Tennessee Stat Book
Around the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center, Tennessee tailback Montario Hardesty is back to being his old, smiley self.
On the field, he's getting closer.
"I'm feeling close to 90 percent or so," said Hardesty, who returned to practice Monday for the first time in at least two weeks.
Hardesty, who missed all but two games in 2005 with a torn ACL, had been limited by an ankle injury and did not play at Florida or last week against Arkansas State.
That should all change when 15th-ranked Georgia comes to Neyland Stadium on Oct. 6 (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.).
"I'll definitely be ready to go," Hardesty said. "I said I felt about 90 percent, that's just because I got to get myself back in shape. But as far as cutting and doing stuff like that, everything's fine."
UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Hardesty has looked good in three days of practice, although he'd like to get the sophomore some full contact work next week to make sure he takes care of the football.
The biggest change for Hardesty has been his demeanor.
"Montario's a very mentally tough young man and very determined," Fulmer said. "When it's not happening for him like he wants it to, he gets really down. The last two or three days, he's been really up because he feels better and he feels he can play."
Jones Back: True freshman wide receiver Gerald Jones is back at practice after having been limited with an injured hamstring.
Fulmer limited Jones during sprints at the end of practice to protect the hamstring but expects him to be fully ready when the Vols return to practice Monday following Saturday's open date.
"We'll see how much he's actually going to be able to do next week," Fulmer said.
Jones has played in one game this season, against Southern Miss, and has no catches.
No Sleepy Heads: An early wake-up call for UT players for Thursday morning's 6:30 practice didn't prevent the Vols from getting in some solid work before breaking for the weekend.
"They came ready to practice," Fulmer said. "Got our team work in and all our stuff we've been working on versus Georgia and got some good conditioning in."
Thursday's practice was moved to the early morning from its usual mid-afternoon time because of Thursday night's JV game at Neyland Stadium.
The Vols resume their normal practice schedule beginning Monday.
Calling Cooper: True freshman tight end Kevin Cooper could see his first action of the season against Georgia, Fulmer said.
The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Chattanooga native is listed as Chris Brown's backup on the UT depth chart.
"Kevin has made steady strides," Fulmer said. "He's kind of that hybrid guy, the fullback/tight end. He's not as obviously big as (Jeff) Cottam or as physical as (David) Holbert was (before tearing his ACL). He's kind of in between. But he understands. He's smart, he's tough, he can do some things for us to help us along the way."
Cooper is one of several newcomers who could see increased playing time in the coming weeks.
Fulmer named linebacker Savion Frazer, who played against Arkansas State, and converted safety Nevin McKenzie, who had five tackles against the Indians, as two players who could expect more snaps.
Eight Days a Week: After its bye this week, Tennessee close out the season with eight games on consecutive weeks for the first time in three seasons. The Vols played eight consecutive games in 2004, beginning with a Sept. 18 win at Florida and ending with a Nov. 6 loss to Notre Dame.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 56
DennisVols writes:
A chance to say something positive before all the negitive thoughts on the sinking of the Vols arrive.
The new players starting to develop and signs that Taylor and Ayers are becoming the on the field leaders that really has been the missing pieces of the puzzle for UT.
Sports reporters seem to have the job of stating the negitive and it seems to be what feeds to part-time fans.
UT has been missing the Al Wilson, Leonard Little, Big John type of player for several years now. You can poke and poke at this organization, coaching staff, recuriting all you want. Question Fulmers game plan, I know I have a lot, but the one thing that has been truely missing is a field leader. Coaches don't teach this kind of talent. It is something that some have and some don't. This is not the same as the talent to play the game or position it is the ability to comand others during the game. Little, Wilson, Henderson all came to UT with the ability to play their position, but it was when they developed into field leaders, holding themselves responsible, rasing the bar, doing more than what was asked of them that UT was truely successful. The Chiefs defense is the same system that lead UT as one of the best pass and run defenses in the nation, the difference is the leadership that was on the field not on the sidelines.
Keeping it Real!!!!
