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Crompton can smile again after surgeries, sitting on bench

By Dave Hooker (Contact)
Originally published 08:50 p.m., August 2, 2008
Updated 08:50 p.m., August 2, 2008

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Jonathan Crompton had some new additions to his game day uniform during Tennessee's preseason media day on Saturday.

There, on both arms, was a reminder of an incident that UT's starting quarterback would like to forget.

Two wristbands with orange embroidered No. 8 and No. 22 were a symbol and a promise.

Crompton wears the wristbands to honor Luther Dyer, a high school teammate and close friend, killed by a drunken driver in January amid a fiery car crash in Florida.

"It was tough," Crompton said Saturday. "You just have to deal with it the best you can. I told his mom I was going to honor him by wearing his number on my wristband this year."

Crompton's offseason loss certainly puts his other hurdles while at UT in perspective. Still, two seasons sitting behind Erik Ainge and two surgeries to his throwing arm took their toll.

No longer. Now is Crompton's time, and the changes in his demeanor have been obvious.

"He smiles," Crompton's mother, Janet Crompton, said. "He looks enthusiastic. We have our son back. For the last three years, I have not known him. He was irritable. You hardly ever saw him smile."

Jonathan Crompton was at his lowest late last summer. It didn't take long for his father, David, and former high school coach, Travis Noland, to set him straight during a summer visit back home to North Carolina.

When Crompton returned to campus, he immediately went to coach Phillip Fulmer's office. Crompton wasn't there to demand more playing time; he was there to apologize for not carrying himself like a winner.

Fulmer was surprised. He had no complaints about Crompton. Still, the conversation was likely the source of those questions posed to Fulmer about Crompton's work ethic on ESPN last week.

Following three years of watching his son go from heralded recruit to college backup, it's easy to forgive David Crompton if he was overly concerned about his son's minor offseason surgery on his right, throwing elbow.

David Crompton was so concerned that he sent his wife into the operating room just minutes before surgery. With the anesthesiologist held at bay, the doctor was peppered with some final questions.

"David has sent me on a mission," Janet Crompton told the doctor. "He wants to make sure he needs this surgery."

See, David Crompton had read the surgery could take six months to recover from.

"Yeah, if you're 90 years old," the doctor said before removing a loose body roughly the size of a dime from Jonathan Crompton's elbow.

The loose body, along with two more, had likely been in the joint for years causing more than a little discomfort.

"He's a tough hombre," David Crompton said.

Once he was 100 percent, Jonathan Crompton headed up UT's voluntary summer workouts - personally scripting plays for the offense since coaches can't attend, as per NCAA rules.

"I think he did a great job with it," first-year offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said. "Jonathan has a personality that other players gravitate to."

As does Clawson, according to the Cromptons, who describe UT's newest coordinator as a "Godsend".

"He might look like an IBM guy, but he's a football junkie," David Crompton said, adding that Clawson's NFL-type offense is tailor made for his son.

Much of that acceptance comes from a strained relationship that Jonathan Crompton had with former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, who was named coach at Duke in January.

"He never got to experience phase two of what coach Cutcliffe does with his guy," David Crompton said. "He got all of phase one with both barrels."

Ironically, Jonathan Crompton is playing for his third offensive coordinator despite selecting UT, in part, for its coaching stability. But despite the changes, the surgeries and the lack of playing time, Crompton hasn't wavered.

"He believes in his heart that he's one of the premier quarterbacks in this country," David Crompton said. "He's tired of taking a backseat to anybody. If that sounds egotistical, I'm sorry."

Preseason football means every team is undefeated and optimism reigns. That is no more evident than in the Cromptons' case.

"Yes, it's been painful for him and it's been painful for us," David Crompton said, "but this is 2008."

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       77 Comments

Posted by The_Dude_Abides on August 2, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

an IBM guy? WTF?

Posted by RichRollin on August 2, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Damn, if this don't get you PUMPED then nothing will! I think Crompton is about to make us proud gentelmen.

Posted by carpegeek on August 2, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I remember how excited everyone seemed to be Crompton signed with us years ago. I'm glad he's getting his shot. I have a good feeling about him, and wish him all the best. Go Vols!

