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- Dave Hooker interviews QB Erik Ainge
- Dave Hooker interviews DT Demonte' Bolden
- Dave Hooker interviews TE/FB Chris Brown
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- Coach Fulmer talks about the changes made for the Georgia game
- Josh Briscoe talks about the Georgia game and its effect on the team
- Vladimir Richard talks about the changes he hopes to make in himself while at UT
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Event Details
- What: Tennessee at Mississippi State
- When: Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Away Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
In sports, the players are perceived as the experts. So are the ex-players.
They played the game. Hence, they know the game.
And their opinions are treated accordingly.
It's one thing for a sports columnist to second-guess a quarterback's read or a cornerback's technique. But when a former player offers the same critique, the average fan is more apt to embrace it.
Maybe that's why Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer felt compelled to respond to John Pennington's column in his post-game press conference last Saturday. This wasn't just some columnist casting aspersions on his football program. Instead, the criticism came from former UT players, who were quoted anonymously in the column, which ran in Saturday's News Sentinel.
And maybe that's why UT strength and conditioning coach Johnny Long isn't sold on the expertise of former players.
Former players quoted in the column said the off-season conditioning program isn't as intense, competitive or challenging as the one they experienced.
They don't have a clue, according to Long. That's not how he puts it. He's too diplomatic for that. He simply points out they aren't aware of what's going on in his program.
They're right about one thing. The weight room isn't what it used to be - not just at UT, but almost everywhere else on the college landscape. It has changed since the 1990s. It has changed since 2005.
Some of the changes have been mandated by NCAA rules. Other changes have come with improved technology.
"We used to have 12 weeks (for the off-season conditioning program before preseason practice)," Long said. "We get eight weeks now (under NCAA rules)."
There's also less time for conditioning between the end of football season and the beginning of spring practice. So "maxing out" on weights is riskier than ever.
"You can't max out," said Long, who has been UT's head strength and conditioning coach since 2001. "You don't want to risk injury. Which is more important, getting them to max out or getting them ready for spring football?"
"When you could go 12 weeks (in the summer), you could max out every fourth week, because you had time to recover. It's kind of like war. There are casualties. It's going to happen."
Long measures the risks in weeks and months. A pectoral strain could cost a player five or six weeks. A hamstring pull could take as long as eight months to heal.
Less maxing out doesn't equate to less working out, according to Long. Any former player who thinks otherwise is welcome to give it a shot.
"I challenge them to come back through our workouts," Long said of the anonymous critics.
Former UT linebacker Eddie Moore, who captained the 2002 team, has given those workouts a try between NFL seasons. The results were humbling.
"I've never completed a summer workout without these guys," said Moore, who is rehabbing an injured knee in hopes of making an NFL comeback. "I had to go to the side and take a breather. It's way harder than what I had."
You think the 1998 national champions had it tough? They had to run 16 110s when they reported for preseason football camp, according to Long. This year's team had to run 30 110s on the first day of summer workouts, he said.
As for the former players who say workouts have become less competitive, Long questions whether any of them ever witnessed a Friday morning off-season workout.
"We start at 5:30," Long said. "We divide the team into miniature teams. We have agility contests, tug-of-war, sled pulls. You name it. I throw it at them. The only ex-players I've ever seen there are my former NFL guys."
NFL players returning to UT for off-season conditioning are a testament to Long's work. So are UT's current players, who held up splendidly during a brutally hot training camp.
You can find plenty of problems when a program as successful as UT's loses two of its first three games. Player development probably would top my short list. Strength and conditioning wouldn't even make my long list.
But what do I know? I'm not a former player.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 49
GoVols88 writes:
The Pennington column (or opinion) was after he evidentially talked with whomever he could talk to that would tell him something. He listed former players and backups. Why would you every talk to a former backup player to write an opinion.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
The NCAA gives you "8 weeks". That doesn't mean Towel waving extraordinare Johhhhhny Long can't give out a plan for the players to do while the NCAA says he can't be around. The excuse making has trickled down to the S&C Coach. Goooood lord.
aspenvol writes:
Methinks Mr. Pennington likes to see his name in lights. Did not expect Mr. Adams to provide repudiation of Mr. Pennington.
SmokeDog72 writes:
Mitchkuzma,
Why would you talk to a backup for an opinion?
Well, the last time I checked all squad members attend the same practices, the same work out and conditioning program. Heck, the backups actually are on the same field a lot of times during games. Backups may not be able to talk about all of the great things that they did on any given Saturday, but they can tell you about all the important stuff that went on Monday through Friday.
