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University of Tennessee tight end Brandon Warren grabs a pass during practice Tuesday at Haslam Field. The NCAA ruled that the former Florida State freshman All-American tight end will be able to play this fall for the Vols.
Dave Hooker audio:
Warren timeline
- Jan. 30, 2006: Alcoa High School tight end Brandon Warren announces on live television his decision to attend Florida State over Tennessee.
- Feb. 2, 2006: Warren signs with Florida State.
- Nov. 25, 2006: Warren’s mother Deirdre is too ill to make a scheduled trip to Tallahassee for FSU’s game against rival Florida.
- Dec. 27, 2006: Warren plays his final game as a Seminole, a 44-27 victory over UCLA in the Emerald Bowl.
- Feb. 12, 2007: Warren is not present for Florida State’s first offseason conditioning workout.
- Feb. 19, 2007: Warren officially asks for his release from Florida State with an intent to transfer to Tennessee.
- Feb. 27, 2007: Florida State’s denies Warren a release from his scholarship and letter of intent.
- April 30, 2007: A faculty panel at FSU denies Warren’s appeal of coach Bobby Bowden’s decision not to grant a release.
- Aug. 10, 2007: Warren appeals FSU’s decision to NCAA.
- Nov. 16, 2007: Warren wins appeal with NCAA, allowing him to enroll at UT.
- June 2, 2008: Warren enrolls at Tennessee, which files waiver with NCAA to allow Warren to compete this season.
- Aug. 19, 2008: NCAA grants Warren’s waiver, allowing him to return to the field for the first time in more than a year.
If Brandon Warren's face was any indication, the news that he could finally play football after a year away from the game came as a relief.
A little after 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer pulled Warren and his position coach, Jason Michael, out of a tight ends meeting.
Fulmer explained that nearly three months after Tennessee first filed a hardship waiver on Warren's behalf, the NCAA had the answer everyone wanted to hear: The former Alcoa High School star and Florida State freshman All-American could suit up and play for the Vols this season.
"I was just happy it was over," Warren told reporters at a Tuesday evening press conference following practice. "It's been a long stressful process for me and my family. We're just happy it's over and the outcome came out positive."
Family - in particular Warren's mother, Deirdre - was the reason.
Warren spent 2007 away from football after leaving Florida State in February to be closer to his mother, who has dealt with complications since having a cancerous kidney removed in 2005.
The road back to college football has been a long one.
Warren enrolled at Pellissippi State Technical Community College last summer to begin making up for class work he missed by leaving FSU before the final semester of his freshman year.
In November, he won an appeal that released him from the National Letter of Intent he signed with Florida State in 2006 after an intense recruiting battle between the Seminoles and Tennessee.
He enrolled at UT in June and had been awaiting word on the waiver ever since.
"We're thrilled that Brandon became eligible this morning," Fulmer said. "I think it's a great compliment to him and the hard work he put into it. I know he's very pleased. I know his family is very pleased. They've been through a very hard time with his mother's illness and all the wait through this."
Warren, who began offseason workouts with the Vols in June after enrolling in summer classes, said his teammates helped him stay positive while waiting on the NCAA's decision.
"I got great teammates here," Warren said. "They made it easy for me. They accepted me with wide-open arms. If I have any problem, I have someone to talk to, besides coaches. They'll be there, but to have peers there by my side showed signs of a strong team."
Warren's eligibility only makes the Vols stronger on offense.
As a true freshman at Florida State in 2006, he caught 28 passes for 301 yards and a touchdown. He also developed a reputation as an athletic playmaker.
Warren is the kind of player first-year offensive coordinator Dave Clawson's scheme is designed to feature. And despite the uncertainty surrounding his eligibility, that's exactly what Clawson has been doing with Warren.
"You almost have to prepare two plans, one with him and one without him," Clawson said. "I think we're all excited that we can make these plans with him. We were just getting ready to work a whole lot more hours and have a plan A and a plan B.
"We can spend a whole lot more time on plan A now."
Since fall camp began Aug. 2, Warren has spent his time learning UT's offense.
Despite having a little less than three weeks of meeting and practices with coaches, Michael said Warren is progressing well.
"I think he's starting to play a little faster," Michael said. "His head was swimming a little bit early, like everybody. It's no different than Jeff Cottam and Luke Stocker back in the spring with a new offense.
"Now that he's learning those (terms), you can tell he's starting to become faster and more comfortable in what he's doing."
His impact could perhaps even extend to the defense.
