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Adams: No pro at predicting UT quarterbacks

By John Adams (Contact)
Originally published 11:07 p.m., April 29, 2008
Updated 11:07 p.m., April 29, 2008

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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.

317 Comments

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on April 29, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by VOLS85 on April 29, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not the first time your track record has sucked...

Posted by NYVol on April 29, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by Pullingguard on April 29, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by Cherokee on April 29, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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?

Posted by andy112382 on April 30, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!!

Posted by Cherokee on April 30, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by rootin4volz on April 30, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by Gigavol on April 30, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on April 30, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by newtonrail on April 30, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Shuler had a snakebit pro career. Collins who came out the same year with about the same acclaim struggled for years then finally caught on and had some good seasons.

In part because of what happened to those two guys both players and teams are more inclined to bring QB's along slowly even if they are high draft picks.

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yaba, it is our opinion that Adams should apologize for the article he wrote calling for Fulmer's head that used false arguments. We're entitled to our opinions... "grow up".

As for this article... just another indirect attack on Fulmer claiming that guys come in better than they leave. For instance the claim about Clausen's arm strength.

Just because a guy arrives with good arm strength for a HS QB doesn't guarantee he'll ever develop the arm strength needed to be a successful pro. Another non sequitur argument by Adams... He IS a pro at making those.

Ainge had to guy bulk to endure the hits he would take. At 6'6" 190 he was mobile. At 6'6" 230, he was not... Not all that difficult to figure out.

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 30, 2008 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 30, 2008 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yemmusdarb, Adams WAS wrong for associating the deeds of past players with Fulmer and using that as a justification to call for his job. He WAS wrong for calling for Fulmer's job for being subject to the University's policies concerning player discipline- too lenient or not. He WAS wrong for trying to make the case that Fulmer's off the field problems are exceptional when the same things and worse occur at schools all over the country.

A case can be made against Fulmer... the one Adams attempted isn't it.

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yemmus, no tweaking necessary. I remember his player profile when he was a recruit. He was listed at 190. I've seen him listed at 230.

Some players can maintain or even gain speed. Some don't. Those who don't usually don't play without changing position. QB's can be exceptions to that rule.

Ainge had some foot and ankle injuries in HS as well. Nonetheless he was athletic enough to have played basketball at a second tier school if he hadn't played football.

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 30, 2008 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 30, 2008 at 1:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by andy112382 on April 30, 2008 at 1:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by debaser11 on April 30, 2008 at 2:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does the KNS Sports Editor actually read this stuff before its published? Hard to imagine!

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 2:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No. yemmus, his article cited the misbehavior of former players as "proof" that Fulmer had lost control of the program. He specifically said that he was NOT building his case from on the field performance.

"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."

In other words you would rather make moronic exaggerations, right?

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 2:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In other words you would rather make moronic exaggerations, right?

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 3:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here you go smart guy:

Notice what the S&C coach Long says- http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/j...

FWIW, Rivals also listed Ainge with a 4.6 40 coming out of HS.

Posted by sstterry on April 30, 2008 at 5:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is John Adams always so negative? Opinion or not everythinghe writes has a tone of negativity.

Posted by WaltGoVols on April 30, 2008 at 5:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

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.

We'll see how it turns out but UT wasn't alone in questioning the hype surrounding Jimmy Clausen. He happened to play on a team with several D1 prospects that made him look better than he was. IMO what we've seen so far from him at ND is an accurate reflection of his talent.

Ryan Mallet badly outperformed Clausen at the Army AA game and camp.

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.

Ryan Mallet badly outperformed Clausen at the Army AA game and camp.

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sstterry, Adams has a vested interest in writing things that cast UT football and Fulmer in a bad light. He obviously doesn't like Fulmer and has called for his head. Adam's can really make a name for himself by being a prominent figure in bringing one of the nation's longest tenured and most successful coaches down. Turmoil and controversy are better for a writer's career than articles supportive of the program... no matter how much truth is sacrificed in the process.

Others may know other sources for all the bitterness. Adams doesn't have any particular interest in UT's success on the field- he's an LSU grad so I don't think you can make the case that he's only looking out for UT.

Posted by WaltGoVols on April 30, 2008 at 5:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think he was asked to leave because of a fight and maybe his reluctance to attend class. That's what I meant. Sorry I wasn't more clear. I don't think his on the field performance factored in.

Posted by volroadwarrior on April 30, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by dvols on April 30, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

where is jim bob?