GoVol writes:
DSkag - you're right in saying that the Chief's defense is the same one....however, that's the problem. Everyone has figured it out....we need to mix it up. Also, in fairness to the Chief..he can only put the kids in the scheme and position. It's up to the kids to execute and tackle. I've never seen such poor tackling from a team before. And while we're on the subject of the D...the d-backs need to be taught to look back for the ball when they are running with a receiver down the field. How many times do we have to see a possible interception situation not material because of the technique slade teaches them...year after year, after year?
It is no wonder we get burned on so many deep passes. The opposing team offense basically says the worst that can happen is an incomplete pass...TN surely won't intercept it.
DennisVols writes:
jwraymond1
Sorry that reading is a problem. However writing a post that is poorly thought out, hateful, and not original would show a lack of intelligence.
1) “fire Fulmer” : It’s been said, old and really shows no originality.
2) “fire Fulmer now” : Again see above
3) “fire the whole staff”: check #1 again
4) “hire Gruden, Spuirrer, or any other mystical coach: check #1
The point being this is a place for communication and if the best you can do is say the same ol same ol. If you cannot look at the situation with an open and well informed mind then chances are your only contribution is going to be numbers 1-4. And frankly that is as old as hearing Fulmer say “We will get better”
bigbluevol writes:
jw, what can you be ripping Fulmer about here? Is it that everyone showed up for practice? Is it that someone didn't show up for practice (if so, where did you get that?) Or is it that Fulmer didn't address attendance? Honestly, how can you be upset with him from this article? I will agree with you about Hardesty, though.
UTFAN1993 writes:
two things in the comment section of EVERY article:
1- pi** and moan
2- pi** and moan
very limited communication skills.
wyomingvol writes:
I would fire Fulmer for Duke Crews suspension........
bigbluevol writes:
jw, call me whatever you want. You and your pal CRVol are so impressive on here, I'm honored y'all even respond to me. I've re-read your post and I don't know whether it's the poor grammar of a 5 year old or the complete lack of intelligence you displayed, but it doesn't make sense. Why don't you clarify, that's all I'm saying.
bigbluevol writes:
Wow...the dream team got me. Oh no. As I've said before, CR, you do not own me. Keep thinking that, though.
DennisVols writes:
Looks like my point was very clear. If all you have to say with each articles post is about firing Fulmer then you are wasting space. If you have trouble reading a well written post because it contains more than one sentence and it is not just a half thought out "fire Fulmer" response to an article that shows a positive aspect to this team I feel sorry for you.
By the way no one on the team missed any classes. Since it is the middle of the season the players are on a limited class schedule. Classes are not done in a normal setting that non-student athletes take. Do you also assume that when the team is traveling to other universities to play they miss classes?
bigbluevol writes:
Well, CR I assumed that you were talking to me since those were the exact words you have used towards me before. I know you don't own me. I'm not justifying anything. Just letting you know that your perception is not reality.
CoverOrange writes:
Meanwhile, back at the Batcave....
eefor10c writes:
Welcome to the CRvol and the jwr rendition of the same old junk. Too bad you guys can's make your point without multiple posts! Then you have to get personal.
volfan73120#211815 writes:
CRVol, do you want to sell your Georgia tickets?
BigUn writes:
Why are they going to waste Gerald Jones this year and not Redshirt him?
It's fairly obvious that he will be put in the game, they will run a reverse to him, it will either lose 5 yards or gain none, he will come out until next game when we try the "Gerald Jones package" again.
This season is over with. Our defense sucks and unless we've got new guys coming into play for the old ones, we ain't winning out.
eefor10c writes:
The drought in East Tennessee is Fulmer's fault, right cr & jw.
eefor10c writes:
Yes, crvol, you must have an extremely busy schedule. Yet you have time to monitor all posts, make multiple meaningless posts that do not deal with the topic.OH, My Goodness!!!!!!!!This is my third post. I'm becoming a crvol/jw clone.
vol4jesus writes:
"Pride comes before thw fall." "If any man thinks he stand let him take heed lest he fall." " Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom...." THIS JUST IN.....Big britches gonna get tight as poster continually inflates himself. Thursday morning practice went smoooth. Goood!!