"Coach Clawson kind of cringes when I say this, but we may even look at him a little bit as a pass rusher on third down," Fulmer said. "His plate's very full right now to learn the offense and get where he needs to get to... It's a really good player that's added to the (offensive) system."
But for Warren, perhaps the best part of the day came in the moment right after Fulmer delivered the good news.
With Warren nearby, Fulmer dialed Deirdre Warren to share the news.
"My mom, she's a warrior. I admire her just for sticking with me throughout this whole thing, my family, too. I definitely owe this to them," Warren said. "We're a tight family. Just seeing my family be there by my side through the ups and downs, it's a sign of a strong family. There's some love there, and I definitely appreciate it."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 54
rabidvol1998 writes:
What a relief for everyone. I'm still confused on Gerald Williams, is he in?
OrangeAppeal writes:
Warren on defense? Look out UT foes! We better put Tebow on notice.
OrangeAppeal writes:
rv - Do your homework.
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/a...
OrangeAppeal writes:
Sorry, RV. I misread your post.
OrangeAppeal writes:
I believe Gerald Williams is good to go.
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/a...
gavol2572 writes:
I like to hear good stories like this even if its not one of UT's players but it makes it a huge plus when it is!
rabidvol1998 writes:
OA --- I read that and after reading again I'm still unsure. Summer grades were in last Tuesday.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Though I'd love to see Warren playing TE with his great hands and speed, he could be a difference maker on defense too--especially with our needs there.
He played defense in high school and, if I remember correctly, was a monster on both sides of the ball.
Just get him on the field!
Jamey1210 writes:
Williams is actually trying to finish his last class via online class. He has two very simple classes that we all expected him to finish and he was out of practice today to complete. He only needed to complete one and he would be good to go but WE ARE STILL WAITING> NO ignorance. I am pretty sure this is correct but if I am wrong it is due to other poster. Yes, I do not like take the fall for my own ignorance. So go ahead and post against me. But please do tell me if I am wrong.
utwick writes:
Hope that Brandon takes this special opportunity to not only play great football but to get an education and to make his mother proud.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
In the words of great men throughout history, "Yes!"
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
Somebody get that boy a helmet that fits. Looking at the picture up there I can't help but wonder how much better he could be when if he could see.
Then again, maybe he just uses the force.
txsvol#372416 writes:
So, he can wear #1 on offense, and play like Jason Witten, or he can wear #1 on defense, and play like Leonard Little! Either way, he can be out-standing for us! Great to have Brandon finally eligible. Think of the opponent opposite you as St. Bobby Bowden! Go Vols! SAVol
MrBamSeydu writes:
RECRUITING UPDATE:
Nyshier Oliver has de-committed and picked up an offer from Notre Dame (one of his favorite schools). It looks like he might commit to them after he visits there.
Also, Darius Winston is announcing his commitment on Sept 5th at 1pm. Inside sources are saying he is going to Ole Miss over Tenn, Michigan, and Arkansas. He de-committed from Arky over a month ago and has said he already has the decision made and is taking an official visit to Ole Miss for their game against Memphis prior to his announcment.
So it looks like we've lost 1 DB and lost out on another one.
RockyTopVolFan writes:
Congratulations Brandon & Deirdre!
Here's hoping you get well Deirdre and get to see your son play great live and up close! Great to have both of you as Vols!
gnm53108 writes:
Your family just got a whole lot bigger Brandon.You are now a part of the vol nation.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
yemmusdarb, It looks like we are in good shape with Myles, Smith , & Swearinger. Savageo even said he thinks we get Braden Smith. So hopefully this will not be to big a deal. With kids committing this early it's normal for some to have second thoughts.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
That helmet picture does look like something Flip Wilson would wear.
Or Git 'er Done.
Agent_Orange writes:
Go to the link below to vote on whether the Vols will make the Final Four next season.
Nice article on Bobby Maze, too.
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/84...'-problems-...-and-vice-versa
drwfocus writes:
Yeah Burnt Orange and looking at that pic yesterday his jersey is mighty tight around his middle and not even tucked in his pants. And this guy is supposed to be an impact player???
SemperVol writes:
Brent Hubbs covered an interesting story over on VolQuest:
CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN:
...It seems like his recruitment was yesterday, not three years ago. Maybe I remember everything so vividly because of the massive fallout from the Vol nation after that television announcement. Or maybe it was because Warren had a hard time truly convincing me that he was 100-percent Seminole.
Ninety-five percent of time, you cover recruiting by phone so you never see the look in a recruit's eyes upon declaring his college choice. But with Warren I did, and it was a look that had some doubts that were magnified by his family's tears over his choice.