Posted by TommyJack on August 2, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good article, Hooker.

Posted by givim6 on August 2, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JC is taking us to the promised land!

Go Vols!

Posted by dave1 on August 2, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Crompton is the man! The_Dude, the IBM comment fits for Clawson. The guy graduated from Williams College. It is where a good many CEOs and CFOs of companies in this country come from. Harder to get into than Harvard or Yale. The guy is scary smart and I think we will all find out how smart this fall!

Posted by DennisVols on August 2, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It will not take long before we will ask why was he playing behind Ainge instead of in front.
Jon. did not fit in coach Cut.s conservative style of offense.
He will add a measure of excitement in the way he stretches the field and when the defense is on its heels he may just tuck and run rather than waste a pass out of bounds.

Posted by Musicman74 on August 2, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jon this is your team

Posted by warriorman86 on August 2, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Conservative style offense scored over 30 PPG

Posted by VolnDothan on August 2, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Couldn't agree more. Clawson has the pedigree and skills to go a long way with our program.

Although I respected Coach Cutliffe and appreciate what he did, I felt he was too conservative when it came to getting impact players into "ideal" situations. We paid for the "his way - or no way" approach too often.

Coach Clawson, based on his history, will get our talent lined up in positions to be very successful...unless Fulmer overrides his play-calling. We'll see soon enough!

Posted by TommyJack on August 2, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

justiceis: Mostly agree. You CAN win 9 games pounding the rock. Attempting to pound the rock doesn't count.
Pax

Posted by DennisVols on August 2, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

warriorman86
That conservative offense only socred 20 against UF last year and 14 against Bama. After Berry made it a 28-20 game, which shows the offense only scored 13 points, UT's offense never scored again, never even mounted a drive. The same thing happened in the 2nd half of the Bama game. The offense was pretty much a no show.
It was predictable and cost us some key games. Yes we beat down GA but against UF, Bama, and LSU (the biggest game of the year)14 was the most that offense scored.
Average only works if you can do it against your big opponents and not build it against the Vandys, UK and other teams we should never lose to.

Posted by ncvol17 on August 2, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Crompton has waited his turn. He was a great recruit who never waived and now I hope he shines for the VOLS.

Posted by tngeoff on August 2, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ncvol17.

Hear...hear! Well said!

Posted by RichRollin on August 2, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ @ 9:56, WELL said. Crompton can straight sling it!! Kinda reminds me of Jay Cutler.

Posted by General_Watermelon on August 2, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Crompton showed in the O&W Game why the rest of the SEC should be shaking. The Vols are loaded with skill position players and speed and they will flourish in Clawson's offense. This is UT's year boys. Drink the kool-aid and feel good about it.

Posted by TurboFan on August 2, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Justis,
Remember the Travis Stephens run against Florida in 2001. Or the Jay Graham run right before halftime against Ohio State in the 1996 Citrus Bowl.

Posted by RichRollin on August 2, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General, VERY well said!

Posted by OrangePower11 on August 2, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TurboFan...

Love those two plays there, can I add Shawn Bryson against UF in 98 to the list?

Posted by budd on August 2, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cutcliffe brought discipline back which CPF had let get out of hand. But make no mistake he called the plays and he is conservative. And he did not have the faith in Ainge. CPF has learned the value of discipline, witness this year and no news in the off season. I think he is smart enough to let Clawson do his thing. Clawson just needs to score points. This D is going to be better than folks expect. Killer D and 35 points a game. Could be a very enjoyable season

Posted by FWBVol on August 2, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank goodness there are now Ohio State visitors on this site. They are worse than Bama and Gator slime.

I remember all the hype surrounding Crompton and had hoped he would get a chance sooner. I can't wait to see what he will do now that his time has come.

Posted by KingsportVol on August 2, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Look no further fellow. You found me. Just think what we would have going into this season if the better QB would have gotten to play last year. I have not been this excited about a Vol QB in a long time. Not taking anything away from what Ainge did last season. But I think Crompton could have put up the same numbers or better in Buttcliffs offense. Change is good and I think Clawson will bring excitement back to Big Orange Football. How many days Ashley?

