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Offense has better grip on assignments

First full-pad workout will test progress

By Drew Edwards (Contact)
Originally published 10:30 p.m., August 5, 2008
Updated 10:30 p.m., August 5, 2008

Offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said he is pleased with Tennessee's progress through four practices this fall.

"I'm encouraged, because I think we're a step ahead of where we finished the spring," he said Tuesday. "You finish the spring and think over the summer, they're going to lose something and you take a step back. We came back much ahead of where I thought we'd be. Now it's a process of just keeping it moving forward and try not to take too many steps back when we get everything in."

UT continues to install the playbook on offense and defense of the ball, but Clawson is particularly pleased that players are more certain of their assignments than in spring practice.

"There's not a lot of assignment mistakes and I think they're playing faster than any point in the spring," Clawson said.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer credits offensive players for being diligent during the summer.

"The guys used the summer and they studied hard," he said. "We're making strides that way."

Today's practice marks the first day in full pads. However, Tennessee will continue adding plays during its afternoon practice.

Clawson hopes the offense can continue to handle the workload.

"Every time you add more and every time the defense adds more, you're just multiplying the amount of assignments," he said. "The big thing I look for every step of the way is very little missed assignments. I think we've done a great job of keeping those to a minimum.

"The first day you get the pads on, guys get all excited, they get aggressive. Usually there's a tendency that you're going to have more missed assignments. I hope that doesn't happen, but at the same time I know it probably will."

Injury Report: Tight end Jeff Cottam did not practice Tuesday. The junior participated in the first three days but is still slow to heal from a broken leg suffered during spring practice.

"He did a lot for three days, just couldn't go today," Fulmer said. "Hopefully he'll be well closer to game time. I think he will because he had three good days."

Offensive lineman Cody Pope missed practice after becoming ill shortly before practice began, and defensive tackle Chase Nelson suffered a knee sprain.

Fowlkes Staying On Defense: True freshman Steven Fowlkes will remain on defense for the foreseeable future after starting fall camp at wide receiver.

"I think he's found a little bit of a home right there," Fulmer said of Fowlkes, who spent the last two days at defensive end. "We can start getting some weight on him and getting him stronger. If he can give us a few plays as a pass rusher along the way, that'd be a nice addition for a freshman."

Vinson 'In Mix': Cornerback Brent Vinson can get back in the battle for a starting job at cornerback, provided he finishes summer classes on a high note.

"He's got some academic things he's working through," Fulmer said. "He's in the mix. He gets work with the twos and threes mostly. Certainly he'll have a chance, if he does all he's supposed to do, to get himself back in the mix as a starter."

Vinson, who started 10 games last fall, is listed third on UT's depth chart.

First Day: Linebacker Rico McCoy said today's first practice in pads is particularly important for younger players to learn the speed of the game.

And it's pretty tiring, too.

"All I remember is being drop-dead tired after because I was playing 110 miles an hour all day," he said. "Whether I knew what I was doing or not, I was (going all out).

"It's probably the most exciting day of fall camp, except for the last day."

Stephens No. 2: Fulmer said that Nick Stephens has a slight edge over B.J. Coleman at quarterback behind starter Jonathan Crompton.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       46 Comments

Posted by ElizabethtonvolnNC on August 5, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shoulder first, now academics with Vinson....

Not getting good vibes....

Posted by alfrizzle097 on August 5, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fact that Fulmer mentioned it to the media means that he foresees a positive outcome.

Posted by Kosmo on August 5, 2008 at 11:08 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by bluetickhound on August 5, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone worry that Clawson's offense is going to be a little too smart for its own good? I sure hope the surprise factor gets us a long way.

Coleman and Stephens are pretty much both a joke with a bad punchline. Luckily, we can promiset these new recruits we've signed instant playing time when they come in as freshman next year.

Posted by gnm53108 on August 5, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad to see Nick and B.J. making progress but hope we only see one or both in mopup roles this year.

Posted by yemmusdarb on August 5, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kaplan: (3rd paragraph) You need to omit "of the ball" or change the wording.

Just thought I'd help you out.

Posted by heathshulerbbq21 on August 6, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I sure hope Clawson is in charge instead of Philopotamus.