Then again, maybe it was the fact that when he taped the television segment that January night, he grabbed the Tennessee shirt by mistake and had to redo part of his announcement.
Whatever the reason, Warren's recruitment is one I won't soon forget and neither will the Alcoa native who, when I saw him at media day for the first time since the night of his televised announcement, smiled and said, "I should have just put on the Tennessee shirt I grabbed first."
richvol writes:
Even though many thought this was a no-brainer decision, Tennessee has been on the wrong side of these eligibility decisions for years.
What the NCAA did to Brad Cottam is practically criminal. He barely got to play in the amount of time he was here and then to play three games his senior year was ridiculous.
Gerald Williams is another perfect example of an organization that has too much power and doesn't give a darn about what's fair or reasonable.
Brandon- congratulations and we all wish you and your mother the best.
VolGraduate writes:
get the guy a helmet that fits and he'll be even better
HellBornElfChild writes:
I hate to say this, but B Warren should have commitd toUT back in the day anyway. I remember when he stiffed us and went to FSU when everyone was basically begging him to stay in Tennessee.
Also, fulmer keep your damn pickle fingers out of Daves offense!!! Dont you think Warren has enough to learn right now without you wanting to turn a 5 star TE into a defensive player? Youkill me sometimes
va_vol16 writes:
brandon on defence i will belive it when i see it n a game that matters
auttat writes:
D E F E N S E
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Elf Child.
Fulmer is the HC, did you get the memo? Maybe you should go apply for that job. Nobody seems to be complaining about the idea of Berry taking a few snaps on offense, so what's the difference?
Moaninglikeheck writes:
LOL@auttat 11:19
Seems half the folks here spell it with a "c"
thesavageorange writes:
On the Nyshier Oliver issue.
I don't think anyone is going to die over his de-commitment.I heard some rumblings late last week but that's pretty normal.Now, what went down?Simple.Oliver called the staff Monday and told him he wanted to look around.He then asked them if he did should he de-commit.Without hesitation they told him yes.I honestly think the coaches will totally back off of him and he ends up somewhere else.
I actually think this might be a good thing.We are getting a little crowded.
G8er_H8er writes:
Williams took a test on Monday to complete a class required for his eligibility, but have not yet gotten the results of that test. Also, still waiting word on Walls and Hughes.
auttat writes:
If 22 is a wr, i'll kiss your......
http://www.utsports.com/photogallery/...
murrayvol writes:
savageorange: Exactly!
vol4gzus writes:
Thought Dupree was going to disappear into the night never to be used again? Guess that was a short lived commit like Oliver.
BigMix writes:
Where in the he(( is that pos, workinlikeheck? It looks like some of his off-spring(elfchild)is picking up his slack.
thesavageorange writes:
There are also some guys out there that UT likes better than Oliver that have the Vols at or near the top of their list including Terry Shankle a 4* DB out of NC & Vladimir Emilien a 4* safety that I like at 6'0.
That's if the staff even decides to pursue anyone outside of Myles,Gordon,Smith, and Swearinger as a athlete/DB.Smith and Myles have become friends and may end up at the same school.
On another note:Morgan Moses has taken a real liking to CPF & Tennessee and some believe we have quietly became his leader.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
i like moses!!!