bigorangesob writes:
Oh the seasons over, people are owning people,Hardesty sucks, fire fulmer, fire Chavis, hire Gruden (who sux by the way), I am personally looking forward to the UGA game so all you half ass fan will just shut the hell up,when we beat them, and S. Carolina,and Bama, and UK, and maybe we'll support this team like us TRUE FANS do
invisiblekid writes:
Good posts as usual fellas. With Creer getting some carries and showing a few flashes, Coker returning to form, and old reliable Arian Foster still plugging away, I would think Hardesty would be a good candidate for fullback. I just don't think Hardesty has the field vision of some of the other backs and carries are going to be few and far between for him.
invisiblekid writes:
BTW, I bet they spent 42 seconds on punt returns in practice and the staff felt good about it. Sorry, couldn't resist after hearing the comments about 15 minutes curing the tackling ills.
DennisVols writes:
"You can fool anybody for 15 minutes. After that you must prove you know something" "Lombardi"
Hey lets hire him. Darn too late
yeavols#228407 writes:
Ya'll skipped page 24 on the practice notebook- It reads: STAY THE COURSE
yeavols#228407 writes:
Oh and BIGORANGESOB...i'll have whatever you are drinking..and Keep them coming..I have an open tab with lots of credit..I am not spending any more money at Bowl games, on souvenirs, or even a taxi ride to and from any bar that is broacasting any games. =)
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
BigUn: You don't want to "waste" Gerald Jones for this year???
Please tell me you are not one of those who also complains that we never play the young'uns.
Even in your same post you say we should play new guys instead of the old guys. That's a waste by your logic. Right?
The season isn't a waste. TN will show up and take some folks behind the woodshed. Even after woodshedding Georgia, people will still call for Coach Fulmers head.
Go VOLS!! Woodshed Georgia!!
stevefrommemphis writes:
Here's the first installment of an ongoing effort to educate the spoiled young UT fans who think things are bad now....
October 8, 1977 at Knoxville... In the first year of Johnny Majors' effort to rebuild the Tennessee football tradition that seven years of Bill Battle estroyed, long-time rival Georgia Tech dominates the Vols much worse than the 24-8 final score indicates. A continuous rainstorm kept fans soaked; many left early, but many more did not show up at all. The Vols dropped to 2-3; Ga Tech eventually finished the season 6-5.
abrown#232236 writes:
Ainge is becoming a surgeon, the receivers are a likable bunch of scrappers, Foster is a tragic figure that wants so badly to succeed but keeps laying the ball on the turf, Coker is a wild talent but a few tokes away from exile, Berry is full of promise, Hefney's more focused on running his mouth than his game, and the coaches have begun to look like lions in winter. While not a championship scene, its interesting. I've watched the team cycle through ups and downs for a long time. Thats part of it. Now I'm not saying not to groan and grumble, or stop being an armchair QB -- that's part of it, too. But take in the storylines, thrills and flaws and be entertained by the whole picture. You only get so many autumns to be a VOL fan. Figuring out how to win the games is really not our problem. Don't forget to enjoy the season, and root for the young fellas. I encourage you ol' boys that are all twisted up to keep it fun.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
There you go abrown.
In the past 3 years, I have seen exactly two VOL games. That is not a misprint. Two. I live in Malaysia and it just can't be done. I have however pulled all nighters listening to the games online and spend WAY too much time sifting though stats and stories to get an idea of what is going on.
Enjoy what you've got. I don't get anything.
This is Tennessee football. If you don't enjoy it, go watch Vandy. No one enjoys that.
This is a team that is maturing and growing. They will get better and they are going to kick the gr off of grass when the devil comes up from Georgia.
BigUn writes:
Nick,
My post clearly says, unless we've got NEW guys coming into to play for the ones we have now. Then also if you read my post, I'm also talking about the defense.
However I will address your concern that my post is illogical. I'm saying that this is the 5th game of the season and Jones has only played a few, very few, plays against So Miss. So unless they are planning on inserting him into the lineup to get some meaningful minutes, then yes, I do think it is a waste, especially if his hamstring is still giving him some trouble.
