My first impression of Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton was extremely positive. Now, I'm starting to have second thoughts.
That has nothing to do with Crompton. It has everything to do with my first impression of other UT quarterbacks.
With the exception of Peyton Manning, I've overrated every one of them since Heath Shuler claimed the position in the fall of 1992. Erik Ainge, who was taken in the fifth round of the NFL draft Sunday, is merely the latest example of my lofty predictions that fell short. The only difference: He still has a chance to prove my first impression right.
I'm not optimistic. How could I be with my track record?
Take Shuler, for example. On first glance, he looked strong and athletic enough to make the NFL even if he couldn't throw.
A couple of years later, my initial impression hardly seemed off base. Shuler finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting and was the third player taken in the 1994 NFL draft.
Now, he's regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.
The quarterback evaluator in me cited mitigating circumstances. Shuler had the misfortune of being drafted by the downtrodden Washington Redskins, then traded to the more downtrodden New Orleans Saints, whose offense was borderline lethal for a quarterback. Shuler limped out of New Orleans with a severe foot injury, which he reinjured in a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders.
Tee Martin, who succeeded Manning, didn't fit the NFL prototype. But his strong arm, athleticism and playmaking ability - all of which were crucial to UT winning a national championship in 1998 - made me think he could make it in the NFL if placed in the right system. After being drafted in the fifth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he retired after four undistinguished seasons with the Oakland Raiders.
At least, he was drafted.
When I saw Casey Clausen win UT's starting quarterback job early in his freshman season, I immediately projected him as a first-round NFL draft pick. Oops.
Clausen was good enough to start four years at UT but not good enough to be drafted. What's wrong with that picture?
The quarterback evaluator in me remains mystified.
Ainge made an even better first impression than Clausen. I remember watching him throw in UT's indoor practice facility in the summer before his freshman season. He released the ball so quickly and with such force, his new receivers sometimes didn't get their hands up in time.
Future first-round pick, no doubt about it. A year later, the future first-round pick struggled to hold the starting job.
Ainge bounced back from a disastrous sophomore season and progressed in two seasons under offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe. But he never looked as athletic as he did as a freshman before his shoulder injury against Notre Dame.
Ainge and Clausen might have learned significantly more about the nuances of their position in four years at UT, but you could argue that their physical skills actually diminished. No one questioned Clausen's arm strength as a freshman, as they did after his senior season. And no one compared freshman Ainge to a statue when he rolled left to evade a fourth-quarter Florida pass rush and threw so accurately on the move.
Crompton flashed no such potential as a freshman. He didn't even play.
A year later, as a redshirt freshman, he got his chance against LSU when Ainge was injured. All he did was throw two touchdown passes against one of the best defenses in the country. He demonstrated both toughness and poise in a 28-24 loss.
Never mind that he looked overmatched - as was the entire UT team - in a 31-14 loss to Arkansas the following week. Or that he wasn't overly impressive in limited playing time last season as a backup. My first impression tells me Crompton has pro potential.
My track record says, "Not so fast."
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 245
BigVolinCarolina writes:
No matter how many "stars" a recruit has beside his name coming out of high school, he still has to perform and earn it in college.
Fulmer's always been right when asked about incoming freshmen: "You never know until they put on the pads".
Same's true here.
VOLS85 writes:
Not the first time your track record has sucked...
NYVol writes:
If you believe that Adams can tell you about his prowess at determining talent at any position, then please allow me to promote the benifits of eating fungus off rocks. Both could be true, but ....hmmm.
Crompton will play. All will be revealed.
Pullingguard writes:
So many highly ranked QB's coming into the Vol program and with the exception of Manning; who has succeeded in the Pros, or really been a recorgnized super QB's in college? Question must be, did the players develope to the potential they thought to have possessed, or did the tutors fail in their development, or did they fit a mold at UT with little potential beyond that.
Cherokee writes:
NYVol, not that I always love Adams' articles, but isn't the very point he is acknowledging in this article that he does NOT have great prowess at predicting QB success?
andy112382#209793 writes:
Hey, winning games at Tennessee comes first, I won't worry about his draft status until April 2010 or whatever draft it is he will be in, just win now!
GO VOLS!!!