Posted by orangeblood on August 6, 2008 at 1:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

looks like everyone was right on the nailhead saying bj coleman would start over crompton...not....give me a break

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on August 6, 2008 at 2:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good article Drew.

Keep us informed with Chase Nelson's recovery if you can. That is probably the biggest news of the day.

I hope Vinson takes care of business in the classroom. He seems to be the best athlete for the position, but I respect Fulmer trying to instill some discipline in him.

Posted by GreerVol22 on August 6, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bluetick, good point, like you, I'm used to seeing a couple of good linemen executing a hole on occasion, or a 3 step drop and chunk it type of O. All this "doing what your supposed to" stuff scares me.

I'm not sure Clawson is all about shock and awe, at least this early. Stressing assignment football, solid routes, line execution, run blocking etc is the course of action. In a couple weeks we will begin to see the difference between who wants the ball and who can actually do something with it once they get it.

To your point. I think he's smart enough to know when he's being too smart..

Posted by richvol on August 6, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Drew- your series of articles on our Vols have been excellent...keep it up. The Stevens kid looked pretty good in the JV game I thought. He was mobile and could throw on the run. Need to see more of Coleman to have an opinion.

Clawson's and Fulmer's comments about everyone studying their playbook is insightful...missed assignments are what cost you ballgames if the talent is equal. All the more reason to be happy about UT signing smarter players.

Posted by Sheepscape on August 6, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we can return to running the ball on third and short I'll be happy.

Posted by pdhuff on August 6, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel better now that Phil said they studied hard during the summer.

Was that in the classroom or the "charts"?

Maybe both.

Sheepscape - "run the ball on third and short"?

I thought everyone knew that is a overthrow passing down. Third and long is the 4 yard dump.

Posted by volnbig11land on August 6, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - don't forget the tried and not true draw play on Third and long....

Posted by Greyback_Vol on August 6, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good to see that the players are learning the offenses fairly well and that the players studied hard during the summer. Some of the articles coming out of spring practice worried me.

I'm still kind of concerned about the complexity of the new o. Clawson's previous school, Richmond, is no joke academically. It remains to be seen how "normal" kids deal with this offense.

Posted by VolGraduate on August 6, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

good article...good luck to cottam, vinson and nelson getting healthy

Posted by sjt18 on August 6, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The comment about Vinson made it sound as if his being 3rd on the depth chart had little to do with what he's doing or able to do on the field. It sounds like they've got him in the dog house until he gets something cleared up academically.

Posted by SemperVol on August 6, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a little light reading about Lucas Taylor...
http://tennessee.rivals.com/content.a...

(Kind of reminds me of Cedrick Wilson)

Posted by Jamey1210 on August 6, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey semper can you copy paste the rest of that storey. I do not have a membership and just got to read the teaser. Thanks

Posted by Misremembered on August 6, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm actually excited about this season! I haven't felt excited about U.T. football in a long time. This is a weird feeling, but I like it!

Posted by VolFanInAtl on August 6, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"UT continues to install the playbook on offense and defense of the ball,"

Are we expecting radical changes on defense, or is this just the yearly "install?"

Posted by sjt18 on August 6, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VolFanInAtl, I'm not sure if he meant they're installing the defense or if they are throwing more at the offense from the defense.

They limited some things in the spring that the D could do because they O wasn't ready to react to it.

Make sense?

Posted by VolFanInAtl on August 6, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah that makes sense. It would take a paragraph to explain it that way.

Posted by GerryOP on August 6, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Might have been clearer if they had said "...protecting the ball."

Posted by Jamey1210 on August 6, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20...
Another good article on Yesterday's practice. Just trying to share the wealth guys.

Posted by Jamey1210 on August 6, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20...
Good article on Bolden from his hometown news paper.

Posted by JohnAdamsIsTrash on August 6, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember, Vinson was one of Duke Crews best friends from high school. Doesn't speak well for his decision making! I hope that he can hang in there. He could be a great player for us.

Posted by mikevol on August 6, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like Phil's not worried about someone geting hit hard and laughed at..Like the Old Ball Coach

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

Was Vinson the one held out of spring practice because of a class conflict? If he continues to struggle I wouldn't be surprised (disappointed maybe) if they redshirt him. That would give time for his shoulder to completely heal and him to focus on academics. We've got plenty of CBs. Safety depth is a concern.