Posted by awhill00 on August 2, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Crompton is gonna kick major butt in Clawson's offense. I think UCLA is toast. GO VOLS!!

Posted by invisiblekid on August 2, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shawn Bryson straight up the gut against FL in '98. Mose Phillips run against SC around '92 where he broke I believe 8 tackles or so is up there too. May have been off of a screen pass but it's still awesome. Chuck Webb's 250 yards against AR in the Cotton Bowl was an entire highlght reel. Little Man also broke off a huge run against GA in '94 and had a monster game. Also won't forget Tony Thompson against UVA in the Sugar Bowl. The guy had the misfortune of playing at the same time as Cobb and Webb but came through when he had the chance similar to Stephens sitting behind Lewis and Henry.

Posted by invisiblekid on August 2, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dave1, 9:17, glad somebody besides me noticed that about Clawson.

Crompton is a good kid and he is going to prove to be a great player.

Posted by bigfan502 on August 2, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know..I know...this just talk about how comptron will be the very good...but does he realize thatr he will be starting Qb for the first time in graveyard for Vol players for over 40 years...California is not the place to start his first game in lala land...the new enviorment, plus the dismal history could be the start of a tragic start of a dismal season for the Volunteers...only the great Manning escaped lala land with a razor sharp win for the Vols...why do so many see this as an automatic win for the Volunteers ?

Posted by invisiblekid on August 2, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One last post for the night regarding Cutcliffe.

The Vols offense scored 17 points combined in the second half of their 4 losses last year. In two close games against SC and KY, they scored 10 points combined in the second half after building big leads. Cutcliffe did plenty of good things for the Vols that were needed, especially in the discipline department. However, aggressiveness and second half adjustments weren't a strong suit. I have the feeling that Clawson wont be the type to lay back after building a 10 point lead.

Posted by invisiblekid on August 2, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigfan502, nothing is automatic for the Vols in recent years IMO but if we lose or have much of a struggle against UCLA, it's gonna be a looong season.

They have too many gaping holes on both sides of the ball. Their secondary has been rebuilt, they lost most of their defensive line, and Carter is probably the only LB who could start for the Vols. Offensively, Olson can't stay healthy and their top backup at QB is a juco guy. They are replacing 4 starters up front. The RB Bell is good and their WRs are decent, but it won't matter without any blocking or anyone to throw them the ball. I'll give them a little hope with Chow calling the shots but talent usually wins out and we have more of it.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on August 2, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate the Cut bashing as much or more as the Fulmer bashing! Some folks don’t seem to have a grasp of football at all. People you HAVE to play to your strengths and the strength/limitations of your personnel! If the O-line can’t pass-block worth a crap or if you have no decent WR’s then you are forced to run and vice versa. UT was incredibly fortunate to have David as our QB coach (90-92) and OC 93-98 & 06-07). Cut loves UT, Knoxville and Phillip and did everything within his power to make the Vols the best football team in America. He gave his heart and soul to us; we should be grateful. During his tenure on The Hill, UT was 109-27-2 (79%) for three SEC Titles and one National Championship.

During David's 11 years as QB coach and OC we averaged:
39.6 rushes per game
31.5 pass attempts per game (56/44 run to pass ratio)
160.5 rushing yards per game
245.5 passing yards per game
426.5 total yards per game
33.5 points per game

Offensive school records under Cut:
1st Downs
Total Offense
Total Points
Pass Completions
Pass Attempts
Passing Yards
Pass Percentage
Passing TD's
Kick-Off Returns

Posted by BigOrangeVol on August 3, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If JCromp had been ready and David had confidence in his ability to read and react then he would have been in the games, period. Do you honestly think that Cut wanted an injured Erik playing at 60-80% these last two years?

I really felt for David last year and in '06. He was calling plays with both hands tied behind his back because of QB injuries and an Offensive line that didn't perform up to expectations in run blocking at all.

If #8 didn't have some problems with attitude, immaturity, keggers and the ladies he would have been on the field no question!