Cherokee writes:
Pullingguard, I agree that UT does not have a lot of highly successful pro QB's in our history, but the same comment could be made about Florida and a long line of strong college QB's that did nothing in the pros: Danny Weurffel, Shane Matthews, Doug Johnson, Terry Dean, Chris Leak, etc. Even Spurrier after a great college career did nothing in the pros. Sadly, I think UT could have had another good pro if Tony Robinson had not been hurt and then gone down the wrong path. Condredge Holloway was an early Vick but the NFL had no place for that type of QB back then.
rootin4volz writes:
In other words, John, what you're saying about yourself is "I'm an idiot." Glad to see you've come around to thinking like the rest of us. Now, how about apologizing to Coach Fulmer for your idiotic article...dummy.
Gigavol writes:
First he admits he was wrong about Fulmer (Adams long ago predicted Fulmer to surpass Neyland in wins and winning % before he retired). Now wrong about QBs.
Good job!
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
get over it rootin and all you others Adams haters--no apologies needed--hes just as entitled to his opinions as you are yours---grow up
newtonrail writes:
yaba--"grow up" sounds like something said on the playground. As far this column, the premise is wrong, as far as I'm concerned. You don't judge Tenn or any other college team
QB, for that matter, on what they do in the NFL. Same for Basketball players. Casey Clausen won a lot of games for this Univ. on grit and determination, no matter what some detractors may say. Same for Ainge and Martin. Chris Lofton may never play a day in the NBA, but I'll never forget what part he played in the resurgence of our BB program.
MrBamSeydu writes:
newtonrail: Maybe he was being literal when he said "grow up"... as in, your posts maybe make you sound like a 12 year old who doesn't read things before commenting on them.
The article isn't judging them on their COLLEGE career. The entire point is that UT's QB tradition has not translated into solid, lengthy NFL careers. Adams isn't saying they were bad in college. He's basically stating that when people have their orange-tinted shades on, like most of us do (I don't disclude myself... I'm biased on UT's players as much as anyone), we tend to put a little too much worth in their potential just because they played for our school. I myself felt like Ainge was an early 2nd round draft choice, but he was not. I also think he will replace Pennington in NY, but time will tell if that is just another example of us "fans" over-hyping our own players just because we want to see them succeed.
Noone was "detracting" anything from what they accomplished at UT. Adams was just stating the obvious. Our QB talent, sans Manning, has not been such that has produced solid NFL prospects over the past 20 years. In fact, I don't know that I could name another QB (aside from Manning, obviously) from UT who has EVER had a really solid NFL career.
Prove me wrong. Stop hating on Adams just because he puts things out that noone can fully justify him as being wrong. He isn't always right, mainly because he's what we call a "human being", but I'm semi-positive he's a hell of a lot more intelligent than most of his bashers.
MrBamSeydu writes:
sjt18: Tweak your comment juuust a little from its over-dramatic status. Ainge came in 6-6 200 and left at 6-6 225. So he gained 25lbs in 4 years rather than the 40 you stated. Have you not seen people gain 25lbs and keep their agility? I sure have. Jerod Mayo actually gained the same amount of weight AND increased his 40 time by the time he left UT.
Personally, I just never saw Ainge as "atheletic" to begin with. I don't recall him doing much with his feet during his freshman season. Schaeffer came in to do that stuff.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Why not? You wasted a paragraph stating your opinion that he was wrong, where are the facts to say he was wrong?
His original "anti-Fulmer article" was full of facts showing the recent decline of the football program in wins and off field incidents. All you are doing is saying he was wrong.
WHY was he wrong? Were his facts wrong? Was he being too much of a meany?? He's a writer. He has the FACTS and freedom of speech to back him up.
All YOU are doing is blabbing.
PS: Wasn't that article written months ago? Are you a woman or something and don't get over things with time? Sheesh
MrBamSeydu writes:
sjt18: You mean this profile.....
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&...
And I guess this is where you saw him at 230 now....
http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/artic...
I could go on like you did about Adams with capitalized "WAS wrong's" all over the place, but I'm sleepy and you obviously have no clue what you are talking about.
SO, I'll let you talk to yourself and attempt some sort of come back like "well I saw it on another website that he was 6'10 140 lbs as a freshman and 6'2 255 lbs now" etc and so forth. Goodnight. Go Vols.
andy112382#209793 writes:
Gigavol - how was Adams wrong about Fulmer surpassing Neylands win total? I am pretty sure Fulmer is still coaching and didn't hurt himself any with a 10 win season last year...so I really don't see how he could be counted as wrong regarding that prediction.
Interestingly enough, there just happened to be a write up on espn.com about that very subject (Fulmer approaching Neylands win total) and also mentioned Fulmer could very well move into second place in all-time SEC wins only behind Bear Bryant......if espn can give Fulmer credit, i would hope people who call themselves Vol fans could!
debaser11 writes:
Does the KNS Sports Editor actually read this stuff before its published? Hard to imagine!
sstterry#205746 writes:
Why is John Adams always so negative? Opinion or not everythinghe writes has a tone of negativity.