Posted by GreerVol22 on April 30, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Adams, congratulations at being an accomplished amateur. I always thought you had it in you.

Posted by GerryOP on April 30, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by JohnAdamsIsTrash on April 30, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

John Adams, you know nothing about football, what it takes to play it, and what it takes to coach it. You are a skinny little whiney nerd!!! The KNS needs a change and that starts with you! You stink as a writer, and you definitely stink as a sports editor! You are an embarrassment to East Tennessee. leave and go back to where you came from! Or go anywhere but here!!!

Posted by HotlantaVol on April 30, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP, how exactly do you think coaches get fired? What specific, transcendant reasons do you think justify firing a coach?

Without allowing your preconceptions to effect your answer, what would you say about someone's suggestion that a coach who had...

-Won an NC
-Won two SEC championships
-Had not had NCAA violations
-Was recognized as a top 5 national recruiter
-Had put numerous players into the NFL
-Had finished first in the SEC East 4 out of the last 7 years and 7 out of 15 total
-Had one losing season in 16 and only one other season with more than 4 losses
-Oh... and a 77% win %, a 75% SEC win %, an avg of 9.8 wins per year

.... lose his job in part on the basis that former players had gotten into trouble and that current players were doing pretty much what players at other schools do?

Posted by TheVolMan on April 30, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah, Good morning JA bashing weenies. Really sticking to your big boycott, eh? LOL...

Posted by TommyJack on April 30, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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?

Posted by GreerVol22 on April 30, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah, Good morning JA non-bashing weenies. Really sticking to your drivel, eh? LOL...

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!

Posted by gregorsamsa2 on April 30, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah, Good morning GreerVol22 and TheVolMan bashing weenies. Really sticking to your going down on JA every night, eh? LOL....

Posted by Lofton4Three on April 30, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by Volalumnus on April 30, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

he's basically admitting he has no clue what the heck he is talking about.

Posted by stroker on April 30, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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)

Thanks for kicking open the door or criticism and keep applying the heat!!! Go Vols!

Posted by BADGES0413 on April 30, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by spikevol on April 30, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

you're no pro at a lot of things

Posted by rthestar on April 30, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

HEY ADAMS, why stop with QBs ? YOU aren't very good at anything except being 2nd & 3rd guessing...

Posted by Vols1998 on April 30, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by Volalumnus on April 30, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by sg23 on April 30, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i think J. Adams has finally hit bottom, he writes an article about himself, dont worry john, your own personal Q B evaluation meter probably means more to yourself than to knox news sent. readers

Posted by tngeoff on April 30, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Crompton will be a huge positive for our offense. I can't wait to see him in action. Bust out all the trash you want, but Crompton is winner.

Posted by rrvolfan on April 30, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ADAMS BYLINE = IGNORE THIS ARTICLE.....

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on April 30, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by marc_ash on April 30, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny, I said the same thing about Adams when I first saw one of his articles. Has the potential to be a breath of fresh air in Knoxville. However, as time progressed I was proven wrong.

At least he has admitted to being good at one thing....not getting things right.

Posted by chrslyp on April 30, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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).

Posted by Volalumnus on April 30, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by rrvolfan on April 30, 2008 at 9:32 a.m.

--?---

OK, but you are here.

Posted by VolStuckInOrlando on April 30, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by Volalumnus on April 30, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

......the second pick in the draft (manning)

Posted by chrslyp on April 30, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by dburgin0114 on April 30, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by agentorange on April 30, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fire adams. not many sec qbs, or qbs from anywhere, become nfl starters.

Posted by chrslyp on April 30, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wasn't leaf taken first? or am i just completely misremembering that?

Posted by marc_ash on April 30, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What people don't generally realize is that there aren't a lot of "great" players in the NFL. There are a lot of good solid QB's for instance, but generally there aren't great one's (especially at QB).

There also aren't many schools that "pump out" quality QB's year after year after year. Michigan has produced some very good QB's over the years. Other than that, off the top of my head I can't think of many other schools that have done that in the past 20 years. Marino was from Pitt. Elway was from Stanford. Manning from UT. Brady from Michigan. E Manning Ole Miss.

Hell, off the top of my head....I'm not thinking of very good talent that has produced multiple good QB's in the league other than UM and USC. My point, Adams basis for his article is very weak. Schools don't produce elite QB's year in and year out. Not many schools do. Not a good basis to write your article. You can do better.

