Dave Hooker audio
If there's one thing that Tennessee center Josh McNeil hates more than defensive linemen, it's crutches.
"People really don't realize what a luxury walking is - until you're on crutches for a long time," the junior said Tuesday. "Getting to class, getting to everything is an extra pain."
Setting the alarm clock early to allow enough time to trudge across class is bad enough. Missing all of spring practice because of surgically repaired knee is worse.
"My knee feels good," said McNeil, who ditched the crutches Sunday and is focusing on treatment and rehabilitation. "I'm out there watching my brothers practice everyday. I want to be out there with them. Mentally, it's tough on me."
So tough that the fun-loving McNeil was visibly downtrodden following practice. With only five practices remaining this spring, the separation anxiety McNeil is feeling is close to an end.
He'll return to practice in time for summer workouts. Still, the end in sight doesn't make things any easier.
McNeil isn't just missing any spring. He's missing one of the most important spring practices in recent memory, as the Vols install a new offense.
"I'm learning everything in meetings, going through my playbook and things like that," he said. "But the biggest thing is I'm just used to being the center. That's just what I've always done.
"I feel like it's my responsibility to get up there and make the front calls and make sure everybody is on the same page. I miss that right now. It's just kind of depressing, watching them out there practicing, working their butts off and me not being able to do that."
Practice Report: UT coach Phillip Fulmer backed off his declaration that his offense received a "royal-butt kicking" in last Saturday's scrimmage.
"It's never as bad as it seems and it's never as good as it seems," Fulmer said after reviewing the video.
Still, it couldn't have been too good, as the Vols gave up five sacks, couldn't run the ball consistently and gave up seven turnovers. Four of the turnovers were interceptions, three from projected starting quarterback Jonathan Crompton.
Fulmer said Crompton forced a couple of passes but a couple of others that resulted in picks were caused by receivers slipping on a slick, worn down turf in Neyland Stadium.
Despite a day that Crompton would just as soon forget, Fulmer didn't seem to think that any full-fledged quarterback competition was in the works.
"Jonathan had good command of the scrimmage, the clock and huddle … The other two quarterbacks are just learning," Fulmer said of sophomore Nick Stephens and redshirt freshman B.J. Coleman. "They're a work in progress right now."
Fulmer complimented the recent play of defensive tackles Victor Thomas and Chase Nelson, sort of.
"They could - possibly - play in the Southeastern Conference," he said.
Injury Report: Freshman tailback Tauren Poole is expected to have knee surgery following spring practice to replace a partially torn meniscus, Fulmer said. Poole has been in and out of practice for weeks since the injury was first discovered.
"He's fighting through it pretty good right now," Fulmer said.
The recovery time for such a surgery is typically only three to four weeks.
Defensive end Wes Brown sat out practice. The junior is recovering from a concussion he suffered in Saturday's scrimmage.
Daryl The D-Back: Redshirt freshman Daryl Vereen has been moved from tailback to safety.
"He looked very good out there," Fulmer said. "It's an experiment. We'll see. He's too good an athlete to be standing over there."
Vereen was third or fourth team on offense. On Tuesday, he was working with the second team defense.
"I think he has a nature as tough guy," Fulmer said. "It looks like he picked it up pretty quick. He's a smart guy."
Special Stan: UT inserted its kickoff return package, led up by running backs coach Stan Drayton.
"Stan's very intense, very thorough," Fulmer said.
Fulmer cited Drayton's experience in the NFL and college football as experience that should serve the Vols well. Drayton was an assistant special teams coach for the Green Bay Packers from 2001-2003 before returning to college, most recently coaching at Florida.
Truly Defensive End: Defensive end Robert Ayers has declined several media requests for interviews. The senior is not expected to talk to reporters for the remainder of spring practice.
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Comments » 178
CoverOrange writes:
Editor alert: "Setting the alarm clock early to allow enough time to trudge across class?" Class rooms usually aren't that big.
Anyone want to take bets on Poole being held out the first three games recovering from injury only to start after the Florida game and having a career day?
Great to hear someone is in charge of kickoff returns and working it.
MrBamSeydu writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Silent_Fulmer writes:
I think Glen Dorsey summed up McNeil best when asked about his attributes.....Dorsey said "who?"
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
WD40,
Good call on the special teams. Urban is supposed to be a genius on special teams and I bet Stan picked up some great experience while coaching that team down below the south.
wyomingvol writes:
3 chicks.
givehim6 writes:
By the sound of things our defence might be the big story for 08'. Sounds like our offence is not learning the new system as smothly as hoped. But give it some time, by fall the Vols will get it done. Drayton coathing special teams hu, very interesting. GO VOLS!