When I say meaningful minutes, I mean during the actual game and not like they do with Chris Walker and Ben Martin and say they will play them, then put them in with 3 minutes to go in the game.
I love Fulmers qoutes about them. "We've got to get them in the game more." Then turn around and tell them to get in there! I guess he's afraid they might actually make a tackle for loss or sack or something, which doesn't fit into UT's defensive scheme this year.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
BigUn,
I thought you might have meant the defense but also thought you may have worded it poorly. Fair enough.
I see your point with the young fellas but I think the key is you never know what may happen. Take Coker for example. Last year, he didn't really play until game 3 or 4 if I recall... but he ended up with the most rushing yards.
What if Gerald Jones is the real deal. His youtube.com clips make me want to choke on my orange koolaid!! If he steps in and starts to get, let's say, 5 touches a game and can do something with it, like maybe 10 yards per catch that will work out to about 40 touches over 400 yards and let's say 6 touch downs. That is dang good for a WR (If he can get that)!
Also, if he is as great as he might be, he might take off for the NFL after 2 or 3 years so you can just never tell.
I can't say I really know about the development of the defensive guys so I'll defer to you on that.
wyomingvol writes:
Nick J and A Brown. Nice to see some non fair weather Vol fans. We aint that bad, and aint that good.
Happy to root for the Big Orange rain or shine. Sux at the moment, but tons of promise and... bottom line, I hope we beat the SHeITE out of the Dawgs.
Oh, and pass some of that Orange Kool Aid over here. ..
Enjoy that one!
WyoVol
ThaiVolFan writes:
nicksjuzunk,
I can identify with you, I live in Thailand now. A former west Tn. boy and one time UTK student. I miss being able to see the games this year as well. If you have high speed internet you can watch the games on cstv xxl for not too much a month. I also have gotten up in the middle of the night to listen to the game over the internet. Better than nothing. I don't really like Bob Kesling though. Super boring compared to John Ward. Anyway, hang in there. What are you doing in Malaysia?
FWBVol writes:
stevefrommemphis, you raise an excellent point about trying educate the young fans. I wish the KNS would do a survey that included the age demographics so we could get a real feel of which segment wants to see Phillip Fulmer fired. I'm not saying I'm satisfied with the status quo. I want UT to win as much as anyone. But in my 49 years I've seen other programs stay the course and turn it around. I believe this team will turn it around too. GO VOLS!!!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Hey ThaiVol,
Thanks for the info on the cstv. I'll have to check it out.
I and my family actually work with a church here providing education for the poor and refugees. How bout you in Thailand?
abrown#232236 writes:
Thanks for your follow up comments guys. I, like many, am disappointed by how weak and undisciplined we look against good teams. You want to at least be good at the fundamentals, even if you are beaten. Can Florida really be that good? Can we really be that bad? I dunno. I didn't necessarily expect to beat Cal or UF, but I didn't expect to look so discombobulated either. But hey -- when I saw our guys run through the "T" the next week, I was excited for the gameday, and to see how the team is coming along. My interest as a fan now is to see this team grow, see some things gel and some boys grow up so that there's something to build on. I am a man of peace, but want to call out all the people that say they're "not paying money for another game" or that "they're done pulling for the VOLS." You're morons, and your wife and kids probably hate you. This is the SEC and we CARE about football, but deciding that you no longer support the team -- come again? If you are such a worm that you throw your support on the bonfire, I say get lost and don't come back. It is not about having blinders on, or drinking orange Koolaid -- it is about letting Mike Hamilton worry about Fulmer, and we do our job, which is to tailgate, have a few drinks, watch some football, get to apprecaite Robert AYers and Lucas Taylor, and just generally be football fans -- NOT WHINERS.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
abrown:
Well said with fair weather fans. I completely agree with letting Hamilton do his job.
I don't know if I can declare myself gasp... pro-Fulmer, maybe I am... but it isn't my place or job. Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Fulmer want to win championships much more than I do so they can work it out.
