stand up guy waiting his turn. What I would really love to see is Crompton at QB and Jones and Foster lined up side by side in the back field, one tight end, and two wide out set. 2 QBs that can run and Foster would be such a run threat that the play action pass would be effective for us again.
and TouchdownTN, I respect your right to voice your opinion on here and be as critical as you want. In fact, its that sort of tension that creates (sometimes) stimulating debate on here. I like that. but what I find absolutely repulsive is when you buddy up with the enemy like 12TIMES. It makes me sick. Now, even your posts that seem logical and correct, ones that I normally might agree with, are dismissed and given no credibility. Instantly.
Happy New Years All!!
GO BIG ORANGE!
Vol_N_Texas writes:
Vols85: Great post! You only forgot one item.
Buma is to the south of the great state of TN. They will never rise above us! All they will ever be capable of is standing on a stool to get high enough to kiss our BIG ORANGE you know what!
vol4good#206163 writes:
TDTN-Your post on Crompton as the QB is very similar to a post I read about Tee Martin taking over at QB after Manning graduated. Lets hope the results will be the same.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TDTN- good insight on 11:51 post. Cromption-Coleman, who knows. Methinks w're ready for a few playes per game where a pass travels 20+ yards without 15 of it being trotted by the receiver. Style points.
I believe a QB is elgible to run with the ball. We'll see vs the Badgers. Watched the Texas QB scamper like a water-skater vs ASU. Put up 52.
Been meaning to ask, is the fellow in the blue cap in the Halls Salvage commercial Phil earning some extra cash? Maybe not.
Get ready for more surprises out of Phil. Hope Badgers don't open with on-side kick. We always fall for that one. Happy New Year. More glazed coming in 2008.
dallasdog1 writes:
Hey 12 times,
IS that a reference to the number of times you have known your sister or Alabama's "national titles"? What would your name be if you only counted the national championships not awarded by grocery store chains? Six times? Onetimesinthelast30years? I love it, by the way, when a guy from alabama protests that we have a country boy at QB....pot meet kettle. Every hear of kenny "the snake" stabler?
txsvol#372416 writes:
I just hope one of our three potential QBs becomes a passer, and not just a thrower. All presumably have adequate arms--haven't seen Nick and BJ, but Jon has a rocket launcher, but too often he has just thrown it, and doesn't have enough air under the ball for the receiver to run under it, or throws it on the wrong side of the receiver, etc. I'm not sure what kind of a QB coach/offensive coordinator we'll have, but my guess is that our September starter will be Jon unless one of the other two actually beats him out by being more able to execute the new guy's system. Even so, it might take an injury or really bad performances to unseat him before the Florida game. Competition should make things more interesting this spring, eh? Go Vols! SAVol
lnbadger320 writes:
12TIMES i know crompton will never the be QB has john parker wilson. i really hope he starts next year when we play you guys. eric berry will have a field day.
guitarch882000#661629 writes:
12TIMES.....I DIDN'T KNOW FOREST GUMP POSTED HERE..........RUN FOREST RUN
leedsvol2007 writes:
At this point Crompton has a lot of promise. He struggled at Arkansas and did well against LSU last year.
In both games he showed he has the arm, leadership skills, and mobility to be a great quarterback. What he lacked, and Ainge lacked it as a sophomore, is the instinctive understanding of what he was looking at from the opposing defense.
He reminds me of Bobby Scott who was a great quarterback for Tennessee in 1969 & 1970 and who went on to a long NFL career. Crompton seems to have the same type leadership skills and is a better runner/scrambler.
I think we are in good shape.
GoVols!
Chainsaw writes:
12TIMES, your momma's gonna beat you when she finds you've been on the internets again.
jweaver3#395614 writes:
12times, If they make this site a pay site again will you try to get your welfare check increased???
So you can still post on the Big Orange network!!!