Personally, I wonder more about the mental toughness of our program right now. Will, desire, intestinal fortitude, focus, never give up mentality all seem to wane against good teams (with an occasional exception). Some of that comes through running and lifting, but most of that comes through heart, character, and pain threshold expansion.
BuckFama writes:
Once again the poster can throw out the accusation but refuses to acknowledge what a real, live, NAMED ex-player has to say about the present strength and conditioning program.
Regardless, Adams comes through with the prime example to differentiate journalism (his stuff) and pseudojournalism (most of Pennington's stuff, especially the music lyrics).
In fact, I don't know if it was intended to be so, but I think Adams just female dogslapped Pennington. This looks like a journalistic version of a catfight.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
I'm benching about 250 now and I'm pretty excited about it. My wife really doesn't care though.
Oh wait, this isn't my blog!
Yeah, a great response to Pennington's article. Let's here both sides of the story. Guys who make a living making football players faster and stronger don't just forget how to do their job. Muscles work just like they did in 1942. Staying on top of the research helps but some things never change.
In case no one else has noticed, we are still strong as phooey. Most of the problems have been missed tackles... not getting blown off the ball.
RocketVol writes:
Pennington's article might be the finest piece of journalism we've seen in that it has provoked the most response from readers, coaches, and even more journalists - and has certainly grabbed top ratings. It doesn't state his agenda but rather opinions of those closest to Fulmer's game - bravo!
For those that think these players should have come forward - please post your name, address, phone number, and e-mail below your screen name so we can know where to send a Christmas card.
geniuspearl writes:
If Eddie Moore worked out with the team, why is he hurt. Out of shape players get hurt. Should have hired a professional trainer like the rest of the sucessful players in the NFL.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
geniuspearl:
Injuries don't necessarily happen to people who are out of shape. A 350 pound lineman caving in on your knee will do damage to anyone. Legs don't break because you are out of shape and concussions don't stay away because you can run 3 miles.
I don't know what happened to Eddie, but I think that that statement is extremely off base.
Eddie has been playing football for, I don't know, 15 years or so. He has been trained and knows how to be in shape so he doesn't necessarily need to have a trainer. If he stays near K-town during the off-season and can work out with the boys and be an encouragement to them, leave the man alone.
What do you think?
utmdm writes:
Did Jones make it into the game? What is his status?
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
nickhuzunk:
Maybe you didn't catch Tennessee vs. Florida 2006, or Tennessee vs. Florida 2007. Where in each game our offensive line failed to have any kind of push in the trenches. None whatsoever. Crazy how one Georgia win can make everyone forget where our weaknesses have been for at least 2 years.
alfrizzle097 writes:
It amazes me that this article comes out after a big UT win.... or maybe it doesn't. If you are going to right opinion pieces, go ahead and do it regardless of the situation. If you have something positive to say, do it when the team is down. But DO NOT write it only when the landsacape change to support it.
wyomingvol writes:
Genius is the latter end of a horse,,,,
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
why36knot#656113 writes:
Why Mr Adams............ And all this time I thought you were the unquestioned expert on everything football.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
I believe that Long is right about the conditioning. It has improved dramatically since then. Back in the late 1970's, we had a 250lb nose guard that NOBODY could block. That obviously doesn't work today. The issue that I see is the actual practice sessions especially in the Spring. In the late 1970's, we geared up for a real game (O & W) and everybody played. It was very intense and designed to create real game action. Today, it appears to be a show of walk-ons and 2nd-3rd stringers. My assumption is that CPF does want any injuries to key players. How you balance injuries with player development must be tricky.
bigbluevol writes:
Feared- A couple of things. First, I don't think that the players commenting in Pennington's column were questioning anything other than the organized workouts. You're right, they can still max out in their off time, by the way they must approach maxing out since weight records continue to be broken (McClendon's bench, etc.). The criticism was that the players of the past don't believe that the organized workouts are effective because of the lack of maxing out. Long wasn't making an excuse, he was providing an explanation. There is a difference. Second, I think our issues against Florida along the line have more to do with scheme and execution than strength. A lot of Florida's d-line is stunting and movement. We weren't being blown off the ball. We often got no more than a stalemate, but being knocked off the ball hasn't really been an issue. Good blocking requires sustaining blocks and that has been our biggest issue in the run game.
jweaver3#395614 writes:
I agree with awhill00, this is a one game at a time business. The intensity against GA was awesome and we can hang with anyone playing that type of game. Let's be consistent and support the VOLS!!!
