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Offense struggles again; Fulmer calls it 'royal butt-kicking'

By Drew Edwards (Contact)
Originally published 06:25 p.m., April 5, 2008
Updated 07:17 p.m., April 5, 2008

If you’re keeping score this spring, it’s Defense 2, Offense 0.

For the second week in a row, Tennessee’s offense struggled to protect the football during a full scrimmage inside Neyland Stadium.

Shortly after the Vols’ two-hour scrimmage Saturday afternoon, UT coach Phillip Fulmer didn’t mince his words.

“I learned a long time ago not to say too much until you watch the tape,” Fulmer said, “but today was a royal butt-kicking.”

Heading into Saturday’s workout, the second of three weekend scrimmages leading up to the Orange and White Game on April 19, Fulmer and first-year offensive coordinator Dave Clawson wanted to see ball security become a priority.

But a week after the Vols had one interception and several botched center-quarterback exchanges, UT’s top three quarterbacks combined to throw four interceptions.

Jonathan Crompton – heir apparent to Erik Ainge as UT’s starter this fall – completed 10 of 18 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.

But he also had three interceptions.

“I don’t know how to explain them,” Crompton said. “I’ve got to get in there and see what I did wrong, if the receiver did anything we can correct. I’ve got to correct myself first. They just made a good play.”

DeAngelo Willingham picked off two of the passes and former Fulton standout Dennis Rogan intercepted the other, taking it back 82 yards for a touchdown.

Former Austin-East standout Anthony Anderson had UT’s other interception, a diving play on a B.J. Coleman throw intended for true freshman running back Tauren Poole.

All those turnovers weren’t exactly what Clawson and Fulmer were hoping for from Saturday’s scrimmage.

“The No. 1 goal is we have to win the turnover battle,” Clawson said. “We turned it over too often today. Part of that is bad decision making on the quarterback, part of that is guys slipping on routes and those are things that can’t happen if you’re going to win football games. We’ll learn from it and grow from it and we’ll be better in a week.”

Despite the turnovers, Tennessee did show improvement from last week.

With Clawson’s multiple offense about two-thirds of the way installed, players seemed a little more accustomed to the offense, as one would expect after nine practices.

“The first scrimmage we had, there was a more thinking than there was actually playing,” offensive lineman Anthony Parker said. “The week we had in between, we learned the offense better. It was more playing instead of thinking. Not as much thinking, I should say.”

Tennessee also moved the ball better on offense than it did a week ago.

Coleman completed 12 of his 18 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown during red zone work late in the scrimmage.

Nick Stephens was 9 of 14 for 92 yards, without an interception or touchdown.

Tight end Luke Stocker provided the offense’s biggest play with a 55-yard reception that set up a touchdown on the offense’s first drive.

Arian Foster also broke a 19-yard run from scrimmage during which he shed a tackle from Demetrice Morley.

But those improvements didn’t stand out nearly as much as the interceptions.

“I think if you take away the interceptions, we actually moved the ball better today and had a little bit of a run game going,” Clawson said. “But you can’t eliminate the interceptions.”

By next week, Clawson hopes to have about 90 percent of his offense installed, and Crompton wants to make sure he’s learned from whatever mistakes were made Saturday.

But any aggregate scores accumulated this spring don’t concern Crompton.

“If you want to say ‘beat our defense’ that’s not our goal,” Crompton said. “Our goal is to get better, and that’s what we’re trying to do every day.”

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

Scrimmage statistics

Rushing Leaders (Att.-Yds.-TD) -- Arian Foster 9-45-0; Lennon Creer 8-15-0; Daryl Vereen 6-2-0; Tauren Poole 8-9-0.

Passing Leaders (Att.-Comp.-Int.-Yds.-TD) -- Jonathan Crompton 18-10-3-108-1; Nick Stephens 14-9-0-92-0; B.J. Coleman 18-12-1-63-1.

Receiving Leaders (No.-Yds.-TD) -- Ahmad Paige 7-73-0; Luke Stocker 2-62-0; Quintin Hancock 3-44-1; Tyler Maples 2-42-1; Josh Briscoe 4-40-1; Austin Rogers 3-17-0; Lennon Creer 2-15-0.

