Dave Hooker audio:
- Dave Hooker interviews QB Jonathan Crompton on Saturday’s full-contact practice
- Dave Hooker interviews WR Gerald Jones talks about fitting into UT offense
- Dave Hooker interviews DB Daryl Vereen about moving to safety from tailback
- Dave Hooker interviews DB DeAngelo Willingham about playing both safety and cornerback
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.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Barbara Dooley and Pat Summitt Go Red…
Tyler Summitt through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 123
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Congats to Chavis and the defense for stopping an offense that has had 2 whole lives scrimmages and a few practices together. Chavis also dominated the Sandy Randers' coached offenses.
dfreeman writes:
That was an original thought workinlikeheck! You've been sitting on an article like this for ages haven't you?? Are you really ever positive about anything??
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
Stop following TN football, CR. You'll be a much happier person for it.
Couchdummy writes:
To WorkinLikeHeck:
I am tired of reading your negative posts as I try to get some insight from people who really want to discuss UT football issues in a positive interchange of thoughts. You must have an IQ of single digits and be totally without a real life!
Ironcity writes:
I got to say that was pretty funny Work!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
I mean I know we are trying to build Chavis' confidence back up and all but this is going over board a little bit letting the defense beat up on an offense that is clueless at this point.
dfreeman writes:
workinlikeheck - While I see your point, I do not and will not understand your need to always post negative! By the way, maybe our offense isn't as bad as it sounds and the defense is what everyone outside of your head thinks... Awesome!!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Good to hear that the D is laying it on thick. The offense needs to get some solid looks to see what will and will not work. Good to hear Coach Claw is already looking at fall adjustments in implementation.
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Notworking:
Alabama has a site called bamadog.com. Keep it up. That's where you will be welcome soon....We don't need it, or want it. There is your much desired reality for the day....
wyomingvol writes:
Berry and Vinson,Props...
andy112382#209793 writes:
Workinlikeheck would find negative stuff to say if we were coming off a national title, so don't even give the fool the benefit of a chance to repond....probally doesn't even watch football or know how it is played, just gets on here for a reaction.
Fresh_McGee writes:
Coach Dummy:
You say he has an IQ of single digits. Wouldn't the plural "digits" denote more than a single digit which is what you are estimating his IQ to be?
You're deep brah.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
"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."
Oh, Lord -- please tell me I didn't just read that.
VolFan_stuck_in_FL writes:
anything is going to be more complex than running 3-5 yards and cutting toward the sideline. but i'm sure all that wasn't Cut's fault though. just hope that Clawson has full control when it comes to play calling
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
I know it's tough but just try to ignore negative posts that seek to draw attention only to themselves.
GreerVol22 writes:
For all you "sky is always blue" people, workinlikeheck is just stating the obvious. At this point the D had better be stomping a mudhole in the O.
If the O was working to perfection right now then our D would sho nuff allow Florida to score bout 80.
Keep it real guys. All this positive/negative bantor is nauseating. The only "real" post was from bamacheats.
jimr07 writes:
congrats to workinglikeheck for having the first negative comment. you are a sad person.
VenomousVol writes:
jimr, people like workinlikeheck aren't sad, miserable, or anything like it. What they are is FED UP. SOS every year, by August Flummer will be touting this team to be a BCS contender. After Florida thumps his rather large behind for the umpteenth time, we will be back in the oh so familiar position of praying that they lose 2 SEC games so we can sneak back in to the championship game. Won't happen this year, the schedule is to loaded and we will finish with 4 or more losses. I don't feel sad about it, not a tinge of misery. I just don't worry about it anymore. If the UTAD is happy with Flummer's last 7 or 8 years, it is cool with me. We have surrendered the SEC to LSU,UGA,UF,AUB and before Saban is through..... Bama.
hglover40#234154 writes:
We have surrendered the SEC to LSU,UGA,UF, and AUB - but not because of poor coaching -
Avg recruiting class in the SEC since 2001 -
UGa
LSU
FLA
TN
AUB
supersteve17 writes:
V-Vol,
I assume you know that "venomous" equates to "poisonous," "spiteful," "malignant?" That's what fans like you are -- poisonous. Why don't you take your venom and go poison some other site?
Greyback_Vol writes:
DenmarkVol-I really agree with you, although under Fulmer and Cutcliffe UT's offense has usually been more complex than most college programs. At this point it's kind of expected that the players' heads would be spinning a little, kind of like what you see with first year players in Urban Meyer's spread option. It just takes a while to learn. I do like the fact that Jones said there are so many ways to get the ball into the hands of different players. Looks like this scheme will allow for more creativity and surprises than the last system. Now if we can just get through spring without anyone else getting injured....
waterskier3#226480 writes:
hglover don't post stats on here people will call you negative..... according to fulmer supporters its not the talent or coaches but the world hates the vols and that's why we continue to lose to the bettter teams in the top 25... oh yes we did beat a big 10 team.. wow...
recruiting means nothing.. just ask the NFl teams that win all the time... drafting the best talent no way we're just drafting the good guys and they will win..... :):)
everyone have a great weekend.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
"workinlikeheck is just stating the obvious"
Is the snarky attitude necessary to state the obvious?