Posted by chrslyp on April 30, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i'm an idiot. my bad.

Posted by Volalumnus on April 30, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No it was Manning then Leaf.
The "Experts" were promoting the other way.

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the nfl network put on a show rating the top 10 college football factories of all time.....(schools who produce players for the pros).....

tennessee came in at #10

Posted by orange4ever on April 30, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe we can start a new fan base by getting rid of fake vol fans like vol13 and a whole lot more.For all you so called fans who want CPF gone,you have truly lost your mind!!!Who would do better? Oh, I know ,maybe we can get a coach like notre dame,weiss was awesome his first 2 years.Look at last year!!!Or like Nebraska did when they got rid of Frank Solich a (10 win season winner) and look what happened there!!!Maybe we can do like alabama,florida,south carolina,miami,ETC, ETC, ETC.Is that want you want;to slide to the lower depths of college football? Fulmer is our guy,he played for us and he is a Tennessee Boy!!! Go VOLS

Posted by TommyJack on April 30, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NOT INTERESTED in pro potential for our QB's. College potential is the issue. If they can move up, fine. If they turn out (in college) to be "only" as good as Tee or Heath, I can live with it.
No beef with Adams

Posted by marc_ash on April 30, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by sjt18 on April 30, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP, how exactly do you think coaches get fired? What specific, transcendant reasons do you think justify firing a coach?

Without allowing your preconceptions to effect your answer, what would you say about someone's suggestion that a coach who had...

Unfortunately sj, history doesn't seem to matter much in this day and age. I am reminded of Coker from UM. Looking at his record over the years he was there speak for itself. The NC and a winning % that was amazing.

Same mentality seems to hold true to some fans. Success needs to occur now or failure is preceived. Unfortunate, but true.

The dollars ring loudly when it comes to a lot of programs...that is your main reason coaches get fired...boosters=money.

Posted by drone on April 30, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Several years ago I predicted John Adams was going to win the Pulitzer in Sports Journalism...????

Posted by Basketball_Jones on April 30, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Once again many of you take a John Adam's article personally. I think John is 100% correct, it makes a person wonder is David Cutcliff is the QB guru everyone says he is. I mean yea he has the 2 Mannings, but I'm sure their gene's and the fact both grew up in the Superdome around NFL players and coaches didn't hurt.

It still boggles my mind how Tee couldn't hang on in the NFL. There are some really bad QB's out there that are backups. Tee had agility, speed and arm strength, blows my mind.

Whoever called out Spurriers kids should just shut up. 2 of the 5 QB's you mentioned won NC's. 1 has a Heisman Trophy and Spurrier will be the 1st to admit he had a system at Florida, undersized fast receivers and a system that was run on timing. Plus Spurrier demanded perfection out of even his best QB's or they went to the bench, you don't really see that out of Fulmer or Cut.

I have never been impressed with Cromptons play (the little we have all seen). He seems to always been in a daze while he's on the field (except the LSU game). Hopefully he'll get better.

Posted by Bigger_Al on April 30, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tuscaloosa John successfully writes another article that can be used against UT in recruiting.

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

For all the fluff given to coach Cut as a developer of QB's his record shows otherwise. Clausen, Ainge both came in with higher rankings than they left with. Manning was hindered by coach Cut's conservative style of offense. Yes it limited mistakes, turnovers, but that was due more to never taking risks than anything else.
Watch the flims from Mannings years and see how few down the middle passes there were. With Ainge and Clausen Cut's style hindered thier arm strength over time by not even practicing down field passing.
Crompton is lucky. He will now get the opportunity to use all his skills. Clawson's style is not limited to dink and dunk passes along the sidelines. Which by the way hurt UT's running game because the defense never had to commit to the deep pass.
Expect a few more interceptions this year after all those are typical with risks. Also expect more excitement this year, longer passes which will also create a greater running game. Watch our opponents defense moving about more as they try and figure out what is coming next instead of being able to settle in knowing what is about to happen.
Crompton will make us wonder why he sat on the sidelines these past years, but that has had more to do with who was coaching the QB's and offense rather than skill.

Posted by marc_ash on April 30, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Basketball_jones,

"Whoever called out Spurriers kids should just shut up. 2 of the 5 QB's you mentioned won NC's."