Defensive Leaders -- Demetrice Morley 6 tackles, 1 blocked kick; Nick Reveiz 6 tackles, 2 TFL (-7), 1 sack (-4); Derrick Furlow 6 tackles, 2 PBU; Eric Berry 5 tackles; LaMarcus Thompson 5 tackles, 1 TFL (-1); Rico McCoy 4 tackles; Art Evans 4 tackles, 1 TFL (-3); Ellix Wilson 4 tackles; Antonio Anderson 4 tackles, 1 TFL (-3); Chris Donald 3 tackles, 1 TFL (-3); DeAngelo Willingham 3 tackles, 2 INT (2-yard return); Adam Myers-White 3 tackles, 1 sack (-8), 2 PBU; Brett Barnes 3 tackles; Robert Ayers 3 tackles, 3 TFL (-17), 2 sacks (-14); Vince Faison 3 tackles; Dennis Rogan 2 tackles, 1 INT (82 yard return for TD).

Field Goal Leaders -- Daniel Lincoln 5-of-8, long 51; Devin Mathis 5-of-7, long 34.

Punting Leaders -- Chad Cunningham 5 for 40.6 avg.; Britton Colquitt 3 for 41.0 avg.

Punt Return Leaders -- Dennis Rogan 1-53; Ahmad Paige 1-19; Gerald Jones 1-11.

Scoring Plays --

Briscoe 7 pass from Crompton (Lincoln kick)

Rogan 82 interception return (Lincoln kick)

Maples 36 pass from Shamblin (Koyano kick)

Hancock 14 pass from Coleman (Mathis kick)

Offensive Starters: Quarterback Jonathan Crompton, wide receivers Denarius Moore and Austin Rogers, tight end Luke Stocker, fullback Kevin Cooper, tailback Arian Foster, tackles Chris Scott and Ramon Foster, guards Vladimir Richard and Jacques McClendon, and center Anthony Parker.

Defensive Starters: Ends Wes Brown and Robert Ayers, tackles Demonte Bolden and Dan Williams, linebackers Rico McCoy, Ellix Wilson and Adam Myers White, cornerbacks Dennis Rogan and DeAngelo Willingham, and safeties Eric Berry and Demetrice Morley.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       113 Comments

Posted by DennisVols on April 5, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great to see the defense taking the shape of a champion but had hoped for more out of the offense.
I guess changing what has not changed in several decades is going to take more time than I expected.
Got to stop the turnovers.

Posted by BigOrangeHustler on April 5, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maples received a 36 yard pass from who?

Posted by cdldoc on April 5, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What do you really expect. It is a new offense against a great defensive backfeld. This was much better than if the offense ran away with it.

Posted by TommyJack on April 5, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

typical. happens every Spring, practically everywhere.

Posted by FishTacos on April 5, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I sure hope that secondary is deep!! If we still have no front seven in the fall, the secondary is going to be making a whole lot of tackles!!

Posted by whistlinwingman on April 5, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am going to go on a limb here and say Stevens or Coleman will make a strong push to knock Crompton off the first string. I know this stuff happens every spring to most offenses in the country, but this is typical for UT. Players in most key positions just can't step up and fill the shoes they are needed to fill.

Posted by VolPride_13 on April 5, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, looks like we will be runnin' the ball most of the time. FINALLY!!! Love the power running game and all but if we don't stop the turnovers we won't beat a whole lot of teams!!! GO VOLS!!!

Posted by andy112382 on April 5, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

About what I expect from the second scrimmage of spring when installing a new offense. Our secondary is stacked and that will just lead to better training for our QBs.......having to pass against Morley and Berry (among others) is no easy task and I find it hard to believe we will find our guys passing against guy much more talented than that group of DBs.

Posted by IPOrange on April 5, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep in mind that the passing game is going against a secondary that may be one of the toughest in the SEC/nation, while still learning a new offense.

How about Rogan! A 53 yard punt return... woo hoo! I can't wait to see this guy in action - he should be a threat to take it to the house often on punt returns.

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 5, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who the hell is Shamblin?

