Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
- When: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, time TBA
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
At one position, Tennessee's football team needs a shot of energy. At another, it just needs a healthy body.
In both cases, Dennis Rogan to the rescue.
For those who have been clamoring to see more of the true freshman from Fulton High School, that reality is closer.
UT coach Phillip Fulmer announced Tuesday that Rogan will replace Jonathan Hefney as the top punt-returner Saturday.
Furthermore, a near-biblical plague of attrition leaves Rogan as the first sub at cornerback behind starters Brent Vinson and DeAngelo Willingham.
In fact, Rogan is the only sub at cornerback unless the Vols are willing to scuttle a redshirt season for another true freshman, Art Evans.
Rogan, being a freshman, is off limits to interviews, per Fulmer's policy. We assume he's excited about the prospect of an increased role. We certainly know that his legions of supporters on talk radio and the message boards are.
To date, Rogan has been seen returning four kickoffs for an average of 27 yards. He's played on other units in the kicking game and gotten in for a few snaps at safety.
Fulmer has long touted this freshman class for its "dynamics" and that was the word he used Tuesday to explain replacing a senior with a freshman on punt returns:
"We're looking for some dynamics.
"It's not that Jon has done anything that poorly. It's just we're kind of stuck in a spot and I want to shake it up.''
Rogan's dynamics at Fulton were the stuff of local legend. He scored an astounding 81 touchdowns for the Falcons. As a senior he set a state scoring record with 296 points.
As for Hefney, after two, uh, dynamic seasons as UT's punt-return specialist, he's averaging a piddling 6.4 yards this year. That's the second-lowest average of the Fulmer era. As a team, Tennessee ranks 73rd nationally.
When the season was young, the Vols were awful in multiple phases of the kicking game. To give credit where it's due, they've shored up the other loose ends. Punt returns have stubbornly remained unproductive.
"Other than the one really bad game where he went backward, Jon's been fine,'' Fulmer said. "But fine is not where we want to be.
"We want to get some dynamics going.''
Many of the dynamics going in the secondary have been of the negative variety, a by-product of inexperience.
By now, you've heard the list of missing persons claimed by injuries, academics and dismissals. The latest, sophomore Marsalous Johnson (knee surgery), leaves the Vols with this unlikely predicament:
Only four cornerbacks are on the depth chart and none of them was a member of the program a year ago.
Vinson is a true freshman with four starts. Willingham is a junior-college transfer with two starts.
Then there's Rogan and Evans. Rogan has never played a collegiate snap at corner. Evans has never played a snap.
That's what can happen when four cornerbacks and a starting safety disappear for various reasons.
"You recruit for your needs and concerns,'' said Fulmer, "but you can't completely plan for that. You can't think all that's going to happen.''
It did. If Rogan were to sub for Willingham at corner, he would join Vincent and starting safety Eric Berry as a third true freshman on the field together.
And given the knee-buckling number of snaps the defense has been on the field lately, Rogan will almost certainly see action Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette.
"The knowledge is not there and the experience is not there,'' said defensive coordinator John Chavis, "but athletically, he can play corner or safety.''
If he could also make a tackler or two miss on a punt return, hey, nobody will be complaining.
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.
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Comments » 44
BigManVolFan writes:
What happen to Ricardo Kemp and Antonio Wardlow?
What about playing Berry some at CB and playing Parrish at SS or Nevin McKenzie at SS...I just dont see the use in playing Art Evans and wasting his red-shirt year with 4 games left....It would be totally pointless.
objk1#231846 writes:
Desperate?
CrankE writes:
Dynamic. Check that block on the chart.
One question coach, you indicate that it's not that Jon has done anything poorly. The stats show however, that Jon has only netted 6.4 yards per return-which helps UT to a rank of 73 nationally on punt returns. What are your expectations in this area? Is UT falling short of, meeting, or exceeding expectations? Are you expecting things to get better/worse/same with Rogan in there?
Hey, while we're on the subject, could we shake things up a little on offense? Not that we're doing anything poorly there, but it could be more, you know, dynamic.
_________________
The first step is to admit that you have a problem. Fulmer can't bring himself to just be honest about why they made the change.
Personally, I'm hoping that Mike Hamilton will get the "heck" out of here. You know, to make it more dynamic.
SmokeDog72 writes:
Right now, somebody making at least six figures a year is scribbling away and brainstorming to formulate the "GOALS OF RETURNING A PUNT" chart.