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN
wisonsinvol writes:
I am looking forward to seeing Crompton under center. His INTs this year are nothing to worry about. They were more a disconnect between receiver and QB rather than his inability to read the defense. That happens when you come in the game when the game is done. The Arkansas debacle last year was not all Crompton - the whole team was flat and the dropped balls took away any chance of gaining momentum. Crompton's mobility and athleticism will make the Jones option even more effective. If we get the right OC, our offense could be something special next year.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Doldrums afore the big finale against the Badgers. Stay the course, spring is coming. This will fade. We'll be pumped for another dose (or dosing) by August. Happy New Year.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
the ralling call has all ready started ..wait til next year... I hope cromp is a true champion because the qb's we've had are not.... ainge is average... his stats are overrated because he threw so many short passes... ainge could not win the big game... gets gun shy under pressure and can't take over a game.... so in my books croMp has to be better than that besides he'll have something to prove and that will keep him motivated...
GO VOLS AND DON'T STINK UP THE BOWL GAME...
TommyJack writes:
TNpilgrim: Agree with your post except for the last line. Burn those pukey looking orange britches! Yuck. Stay the course.
Sheepscape writes:
Not at all sold on Crompton. His meaningful snaps haven't been impressive. I'll pull for whomever is taking snaps back there whether it is Crompton, Stephens, or Coleman.
One thing is certain, these games that are so close to the vest do not allow our backups to get a lot of quality playing time. The days of rolling folks and getting some time for the backups in the 4th seems to be a thing of the past.
gohawks1 writes:
Amen, brother. Those orange pants were uuuugly.
tennrich1 writes:
Crompton is one of the best athletes on the team and has toughness to go with it...great sense for the position as well...said all along he will be one of the top ten best quarterbacks to play at Tennessee...
TommyJack writes:
Sheepscape: Don't think you can judge Crompton on the few snaps he took. Under the Large One and Cut, they go exclusively with the #1 qb. They do this to a fault. The 2(?) snaps Crompton got in the CG made no sense. Just as it made NO sense NOT to run the G-man more in that game. Very curious, but that's another topic. Whomever gets the starting nod in 08 will be exclusive barring injury or total collapse. It's just the Pumpkin's way. Stay the course.
Sheepscape writes:
Tommy,
With all the hype I've heard about him, I expected more. I will certainly grant you that he had few snaps of note this year. I'm more concerned with what I saw during his starts in 06. Less than 50% completions and one of his four TD passes came in the closing seconds of the Arkansas blowout.
We'll see, but count me as a skeptic. He was supposed to compete for the number one position this year but couldn't knock Ainge off.
I'll root for him hard if/when he is our starter. I repeat, I've heard a lot of hype about him so it is time for him to shine.
JHite7 writes:
Quick.... what does a maggot and a 'Bama fan have in common?
They both can live off a dead bear for over 25 years.
vol88 writes:
Let's get Crompton on the field early in the bowl game. No time like the present.
vol88 writes:
I guess that Bammer fan who was in here had to go to work..."Would you like fries with that?"
TommyJack writes:
sheepscape: fair enough.
AllVol writes:
Erik is a quality person who, I think, really wanted to win badly and do great things for UT. I don't think he had that killer instinct, though. He too often played tentatively and maybe even scared. Jonathon seems to have that killer instinct--the sheer will to win that makes college football the glory that it is. I won't make any grand predictions, but he has the arm, the ability to run like Tee did to make a lot of nothing, and, if him hitting that LSU DB in the mouth was any harbinger of things to come at all--let's rock and roll. Play Jon and run the G-man in the bowl game, and let Erik get ready for the draft (third round). Go Vols
DenverVol writes:
I, for one, am rootin' for you Jon Crompton. Stay committed and go out there and knock some heads this spring. It'll all carry over to next fall. GO VOLS.
vol88 writes:
i agree totally with allvol
Let Jon draw up plays in the dirt. The playbook is obsolete now, anyway.
TommyJack writes:
VolnFlorida: Re your penultimate sentence, Cut should not even be there. Ainge will take 95% of the snaps. Stay the course.
vol88 writes:
"penultimate"
You should take something for that. It could turn into a serious condition. LOL.
And they call us hillbillies!
tigervol9802 writes:
Great, with everything else going on, now we've got a back-up QB who only cares about winning the starting job. I bet he even worked harder this year to prepare in case he had to go in. How dare he only be concerned with himself!!!!
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