Crompton can smile again after surgeries, sitting on bench

  • By Dave Hooker
  • Posted August 2, 2008 at 8:50 p.m., updated August 2, 2008 at 8:50 p.m.

Media Day

More Videos

Dave Hooker's Audio

Related document

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."

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

© 2008 govolsxtra.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • Discuss
  • Print

Related Links

Also in Football

Comments » 61

The_Dude_Abides writes:

an IBM guy? WTF?

carpegeek writes:

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!

TommyJack writes:

Good article, Hooker.

dave1#220678 writes:

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!

DennisVols writes:

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.

Musicman74 writes:

Jon this is your team

warriorman86#667191 writes:

Conservative style offense scored over 30 PPG

TommyJack writes:

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

DennisVols writes:

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.

ncvol17 writes:

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

CoverOrange writes:

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.

OrangePower11 writes:

TurboFan...

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

budd#207344 writes:

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

FWBVol writes:

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.

invisiblekid writes:

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.

invisiblekid writes:

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.

Ralph_Crampton writes:

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 ?

invisiblekid writes:

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.

invisiblekid writes:

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.

BigOrangeVol writes:

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 phooey 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

BigOrangeVol writes:

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.

Ralph_Crampton writes:

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...

Bass_Vol_1998 writes:

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.

BigOrangeVol writes:

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

pdhuff#552644 writes:

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....

cordovavol writes:

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

DadwasaVol writes:

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.

ZR writes:

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

DarthVol writes:

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.

THE_VOL writes:

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!

beachvol1 writes:

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

gohawks1 writes:

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

orangebloodgmc writes:

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.

TommyJack writes:

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?

Go4Two writes:

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.

waterskier3#226480 writes:

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!!!!

volntx writes:

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.

invisiblekid writes:

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.

invisiblekid writes:

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?

invisiblekid writes:

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"

LadyVolsEighTimes writes:

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.

I_Sweat_Orange writes:

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 !!!!!!

richvol writes:

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.

richvol writes:

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.

orangebloodgmc writes:

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

pammyvol1000 writes:

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

tnvol1111#211434 writes:

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!

thesavageorange writes:

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...

ibvolman writes:

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Share your thoughts

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Comments can be shared on Facebook and Yahoo!. Add both options by connecting your profiles.

Features