If I'm Tyson Gay and I consistently run a 9.77 in the 100 meters and unbeknownst to the public I tweak my ankle right before the Olympics and turn in a 6th place 10.9 is that my coaches fault because you think he's "too conservative"? What if Evander Wells takes my place and cramps-up pulling a quad and can't finish? Is that Harvey Glance's fault as a coach too? What if the day before qualifying I get liquored up and stay out all night with the ladies and then can’t run for puking my guts out and don’t qualify – Harvey Glance’s fault too?

Being a coach is like being a preacher – everybody thinks that they can do your job, nobody wants to do your job but they all complain about the way you do your job behind your back.

Posted by bigfan502 on August 3, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ohio State, Michigan against the Trojans of SO. Cal., are what the big TV folks are praying for in the Title game....Its really about money, we all know that...

Posted by Bass_Vol_1998 on August 3, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My brother met Crompton at before the orange and white game- told him that he looks forward to him winning us a national championship and getting in the NFL. Crompton shook his head "no", held up a peace sign and said "I want two". We loved it. I look forward to the deep ball again.

My favorite runs
J. Lewis- 30 yard run against syracuse on first running play of the year in 98. Jumped/kneed the db to the ground.
Mose Phillip- the SC run that i-kid mentioned and against UF (with the look at the watch in the endzone) -may be screens... so!
Riggs against auburn in the championship game
Jay Grahm against bama two years in a row.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on August 3, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My all-time favorite Individual rushes would be:
Jimmy Streater vs Cal in ‘77
Kelsey Finch vs the Gayhors in ‘77
Cheese vs K. State in ‘01
Little Man vs UGA in ‘94
Jay Graham vs Cheating Turd in ‘95
That Mose run against USC was awesome too

Favorite individual games rushing would be :
Webb’s 294 vs Ole Miss in ‘89
Webb’s 250 in the Cotton Bowl
Tony Thompsons unreal game versus Ole Miss in ‘90
Reggie Cobb’s 225 vs Auburn in ‘89
Jonnie Jones vs the ‘dores in ‘83
Hubert Simpson vs Irish in ‘79

Favorite for a season:
Jimmy Streater in ‘78
Reggie Cobb in ‘87
Stanley Morgan in ‘74
Tony Thompson in ‘90
Jay Graham in ‘95
Travis Stephens in ‘01

Posted by pdhuff on August 3, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DCf 1:32 - you keep that up with the facts thing and many orange koolade baloons may break against your clothesline.

Best back, Chuck Webb and a close 2nd, Jamal Lewis....

Posted by cordovavol on August 3, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ms Crompton went into surgery to question the surgeon ? WTF? Hope they don't question the coaching staff like this!?!

Posted by DadwasaVol on August 3, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coker broke a big one a couple years ago. Seriously, I liked the end-around run on 4th down for the winning score at Miami a few years back. That was more of a Spurrier call than a Fulmer.

Posted by ZR on August 3, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Will it be obvious Cutcliffe was playing Ainge for Cutcliffe's resume and not to win games? Fulmer approved this, too.

Posted by DarthVol on August 3, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Reggie Cobb 79? yds in the rain vs. Auburn in 1989. Turns around in the endzone and crosses his arms. It's hard to believe that was almost 20 years ago.

Posted by THE_VOL on August 3, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is the BACK-UP QB always so loved? LMFAO!! 48% career completions, 2 surgeries, couldn't beat out the guy that most said was terrible, and dumb enough to try to run over SEC defenders. Let's see how many still love the smell of his jock on Sept. 21. Who's that lovable back-up this year? He better be REAL good!

Posted by beachvol1 on August 3, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go get em Jonathan!!! Just protect him and he will produce...

Posted by Navalorange on August 3, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DC 1:32 post, Wishful thinking, won't happen. Are you staying up all night smoking crack? He coaches to his talent. He has more of that now and will be just fine. Keep telling yourself that we won't be able to move the ball with a returning o-line, Foster and several very good atheletes on offense. You didn't mention his last season at Richmond, after he had a chance to play some of his guys. Cherry picking stats, twist them how you need them. I wish you were UF's D-Coordinator. Hey, if we're lucky thats what the DC stands for.