How exciting!!!!
volsoutwest writes:
Has anyone told him it is okay to run up field after he fields a punt?
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
aaahhhhh..... dale carter and deon grant..... if berry could only live up to those two.... time will tell ....
SmokeDog72 writes:
BigManVolFan,
Have you seen Jarrod Parrish play safety yet?
If yes, then you have the answer to why he is not playing.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
MAN, this coaching staff is ultra-conservative.
I'm convinced that Fulmer, et al approach every game these days playing not to lose rather than playing to surprise, shock, intimidate, dominate, bewilder, confuse, perplex, confound and outwit the other team.
Fatal aversion to risk.
volinexile writes:
First off, putting Grant in the same category as Dale Carter is an injustice to Carter--the most dynamic safety, kick returner, and occasional punt returner that Tennessee has had (at least in my 20 years of watching UT football). Nothing like turning on 1990 Back on Bourbon St. every year before the Florida game and watching Carter split the Gators on the opening 2nd half kickoff return for a touchdown. The point that I'm getting at is that Majors, for all his faults, made sure that the best players were on the field the entire game. There was a reason that Carl Pickens played DB occasionally, Carter was DB, KR, & PR, and Cobb and Webb lined up in the same backfield (granted that Stewart and Hayden did too). If Fulmer was as dedicated to getting the best players on the field every play, we'd be in a better position than we are today. Therefore, there's absolutely no reason why players like Berry and Rogan aren't on the field more often. By the way, whatever happened to Ben Martin? I haven't heard his name in forever.
dfreeman writes:
I don't know why everyone is so excited about this!! Rogan may be the greatest ever but it won't mean anything if the defense can't stop their offense so they have to PUNT!!
alfrizzle097 writes:
I believe that Ben Martin is injured.
The prevent looks horible to me, but just look up what happened in the 2004 regular season Auburn game.... I believe over fifty percent of Auburn's yards came on five of six plays.
rsarazen#221200 writes:
This coaching staff is completely lost. Go Dennis Rogan. I'm pulling for you. Who knows? He could be the next superstar at UT from our own backyard. I believe there are more Dennis Rogans out there and Fulmer et al can't see them because he's on planes to California recruiting. Unbelievable!
invisiblekid writes:
Parrish is doing a terrific job where he is at, no need to mess with success. Kemp and Wardlow probably deserve playing time more than him at this point based on performance. This has to go down as one of the most astute coaching observations ever : "Other than the one really bad game where he went backward, Jon's been fine,''. Yep, going backward does tend to pose a problem I guess, but at least he is catching the ball.
10ACVOL writes:
Who gives a flying rat about who is returning our punts? Back to reality, we have to win out and our D is 10th in the SEC in points allowed. Right now, our Points For and Points against is 250-250. All these distractions (last week Montario, this week punt returns)
I wanna read some articles that put some heat on Chavis' seat!!!
invisiblekid writes:
Just to offer some clarification for Crank E and others, the Vols as a team are actually ranked #97 in punt returns. Hefney is ranked #73 in individual returns. Last year, the Vols finished ranked 30th in punt returns as a team. I am not 100% sure, but I don't think that's progress. Oh well, at least they are going to "get some dynamics going."
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2007/Inter...
No charge for the fact checks this time. J/K
VOLINSC writes:
I live out of state and coming back to knoxville for the game, I couldn't beleive the negativity in Knoxville. People act like UT is having a season like ND (1-7). I think the people in and around Knoxville need to take a broader look at the current college landscape. Compared to Miami, FSU, Nebraska (powers during the 90s) Tennessee under PF is doing pretty good. Yes, maybe we need some changes in the staff (similar to majors staff changes in the middle of the season to turn around the 88 season and lead to a great run in 89 through 91). But the benefits of keeping PF in place outweigh the significant chance of getting the wrong replacement. (see, for example, Nebraska, Colorado, ND). Simply put, the days when a few powers could dominate year in and year out are over.
As for the rest of this year, it could still be the best since 2001. It will be tough, but Ark, UK and Vandy are beatable. If PF acomplishes an East Div. Championship this season, with all the attrition in the secondary, it will be a sucessfull season.
Oenoboy writes:
grvol. What are you talking about? The Vols will suck because of a positive attitude? You are so lost in your negativity and reproach to anyone who differs from your opinion, it’s laughable. He's right by the way. If we win the east and play for the championship, it is one step beyond last year.