Posted by WPAINE on April 5, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our offense will be fine... I realize this gives people stuff to talk about, but we have an experienced O-line, experienced Receivers, experienced Running Backs, and a 3 year QB. This is Spring practice. Lets just all relax and be glad that there haven't been any SERIOUS injuries (outside of holbert).

Posted by philfan on April 5, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't wait until September One!!

Posted by b on April 5, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

" guess changing what has not changed in several decades "

What!?!?!

Remember that little thing called "no-huddle" last year?

Posted by rusty_shackleford on April 5, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The "butt-kicking" comment comes on the heels of CPF calling out the O-line a week or so ago. Feels like the head coach is getting tougher in his old age! ;-)

Posted by DennisVols on April 5, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

b
The "No Huddle" was not a change in our offense. At best it was a quicker version of our typical conservative offense. Short sidline pass, and run. Which every defense we faced could read from a mile away.
The run game suffered from a passing game that never stretched a defense.
This has been UT offense since before coach Cut even took over the frist go around.

Posted by IPOrange on April 5, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shamblin? Not a clue. What's the 4-1-1 on this guy? Anybody know who he is?

Posted by IPOrange on April 5, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KNS -

The link to the Tauren Poole story isn't working. It appears to be the home page link.....

Posted by rpoll1095 on April 5, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is why there is a spring practice. Find out about each player, learn your systems and schemes, and sharpen your skills. The coaches will have to obviously gear up the offense, but those always come last. There are some bright lights, but Crompton definitely needs to assess why he is throwing so many int's. Yes, the secondary is one of our strong points. But in the SEC, they ALL have good players in the secondary.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on April 5, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our defense is, by no means, STOUT. Of course, maybe I'm wrong and we'll end up like our 1998 team who was tough and hard-nosed.

Installing a new offense and getting used to a new position coaches takes time, but it's a little concerning from an offensive standpoint that we're struggling this much.

Football isn't rocket-science. I sure hope we can keep getting better and improving. Otherwise, it'll be a long year in the SEC East.

Posted by gatorfan8 on April 5, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Offense struggles again; Fulmer calls it 'royal butt-kicking' same ole dill just a diffrent pickel.....go big orange..ha ha!!!! FLORIDA WILL CRUSH EM'

Posted by dave1 on April 5, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shamblin is a walk on. Just doing the mop up duty with the 4th string/walkons.

Posted by IPOrange on April 5, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

University of Florida spelling bee champion, 2008 - gatorfan8

Posted by gatorfan8 on April 5, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thats for yall unwashed nomads that only understand bad english grammer..............filly dill me

Posted by IPOrange on April 5, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, you have to watch that GRAMMER. Heh, heh, heh.

Posted by rusty_shackleford on April 5, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another gaytor talking trash. How did they do in the Nobody's Interested Tounrey? Was it even carried on cable? I missed it.

Posted by invisiblekid on April 6, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't see much of an issue with the defense being ahead of the offense, especially with the change in coaching staff BUT ball security should be objective number one. Hopefully, Crompton bounces back from this next scrimmage.

Posted by GreerVol22 on April 6, 2008 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm tellin' you, don't hold your breath for Crompton to be starting. They guys must me coming out of the huddle screaming "#80, its going to #80"

Posted by invisiblekid on April 6, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for the lesson gatorfan8, you're obviously a student of the English language and your input is always appreciated.

Seriously, this is pathetic, guy can't find anything better to do on a Saturday night.

Posted by invisiblekid on April 6, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GreerVol, I am all for the best player starting but I think Crompton gets the nod on the first snap of the season unless he truly scews up. Look no further than Parrish last year to see what experience means to the Vol braintrust.

Posted by KingsportVol on April 6, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh no.We suck again!It's still early.Fulmer will have us ready by Sept.Go Big Orange!

Posted by T0MMYJACK on April 6, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I bet you're correct about Crompton, whistlinwingman. There is a very good chance that he'll be flashing signals for the rest of his tenure at UT. He's a great athlete, but he shows flashes of bad decision-making. For his sake, I hope we are wrong.

Posted by GerryOP on April 6, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Fulmer knows a royal butt-kicking when he sees one.