I agree with not looking good against the other teams. I didn't see it, but I heard a lot of it. We should show better in those areas but hopefully it is just a maturity and wet behind the ears thing that will get worked out with some future stars in orange.
BigUn writes:
I don't consider myself a fair weather fan, although I am critical of Fulmer.
I appreciate what all Fulmer has done for UT but I truly think the game has passed him by a bit, with all the spread offenses and such that are now so prevalent in today's game. Doesn't make him a bad coach, I just think sometimes change is good for everyone involved, sometimes just to get new blood and idea's into the mix.
I will say that I do grow tired of Fulmer's coach speak answers. Not that I expect him to give away what we are doing to do or directly put down players, but I'm talking about answers like "we've had alot of injuries this year", "we were only behind 28-20 to UF in the 3rd quarter" (that one breaks my heart because it seems to me that he is admitting that we were just good enough to barely be in the game), then a few years ago after UGA beat us down in Knoxville and we had something like 50 yards rushing for the whole game, Fulmers comment was "I thought we ran the ball pretty good".
Those are where my biggest complaints come in, plus the fact we don't seem to play inspired emotional football and play with a sense of urgency like we used too.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
BigUn,
I can respect your attitude towards coach Fulmer. You may be right about the game passing him by but I am going to disagree (for the moment).
Yes, teams, offenses, game plans change. Florida is running their spread thingy down there and that is the hot ticket but just like everything else that has happened, defenses will learn to adjust and the game will continually evolve.
You think Coach Fulmer and his staff are not capable, or unwilling, to adapt. I disagree. I think you would be all for Fulmer making the adjustments and TN being on top again right? This is the first time we have had to man up against Urban "don't call me gangsta" Meyer's offense in it's full strength. I would have like to have seen us adjust to this previously by reviewing film but sometimes you just have to get spanked to learn what doesn't work.
Let's see if we can rebound next year. Coach Fulmer will be here next year so let's wait and see. If it doesn't work... I may be leaning more towards your point of view.
I know this is long and won't be read.
stevefrommemphis writes:
Thank you, FWBVol, and well put. The status quo is not good, and I want UT to win more. Like you, I think things will get turned around. Panicking and going off half-cocked risks putting UT in the same wilderness Alabama traversed for nearly two decades. There will be more installments in my education series, because you and I both know that there have been times when things have been much worse in Knoxville.
orange_glory writes:
WE NEED NEW COACHES WITH NEW IDEAS. PHIL FULMER DOESN'T HAVE THE GUTS TO TRY SOMETHING NEW. RUN RIGHT, RUN LEFT, UP THE MIDDLE, PUNT. HE COACHES NOT TO LOSE
ThaiVolFan writes:
nicksjuzunk,
My family,(wife and 3 children), and I are missionaries here in Thailand. We've only been here for a little over 7 months now. Takes a little getting used to but we really like Thailand and enjoy serving the Lord here. It's been a little different not being able to go through this years college season at home in the States being able to watch all the games. But I wouldn't trade our calling here for anything though, not even college football. Hope you are able to watch the georgia game next week on cstv.
God bless you and your work in Malaysia.
orange_glory writes:
LET ME TELL YOU A STORY ABOUT A MAN NAMED PHIL A RICH VOLUNTEER BARELY KEEPS HIS TEAMS IN GAMES THEN ONE DAY THE FANS GOT FEED UP AND SAID PHIL RETIREMENT IS THE PLACE YOU OUGHT TO BE SO HE LOADED UP THE UHAUL TRUCK AND MOVED TO ANYWHERE BUT HERE. NOT HERE THAT IS, WE WANT TO BE A TOP 5 TEAM AGAIN, WIN BOWL GAMES, BEAT OUR BIGGEST RIVALS, WIN AN SEC CHAMPIONSHIP. (WITH APOLOGIES TO THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES)
PumpUptheVOLume writes:
NOW THAT WE KNOW ABOUT HARDESTY, IT WOULD BE NICE TO GET A "PERCENTAGE" VALUE OF PROGRESS ON AINGE'S FINGER. WHEN HE GOT INJURED, THE DURATION FOR THE SET BACK WAS 4 WEEKS AND THAT WOULD PUT US AT THE BYE WEEK WITH A WEEK TO TEST BEFORE THEM DAWGS.