Don't forget, this article (and the point we've been discussing) is QB's in the pro's. Florida as well as most other schools don't pump out NFL stars. They produce men that fit a system. A great QB in college does not necessaraly translate into a quality pro QB. How many Heisman QB's have been amazing over the years?

As for Cut, he's done wonders with the QB's he's supported. The Mannings should speak for themselves and the argument should be ended. But, he also brought Ainge from a basketcase (thanks Sanders) to an NFL draft pick. And remember, Cut only had 2 years to turn things around.

Crompton only needs to be a great vol...what he does in the pro's really isn't an issue IMO.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on April 30, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

chrslyp - that is just pure speculation.

I am going on facts here.

Adams writes for a living and can control critism written about him daily on here.

Fulmer cannot handle anything negative written about him on here. See the retaliation he made this past year on Pennington and Adams.

Posted by Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Lofton:

Keep em coming. You and your enabling ilk don't bother me at all. LOL!!!!! Too bad with all your schooling, your inflated IQ, and your business savvy that you can't even pass Reading Comprehension 101. Thinking that I secretly hope that Crompton fails so that Fulmer will get fired - too much. Talk about twisting words to fit your agenda. You are one funny guy or gal!

Posted by pdhuff on April 30, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ol' sjt18's stirring the koolaid early, 8:29 I see.

Coach won a NC - Nine years ago! Well over 100 games back.

SEC championship - No Tenn 1st grader was alive when this happened. Maybe Dupree.

Was recognized as a top 5 recuiter. Buzz word -WAS- i.e. ranked 35th in 2007.

PLayers into the NFL - even Vandy does that.

Finished 1st in the mythical SEC east title- How many SEC CGs has he won lately? Lately!! As in 5-6 years or in 60-70 games!!

Percentages??? Give us his winning percentage in his last 25 games vs top 25 teams. Hello.

Spin doctor, you're good. But I believe more emphasis on recruiting and better overall d-coaches would pay Mikey H. much better results than writing letters about columnistas!

All are welcome.

Posted by marc_ash on April 30, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DennisVols,

Manning also had a sub par O line and was called upon to be the savior of that team. Who were Mannings WR's during his tenure? Off the top of my head, he didn't have much and was constantly being pressured. That I do remember.

As for Ainge and Clausen, I think that speaks for itself. Clausen came in as a transfer and was never anything special. One good win at LSU was about it (and I believe that was pre-cut anyway). Ainge did come in with high rankings. He also got injured in the ND game and came back the next year and faltered under Sanders system. Thankfully, Cut arrived to turn things around. He did great things with Ainge, just look at the O and Ainge's play the last 2 years.

Remember people, that "dink and dunk" system resulted in a lot of wins and one of the highest scoring offenses in the nation last year. How quickly we forget.

Posted by marc_ash on April 30, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DennisVols,

Remember people, that "dink and dunk" system resulted in a lot of wins and one of the highest scoring offenses in the nation last year. How quickly we forget.

Posted by Merv on April 30, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack 9:54 says it all: "NOT INTERESTED in pro potential for our QB's. College potential is the issue. If they turn out (in college) to be 'only' as good as Tee or Heath, I can live with it."

Posted by johnlg00 on April 30, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

With regard to the recruitment of Jimmy Clausen, he was regarded as a future star as far back as junior high. Most of the so-called recruiting experts continued that line throughout his high school career. The Clausen brothers' father was heavily involved in all of their careers. He was known to be annoyed at the way Ric was jerked around. He also spent enough time in K'ville to know how much criticism Casey and Ric were getting from all the so-called fans around here. He rather sensibly, IMHO, recommended that Jimmy not subject himself to all that. At the time, going to Notre Dame to play for Charlie Weis was a no-brainer for any aspiring football star, especially if the alternative was jumping into all the controversy here. Although Jimmy hasn't exactly lit it up so far, he is not solely or even primarily to blame for ND's offensive meltdown last year. He may yet live up to the hype with experience and a better team around him. I don't care whether he does or not, since I hate ND with a passion. I just look at the whole Clausen era as an example of how fan negativity can turn a once-supportive family against a program.

Posted by UTfan4life on April 30, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you watched ESPN yesterday Kiper said this and quote "watch out in 2-3 years Ainge, could emerge as the starting quarterback for the Jets". John you are right about Ainge. As for Crompton, he is athletic, strong arm and great poise in the pocket. Kind of like a Chris Leak (how i hate him) of Florida. Hopefully he can be a 3-4 round draft pick.
GO VOLS!