Posted by jimr07 on April 6, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

guys, do not pay attention to gator8. he is an immature jerk and comes on here because he knows he can ruffle some feathers and get attention. see, no one will pay attention to him anywhere else. i have wondered what he wants to do when he grows up. gator8, your mother is calling you. it is time to clean up your room or you cannot have any ice cream this afternoon. you are one pathetic person. i wonder if both of your friends are as ignorant as you

Posted by voljkelley on April 6, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here we go again,4 or 5 loss season coming up. But oh no lets keep fulmer around, remember he won a National Championship 10 years ago.
nothing going to change until he's gone!!!!!!

Posted by RJ_Vol on April 6, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If our offense is going to be good, are they really going to tell anyone during Spring practice?

Posted by T0MMYJACK on April 6, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kelley-

At least Fulmer's team didn't give up before the end of this past season.

And, at least, Fulmer's teams have won something other than regular season games at some point during his tenure at UT.

And, at least, Fulmer's teams have made it to the SEC's conference championship game (33% of his years at the helm of the program).

Some would have us believe that a coach who has accomplished none-of-the-above should get a raise. And those same folks claim that the very coach who HAS reached these heights should be let go.

Goes to show what good interviews and orange coats will do for a guy. And how easily some thick-headed fans can be impressed by "shiny new things".

Posted by Plasticman on April 6, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We will not know how good (or bad) our offense is until Sept. 1 against UCLA. Implementing a whole new offense takes time. All the complainers who have been wanting a change need to be patient and give Clawsen time. I think Crompton will be fine and Coleman and Stephens will be ready if needed. Offense only lost 2 key players (Brown and Ainge)so by Sept. 1, I think we'll see a very good offense on the field.

Posted by waterskier3 on April 6, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

why is colquitt even practicing???? he can't play the first 5 games but ol fulmer is going to let him practice to keep him in school... now that's disc at its best!!!!!!

Please be competitive against fla, aub and ala..... and oh yeah we got tourched by a 6-6 pac 10 team last year... so be competitive against ucla also..

vol nation don't worry fulmer is just going to stick around until he beats neyland OMG!!!!!

Posted by jimr07 on April 6, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

waterskier3--do you have inside information as to what fulmer's intentions are? mighty good of you to let us all in the know.

Posted by THE_VOL on April 6, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

YESSIREE!!!! WE WANT CROMPTON!!! WE WANT CROMPTON!!! Well folks you got him and he can't even beat his own defense which will be lucky to be in the top HALF of the conference! And that OL with all those starters returning - WOW now THEY are impressing folks aren't they!!!???

Folks - spring practice IS for PREPARATION! So PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR 2005-PART II! This is a TRAIN WRECK WITH 6-6, 7-5 written ALL OVER IT! But hey that WOULD be PROGRESS as FOOLMER will only need 3 more years like it to pass Neyland and then he can go!

Posted by jimr07 on April 6, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL--why am i not surprised to see another one of your i hate fulmer posts and the sky is falling. it would be nice to at least play one game before you spread your doom and gloom.

Posted by jimr07 on April 6, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nafslov--do i note a touch of sarcasm there? i, too, am anxious to see how the season turns out. if it is bad, bye fulmer, if it is good, will all the haters say good season coach like theysaid to our basketball coach? will be interesting won't it?

Posted by jimr07 on April 6, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL--i have seen you and others rant and rave about 4 and 5 star players. Crompton was a 5 star and listed as one of the top ten quarterbacks coming out of high school. but i suppose you wanted another peyton manning and there is only one of him.

Posted by jimr07 on April 6, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nafslov--you forgot to mention Heath Shuler. LOL

Posted by ManTNVol on April 6, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Austin Johnson was what?...a 3-star? And he was being penciled in as the #2 MLB, then moves to FB and gets props from coaches after 3 days on Off.. just goes to show what the stars mean, huh? Sounds like this kid is going to be a player.

Posted by KingsportVol on April 6, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jimr07 re 10:24 post.I for one would be the first to congratulate CF.I think we are going to be much better than most are predicting this season.It's to dang early to write us off.We will know what we have Sept 1.Practice is what it is.Practice!Coach Fulmer will lead us to the promise land again.Go Big Orange!