T0MMYJACK writes:
hey WD ... sounds as if you impressed bradsummey enough to make him want you. So I guess his statement means that when a guy that he considers "a target" comes along his "gay-day" locks on and acquires that target?!
Interesting revelation, bradsummey. Looking back at many of your posts, you talk about "gay" quite a bit. Everything worth knowing comes clear in due time.
hglover40#234154 writes:
PearlFUTure_FulmerPast - McNeil will play in the NFL. Why are you here posting you BS. You are not a fan of ut football. if you like BB that's great, but all you do here is insult our players and coaches. You have no class.
txvolsfan writes:
hglover40, You are correct about McNeil, the kid is born to be a center and will be one on Sundays!!!
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN
LET'S GET READY FOR FOOTBALL
CONGRATS LADY VOLS ON NUMBER 8
Number 8, that is SICK
Silent_Fulmer writes:
hglove - Last time I checked the NFL isn't looking for centers that weigh 250
Greyback_Vol writes:
Give the offense some time to work out all the kinks. Installation of the offense is going about as expected, seeing that it takes time and Clawson and Fulmer are breaking in a new QB. Interesting comment by Fulmer on the defensive tackles- it seems like they have improved, but he doesn't want to pile on the praise just yet. Drayton coaching kickoff returns should be interesting, to say the least. We need to improve in that area.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
McNeill (who?) playing in the NFL? When? A 250lb NFL center? Never heard of one in this day's age. It should be noted, however, that Auburn has had centers that weigh about the same as McNeill (who?) but they have managed to run the ball effectively against good teams.
GerryOP writes:
2008 Roster on UT Sports lists McNeil as a 280# Junior.
http://www.utsports.com/football/page...
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
He'll put in on in the offseason but can't keep it on. Others have said he was playing at like 255-265 at the end of last season.
auttat writes:
How sad is that one guy can have 2 screen names at the same time? That means that he actually took the time to register on this site with 2 different email addresses.
Can you say...Loser?
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
auttat, not the same person as PearlFuture. Sorry about that. It seems that you are quite versed in how to go about having 2 screen names at the same time though. Not that it's really that hard to figure out but for someone as dumb as you are, I am a little surprised that even you could "figure" this out. Can you say....Loser? LOL!!!!!!!
BOASoldier writes:
I don't think auttat actually mentioned who exactly he was talking about there Workin' or should I say PearlFuture or is it really CR or maybe TDTN? hmm the world may never know... nor do they care .... ok that's enough... still trying to wake up all have a good one.
auttat writes:
Just out of curiosity, how did you know I was talking about you? I didn't mention any names in my post, did I?
I think I just said...LOSER! FOOL!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
auttat, who were you talking about then? Looks like I was right...again! LOL!!!!
thesavageorange writes:
sjt18,They are saying he's 285 right now, and was indeed playing at the 265 range at seasons end.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Why is Robert Ayers not talking to reporters until spring practice is over?
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Ashley, thanks for updating me on the football season countdown. I can now schedule my vacation appropriately. When does basketball tip-off? Football season should be over for all intents and purposes by the end of the October, unless you consider going to the Peach Bowl a big accomplishment. Looks like I'll have a September to October window for some rest and relaxation.
Silent_Fulmer writes:
Yeah, great football countdown, everyone is very excited about the current state of the program. Thanks Ashley.
Ashley, would you care to comment on why the students don't show up to games until the end of the 1st quarter anymore and leave at half time?
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
WOW! I say thanks and someone calls me a name. That's rather "dik"ish don't you think?
BOASoldier writes:
Workin': I'm going to go on a football thread and post something so idiotic and spiteful that I'll cause everyone to comment and get pissed at me so that I can look like I have something relevant to say. What do you think Pearfuture?
Pearlfuture: Sounds like a great idea buddy, then we can play slap and tickle with each other for the rest of the day and giggle like school girls about how witty we are. I Love You. WorkinLikeHeck
Workin': No I Love You Pearlfuture
PearlFuture: We'll always be buddy's won't we
Workin': you know it big guy come here and give me some lovin'
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF WORKINLIKEHECK AND PEARLFUTURE. brought to you by those who could care less about their opinions.
auttat writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BOASoldier writes:
FOOTBALL COUNTDOWNS ROCK!!!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Nobody cares yet they keep responding and writing short dialog's that say they don't care.
Who are you talking about this time auttat? LOL!!!!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
145 days until it's vacation time for WorkinLikeHeck
Volunatic writes:
I think it's odd how little we've heard from Dave Clawson so far this Spring. I wonder if Fulmer instructed him to be basically off-limits to the media, or if he just avoids the media on his own.