WaltGoVols writes:
I read well after he left UT a comment by a former receiver that they always knew which receiver Casey Clausen was going to throw to when they left the huddle. That might be why he couldn't catch on in the pros.
I am also reminded of Brent Schaeffer. I really hated when he left UT - he was great on Playstation too. But recall how he wound up at Ole Miss. I believe the last year he played he threw more INT's than TD's. So maybe Fulmer had some good insights there. It didn't seem to me that after Schaaffer had that run-in with the cops that Fulmer did much to keep him.
It does seem to me that UT has attempted to recruit some pretty good QB prospects and not landed them. Brian Brohm comes to mind. And the youngest Clausen would seem a natural to attend UT. I wonder what the story was there. So there is that.
All that being said, Adams is still an idiot and his job has little or nothing to do with providing objective coverage of the Vols.
Walt
WaltGoVols writes:
Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 5:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Walt, I'm pretty sure that Schaeffer was asked to leave."
And based on his later performance, that seems a -wise- decision by Fulmer. That was my point. Adams' latest rabble rousing attack on the program didn't reflect that.
Walt
volroadwarrior writes:
It is a numbers game. How many NFL QB positions are available vs the number in college? The same can be asked about the high school to college level. The jury is still out on Ainge, although it doesn't look promising.
Adams is always looking to bash UT. His comments could be the same for just about every college team and QB prospect in the country. His hidden agenda is to stir up the Negative Nellies and FIRE FULMER!
dvols writes:
where is jim bob?
GreerVol22 writes:
Adams, congratulations at being an accomplished amateur. I always thought you had it in you.
GerryOP writes:
John Adams does not have a vested interested in anything except writing articles that sell newspapers. That's his job.
Thinking that anything John Adams writes could get Coach Fulmer fired is as delusional as thinking that anything posted here has an effect on UT football recruiting.
HotlantaVol writes:
I don't think it's fair to call out quarterbacks who struggle due to injuries. If anything, call out their offensive linemen. So leave Ainge and Shuler alone.
Clausen was a robot, not a student of the game. He did exactly what he was programmed to do. Unfortunately, he did not have the available RAM to be programmed for check-offs or reading disguised coverages.
Martin was an average quarterback at best with an above average ability to not make stupid mistakes. See the South Carolina game of 1998. Also, it helps that he had a tremendous team around him.
Clawson is a very smart man. That has translated to success in coaching thus far. It will be interesting to see if that success continues as he tries to develop Crompton and the others into reaching their potential.
TheVolMan writes:
Ah, Good morning JA bashing weenies. Really sticking to your big boycott, eh? LOL...
TommyJack writes:
sjt18 makes good points at 1:32 post.
I think Adams' column was honest and on point.
The fact is, you can't predict QB's that have "it". Some have "it" in college, but not in pros.
For instance, Danny Weurffel was one of the most EFFECTIVE college QB's I ever saw. Pro? Not so.
Tee Martin? Same deal. Who knows why? (Workinlikeheck excepted).
Plus one has to consider the coaches commitment to the QB...sometimes to the teams detriment (see Cutcliffe/Ainge). Some coaches commitment to QB's DELAY development of even a better talent (see Cutcliffe/Ainge). Is there an echo in here?
GreerVol22 writes:
Ah, Good morning JA non-bashing weenies. Really sticking to your drivel, eh? LOL...
Vol13 writes:
Another great article, Mr. Adams. Keep up the good work and don't be deterred by these sunshine pumpers and University of Fulmer fans who are doing much more harm to the program by enabling mediocrity than you are by demanding accountability for misdeeds.
I predict that Crompton will fail ala Joey Mathews and that Coleman will be the starter late in the year. Coupled with a new offense and few playmakers, the Vols will struggle to win 7 games this year. But the heat will be further applied to Fulmer and perhaps by 2009 or 2010, we can start to rebuild this program from the ground up and once again be a Top 3 team in the SEC.
Thanks for kicking open the door or criticism and keep applying the heat!!! Go Vols!
GoVols77 writes:
Ah, Good morning GreerVol22 and TheVolMan bashing weenies. Really sticking to your going down on JA every night, eh? LOL....
Lofton4Three writes:
Vol13...