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 6, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Fulmer makes you guys so unhappy then stop following TN football until he is gone. It shouldn't be that hard. Just don't read the football articles and don't watch the games. It will lower your stress level and possibly add years to your life. That's what a sane, rational person would do.

We will welcome you back in 2012 when Fulmer is gone.

Posted by pdhuff on April 6, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What would TDTN do?

Or say?

Or react to?

Posted by objk1 on April 6, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone know if the video from yesterdays scrimmage is out there anywhere?
In todays tech age some tech geek should upload the thing to the web.

Posted by TommyJack on April 6, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN is in KNS hoosegow. Free TD!!

Posted by IPOrange on April 6, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is a hoosegow kind of like a pokey? Oh, brother TDTN, where art thou? Bring him back!

Posted by KingsportVol on April 6, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Got an e-mail from ole TD yesterday.He is taking Dupree to get circumsized for his 16th Birthday present.TD don't get me anything for my B-Day this year.Free TDTN!Go Big Orange

Posted by TommyJack on April 6, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IP: Exactly.
KingsportV: I'll pass on the present too.

Posted by arkyvol on April 6, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

doesn't bode well. this admittedly mediocre defense is made to look like worldbeaters by the offense.

Posted by IPOrange on April 6, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport - remind me to never go to a birthday bash given by TDTN. The party favors would give me nightmares.

Does Dupree play the banjo? I think I saw him in a movie once.

Posted by KingsportVol on April 6, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange I saw that movie.That's why I fish instead of hunt.I would not enjoy squealing like a pig.A man can't enjoy the outdoors without getting prison loved by a bunch of Kentuckians.Dang shame.

Posted by jack_2222 on April 6, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Are all gator fans shameless? Last year their team rolled over and flat quit. They simply ignore that and just spew. The gator child who posts on here should take a close look at why his team quit and what will keep them from quitting again this year. Georgia owns them.

Posted by gatorfan8 on April 6, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

georiga dont own nuttn' urban owns fat phill if u wanna talk bout ownership!!!! own that @ss kickn' last year alright..(59-20) remember dat Fulmer calls it 'royal butt-kicking'
ha ha ha

Posted by 99gator on April 6, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all

i would like to apologize to you all for those gator fans that come on here just to bait you or get your goat.

Posted by TommyJack on April 6, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator: thanks. they don't bother me..just seems like a waste of time. Don't know who jack_222 pulls for, but I gotta say that GA doesn't own anyone. (except maybe Tech)

Posted by volfan8 on April 6, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like hiring a DII coach as our O-coordinator is working out perfectly....

Posted by TommyJack on April 6, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volfan8: If that was sarcasm, I would say that it is waaaaaaaaaay too early to panic. New system,etc.

Posted by jimr07 on April 6, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator--you are nice to apologize for an immature jerk that cannot get any attention from anyone unless he comes on here. not even his two friends will listen to him. you are a class guy and always appreciate your posts. maybe gatorfan8 will grown up some time soon, i know his mama loves him but he needs to clean up his room now. no more playing games on the computer for today

Posted by DA4BigOrange on April 6, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Crompton is one of the more overated players UT has signed in the past several years. He's not an SEC caliber quarterback. He doesn't play smart, isn't a great athlete like he's portrayed to be and lacks accuracy. He's not improved in 3 years at Tennessee. Fulmer can't afford a bad year. Coleman will end up being Tennessee's starter. Crompton has been all hype from day one in recruiting until now. The guy just isn't very good. No other way to put it.

Posted by TommyJack on April 6, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DA4: How can you know all that with his limited exposure?

Posted by KingsportVol on April 6, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DA4BigOrange Crompton hasn't had alot of game time.How can you say he hasn't improved.What are you comparing him to?He didn't suck the 2 games he started.When he got put in for a play at a time last year the D knew exactly what was coming.Now he is having to learn a totally new offense.I think you and the rest of the crowd that is already calling for spidermans head need to give it some time.Is Coleman starting an opinion or do you have a source?

Posted by pearlific on April 6, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why has govols or anyone else not reported that UT finally got a Rival top 100 player commitment ? Stokes is supposedly the #1 ranked slot receiver.