GO VOLS!!!
TXVOLSFAN
mparker writes:
you guys remember jabari davis, right? the 'next' jamal lewis?? Turned out to be, well, not much.
A lot of what you get out of s&c is what you put into it. I think some of you are missing it: UT used to get the cream of the crop. Look at the players Peyton had, or Casey. Tons of pro players, drafted or free agent.
That has slipped as UGA, gamecocks, UK, Louisville, even Vandy....have all stepped up their football programs. We don't 'own' ga, north and south carolina, and parts of florida when it comes to recruiting. we get good players, but we don't get a class full of 'great' players.
You can always go back to Hershal running over Bill Bates way back when for an example of a good player against a great player: Bill was a darn good player, Hershal was a GREAT player.
The point? Ut is starting with GOOD players, not GREAT players. That shows up every where in the program.
inquiry writes:
Pennington is an idiot and I'm not reading anything else he writes in sports.. He should be now moved to cover Cocke County News, always something going on over there that also worthless to report on
govols57 writes:
I am glad Pennington wrote the column. Maybe he needs to come out with a story like that every week. Even if he was way off base it doesn't matter because it finally lit a fire under Fulmer's butt and he actually coached with some passion!! It is amazing what happens when Fulmer prepares his players like he is paid 2 million dollars a year to do so. Everyone knows that UT has the talent, why did it take 4 games and 2 embarrassments to get them ready to play. Way to go Pennington!! Keep up the good work!!
As far as Johhny Long, I still think he is garbage. The proof is in the pudding. How many of you saw how slow UT looked against Cal and FLA? How many of you know that only 1 strength record has been broken since Long took over?
Tug of war? Because that makes you stronger and faster! I understand the concept of competition and teamwork but come on!
info#214526 writes:
Thank you, John. Coming from a fellow journalist (I use that term loosely regarding Pennington), that was a nice column.
vjnd3#219886 writes:
57 You are dead wrong about J Long. He is without a doubt one of the top 5 S&C coaches in the country. I would love to see if you could survive one of his workouts. I would also like to see some proof about your 1 strength record comment.
west_tn_volfan writes:
I thought this article was at best a lame rebutal of Penningtons article. The most damning points in Penningtons article were about the players attitude and desire to get better not the nuts and bolts of the strength program itself. The former players questioned the players competing with and pushing each other to get better. This comes back to desire and mental toughness. There has to be a reason that our offensive line has only had one good game against a team with comparable talent. It is also interesting that Adams seems to say you can't even trust what former players say and then quotes a former player to back up his side of the arguement.
Chainsaw writes:
Good article. Thanks John.
TurboFan writes:
Pennington is a columnist not a journalist. He culls together facts and stats and makes observations and raises questions. He is not a UT insider that can hang around the program personaly and ask Long or Fulmer questions. He can ask former players that do have access to the program (training room, practices, etc.) on their observations from which he drew general observations (or allowed the reader to). If he is wrong, great, someone took the time to disprove it and we can move on to other concerns. JP has said in the past that he does not identify his sources because they fear being black balled from the program.
FWBVol writes:
WD40plusVol, how do you disprove someone that isn't identified? You can't call that person out and question them. The excuse of them fearing they would be black balled from the program might have a little merit. But through the years one of the things everyone seems to agree on about Phillip Fulmer is the accessibility he has to current and former players. As far as I'm concerned, if these guys are so concerned about the program that they went to John Pennington, they needed to go to CPF first. I believe this is an excellent column by John Adams citing former players who seem to know a thing are two as well.
mtnvol writes:
John, the second to last sentence should begin all of your articles in the future...."But what do I know?"
I really can't believe you threw your illegitimate son under the bus. I know Pennington is yours because someone told me that they heard it from someone who overheard someone else, but I can't use any names. But I will give you credit for finding a quote source and actually using his name.
Basketball_Jones writes:
Those former players never said the workouts weren't tough they said they're not as competetive, its completely differnt. If this is true, then I think it goes back to the talent on 2nd and 3rd teams. Back in the mid to late 90's we had the best players in America at UT. That meant each and every time they were being looked at by coaches and other players they had to give their best because if not there was a blue chip All American waiting in the wings to step in. This went for the weight room, pratice field, anywhere you were being judged. Now we don't necessarily have the talent we did 10-15 years ago, so maybe some of these guys know they don't have to push it as hard because either way there already better than the one playing behind them.