Posted by volfan5521 on August 3, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Johnny Majors 53?

Posted by volfan5521 on August 3, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Foster 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by IPOrange on August 3, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm stoked about the upcoming season and what Jon will bring to the team. I can't wait to get it rolling!

Posted by orangebloodgmc on August 3, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't know what happened with our OC/QB dynamics in the past, but we got Crompton now, and sounds like he is tough, confident and competitive.

He kinda reminds me of Alan Cockrell.

But I still hope we can and will get the backup qbs some p.t. in the first two games.

Posted by Navalorange on August 3, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL, I sure wish I had your psychic ability. I would be at the BP signing lotto tickets if I were you. I'm sure everyone is hanging on the edge of their seat waiting for your next negative "factoid".

That's right, I'm being the purveyor of the positive. Its time to get excited about BIG ORANGE FOOTBALL and I keep seeing these posers and gator fans trying to bring down our team. IT GETS OLD. GO VOLS!!!!!

Posted by TommyJack on August 3, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BigOrangeVol: No matter how you "cut" it, something was hinky in DAVID's handling of JC last year. If JON has a breakout year, peeps will be wondering about DAVID's handling in '07.Of course, PHILLIP had the ultimate say, but I will be looking at DAVID.
BTW, if DAVID is the second coming, why is he at Dook?

Posted by mikevol on August 3, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DC

Notice the 189 yards rushing Richmond. You don't need to roll up tons of passing yard if you can run the ball. If we post 189 on the Gators you lose.

Posted by waterskier3 on August 3, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what i like about about this year 1. OC has zero tn ties.... should be a positive
2. QB poistion should be fun to watch because reminds me of shuler... he will try and make something happen.. instead of holding the ball like ainge...... ainge just seem to break under pressure... back throws or no throws,

3. truely hoping the vols are better than I think we are. I don't feel good about our D and special teams and i think they will cost us 3 games... SO SUPRISE ME UT!!!!

Posted by volntx on August 3, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1- Have to with Reggie Cobb against Auburn
2- Johnnie Jones at Bama in 83 with the game winner, Majors said "he has that little wiggle"
3- Jay Graham with the game winner at Neyland vs Bama
4- Dale Carters punt return vs Florida when he was smacking off tacklers.

Posted by Navalorange on August 3, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DC, Of course none of us know what will happen. My point was that when he took over the Richmond team they were down, with little talent even for their division. With talented atheletes, his or otherwise, I believe he will do very well. Realistically he will probably accomplish 75% of my expectations and 25% of yours, because you're a gatorloper.

Posted by invisiblekid on August 3, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DCFL, what exactly are the alternatives for the average UT fan to hoping Clawson's offense does well? You obviously have a vested interest in hoping he falls flat on his face, which he may well do. The alternative is him living up to expectations which apparently has you worried enough to look up his stats. Bottom line is no one knows for sure how he is going to do until his offense takes the field. Well, except for THE VOL, who apparently has soothsaying abilities to rival those of Nostradamus.

Nice spin on the first season at Richmond stats, never mind the fact that he was taking over a program that went 3-8, 4-7, and 2-9 in the previous 3 seasons. Similar situation at Fordham, he takes over a program that had at least 9 consecutive losing seasons by quick count and turns them into a playoff team as well. Point is, how much talent was coming into these programs which obviously lacked winning traditions? It's within the realm of reason that he may just do a little better with a team that already has an established O line, receiving corp, and RB, along with an athletic QB who now has the chance to prove himself.

I am the last person anyone would accuse of choking on the kool aid, but I am not going to write off Clawson or Crompton before the first snap of the season either.

Posted by invisiblekid on August 3, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BigOrangeVol, all those stats regarding Cutcliffe are well-appreciated but they still don't make the points I brought up go away. The disappearing acts in the second half of games nearly cost the team dearly against SC and KY. They also do nothing to address the issue regarding Crompton last year. If he had issues with attitude and work ethic, isn't it the position coaches responsibility to get through to the player and correct those problems? And I'll bring it up yet again, the TD return in the SECCG was a telegraphed play that Zenon knew was coming and they practiced against all week. Who was it that made that call?