Posted by thesavageorange on April 6, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pearlific,I was wondering the same thing.

For those who don't know ,Je'Ron Stokes is the 44th overall rated prospect in the country.He is a 4* WR 6'1 178lbs, and clocks a 4.4...Ohh, this guy also carries a GPA of 3.0 ,so he shouldn't have a problem getting in.

This young man was brought to UT via former VOL Mark Jones and Larry Slade.

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 6, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearlific, Stokes is actually top 50.

Posted by thesavageorange on April 6, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another note on Stokes is that he is said to be a very good young man.He actually brought his pastor on one of his visits.Good ball player,non trouble maker,and good academics.......I'll take 25 more please!

Stokes is friendly with Rivals100 quarterback Tom Savage from Pennsylvania and also hopes to get in touch with Tennessee targets like Dorian Bell, Corey Brown, Eric Shrive and Jelani Jenkins.

All of these guys are top 100 players.

By the way, calm down folks,they have only been running Clawson's O for 8 days, and maybe just maybe this secondary is what it's cracked up to be.

Posted by vtvol on April 6, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's something scary about the passing stats besides the INTs, of course. All three QBs (Crompton, Coleman, and Stephens) were a culmulative 31 of 50 for 263 yards. That is a paltry 8.48 yards per completion and a scarily meager 5.26 yards per passing attempt. Compare that to last year's passing stats of 11.0 yards per completion and 6.9 ypa and this year's attack is even more "dink and dunk" than the one coached by Cutcliffe. I realize that last year the Vols had UT's number two rated all-time passer under center in Erik Ainge. Still, 4 ints while throwing flat and screen passes does not bode well for an offense which was supposedly to become more vertical in the passing game.

Posted by IPOrange on April 6, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stokes sounds like a top notch young man, both on and off the field. Is he an incoming freshman, or is he an early high school junior commit? I'm not familiar with him. Either way, it's good to have him coming to UT.

Posted by pdhuff on April 6, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savageorange 4:18 - good that the young man brought his pastor.

Ooops, just remembered, more people have been killed in the name of religion than any other thing. Told our preacher the other day if it wasn't for sinners, he wouldn't have a job and get to eat all those fried chicken diners. LOL

Glad to have Stokes. Sobered by Ga getting 4 star d-lineman (remember them) commit for 2009.
AJC.com

Posted by BigOrangeHustler on April 6, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPO, Stokes is coming in the class of 2009.

Posted by dave1 on April 6, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thump thump, thump thump.....anyone get the and ID on the bus you guys are throwing Crompton under? New starting QB in a brand new offense, playing for his 3rd offensive CO since he has been there. Give it a rest and let him learn! If he was lighting the defense up, it would be "woe is us, we will lose 50-45." You need a fritter!

Posted by gatorfan8 on April 6, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ha ha ha ha...yall r so ez

Posted by BigOrangeHustler on April 6, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gayter phan nise spelin you illiterate inbred typical Floridian.

Posted by IPOrange on April 6, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for the info on Stokes, BigOrange. Looks like we're off to a great start for next year's class.

Posted by tnfletcher4 on April 6, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shamblin is Tanner Shamblin a 6'0" walk-on QB from Cleveland, TN by way of Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Ga.He was invited to walk on by Coach Cut. He Benches 375#. He led RMA to the 2005 GISA AAA State Championship. We go to church with the family. Not sure what his stats were at RMA.

Posted by BigOrangeHustler on April 6, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No problem, IP. And thanks for the info on Shamblin, fletcher.

Posted by pdhuff on April 6, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't see Crompton is our biggest pressing problem. I know we get offensive side articles 12-1 over the little thing called d-fense. I hope we're secretly doing something about it.

If not, man...........

Posted by DA4BigOrange on April 7, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Defensive line play (primarily depth and pass rush) along with quarterback play at Tennessee's most pressing problems. IF Tennessee had a DL similar to some of those in the 90's they'd be best suited to run the ball 40-45 times a game with what they have at the QB position compared to their strengths on offense (OL and RB).

I'm not sure how Tennessee didn't recruit better at QB and DL than they have the past 5 years but it's bothersome that these 2 usual strengths for Tennessee in years past are now huge weaknesses...and it's all due to recruiting (a lack of quality signees along with some highly rated players that have been busts).