Do you seriously call yourself a fan? Wanting a kid to fail so that hopefully a coach can get fired is about as childish as any person can get. I think it is very safe to assume that you have never played any sport at the college level, or probably high school level for that matter (Flag Corps is not a sport so don't reply back with that one.) It is "fans" like you that make what Chris Fowler said about UT fans a few years ago look correct.
My advice to you though is to go out and get a degree, get your masters, hop on with a program as a GA, work your way up the ranks and we'll see how you can do with your own program in 2020. Because it is so easy to say what you would do when you're listening to the talk radio stations while out delivering your pizzas. Schmuck
Volalumnus writes:
I believe that for some of you if Adams reported that Fulmer took a dump this morning would immediately be here saying
- But it didn't stink.
I think some have just locked themselves mentally in to defensive nuclear attack. You hear a ruffle in the bushes, you shoot, and then you go see what you shot.
99gator writes:
he's basically admitting he has no clue what the heck he is talking about.
stroker writes:
Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 8:43 a.m.
I would bet $ against your naysayer attitude and predictions. I will save your post noted below and re-post it after the season.
Posted by Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another great article, Mr. Adams. Keep up the good work and don't be deterred by these sunshine pumpers and University of Fulmer fans who are doing much more harm to the program by enabling mediocrity than you are by demanding accountability for misdeeds.
I predict that Crompton will fail ala Joey Mathews and that Coleman will be the starter late in the year. Coupled with a new offense and few playmakers, the Vols will struggle to win 7 games this year. But the heat will be further applied to Fulmer and perhaps by 2009 or 2010, we can start to rebuild this program from the ground up and once again be a Top 3 team in the SEC.
Thanks for kicking open the door or criticism and keep applying the heat!!! Go Vols!
BADGES0413 writes:
John Adams cat could have written this article. I guess we will see a lot of these fill in articles until fall practice starts. Crompton will have a similar year to Ainge last year unless someone can step up and prove they are a playmaker. Clausen had a fantastic year in 2001 becasue he had Kelly Washington, Donte Stallworth, Travis Stephens and Jason Witten. The next year he was medicore because he only had Witten and injured Kelly Washington. I hope somebody steps up and helps Crompton or it may be 2002 all over again.
spikevol writes:
you're no pro at a lot of things
rthestar#368358 writes:
HEY ADAMS, why stop with QBs ? YOU aren't very good at anything except being 2nd & 3rd guessing...
Vols1998 writes:
JA, just goes to prove what we have been saying for years, you know nothing about football and should not be allowed to write in this column. Maybe the Home and Garden section is more suited for Johnny Adams.
Go Vols!
Volalumnus writes:
Envy breeds bitterness.
Here probably because Adams gets paid to write his opinions and those that have opposite opinions are actually paying his way and they know it.
99gator writes:
the sad thing is.....he's seen peyton manning.
so, he should have a point of reference as to what an nfl qb should look like
rrvolfan#230816 writes:
ADAMS BYLINE = IGNORE THIS ARTICLE.....
Silent_Fulmer writes:
You gotta love how people hate on Adams and it doesn't bother him.
I mean if Foolmore were doing Adam's job he would have had 18 mental break-downs by now.
chrslyp writes:
so out of ut's last six or seven quarterbacks we've only had one spectacular pro qb. i ask the question, how many pro qb's has florida had in as many years, georgia, ohio state, michigan? it is funny that the two best qb's in the league were the second pick in the draft (manning) and a seventh rounder (brady).
Volalumnus writes:
Posted by rrvolfan on April 30, 2008 at 9:32 a.m.
--?---
OK, but you are here.
VolStuckInOrlando writes:
Ya know, I keep a lookout for any Adams article these days, just to witness the venom that most of you will spit at him. And this time, he has truly earned it. Nice job JA, further proving your worthlessness to this site and to those who haunt its pages.
Please go away. Go to Gaynesville or Tuscaloser and break down their recent success installing QBs in the pros. You could write this same freaking article anywhere else in the country, so why dont you pack your pen and paper and grace us with your absence.
Volalumnus writes:
......the second pick in the draft (manning)
?
chrslyp writes:
silent_fulmer:
you think fulmer would have a break down if he did adams job, like there is so much pressure writing for a newspaper? adams would have probably killed himself by now if he had fulmers job. there's absolutely no comparison.
londonvol writes:
How many NFL QB's are there, pretty elite club, don't YOU think, so it is never ever a lead pipe cinch that any QB will make it in the NFL.
agentorange writes:
fire adams. not many sec qbs, or qbs from anywhere, become nfl starters.
chrslyp writes:
wasn't leaf taken first? or am i just completely misremembering that?
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