By the way, I was served orange kool aid the first time I saw a game in Neyland when I was 8 years old. It has never worn off. You keep making it sound like a bad thing to be a Big Orange fan. What color is your kool aid nowadays, crimson?
utclassof1992 writes:
orange kool aid is not bad in and of itself. Blind consumption is what does you in. Go Dennis. Show us something. Lucky to have Fulmer? Not really.
utclassof1992 writes:
I would have so much more respect if Fulmer would just come out and say, "We got our butt kicked in recruiting after losing to Vandy and everyone else in 2005, and that is one of the reasons for the talent deficit right now".
utclassof1992 writes:
Look at the depth problem right now. 2002 style MASH unit in the DBs. Not all Chief's fault.
newtonrail writes:
Kemp plays Nickle back and usually Wardlow is dime package. I don't know why neither is considered further up the depth chart at CB or Safety.
snafu14u#241639 writes:
This should have been done earlier in the season.Hefney is not the answer, hasn't been.bonzaivol
west_tn_volfan writes:
volinsc: I have said before that Fulmer could improve things greatly with some staff changes. I believe you are right in that regard but the reason so many of us feel he should step down is because he refuses to make those changes. Loyalty is great when its not misplaced. His loyalty is supposed to be to the university and the thousands of fans who pay the bills at UT. A coaching job at UT has almost become a lifetime appointment regardless of performance. Randy Sanders stepped down,which was the honorable thing to do but I don't see anyone else on this staff following his lead.
p.s. Sanders wasn't a bad guy or a bad position coach, he was just in over his head as an o.c.
Hunter writes:
Here's betting "dynamics" was on Fulmer's "Word-of-the-Day" calendar today.
Why not move Hefney to CB (can't get worse than at safety) and try Nevin McKenzie, Rogan, etc. at safety?
CrankE writes:
Oh, silly me. I forgot. The defense has to actually stop the opposing offense on third down and force a punt for there to be a punt return. Hahahahahahahahahahhaha!
This sounds like that big electronic message board that Monty Burns put up outside the power plant. During the demo, one message comes up "CORE MELTDOWN, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES." The crowd is aghast, but Homer Simpson is ROFL. He tells them, "If we have a core meltdown, there won't be any power for the sign!!"
I guess now (vs ULL) is the time to see what Rogan can do, since our defense may not force a punt again in conference play.
__________________
invisible, I'm sure you're right about the correct rankings. I just trusted Strange's numbers. I figured looking up the rank would only quantify UT's lack of quality in this area. Not that Jon has done anything poorly there though...
VOLinDAWGland writes:
If Rogan can make it back and adding Faison and with all of the battle tested DBs from this year, next year the DBs should be an area of strength...which will make the DL look that much better. I'm just not comfortable with Chavis. He hasn't showed much creativity in the face of adversity. I think that is a logical area for possible coaching change assuming Fulmer is not going anywhere. You put some new life into that defense with the OL and RBs that we'll have next year and we should easily be able to get back to power football and provide some cover for Crompton.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
I need to take my prozac this morning... 7M to buy these clowns out... watched fulmer last night on espn and he is clueless to that he suxs... he acts like they did something special by beating a SC team that's a gimmie every year...
Also the national media is being very cautious on fulmer and his job... they said last night that fulmer showed the team a pic of a cartoon from a newspaper in knoxville showing him on the ropes.. that explains the first half and then reality set in and coaches went back to eating their bananas or steaks(man has coach cut blown up this year) at half time while the other team made adjustments.....
it suxs to love something so much and not be able to control the outcome :):)kinda like life!!!!!!!!
Southland writes:
In state talent is overlooked every year. True we have to recruit nationally but there are stars from Tennessee playing all over the place that were not even given a shot at UT
RemembertheAlamo writes:
10ACvol......where are you coming from....return punts could win or lose the ball game.....if we take care of the punts first, it would make the rest of the game easier.....Special teams are a very import cog in the game and if we don't concentrate on that aspect then we would probably lose the game.....Look how Cal and Florida scored on us on special teams....if they have had that same attitude that you have then they might have not had a punt returner in there to run back for TDs.....
utclassof1992 writes:
Young team-OK, I can understand this. Happens occasionally.
Lost talent-OK, I can understand this too. Losing Meachem, Swain, and Smith was bound to hurt. I can understand this too.