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what is his record vs. ranked teams?

Posted by TommyJack on April 30, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DennisVol 10:00 Double Dittos.

PD: 10:07 Exfreakinactly

Merv: 10:09 You sir, are an astute observer of the truth. :)

Posted by VOLstuckINky on April 30, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

my first impression was to not read the story ... but I'm hungry for football news. I was wrong .. should have skipped the Adams article.

Posted by TurboFan on April 30, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny that the most salient post comes from 99Gator (9:06).

Did a little back of the envelope calculating (guessing) and figure there are about 50 QBs coming out of college in a given year eligible for about 16 NFL QB openings (discounting the musical chairs of 2nd and 3rd string veterans). Tough competition. Considering how team owners and managers don't like to change, don't like to take risks on projects and don't give a whole lot of chances in camp to prove ability it's understandable why certain good QBs make it and other questionable QBs do. Case in point is Clausen picking to try out with KC Chiefs. He was in until management decided they needed a veteran right after the last preseason game. Done.

Dennis, Cut never saw Casey Clausen. Unless you are saying Cut's legacy via Sanders.

Posted by Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator:

9-13 vs. Ranked Teams 2005 - 2007, but that's a little misleading. Prior to 2007, it was 4-9. In 2007, we beat (when they were ranked) - South Carolina who finished 6-6 and didn't go to a bowl; Arkansas who lost 5 games and their coach; Kentucky who lost 5 games; Wisconsin in the bowl; and Georgia in Knoxville. The only impressive win in hindsight was Georgia. You can argue that Wisconsin was impressive, but most won't agree.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 30, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You lost the last bit of credibility you had when you called Fulmer out on Alabammy airways. Here, go stuff your mouth full of fritters.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on April 30, 2008 at 10:29 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by rockytop on April 30, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Two Vols Adams and the rest of you didn't mention that had pretty successful pro careers, though not super successful. Pat Ryan was a long time successful back up in the NFL if I recall. Also, Andy Kelley still holds the Arena Football League passing record. Not the NFL but still pros. I also think Shuler would have had a successful career if it weren't for Norv Turner, and especially Sonny Jurgensen, who continually pounded Shuler on the Skins broadcast. Injuries finally got the best of Heath. For you idiots who say Cut can't develop QBs, there are several Mannings and everyone else who knows anything about football would disagree.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Before you call little man sjt out, you should find out if he's just "joking". In the past when called out for being wrong, he writes it off that he was just joking. Just a word to the wise.

Little man sjt also claimed in another comment from another article that Auburn thinks Mississippi State is a "big" game. LOL!!!!!

Posted by cmoore7 on April 30, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's not just UT quarterbacks that have successful careers in college only to be ran out of the NFL. David Greene owns every SEC Passing statistic category that Manning didn't put too far out of reach. David Greene spent less time in the NFL than Clausen. Colt Brennan and Timmy Chang own about every NCAA Passing Category and neither one of them have or will spend significant time in the NFL. Tom Brady was awful at Michigan and he is easily the greatest quarterback of this generation. Success gets lost in translation from one league to the other.

Posted by TommyJack on April 30, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rockytop: OTOH, one could say the Mannings made Cutcliffe.

Posted by GreerVol22 on April 30, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gregorsamsa2, going down on John Adams, now that hysterical.

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rockytop.....

peyton and eli were coached by archie.

think the virginia coaching staff developed chris long or did howie long have anything to do with that.

Posted by rockytop on April 30, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tommy, that may be what you say. I said ask them. From what I've heard them say, they would say Cut made them (of course they had talent to start with. He certainly couldn't do the same for you). Didn't Peyton tell Ainge to do everything Cut said! I think that's all that needs to be said on that! Had Cut not come back and salvaged a Sanders stricken Ainge, we wouldn't even be talking about this. He would be using whatever degree he earned at UT.

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i'll put it a different way regarding the mannings...

there are just some things you can't screw up

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on April 30, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Speaking of little men, how about Phil Foolmore hanging out spending his 2.whatever million in Jackson Hole all summer. Heck Foolmore might come even come back before August.

I would like to raise a toast to someone who is not a little man - John Adams. Adams doesn't run and hide on vacation for 4 months. Adams doesn't whine and complain when someone makes fun of him. Adams just sits there and takes it like a man.