As for the countdown, I'm really looking forward to football season, but then I'm a Vol fan.
The defensive secondary alone should be cause for optimism among Vol fans, but I'm also curious what the new offense will look like. I don't think the Orange and White game will really show too much difference, but I think there will be pleasant surprises in the Fall with the Big Orange offense.
(I fully expect some of the GVX regulars to keep complaining even when UT wins.)
GO VOLS!!!
jacksonvol writes:
A few of you sound like real morons. Grow up.
auttat writes:
Well, I think I'll go back to my grown up life and leave the 2nd grade. It was fun, though.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
auttat, just admitted that he was one of the morons....LOL!!!!
Vol13 writes:
"This may be the best offensive line to ever play at UT." - Phil Fulmer 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and now 2008
auttat writes:
HAHA! I guess that makes you a Genius!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
That's hilarious Vol13
Silent_Fulmer writes:
Ashley, did you disappear or will we be hearing from you as to why students do not attend the football games like they used to?
Thanks.
BOASoldier writes:
Where are you getting your information from Pearl cause from what I have seen there wasn't a huge drop off. Show me the facts don't just come with guesses. I would like to hear from you as to why you are posting on a football thread when you evidently don't care for UT Football. Also, do you have any real knowledge or do you just spout random phooey to make yourself feel special?
BOASoldier writes:
still waiting pearlfuture .... tap tap tap. What's taking so long. I mean it doesn't make since that if ticket sales were so far down they would be raising ticket prices. It's called supply and demand. If the demand goes up so to can the price because there is a limited number or "supply" of tickets therefore the price goes up. If the demand falls there is a greater "supply" of tickets than is demanded and the price goes down to make the tickets more inviting to buy. Get it? Economics 101. Bring some inteligent arguments or don't bring anything.
Silent_Fulmer writes:
Wow BOA, you talking Guns and Butter to me is getting me all hot and bothered. To bad the cost of tickets increasing has yet to show what the "actual supply and demand" (the cause) to the yet to be season (the effect). Also, too bad the student's who have access to student tickets are not effected by this increase which you speak of...So have fun justifying an argument to me which doesn't have to do with my argument duncecap.
Do you go to games BOA? It's called an "eye test"
TommyJack writes:
sjt: speaking for moi, if we go 12-0, you'll hear no poo poo from me.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
spambuster, in case you don't agree with someone you can pull a total chick move, make up a false accusation about a poster and have them ban that poster. However, this works momentarily, right sjt?
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
I am truly flattered that so many people are concerned about by criticisms. I thank you all.
thesavageorange writes:
A note on why the offense is struggling.
Rob Lewis:One of the most significant wrinkles in Dave Clawson's offensive system involves playing with designated 'strong' and 'weak' sides of the offensive line rather than the traditional set up. What that means in laymen's terms is that instead of having a right tackle-right guard/left tackle, left-guard combo, you will have a strong and a weak tackle and guard, and they'll flip sides depending on the play-call and where the tight-end lines up.
"We're flip-flopping the line, which is new. Guys are playing on the left and right side, so they're having to compute which way to go more often, Adkins said.
This is rare in college football.
BOASoldier writes:
http://www.jackfertig.com/wordpress/?...
here you go pearlfuture read "the ultimate fan loyalty" part ... you'll have to scroll down to find it. If you dont know how to scroll down... go to the side bar and click about midway down and the page will sudenly start moving up so you can see what is on the lower half. It's good reading... there is my proof where is yours?
BOASoldier writes:
eyetest hmmm don't want to know about yours and workin's personal life.. just stick to the article kid.
BOASoldier writes:
106,000 4,000 over capacity after the Alabama game last year... man what a drop off.
TommyJack writes:
WorkinlikeHeck: 12:55 Very interesting...
Huntingdonvol writes:
Just wondering if anything is being said abought Chris Donald and his progress?By the way former Milan football coach John Tucker would keep his players size a secret to the press and in the game program!After years of being hounded abought players size by Dan Morris of the Jackson Sun he started listing his players as s,m,l,xl,ud=undetermined!What his point was it did not matter their size they were going to play their hearts out and hit you harder than you ever been hit!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
yeah, ole sjt18 couldn't handle me basically berating his weak points/arguments a few months ago. Some other poster changed his name to "sjt18" and made some posts. Then I get an email from the KNS telling me not to do that anymore. I tell the KNS it's not me and if they don't believe me to check the IP addresses of the real sjt18, the fake sjt18, and myself. They were all different which cleared me but I still get banned anyway because sjt18 told on me like a little girl.
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