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE PLEEEEAAAAASSSEEEEE!!!!!!!
phi0129 writes:
Come on guys, this board is about TN football. I have been reading all of ya'lls comments for awhile now (i'm just starting to post), and I think that most everyone provides good insights at times. I want to know why we are taking things so personally? With the currently chaotic environment that is UT football, everyone is frustrated, heart broken, and desperate. But the most important thing for us to do is stick together for the future of our team. I lived in Knoxville my whole childhood, and the best thing about TN football is the fans. Let's try to remain positive while having clever and insightful discussions/debates. There is really no point turning everything into a play on words personal attack. We need to remember why we are all here, TN football!!!
waterskier3#226480 writes:
well I'm an alumn and i think being critical of a staff that has fielded top 50 teams the last 5 years gives every fan the right to say what they want. being negative or critical of the team could be showing the love of the orange nation and how diasappointed we are in how our coaching staff is representing us against top 25 talent.....
I BLEED ORANGE but I get tired of everyone outside of the vol nation commenting on how bad we've become since 2000 and NO ONE WITHIN THE AD department seeing the decline.
THIS IT FOOTBALL AND THE OBJECT OF THE GAME IS TO WIN NOT BE AVERAGE......... so let get focused vol nation and quit accepting average.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
thaivol,
I know it's tough but stick it out. The first two years are the toughest. First it is fun and new, then it gets old, then if you stick it out... it becomes normal life. Thailand is great. I love the people but the whole s*x culture is way out of hand. Blessings with your work. Come down and see us some time.
Sorry other vol fans have to read through this. I finally found somebody on my side of the earth who's a VOL!! Whoo hoo!!
phi0129 writes:
Haha...I just hate it when the fans turn against each other. I'll get flamed by some people for saying this but I do think CR makes more good points than anyone else. I would say your words fit into how I feel for the most part. The people who piss me off on this board are the ones who act like nothing's wrong and we aren't really "true fans" or shouldn't have a voice if we say something negative. I've been saying Fulmer is done since end of 03 beginning of 04. And I have all the respect for him in the world. THE GAME HAS PASSED HIM BY! It's obvious, and I'm sorry but I don't particularly like it when I can see the slow, painful death of the team deep in my soul. And then people say oh who cares we need to pledge allegiance and it's been worse than this before. Yes it has been worse than this before, but that doesn't mean I have to want to take it. Why can't we have our own opinions and want TN to rise again as a top tier team? I'm sorry but that argument is kind of dumb. Can you honestly say that you don't care if we become the laughing stock of the SEC? Hell, we already get scrutinized enough by the national media, I don't need it to get worse. As most of you on the board do, I live and die by TN football. I'm not going to stand by like a mindless zombie while something I love self-destructs. Great college football is not about complacency. It's obvious Fulmer's time has come. Don't fight it! It doesn't make you disloyal or not a true fan. Life is all about the srive for excellence and improving through change. If you just don't have the heart to see someone who has proven to not have it anymore get fired, then go cheer for San Diego St. or something.
Touchdown: As you can see, I like to argue/debate and get personal with the best of 'em. I just think we should try to remain as civil as possible. I'm sure that as I throw my thoughts out more and more I'll understand why the conversations get ugly sometimes...
BigOrange1 writes:
I heard there were going to be open tryouts for "head coach".
FYI...Whistles will not be provided!!
BigUn writes:
"I heard there were going to be open tryouts for "head coach"."
Must have previous clapping experience!
PumpUptheVOLume writes:
Yea, it's time for Phil to call it quits....(obvious).... I respect him for what he's done for UT, but I can't respect the fact he's let this drag out for the last 7 yrs.
"Save face and Resign with grace" and as Michael Jackson once sang, "Beat it"
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!
juicetke#226846 writes:
What's Hardesty going to be ready for? To fall over when a Georgia player blows on him?
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