Clawson says facing Chavis will help later

This is the hard part for offensive coordinator Dave Clawson.

Installing a new offense in his first year at Tennessee is merely part of the challenge. There's also the matter of facing off against seasoned defensive coordinator John Chavis.

On the News Sentinel's radio show, The Sports Page, Clawson said taking on Chavis' defense has its advantages, even though Chavis can make the installation a bit tougher.

"Hopefully once you get to game planning, it makes the end product a little easier," Clawson said.

That's because Chavis' multiple attacks will show Clawson's players much of what they'll see this season.

"It makes it a challenge but I think the good thing is after you get through a spring going against our defense there's not too many looks you're going to see in the season you haven't already seen," Clawson said.

Chavis' defense has throttled UT's offense in the last two full scrimmages.

"I think he (Clawson) and coach Chavis are working extremely well together," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said.

Spring practice has given Clawson a better idea of what his players can do and can't do.

"There's some tweaking we're going to need to do," Clawson said. "Now I have a better feel for what our guys do well and areas that we have to protect or hide.

"I don't think necessarily the way we installed it (the offense) this spring is how we'll install it this fall. There are some changes we need to make."

Flexibility is a must. Still, Clawson has goals. With three practices remaining, he hopes to have 75 percent of his offense in place by the end of spring practice.

Holstered: Sophomore receiver Gerald Jones hasn't seen anytime at quarterback during spring practice.

"We're so focused on learning the offense at wide receiver… that we're not really concentrating on me being a quarterback right now," Jones said.

Learning receiver has been tough enough.

"Very challenging," Jones said. "Cut's (former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe) offense was a lot more simple. This is a lot more complex. It takes a lot more studying."

That doesn't mean Clawson has placed the G-Gun (the package in which Jones plays quarterback) permanently on the rack.

"He said if I can get this offense down to where I know it effectively, then we will try some of the G-Gun," Jones said.

Debate raged last fall on what the offensive package should be called. What does Jones think of the "G-Gun" name, as coined by local reporters?

"I love it," he said with a broad smile.

Jones' quickness and athleticism would seem tailor-made to excel in Clawson's offense.

"You can put so many different people in different situations to get the ball," Jones said. "It's crazy."

Full Go: In Saturday's scrimmage, UT's quarterbacks will go without the green, non-contact jerseys they've worn throughout spring practice.

"I guess you could say I'm looking forward to it because it's football and that's how it's played," junior quarterback Jonathan Crompton said. "We're not going to wear green jerseys when we go to UCLA."

Crompton is slated to take part in 32 plays Saturday.

"He's not getting the ball out on time and that's best way I know to teach him," Fulmer said.

Willing and Able: Even though safeties Demetrice Morley and Eric Berry have drawn most the publicity in UT's defensive backfield, senior DeAngelo Willingham continues to turn heads.

It's not just Willingham's athletic ability, it's also his ability - and willingness - to play safety and cornerback.

"I wouldn't say I want to be labeled a utility man," Willingham said. "But whatever helps the team win. This is my last year and I want to win a championship."

Willingham began his UT career last season at cornerback after signing with the Vols out of College of the Desert junior college. Playing two positions has been a challenge, but not quite as hard as Willingham anticipated.

"It works back and forth when you know both," he said.

Willingham said he prefers corner, the only position he's ever played before this spring. Playing both, however, will surely help UT's depth. And even if Willingham isn't a starter, he's likely to be in UT's nickel or dime package.

Daryl at D-Back: Redshirt freshman Daryl Vereen said he's looking at his move from tailback to safety as a way to help UT's team and get on the field sooner.

Vereen never played defense in high school and has never played safety. He last played defense in middle school, at linebacker.

"There's a large part of me that didn't want to leave running back," Vereen said, "(But) it's not hard to try it (defense) out when you're third- or fourth-team tailback.'

For Kicks: Sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson and Berry worked with the UT women's soccer team in the offseason to help improve their footwork. … Fulmer said senior punter Britton Colquitt is meeting all of his requirements to return to active duty after his five-game suspension. Colquitt was charged with DUI in February. He is practicing with the team this spring.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!