Our football program has truly never been more riveting. We have a head coach that doesn’t promote our team and get there spring games on ESPN (Florida). Or even talk to the national media (Meyer, Les Miles, Croomdog, Saban, Tuberville, Spurrdog, Richt, Brooks, Johnson, heck even Houston Nutt talks the national media still). But not Foolmore, he’s above that or something and wears a straw hat. Foolmore also decided to close practices because nobody really needs to know what is going on. I might has well be living in Cuba waiting for the good ole’ national team to play every year. Thanks Foolmore, you really have righted the ship.

Yeah, we really have it great and are headed in the right direction.

Posted by rockytop on April 30, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator, obviously you haven't listed to Archie's comments. He has repeatedly said he left the coaching up to Cut. I'm sure he did when they were young, but once they got to the college level he was pretty much hands off. At least that's what he says, and I'm not going to call him a liar, are you?

Posted by Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The real irony of this article is that many Vol fans beat their chest a lot bragging about our Pro Style Offense and how we shouldn't stoop to run anything else like the Spread Option. Afterall, we are prepping young men for the next level. So.......where is all of our former Pro Style offensive talent in the League????? Here's a little trivia question for you.......

In the past TEN years, UT has had THREE (not a typo) 1st Round Draft Picks taken in the NFL Draft. Can you name them?

Posted by TommyJack on April 30, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rockytop 10:47: Yeah, and our program may have been better off.

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rocky top

not the point. just saying that cutcliffe had two diamonds (both mannings) that all he needed to do was polish.

he did not take two lumps of coal and create two diamonds.

Posted by rockytop on April 30, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tommy,better off with the inept offense of 2005? Yeah, right!

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on April 30, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wow, good ole thunder thighs adding a lot to forum today

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13, please get your facts straight. We've had more than 3:

99-Al Wilson
00- Shaun Ellis and Jamal Lewis
02-Henderson, Stallworth and Haynesworth
06-Jason Allen
07-Meachem and Harrell
08-Mayo

Posted by KingsportVol on April 30, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Love him or hate him.People respond to Adams post more than any other KNS writer.Just like Fulmer.I don't think ole John is in any danger of losing his job anytime soon.johnlg00 good post.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

soggy bottoms girl (Ashley) has arrived

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

workin...

he probably meant three offensive players

Posted by 99gator on April 30, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

workin...

he probably meant three offensive players

Posted by Brama on April 30, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with the evaluation of Ainge. Clausen was just a typical quaterback that got the ball to the playmakers.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For the non-believers of my cold hard facts. Here is the link that will confirm my previous post (don't flatter yourself soggy bottom girl, I am not talking about you here):

http://www.utsports.com/football/page...

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

True...I stand corrected if that is what he meant. Keep firing at will Vol13!!!!!

Posted by Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin:

What offensive positions did any of those defensive players help out at????

Posted by abnermc on April 30, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yemmusdarb, you might need to check the meaning of "disclude" on your 1:23 post. Otherwise , everybody calm down : 11-1 season coming. Lose only to Fla (again , I'm sorry to say)

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mark Jones played some offense and Wade played some at WR his first 2 years.

Posted by BADGES0413 on April 30, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Silent seems really obsessed with Fulmer's Crib out in Jackson Hole, WY. I don't think the National Media is seeking Fulmer out. Watching a Spring Game is like watching a TV test pattern, ESPN was really reaching when they televised that bore-fest. I turned it over to Soul Train after the first 5 minutes.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not even afternoon yet and soggy bottoms girl is relegated to ALL CAPS. LOL!!!!!!!!

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You would think with our lack of instate talent that Fulmer would be be marketing our program a little more in the national media and doing anything he possibly could (like the spring game on television) to get the program even more exposures.

Nevermind, this is the same coach that thinks it's no big deal that that the Alabama game was on JPO last year.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think Adams is married to Ashley (aka soggy-bottoms-girl-100 pounds-of-chewed-bubble gum-thighs). Could be wrong though.

Posted by pdhuff on April 30, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, some say he's 50% vs top 25 -some say less. I'm not sure. Geezer's have problems beyond buying old reels on Ebay and all memories of a NC have long since faded.

Mostly memories of Fla scoring and scoring again and Bama wide receivers being just that, wide open receivers. No effort. Some choose to forget that and pour the koolaid. Its like Phillip has a permanent pardon for any failings since 1998. Accountability, sheesh!!