volunteer_cowboy writes:
we have 16 commits now. I think we take 10 more for 26 total. I will list resignees who will likely be counted against last year's class. I will first off list the 9 I think we will get, based on research on the net: 1-Peter White, 6'4, 340 OG, Washington DC. 4 stars. be a huge get, he likes the Vols, called us his leader. 2 - Marlon Brown, 6'4, 200 WR, Memphis, TN. recently dropped to 4 stars. I think he's all Vol, probably has been for a while. USC is backing off. 3 - Darren Myles, 6'1, 180 DB, Atlanta, GA. 4 stars. Has liked us for awhile. Likely our top DB target left. 4 - Morgan Moses, 6'7 350, OT, Richmond, VA. 5 stars. #1 OT prospect in America. absolute beast. OL don't get 5 star for no reason, he is an Orlando Pace type, would be a huge get. some sources who think UT leads. 5 - Jerod Askew, 6'1, 230, LB, Chesapeake, VA. 4 stars. top LB left on wish list, loves the Vols. 6 - David Oku, 5'10, 190, RB, Midwest City, OK. 4 stars. quick running back, many sources say that it's between FSU and UT, with UT leading. 7 - Akiem Hicks, 6'6 300, DT, Sacramanto JC. Likely a 3-4 star DT from juco ranks. He loved Oregon, but also likes UT and will visit UT. I think we can get him to commit after visit, especially if he visits during the FL game. There are higher ranked guys on UT's board playing other positions, but DT is a priority, I think we take this kid. 8 - Darius Winston, 6'0 180, DB, West Helena, AR. 5 stars. An DB prospect with legit sub 4.4 speed. Decommitted from Arkansas and really likes what he sees at UT with Berry and Morley, figures he can get into mix quickly. ut or ole miss. 9 - Marsalis Teague, 5'10, 170, DB, Paris, TN. 3 stars. I think we take him if he commits early enough. I do believe he wants to go to UT. I do wonder though if UT pulls his offer once we get someone like a Myles. Now for the re-signees..Well, I think we get only one, Cory Hall has academic issues and don't think we'll have room for Rufus Williams. That leaves: 10 - Rae Sykes, 6'4 255, DE, Alcoa TN. 4 stars as a HS DE out of Alcoa, it looks like he will not have any problems returning to UT. That's it. We may actually have to pull offers from guys we will not have room for. These are guys who I don't think we will get/take. 1 - Eric Gordon, DB, Nashville - 4 stars , I think he goes to Bama 2 - Branden Smith, DB, Atlanta - 4 star DB. Likes UT, but we may run out of room. May end up at UGA 3 - Logan Thomas, TE, Lynchburg, VA - 5 stars. I would LOVE to get this guy, and UT would love to have him, but I get the sense that we may be his #2, right behind UVA. I think he wants to stay close to home. 4 - Will Hill, DE, Williamsurg, VA - 3 stars. This kid really likes UT and I think we may take him if we don't get Akiem Hicks. 5 - Chris Bonds, DT, Columbia, SC. 4 stars. In the end I think he ends up in state
6 - Corey Gaines, DT, Tallahassee, FL. 4 stars. Can't get a read on him.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
Call this CARMA!!!! Warren last appeared in the Seminoles' Emerald Bowl win Dec. 27, 2006, against the UCLA Bruins. His next appearance should come in 13 days - when the Vols visit the UCLA Bruins in the Rose Bowl.
TommyJack writes:
Moaning: Must be the Carma. :)
usnavyvolfaninva writes:
I am so happy for Warren! That's quite a lot to go through.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
SAVAGEO - Agree on the Oliver de-commit. Really not a big deal and opens up some space for others. I hope they back off him. As far as Moses that's great news if it's true.
auttat 12:01 - Your right. #22 is Wilkes and he's an LB.
thesavageorange writes:
jmbigorange, another thing on Moses is that he wants to play for championships.UVA is the prime competition and he is going to be at the UVA USC game.Well, I think he is going to find out quickly that UVA is not near that point.In fact they lost a bunch of guys that played on a a 9-4 team that won 5 games by 2pts or less including a loss to Wyoming at home and a near dissaster at MTSU.Their is no one on the hot seat like Groh either.
rckymtngator writes:
Sounds like another ex FSU player who is finally released on parole, whats the big story here?
BADGES0413 writes:
Looks like McDimwit has resurfaced in the Rocky Mountains. Thin air does restrict oxygen to the brain so I guess his idiodic comment can be ignored.
Hopefully Warren has Instant Karma. He can line up in the slot, wide and at Tight End.
spvol writes:
iam4ua- Does "win at all costs" mean go to Memphis and buy players? I've heard the NCAA will put a school on probation for that. True?
jcvet writes:
Put him on defense. TN never knows how to use a tight end anyway. Don't waste him there.
ncvol writes:
Good news for UT,Warren's family and Warren....
Go Vols !
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
jcvet, How can u say Tennessee does not know how to use a TE? Remember a fella named Jason Witten. If memory serves me he was our leading reciever when he was here. Besides with a new Off Cord how do you know how the TE's are fit into the mix.
iam4ua, It's amazing how Cocky UA fans get by getting one significant win last year (UT). Remember u lost to UofL Monroe and your players sell crack in the parking lot!
savageo, If Moses wants to win a NC i guess UVA won't be much competition.
therhfactor writes:
As a Gator fan living in Tallahassee, I'm glad Warren was able to hook on with you guys.
Although, I probably won't be so happy if he catches the game winning TD againist us next month.
I thought FSU showed a total lack of class when they refused to grant him a release from his scholarship.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
morgan moses said he wanted to go somewhere that the coach was going to be there all 4 years and where he had a chance for early playing time! Well he will be playing early if he comes to tennessee because our whole O-Line will be in the NFL next year, so if he signs with the vols he will be getting everything he has been asking for!!!!!
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