Posted by Greyback_Vol on April 7, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like Ahmad Paige and Denarius Moore might be coming on at receiver. Would really like to see a deep threat emerge from Paige, Moore, or Gerald Jones. When your tight end has the longest gain of the day, it's normally not a good sign. Although it could be a sign of the speed Luke Stocker has.

Dennis Rogan had a great scrimmage with the pick returned for a TD and a 53-yard punt return. I'm expecting something special for our sophomores this year.

Posted by sjt18 on April 7, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A reliable insider has said that Crompton is the better QB right now and it isn't really very close.

A couple of things to consider before panicking.

First, JC is taking almost all his snaps against the first string D. Coleman and Stephens are going against the 2nd and 3rd string D for the most part. Coleman threw a pick to A Anderson... a guy who might play some but who is unlikely to be in the two deep. On 2 of JC's 3 INT's Saturday, the receiver fell down coming out of their break handing a gift to the DB. One of Rogan's picks was called a "great break on the ball"... not a bad thing for us UT fans since he's battling 4 or 5 guys for the last starting spot.

Second, all of the supposed insiders I've read so far are wary but surprised by the DL play this spring. One guy said that Dan Williams was unstoppable at times on Saturday... He's going against Parker and Foster... two future NFL draftees.

Posted by sjt18 on April 7, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fwiw, I don't really think the O being new is the biggest factor. Spring is a time when you work on weaknesses. You put guys in situations that challenge them. You work with guys on the bubble of being contributors or scout teamers.

When fall comes around, the focus will shift to refining what they do well.

Two years ago and then into the fall of 2006, many of us including me were reading the practice reports and scrimmage stats and going nuts. Ainge was being criticized publicly for bad decisions. He was throwing picks in practice. In several scrimmages, he threw under 50% for low yardage avgs...

He promptly went out and set the UT season completion percentage record.

IOW's, be patient. They'll be fine. It is a very, very good sign that the DL is holding its own and getting penetration against this particular UT OL.

Posted by BOASoldier on April 7, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Leave it to sjt18 to give a little insight to what is really going on and from 700 miles away... (no toungue in cheek). There are a few on here including sjt, kingsport, and many others even a gator fan (99 that is) that are very informative and give nothing but facts with little or no subjective banter. This is appreciated by those of us who don't have time to follow as closely as we would like to. Thanks to all who post sound information whether it is good or bad. To those like THE_VOL and waterskier, either come up with some relevant up to date information that hasn't been repeated so many times it's common knowledge or just don't post. No need to call names, which we are all guilty of, just let it be til the season starts then if we start losing throw the first stones, but for now if you don't have facts to add to the story ... shut up and leave the space for those that do.

Posted by Stumps on April 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

and the good news - defense playing well! defense wins championships, sounds like a good scrimmage to me.

offense will come around...it's spring practice

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 7, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I saw TDTN and Dupree yesterday. TDTN was holding up a flush Fulmer sign while Dupree has changed jobs. He now works for the Halls Crossroads K-Mart where he gets excited every time they announce a Blue Light Special. Earlier reports on Dupree by Kingsport were circumstantial.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 7, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer for Governor!

Posted by orangebloodgmc on April 7, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you sjt, BOA, etc.

Posted by losvolsganan on April 7, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's hoping the defensive play stays strong into the fall. I trust the offensive play will come along.

I only counted two sacks in the above statistics. Perhaps the interceptions are indicative of the QBs being presssured and hurried by the DLs?

Posted by iowavol on April 7, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BOASoldier, thanks for your service and, even if not now, your willingness to fight for the freedoms every US citizen enjoys. Of course, one of those freedoms is to post irrelevant, sometimes pointless and most of the time just plain old personal opinions on websites, including this one. I do indeed appreciate your service, just don't let it go to your head. On the other hand, it would be nice if folks would stick to the facts when presenting them.

Posted by sjt18 on April 7, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I forgot to mention a point made by someone elsewhere... The UT D sees these same plays over and over in practice. Familiarity SHOULD allow them to anticipate to one degree or another.