Posted by invisiblekid on August 3, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DCFL, "Cut me some slack as I try to reel in the less astute UT fans like cowboy."

Let me give you some advice as I have been around here longer than you, don't waste your time LOL.

I'll offer a quote from one of my favorite movies to further make my point:

"What we've got here is... failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach. So you get what we had here last week, which is the way he wants it... well, he gets it. I don't like it any more than you men"

Posted by Navalorange on August 3, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DC, one more thing before you continue to reel. As I-kid stated. Clawson turned two defunked programs into playoff programs. By the time he was done at Richmond, He had basically tailored two completely different offenses to play ot the abilities of two different style QB,s. One making the semi-final game and the other making the championship game. I doubt most pundits would call that "middle of the road offense coordinating".

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on August 3, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DC you spend your life defending FLorida and trying to find fault with the other teams.

If you were worth a Chit at either task you would be on FLorida's Payroll, not their Gayroll.

Posted by I_Sweat_Orange on August 3, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I watched Crompton play a good game against LSU a few years ago and LSU got lucky and won...they also had a lineman playing QB who you can't tackle...and then I went to the Arkansas game the next week and he had an off game as the rest of the team did...I'm curious to see how this season unfolds. I think we are either gonna win the SEC East or lose a few games and tank. Hopefully we win them all and if not I will still be watching and cheering the whole way cause thats what TRUE FANS do !!!!!!

Posted by richvol on August 3, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've read so many posts that I can't remember who said it but Cutcliff did do some good things for Tennessee...especially when he came back and we got back on track. That said, he and Fulmer could sit on a lead with the best of them. Let's don't forget the Georgia game too as we score on the first possession of the 2nd half and then sit.

One would think that Fulmer would have learned from Spurrier through the butt kickings. You try to score on every play. Let's hope that Clawson stays aggressive at all times...especially with an unproven defense. The talent and speed is there so let's use it to full capacity for a change.

Posted by richvol on August 3, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two runs really stand out to me in over 50 years of watching Tennessee football... Mose Philips run after the catch against South Carolina and Reggie Cobb against Auburn. Neither was going to be denied that endzone...both were incredible.

Posted by orangebloodgmc on August 3, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can we count a Mose Philips screen pass in a beat-down of Fla in the rain? That was a good one too.

Posted by pammyvol1000 on August 3, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

29 days 05:02:00..someone ask!

Posted by tnvol1111 on August 3, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many times did you hear Ainge's family talking to the press and coming out with quotes like Jon Cromptons Dad and Mother just did. And you idiots DO realize that our QB's parents both just dissed Coach Cutcliff in a newspaper article! Did they have to do that or could they have shown some class and just said they were excited for their son to get to start this year?

And this barging into a sterile OR room to badger the MD with a question that you KNOW had been answered and asked MULTIPLE times before surgery, is bizarre to say the least. And Jon is an adult so he is the one who consented to the surgery anyway. Was he already under Anesthesia when his Mother barged into the ER? Simply bizarre behavior!

Posted by thesavageorange on August 3, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

richvol/orangeblood, the monsoon bowl was classic.Here are some highlights and comentary.The Phillips run is around the 1:00 minute mark.Check out Spurrier at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rELzi...

Posted by dtaylor0730 on August 3, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I suppose DCFL believes that if Oscar Meyer, I mean Urban Meyer took a coaching job at St Mary's School for the blind, he would have them in the NC game the first season.

Normally, I lurk here and post infrequently, but this is rediculous. Invisible makes some of the most valid points. Yes, we are excited, and the stats on Clawson do not reflect the entire story of his coaching ability. You have to take the history of the program and its current condition into consideration. I believe every UT fan hopes Clawson is everything he is touted to be, and soon enough, we will know for sure.