Now all of this may be false and I have no problem with Penningtons article. But tell me this Vol fans....what if those former players had praised the shape of this program and threw blame directly at the people on the field and not Fulmer and his staff, would they have been right then or would they have been wrong? I find it funny that anytime a fan, former player, columnist or Santa Claus himself bad mouths the Vol football program, they're told they don't know anything about football, they're not a "true" Vol fan or their opinion doesn't matter cause they are not an Alumni and they don't donate the the University. So who is right and who is wrong?
mikeb3100 writes:
bavol,
Can you please tell me what in the hell is Attact, Attact, Attact? Never heard of it before, must be some kind of new S&C workout. I don't think it's working too well.
auttat writes:
Bubba, dju see dat dang dog? It just attact me!!
TurboFan writes:
FWB, reread Mr. Adams' article, he disproved (or attempted to) the unidentified players assertions with testimony from an identified player (Moore) and an expert (Long). If those guys want to talk to CPF directly, they have by now. If not, they must have their reasons. Can't prove or disprove the validity of those reasons though.
budd#207344 writes:
We are focusing on one aspect of a solid article. The program has slipped. The whys are for everyone to speculate but the one who has to answer is CPF. Pennington told us what he heard. If CPF has such a great relationship with his former players why are some of them saying these things? As far as Adams is concerned, I would be writing an article debunking JP too if I looked like a has been compared to a to a TV host. The proof was in the GA game. Totally different team. The truth has gotten thru to the coaches. They have the opportunity to prove they can do it. Now they have to perform
govols57 writes:
vjnd3,
I played college ball and have only been out of college for 3 years. I assure you I can handle little Johnny's workouts. Have you even seen him on the sideline? That is the most out of shape S&C "coach" I have ever seen. I know it's all what you know not how you look, but you have to question little Johnny's expectations from players when he cant even keep himself in shape. Tennessee needs to fire little Johnny (who by the way doesn't even compare to the S&C coaches we have had in the past) and go get Charlie Petrone. Petrone is based out of Knoxville and has trained the likes of Culpepper, Haynesworth, Bruce Wilkerson, myself and plenty of others with an unbelieveable prodcution. Google him!
As far as proof of the records, go into the UT weight room sometime. I doubt you have been in there since you are calling me out. Every single strenght record on the board except for 1 were all set in 1999 or before. The most recent was Jac MeClendon breaking Darwin Walker's all time bench press record, but that's it. Travis Henry set the running back squat record, Tee Martin set the quarterback bench record and so on. All of these records were set pre Johnny Long. I rest my case. Do your research before youc call me out vjnd3.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
I agree with one thing Mustang... let's see some deep ball! As long as Ainge is ready to go with that pinky... let that turkey fly!!
movol77 writes:
Media & blogger meeting about self-coverage overheard by an anonymous fan...
"OK girls, here's what we oughta do. When the coach takes the field with the boys again, just start crying to everyone else so that we can get some pity about being so insignificant compared to the reality of the game. If the coach or boys notices one of us, that one can really feel better about herself...the rest of us galpals will shower her with affirming hugs & kisses. OK? If the coach or boys do not notice us, we could do as some and just switch teams...or just do it again cuz eventually somebody will notice even if your make up is smeared just a little."
mdavis332#560634 writes:
John, the story written by JP was untrue can't you figure that out. If someone says something and there is no accountability for what is said then it's undocumented therefore bunk. You should know that and I'm sure you do but just trying to keep a fellow sports writer from looking stupid.
Either JP made it up or the "x players" are not worthy of being heard if they can't speak for themselves (this is unlikely),
Come on, you guys need to dig for information and not make it up as was done in that article.
StallionVol writes:
And another question 57 - do you really think Fulmer woke up Sat. morning, picked up the paper - and THEN decided he'd coach hard that day? Funny, I didn't think game preparation all took place the morning before the game. You don't sound like a ballplayer at all.
TriCityVol writes:
A Cheap Shot at Pennington?
mikeb3100 writes:
govols57 couldn't be ovince saint preux, he couldn't make it through a workout while he was at tn. much less be bragging about making it through one now, if it is then that would explain why people say the dropoff in talent happened in that era, did you see that guy play? no, nobody did. he was overrated and couldn't make it to the field
govols57 writes:
sjt18,
No, I did not play at UT but I am from Knoxville and have several friends that played for UT in the early 2000's right before the "decline" that I used to workout with. I don't think that the decline is due to a lack of talent. Fulmer's has a great knack for recruiting and being that 56 players from UT since 1999 have been drafted, I say the talent is just fine. The problems I have with Fulmer and Johnny Long are inline with what John Pennington's column said.