MASH unit in secondary-I can understand that as well.
Look like a Mini-midget team and quit in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Blow a 21 point lead to SC. Start throwing players under the bus. Lose to ranked opponents by 24 pts a game. Compare yourself to Paterno, Bowden and Osborne during this stretch (pre-AL press conference). This is what has many in an uproar, including me.
VolSwaff writes:
same here man, some things can be over looked but this has to stop. and im also tired of Mcneil calling out sports writers and fans when they are voicing there oh so true opinions about PF.
invisiblekid writes:
Crank E, just to clarify, that comment about the fact check wasn't directed torward you as much as it was Strange or the powers that be at KNS. Just offering the stats to help prove your point. With all the vitriol that is spewed around here nowadays(especially by the so-called positive fans), your one of the guys that post on here that I make it a point to read. Good comment about the Simpsons, a little gallows humor never hurts these days when discussing the Vols.
vscebail#247785 writes:
Are we the only team in college football that doesn't have any depth? Maybe it's just me ... but I thought these types of adjustments were supposed to be done during spring drills -- NOT 10 WEEKS INTO THE SEASON!!! So we've got injuries - Deal with it! That's the whole reason you have 2nd/3rd teams and walk-ons. What is the purpose of recruiting dozens of players if you're only going to play 22 of them? Is there no more talent on our team capable of filling these positions? Or here's an idea -- let some back-ups play against Southern Miss and Arkansas State. This not only gives them some real game experience, but it also helps to rest our starters who are apparently IRREPLACABLE this far into the season. Injuries are part of the game and should be planned for well in advance. I seem to remember a certain year when we lost our starting running back (Jamal Lewis); and our best defensive player (Al Wilson) toughed it out half the season with an injured shoulder. Those were the days....
CrankE writes:
10-4 invisible. You've got to double check KNS sometimes. They're so, uh, dynamic in the world of facts.
DSaVol writes:
What a coaching move!!! Damn that Fulmer is a genius! We got a defense that can't stop running water or cover a bed so let's replace the punt returner! You go Philip!!! That's is sure to light a fire under your ungodly defense and just think what it will add to those 25 4 yard passes we're throwing every game! I knew I knew nothing about football but now I really know how dumb I've been!!!
utclassof1992 writes:
#9-Anthony Miller (jersey #7) only bright spot in Jeff Francis' day.
utclassof1992 writes:
#8-Billy Williams (jersey #80)-Blinding speed and quickness, but career hampered by injuries and academic issues. Would have been much higher if not for that.
#7-Alvin Harper-(jersey #81)-Would have been the primary go to guy on most teams. However, was the #2 with Pickens.
utclassof1992 writes:
Anybody remember Haskel Stanback or Pat Augustine? Guess where I'm from. I used to live near them.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Phil, Phil, Phil, thank you for showing us the error of our ways. The only kicks we returm (try to) are those after the Bama' and Gators ran up their 100 POINTS! Blame everyone but your out-of-touch self! Whatever it takes, get him a job with Krispy Kreme or Golden Corral! Once a great recruiter, very average game day coach (run off right tackle) even all that has gone! Slow LBs, Div 111 defensive tackles leaving CBs and Safetys out on a limb. Some opposing QBs even forget the plays they have so long back there!! Let's beat LaLaf 43-22 and get ready to smite Vanderbush, wildcats and Hoggs (right). I hope my old truck can make it to the Lucky-Ducky store bowl or its ilk! Hamilton, step up!! Go Vols!
drwfocus writes:
DSaVOL - you are on target. Ainge purportedly has this mighty and accurate arm and we have recruited the best, fastest and most talented receivers in the country year after year but how many 20+ yard passes have the Vols completed this year - no - better yet, how many have been thrown this year?
sgtvols writes:
i have a great idea. don't go to the game saturday, come over to my hosue and lets watch films of old games with old players. does anyone have any of the 1952 team?
TommyJack writes:
Geoffrey: Don't know if you mentioned him, but Johnny Mills had the best hands of any TN receiver. Ever. Not the best overall receiver maybe, not the fastest for sure. But what a pair of hands.
MillisaAnn writes:
Have Eric Berry return punts too.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
Whine, Whine, Whine. Don't some of you guys ever get tired of hearing yourselves whine? I do, so I will quit reading your postings on this site. I guess this is what you get when a site becomes free for some to expose the poison in their hearts.
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