"We have surrendered the SEC to LSU,UGA,UF,AUB and before Saban is through..... Bama."
I will admit that LSU is the class of the SEC right now which has more to do with talent than coaching.
3 out of the last 4 say we haven't surrendered anything to UGA.
FL had a nice run in '06 but Meyer's other two seasons resulted in 4 losses each.
And Aub hasn't done squat since they went undefeated 4 years ago. (Except knock of a top 5 team here and there only to lose to Miss St the following week.)
bpvol#216873 writes:
OK, so let me get this straight....
The only comments allowed on this website are positive ones....so if we can't, won't or don't post something positive, at least your idea of positive.....
Then we shouldn't be posting....
Sorry...last time I looked, the great thing about where we live, is everyone has an opinion and the right to express it....
If you don't agree, or don't like it....don't respond...most likely will go away, after awhile....
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Alot more complex of an offense I thought we ran a pro style offense under Cut that is molded after Al Saunders who was an assistant in the early 80s who by most accounts thickest playbook in the NFL.
vscebail#247785 writes:
Here's hoping that Clawson's multiple-set offense can challenge and improve Chavis' defense, as well. I don't think that I can stomach another 59 point blow-out.
murrayvol writes:
C'mon vscebail. It wasn't a 59 point blowout. We scored a few points.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
The real facts are that Tenn has a new offense and a 11th rated returning defense to go to battle with this fall. Now, we all hope they do well, but attacking the messengers does little to change the facts.
Like it or not Phil has a losing record vs 5 or 6 of the current coaches in the league. People, times have changed! Recruiting has fallen off, Ga has dried up for us and Bama is raiding Tenn for a few good players annually.
No one wants to hear what is becoming apparent. I've been a 40-odd year fan and live and die with them. It will take a miracle to keep from losing more than 4 games this fall, in my opinion.
We can all hope and pray for them to do their best, but will their best be good enough? We all are going to see the answer this fall.
All are welcome.
VenomousVol writes:
Ashley darling, I recognise that you are a Fulmerista, brainwashed beyond hope. You can't be helped, but I'll try. I'm guessing you are under 25 and clueless about football other than it is a cool place to go have a few beers and hang out with some friends on a fall Saturday. I may be wrong, but that is the read I get. Losing to your biggest rival 80% of the time is reason enough to fire a coach, but this year you and your kind will gleefully shout "we'll get em next year." after Florida kicks our orange rears again. Ohio St. canned a coach with a good winning % because Mich beat him every year, then hired Tressel. Tressel started beating Michigan every year, then Michigan quietly forced Lloyd Carr's retirement. Carr's record and King Krispy Kreme's were mirror images of one another. the point is UT could do much better than Chubby Checkerboard.
VenomousVol writes:
Ash, I have a few other names for our esteemed coach.
"Steve Spurrier's B****"
"Urban Meyer's jailhouse rape victim"
"Nick Saban's Whipping boy"
"Most popular coach in the city of Gainesville"
"Intellectually inferior to Les Miles"
"Property of Tommy Tuberville"
"Coach who lost at home to Vandy"
"Knoxville Bail Bondsman of the Year"
Flummer is just easier to type.
99gator writes:
i have told you all before.....and this is no breaking news.....
the defense is going to have to carry tenn's team. i have no doubt in my mind about that.
any new system takes time to learn. it won't happen in september, october, or november. it won't be until spring of 2009 that the players truly feel comfortable with it. that won't be clawson's fault or the players' fault. that's how this kind of thing works.
it will be a lot of fun against "live" competition early in the year.....and on the road all year.
the defense will have to hold teams under 24 most weeks to have a chance to win.
and i am willing to bet that as the year goes on the offense will get more conservative to win games....trying to help the defense as much as possible.....avoiding turnovers and maintaining field position rather than taking chances.
it's the nature of the beast.
BOASoldier writes:
blah blah blah blah freaking blah... quit trying to be another CR/workin' there venomous ... if fought with the guy for a while and although I can't stand him or his posts you have no chance of being him. I mean you can suck on his teat for a while and pretend you have a friend but stop with trying to be hardcore it isn't working... how many more days do we have til workin' goes on vacation and we get to go back to cheering for our football team without him?
auttat writes:
Take heart Vol Fans, even though it may irk you that these fools keep posting their garbage, it bothers them a whole lot more to know that Fulmer is STILL the coach.
Most of them show their class by downing an injured player. True character
BOASoldier writes:
we all wanted change from the dink and dunk ... we have it and now we are whining about it... lmao. this is great...I'm out of here. See you all in the fall.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
99gator...shhh, don't tell anyone that. Cut was a bum and we have Crompton at QB. We are going to have seamless transition to this more complex offense. Florida's players just had trouble picking up the spread their first year under Meyer. We'll be different and more complicated.
99gator writes:
workin.....
yeah, but if tenn goes 7-5, you will be the first to rip the staff as opposed to looking at it as a transition year.
if they look bad in a game or two, no slack will be given that it is a new system with a new starting qb......
it will be fulmer is an idiot and who is this moron we hired from a DII school.
auttat writes:
Once again, the Florida fan does our dirty work.