He's a nice guy, etc. but dang! Be nice to hoist the Grail before we all go. See no way with little or no "D". Be well.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on April 30, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No, I'm more obsessed with the perception is reality that instead of doing things to “right the ship” Foolmore is off in Jackson Hole. Not to fear though, Fulmer has said that “nobody wants to win more than he does”. That’s probably why he will be in Jackson Hole, WY all summer.

Posted by abnermc on April 30, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13, Your stats were completely inaccurate."In the past 10 years UT has had three first round draft picks taken in the NFL draft" Then when you were caught, you change your story. You meant for it to sound worse than it is.If you are a fan, we can do w/o you.Go Vols!

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on April 30, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like a lot of you all had GRIPE nuts for breakfast.

I'm with the General...I heard Adam's interview on Atlanta sports radio about the fire Fulmer article. Was as weasily and low class as anything I've ever heard. You could tell he was just reveling in the attention.

Pay him no mind, as one poster said, he's basically just admitting that he has no idea what he's talking about when it comes to QB and football.

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 30, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

abnermc: You're right, I meant exclude not disclude. You should get a cookie for that one.

Posted by BADGES0413 on April 30, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Silent, that is odd. He was in Atlanta on Monday and Cleveland, TN yesterday with Bruce Pearl on the Big Orange Caravan. I guess if he is in Jackson Hole all summer he will at least make it back for the Aubrun game on 9/27.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on April 30, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There's legitimate criticism to make against Fulmer. Problem is that Adam's argument logic was not legitimate and out of line. Than going into the heart of our two biggest rivals (perhaps he was on Florida radio as well, don't know) to draw attention to himself and his fire Fulmer mantra during a critical time of recruiting is beyond any standard of decency and good judgement.

You don't have to be a homer, but you don't have to actively work against the program either. He can't leave soon enough for me.

Posted by tnbanker_govols on April 30, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I did not agree with Adams's article to fire Fulmer but what a waste of energy to still be bickering about it months later. Please, some of you need to grow up and move on. It's the same old thing week after week after week. You have your Fulmer haters and you have your Kool-Aid drinkers (as you guys call 'em) Why can't we just be about supporting Tennessee Football? And so what if Fulmer took a vacation? During the season, the man works 24/7, whether you like him or not, you can't deny he doesn't put in the hours during the season. And this article, basically says that good college quarterbacks don't always grow up to be good NFL quarterbacks. Even the simplest minds on this board, I believe, can understand that. I don't agree with Adams necessarily but he gets paid to do a job. And his employment status is determined by Knox News, not the posters of this board. Can we please get on with supporting our Tennessee Volunteers?

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is this the Big Orange Caravan where Fulmer tells everyone that he delivers the following canned speech?

"I am really excited about this year's football team, that the goal at the beginning of every year is to win the SEC title, that Kenny Oneal is tearing up off-season drills, Jarrod Parrish is the Chris White who was an All-American, and to pack you bags for ________ (insert city of national title game)."

After he is done the koolaid drinkers hoot and holler and high five each other and everyone is fat and happy until Foolmore gets pantsed on national television. Also, Pearl isn't on the Big Orange Caravan right now. He's out recruiting.

Posted by sidwalkvol on April 30, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

could someone cut through the various ribbons here and tell me WHY JA is now down on JC? I thought he had a good spring game...

Why the doubt now, of all times?

Posted by Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

abnermc:

I didn't fabricate anything. I could fart right now and the air that leaves my body would contain more knowledge about UT football than you'll accrue for the remainder of your natural born life. If you will read the thread, then you will see that we were talking about offensive players and offensive scheme. Yeah, like I forgot about all our 1st round defensive players and tried to save face later. LOL!!! If some of you would spend more time attempting to impact change instead of policing the fans then we might get our fanbase back together.

Posted by barcalounger on April 30, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ainge is in a perfect position to move in and be the starter with the Jets. Pennington has been on thin ice for a long time and if they were that high on Clemons they wouldn't have picked up Ainge. He could turn into a 5th round steal for them.

Posted by volboy81 on April 30, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

its hard to believe John Adams still has a job in this town! When is Knoxville going to wise up and run him out? Lets do it today before I-40 closes!

Posted by littleorange on April 30, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John goes to great lengths to create articles that our competition can use in recruiting ..... An old saying seems appropriate "You are either for us or against us"

Posted by tnbanker_govols on April 30, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Barcalounger: I totally agree. I believe Ainge could be a good pro quarterback. He has good mechanics and a strong arm but he needs to become smarter and learn to stay in the pocket a bit longer. A good quarterback coach could really turn him into a complete quarterback. Also, your comment also got me thinking, wasn't Favre drafted late in the draft when he came into the NFL?