Considering how he rebuilt two programs from dismal to champoins, I can't help but think he stands a real good chance of success as OC for the Vols. It isn't like he is taking on a job where there is no talent. UT has a good amount talent, and Clawson builds the offense around the talent he has to work with. In the past at UT it has been the method of trying to plug talent into spots to make it work. It should be exciting to see what happens.

One edge UT will have is that no opponent at this time is exactly sure what UT's offense will look like. Will it be strictly a spread option? Will it resemble some Pro style? Will it display a strong ground game? Advantage in that department is definitely UT's.

Oh, and one more thing. It is almost football time in Tennessee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by pdhuff on August 3, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

errrr, DCFl, as to "reeling in", you might do that after a night at the local bar, but not on GVX.

Dang, does Crompton hugging his dad not look like Rockne hugging a Nagurski or something like that? Not many days now till the doldrums blow out....

Posted by TommyJack on August 3, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tnvol1111: Where is article about Crompton's dissing Cutcliffe? I may want to agree with them.

Posted by KingsportVol on August 3, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tnvol111: Who are you calling idiots? Would you not be upset watching your son sit on the bench behind an injured QB with lesser talent? JC showed class himself by not tranferring to a school where he could have started his sophomore season. Ainge and Buttcliff thanks for the prevent offense. Thanks for those 3 point victories against the SEC bottom feeders. Most of us will not miss you. Most of us are ready for change and I think Fulmer took a big risk and made a great choice by going outside the family with Clawson. Cutcliff did not make the Mannings. Archie did! Go Big Orange!!!

Posted by pdhuff on August 4, 2008 at 5:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kingsportvol 11:07- good post.

But did you have to throw "family" in there? I know Clawson is the 1st coordinator since the Civil War who is not f-----.

Free TDTN!

Posted by dtaylor0730 on August 4, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DCFL said:No, but if he took a job at Utah he'd have them undefeated and in a BCS bowl game.

Or if he took a job at Bowling Green he'd go 17-6 overall and 5-0 vs. BCS teams. He'd also engineer the best turnaround in the NCAA his first year at Bowling Green (2001).

Oh, so that is why the mighty Gayturds were 9-4 last year? Yep, that is championship football right there, all at the helm of the mighty Oscar Meyer.

Posted by THE_VOL on August 4, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Naval: Nothin' wrong with gettin' excited but why lie to yourself in the process???? I'm just tellin' it like it is and like most of the other morons on here you just wanna attack the messenger cause you can't debate the FACTS! But keep dreamin' pal cause ya never know - pigs might fly someday too!!

Posted by tnbanker_govols on August 4, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL - Pigs may fly.....there'd be a better chance of you posting something intelligent on this board.

Posted by SemperVol on August 4, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think he will make us proud, too. I'm pretty pumped.

Posted by alkhall on August 4, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Crompton is going to surprise a lot of people this fall...primarily the Florida Gaytors and the Georgia LegHumpers! Play lights out football and don't back off no matter how much of a lead we have. Its time to show the nation what old fashioned Tennessee smash-mouth football is like. See you in Atlanta in December!!! GO VOLS!!!

Posted by jasonn1970 on August 5, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's nice to see Crompton finally getting his chance to play - I agree with the previous poster who stated he should have played over Ainge all along but didn't fit Cut's conservative game plan. It's nice to be excited about our offense again......

Posted by Major_Magilicutty on August 5, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like Crompton. Or more accurately, I like the idea of Crompton. I saw Ainge buckle too many times under pressure, and I did get tired of watching him throw the ball away rather than try to make something happen (for better or worse).

That said, I liked Ainge, but I like the idea of what Crompton can bring much more. Whether he will live up to our expectations and hopes is to be seen. What's more, we all should expect to lose some games (or at least one) because shoddy offensive play. Whether that be poor decisions on Crompton's part, or the growing pains associated with installing a new offense.

As excited as I am about the upcoming season, I cant raise the bar of expectations too high just yet. There are too many variables (not the least of which is playing in the SEC) that could render this season a huge success, or complete failure.

Posted by Volumnus on August 6, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The LAST time we had a q'back with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, his name was Martin and the year was '98...... Go Crompton show them how it is done!

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