Player Development and the strength program is a huge problem. I disagree with JP about the practice intensity.
I mean this is the first game where UT actually had a surge on the offensive line and when the defensive line actually got some pressure (except for Xavier Mitchell please start Wes Brown!) And why does it take so long for players to get on the field....WHERE IS KENNY O'NIEL? He is just one of many who have came in with all the potential in the world but for some reason can't get on the field.
As for you StallionVol, no I don't think Fulmer just woke up and read the paper and changed his game plan. But I do think he got pissed off and coached to win the game instead of his normal lets just wait for the other team to make a mistake.
I mean for all of you naive people who are in love with Fulmer, how many more games does he have to lose to top 25 teams or even unranked teams before you realize he is a terrible coach? Do you not care that he is 9-20 against SEC teams in the last 6 years and he has only won 2 bowl games in the last 8 years and that most of the losses where blowouts? When people talk about the top teams in the country is Tennessee ever mentioned? WAKE UP!
mattlock writes:
You know, all this speculation and talk about what is or isn't happening with the team could be cleared up real easy. . .OPEN PRACTICE. Teams can get film on us anyway, and its not like we've not been running the same plays since 92. Open practice Phil, let the local press in, what do you have to hide?
rsarazen#221200 writes:
I like my favorite quote from Mark Twain, "When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it happened or not; but my faculties are decaying now and soon I shall be so I cannot remember any but the things that never happened. It is sad to go to pieces like this but we all have to do it."
leggtnman#234744 writes:
Why do some TN fans continue to give negative comments? Unless you are a player, coach, or actually involved with the program, you are only adding opinions from people who wish they were as good at playing football as they were at writing. You are just rambling on what you think is wrong or what should be done. Unless you are receiving a paycheck from the University of Tennessee or putting on a helmet, you are merely an "arm chair quarterback." Give the Vols a break...they are playing the game and taking the hits while you are eating hot dogs and drinking beverages. Go Vols!!
invisiblekid writes:
So the issue of strength and conditioning has been refuted, fair enough. I never really bought the complaints about "maxing out" versus using lighter weights and higher reps anyway. And I certainly don't have the backround or education to question Johnny Long and his theories. To the contrary, I believe in that thought process as I haven't tried to max out since a shoulder injury, but I'll guarantee I am stronger now using the higher reps-lower weight training.
All that being said, there were two more issues brought up in the Pennington article. One was the issue of practices not being as intense, which may be a result of scholarship limitations and concerns for potential injuries as Pennington mentioned. I don't know that I buy that, but it's plausible IMO.
The other, and far more important issue, is that of fundamentals and player development. IMO, that is the biggest concern and the most pressing set of problems plaguing this program right now. Players making the same mistakes one game to the next, players taking 3 years to make it onto the field, and a seeming lack of leadership on and off the field have done as much or more to lead to the performances we have seen in recent years than anything. When do we see some articles addressing those issues in a no BS manner from current coaches and players? The GA game was a step in the right direction but it should be an all-or-nothing proposition when it comes to playing hard and playing smart.
govols57 writes:
Bravo Touchdown! Finally someone that understands, its not that we hate fulmer as a person. He is a great guy but the inconsistancy against the other SEC teams is what makes everyone upset. He has top 10 recruiting classes every year and sends countless players to the NFL. He is getting paid 2 million a year to at least compete for an SEC championship and the only consistant thing he has done is be consistantly inconsistant.
Basketball_Jones writes:
SJT I can't place blame of the offense directly on Sanders. Remember he was working with a very tight leas from Fulmer, so maybe it was Phil's fault the offense was so bad. Remember it has been said many time during the Clausen/Ainge debate that Sanders wanted Rick in because of his brain and he rarely lost games for us. Phil wanted Eric since he had more ability but made some errant throws and bad decisions. Also the offense hasn't really exploded, remember our receivers had yet to hit their stride. Then last year Meachum, Swain and Co. had a great year and looked like All Americans against Cal.
ncvol17 writes:
whatever the truth is .. the column seemed to light a fire in the bellies of both coaches and players. UGA was the 1st 'fun' game to watch since last years Cal game. Until then, even wins were usually ugly and not fun to watch..
Let's write a column b4 every game if it gets those results
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