Posted by BOASoldier on April 7, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iowavol, although it would be a great honor to be counted among the men and women who serve and fight for our country's freedoms, I have juvenile onset a.k.a insulin dependant, a.k.a. childhood, a.k.a type 1 diabetes. I couldn't serve in the armed forces if I wanted to. my name stands for big orange army soldier... no real relevance just picked out a quick name. Thanks though it was a compliment regardless.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 7, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So BOA, you're a poser? I even saluted you, and you're a POSER?

Posted by pdhuff on April 7, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You what's sobering in my small realistic mind. I just realized - UCLA-Fla-Auburn all within our 1st 4 games.

Then N. Ill and Jawja. I imagine we will be ready for those last 6 games. We could have a very respectable team and be tattered injury-wise by MSU time.

sjt18, give me some more feel-good. I'm high on Crompton and secondary, ok with RBs, don't know anything about LBs and DLA makes us hold d-line comments to a miniumum. Paint us a rosy picture.

140 days or so. I'm out of fritters.

Posted by BOASoldier on April 7, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SAAAAALLLUUUTTEEEEE!!!! why you're not riding a horse... that peasant is just clapping two coconut shells together.

Posted by sjt18 on April 7, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As of right now, I'm more troubled about the run game than the defensive front 7. Foster had 8 carries for 26 yards but broke off one run for 19. A 3 yard avg won't get it done... and his was the best of the group.

There were numerous tackles for loss. There were sacks. Chavis was quoted on the tennessean site as saying he was pleased with the 4 man rush he got... that's against against last year's best pass blocking OL that comes back in tact.

Posted by sjt18 on April 7, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UCLA has only 10 starters returning from a 6-7 team. Neuheisel ran Colorado into the ground. He ran Washington further into the ground.

They were beaten by BYU in their bowl game after beating them earlier in the season. They had losses to a horrible Notre Dame team AT HOME. They were blown out by Utah.

UT should not lose to UCLA. The Vols should have emotion on their side after losing on the West Coast to Cal last year. Although Dorrell's one accomplishment was bringing decent talent to UCLA, UT should still have more guys with both talent and experience.

UF will be a tough game. The team with the better D will win it. Neither D was good last year. UT's seemed to improve even if the plot line had alot of peaks and valleys. UF's D seemed to get worse. The probably played their best two games fairly early against UT and LSU.

In their first 6 games UF allowed 126 pts. They allowed 205 in their last 7. On the whole, the competition was probably a little lighter at the back end of their schedule.

Auburn is installing the spread without the personnel that UF has. If UT is half way decent against UF's spread, they should shut Aub down. Barring injuries, UF's O makes a great prep for Aub's.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 7, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Free TDTN? Kingsport, you've got more gas than Pilot Oil.

Fritter Logic

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 7, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 - don't worry - be happy.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 7, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Give "Clownson" time to "stall" the offense. He will get us there and Fulmer will reep the rewards of his labor.

I approve this message. Paid for by General Fritter.

Posted by KingsportVol on April 7, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll have 2 shots of what The General is having.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 7, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In my best John Wayne accent, "It will take more than 2 shots there Kingsport."

Posted by pdhuff on April 7, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I saw Dupree the other day mowing the road in front of his house. TDTN was sitting on the porch shaking his head. Had a cold potion of some kind with him.

Situation normal. 140+ days. Doldrums.

Posted by hueypilot on April 8, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh no! We;re terrible on offense. I'm not going to renew my season tickets. I'm going to plan on traveling this fall. We'll probably finish last in the SEC. Oh wait, this is spring ball, when the D always dominates the O, like it usually does until the season starts. I guess I may hold on to my tix. Maybe the sky isn't really falling. I gotta go pore over those scrimmage stats. Now that's some real fun times.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 8, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BOASoldier - you sir are my HERO.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 8, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - think TDTN was drinking orange kool-aid? Nah.

Posted by pdhuff on April 8, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gen F - I will always honor ol' TDTN as a stand-up American. With a glazed box in one hand and Bud in the other, all the while facing Neyland Stadium proudly saying, "Stay the course". He was tired from "working like heck".

Brings a mist to one eyes........

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 9, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - you are a true Tennesseean.

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