Posted by newtonrail on April 30, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yemmus, I can read the article and my Tenn education, although quite awhile ago, helps me to understand it. The lead in to article refers to Adams being a pro, and not the QB's. What I said stands about judging college QB's in college only, and if they make the pros, good for them. Leave out the name calling, and I wish in Ky they would teach "no one" is two words.

Posted by mparker on April 30, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT has put QB's in the pros, such as Pat Ryan and Bobby Scott. And, yeah, Tony Robinson had a super arm.

If you take the time to look at the NFL rosters, you'll see players come from all over, at every position. You don't have to go to a 'power' school to make it in the NFL, just get on the field.

In summary, a kid that makes a great college QB quite often isn't NFL material.

Posted by wagee12 on April 30, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks JA for another great column. Of course some of the Fulamanders didn't like it, but what the heck. And that was a great answer you gave on your radio show about how to divide the one million between Fulmer, Pearl and Pat. I totally agree with you, Pearl gets 500 thousand, Pat gets 500 thousand and Fulmer gets zero! Keep up the good work John, you are doing a terrific job as usual.

Posted by UTvols12342000 on April 30, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it really.....deep down....hurts me that I have to say this. I have more respect for a gator fan (99 of course) than for a large part of our own fan base.

99gator. You have made a difference in the perception of one vol fan towards gator nation. You sir have gained the respect of this Vol. Good luck in your season (except for 1).

Posted by UTvols12342000 on April 30, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

guys (and gals too, i meant it generic), how do we really make a difference in making JA's career shorter and more difficult. Can we all make a pledge to only talk about articles on another authors piece? I really don't like him. I don't want to read his stuff. However, being a rabid vol fan, I read anything written by them so that includes his stuff. Will it affect him if we dont respond on his articles but on other people's articles? Let's all agree to post on other authors articles, even if its to talk about JA's article. would that matter? if not.....

What can we do?

Posted by UTvols12342000 on April 30, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

should say " I read anything written ABOUT them...." for all you anal peeps. :)

Posted by TurboFan on April 30, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols13, your point is we should junk the pro style offense cause it isn't helping any players make the pros. Do you have numbers on how many first rounders non-pro style teams have had drafted in the last 10 years?

For reference for UT:
99-08 10 drafted first round, 3 offense
89-98 11 drafted, 5 offense
79-88 10 drafted, 6 offense
Not a huge variation from decade to decade.
Mostly WRs, a few RBs, a couple QBs, one C. (forgive if I missed one or two, going mostly from memory)

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Roughly 8 out of soggy bottoms girl's last 10 posts have been about me. This is great. I guess I'll add you to my fan club as well.

I'm glad that the only thing you can post now is my name or a variation of it.

Posted by Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Adams will be the Editor at the KNS long after Fulmer has been relieved of his coaching duties at UT. Expect Fulmer to last no longer than the 2010 season.

Posted by wagee12 on April 30, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like some of the Fulmander sheep herd has made their way over to this forum. BTW, when will Knoxville Phil win another SEC title, 1. This year, 2. Within the next three years, or 3. When donkeys fly?

Posted by TommyJack on April 30, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WorkinLike: Beware. Old Ham Hock Thighs will invite you to meet him behind the stadium to knuckle up! :)

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe when he was referring to anal peeps he was referring to the grammar police like yourself who when then have no argument, they point out others spelling mistakes (when they have their own) to make themselves feel better.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on April 30, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The funniest part about the equivalent of a Calzone-with-legs (aka Ashley) is that the name variation workinlikeadoosh of my username workinlikeheck is that it's actually making fun of Coach Foolmore.

Posted by Vol13 on April 30, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD:

No, I am not saying that. I just wanted to point that out because I find it humorous that people always fall back on that Pro Style argument.

Thanks for looking that up.

Posted by 55Vol on April 30, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Your right JA, you are no pro.

Posted by HotlantaVol on April 30, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WorkinLikeAVinegarAndWaterDispensingFeminineHygieneProductThatIsIntendedToBeInsertedIntoAshley's . . .

Posted by HotlantaVol on April 30, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I had anal peeps one time. Luckily, penicillin took care of it in about 4 days.

Posted by UTfan4life on April 30, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nafslov,