I love this guy!!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
7-5 would be a bad year. Tell me what Florida did again in their transition year of basically an ENTIRE coaching staff. They didn't go 7-5 and were not expected to win the SEC. More like 10-3 with road losses at Top 5 Bama, @ LSU, and @ South Carolia. They also won their bowl game. The goal is to win an SEC championship.
bigbluevol writes:
You know Venomous, Osborne couldn't beat Oklahoma, but they stuck with him. It doesn't mean Fulmer should get carte blanche, but he's not the only coach who has had similar troubles. As for your list of creative nicknames, Richt is also a coach who lost at home to Vandy and many people on here are sure that he's a great coach. Of the last 4 times they've met, Fulmer has beaten Spurrier 3. You can argue that we've had more talent, but there were years we were more talented than Florida and Spurrier beat us. The point is that there are people who don't like Fulmer and never will like him, regardless of what he does. There are people who do like him and will regardless. Despite that difference, you can still root for the same team, be encouraging and stop defaming the team just because you don't like the coach.
BOASoldier writes:
ok I just stated I wouldn't be back til fall but on 99gators comment to workin' ... DAMN you got knocked the F__K out. Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
7-5 tells me that we most likely beat UAB, Wyoming, Northern Ill, Vandy, UK, and Swiss State and then one of the following games (Florida, Bama, UGA, South Carolina, UCLA).
Tell me one fan that would be okay with that. I guess coaching transition changes only apply to Tennessee.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
yeah, boa in your dreams that might have happened.
99gator writes:
workin....
they went 9-3.....
they won the 9 because the defense was so strong. speaking of strong, he was the coach who stayed from zook's staff. the offense was pitiful in the first half of the year.....and abandoned the spread in their off week before georgia.
from the georgia game on in 2005, they used a tight end and fullback in their offensive sets the rest of the season.
they also beat georgia, because dj shockley did not play in that game. if shockley plays florida probably would have been 8-4.
and a comparison to florida might scare some of y'all. truth be told florida's offense improved in 2006, but it was not great by any stretch.
2007, when meyer had "his guys", the offense took off. problem is the defense left town. they will try to get it back a little this year.
the question is does tenn have the defense florida did in 2005 or 2006......because you are probably going to need it.
BOASoldier writes:
ok I'm out again...unless workin' gets smacked around like a red headed step child once again.
lmao that was just funny... and from a Florida fan at that.
VenomousVol writes:
BOA, who the hell is CR? I rarely post here and I'm not aware of the regulars. BBV, what year were we head and shoulders above Florida in talent? Not in the last 15 years I assure you. We Vol fans may have thought we were but we weren't. P.S. I used to be a Kool-aid drinker too. I try to take off the orange glasses and see thing how they really are these days.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
So 9-3 and you beat UGA's back up QB.
If we play a backup QB it's an automatic loss for us (see LSU in 2001 and 2007 SEC title games).
Then your offense didn't improve any in 2006 and you won a national title.
So what you are telling me is that the offense is going to struggle, we are basically depending on Chavis (that's really comforting) to save the season and keep the ship above water, and that if we go 7-5 everyone should be happy and chalk it up to coaching transition?
Fulmer already had his 7-5 season (5-6 in 2005). Going 7-5 should be unacceptable at Tennessee. 8-4 (regular season) was at Florida under Zook and at UGA under Donnan.
bigbluevol writes:
I didn't say head and shoulders more talented. There were years, like Peyton's senior year, we should have won the game based on talent. We probably should have won the 2005 game we lost to Spurrier, but the tailspin was in full effect. The point is that many of your nicknames aren't accurate. You have the right to bash Fulmer. I can't say I speak for everyone, but what is frustrating is to hear the constant stream of negativity under the veil of "realism." Each season stands on its own and until this one plays out, why not root for the guys and enjoy the ride? Rooting for someone to lose their job just doesn't seem to be a great thing to do, in my opinion.
bigbluevol writes:
I should have said we probably should have lost the 2005 game on talent alone. We undoubtedly should have won it, period. However, extenuating factors proved to have a major effect on that game.
99gator writes:
again....
i just pulled 7-5 out of thin air. criticism is fair, but it has to come with some sort of perspective.
for instance, florida's season last year. there were gator people upset with the season. losing 4 games, giving up so many points...etc.
well, they won a national title in 2006. lost their all time leading passer and about 15 total starters including 9 on defense.
odds are when that happens, you are not going to be as good the next year (unless you are ohio state...sarcasm is displayed here).
same with florida's basketball team. some people went ape that they were in the NIT. they just won back to back titles and lost their squad to the NBA and people did not expect problems?
that is why i ask you all what you expect. if you expect 9-3 and you go 9-3, what are you upset about.
i live in jax, fl. there were jaguar fans upset that the jags lost a playoff game on the road, to an undefeated team at the time.
that's the kind of thing i can't understand.
VenomousVol writes:
If we should have beat Surrier in 05, should we have lost last year? Recovering your own fumble 20 yards downfield to set up a game tying field goal after blowing a 3 touchdown lead is lucky no matter how you slice it.
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