Posted by GreerVol22 on August 6, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mikevol, kinda agree. If someone hits you because your out of position or simply not paying attention then, yep...I'm snickering too.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on August 6, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolFanInAtl-

Gettting back to "inserting" the defense, I think that that also has to do with the fact that last year's defense was so young that they really didn't use much of Chavis's different schemes and blitzes because the coaches felt that the players weren't ready, so this Fall they really are inserting new plays on defense that the younger players on this team have not executed yet in practice or game situations.

Posted by VolnDothan on August 6, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's been said that Clawson's offense is "complicated" and "hard to understand" by some our players and observers.

I think Cutcliffe's system was uninventive, simplicstic and WAAAYY too predictable. These guys simply aren't used to a modern system - that's all.

Posted by sjt18 on August 6, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They talked about the O being complex last year too. These are D1, BCS players... if the kids at Richmond could handle it then UT's guys should be able to as well.

Posted by orangebloodgmc on August 6, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If today is the first day of full pads contact, is this the day they pair them up for the "Tennessee Drill"? I always like hearing about those collisions.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on August 6, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey guys...Ive been seeing posts on ..."if we get blown out by Florida...blah blah blah...."...can anyone tell me the last time we got BLOWN out at home..and who it was by...I just find it hard to swallow that they will come into our house and allow that....Thanks...go volsssss

Posted by TurboFan on August 6, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what's your definition of a blowout?

Auburn, 2004, 34-10?
Georgia, 2003, 41-14?

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on August 6, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So the answer would be 4 years then....and yeah ...I consider 24 pts a blowout....Thanks for the research Turbo....No way that will happen this year IMO...

Posted by pdhuff on August 6, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, they should have it down pat in 26 days.

No sweat.

Posted by sjt18 on August 6, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The UGA game was one of the most sickening I ever watched... It was also the game that convinced me that Clausen didn't need to be a starting QB @ UT. My opinion that Sanders didn't need to be the OC was pretty much solidified too.

Posted by VolFanInAtl on August 6, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I keep hearing phrases like "More blitzes for the DBs" and "more formations for the DBs." I can't say I've ever seen a football team that lived or died by the performance of it's defensive backs. Died maybe... but not lived.

Fulmer is dropping the name "Fowlkes." I wonder if we will see this kid this year.

Man I hope Bolden isn't just blowing smoke and Mcoy stays eligible.

orangebloodgmc; there will be a few kids going home with headaches today... heh heh

Posted by VOLS85 on August 6, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin,

Phil has been thinkin about you lately...if you look at the 11:39 Jamey post, the article says:

"Last year, we were working like heck to get four of them out there. Now we can play five or six guys who have played in ballgames."

Sounds like he doesn't have to work like heck so much this year as he did last year...my thoughts are more time spent out in the Hole (I can only imagine your input).

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on August 6, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That was the UGA game where we completely imploded right before halftime right? I was there. It was disgusting.

Posted by getridoffoolmer on August 6, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

even tho i have ragged on fulmer in the past this is the first post ive made since the hire of clawson i wanted to put all my egss together before i posted but i have have to give the large guy kudos for what he has done this off-season... yea we had some off the field incidents that made our beloved vols look bad but i give the round guy some credit for kicking the seniors but and getting them in gear... i really like the hire of clawson i think he is going to be a great coach and maybe even the round guys successor one day... i think the defense is going to be much improved still question a tackle but i think well be fine.. all in all i think we got as good a shot as anyone to win the SEC and get back to a BCS bowl game... anyways just wanted to give the round guy some kudos.... o and this is a great article by pat forde of espn... check it out...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/column...

Posted by pdhuff on August 6, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gen W - will you post about Phil and the Grail again?

Thank you sir, some of us just need a tad more convincing, even after the Grey Goose.

Spent time in deep research at Books-A-Million today and can tell you this enthusiasm is not shared widely. Others on here have the gift of seeing what geezers can't. Post up, sir.

Posted by britt on August 6, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

anybody else think Gerald Williams looks like a beast in that video. He looks big enough to play DE or LB

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