Tennessee linebacker Gerald Williams did not practice Friday. The junior is still dealing with an academic issue from a summer school class that is needed for him to be eligible this fall. Friday was the second consecutive day Williams had missed.
Junior quarterback Jonathan Crompton practiced Friday despite a sore ankle.
Freshman fullback Austin Johnson did not practice but is expected to return to practice Monday completely recovered from a minor ankle injury. Sophomore defensive end Chris Walker ran on the sideline in light pads as he looks nearly recovered from a groin injury.
Tough Tight End: Brandon Warren participated in Thursday's scrimmage despite flu-like symptoms. The sophomore also participated in Friday's practice.
Notebook: The Vols will hold a kicking scrimmage this morning. ... UT's scout team donned blue, UCLA-like jerseys for the first time on Friday.
Drew Edwards contributed to this report.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 43
Russell writes:
G. Williams?
Hunter writes:
Glad to hear the line is still doing its thing. I think if they can give Crompton the kind of time Ainge got last year and Crompton doesn't get in a hurry, we're in great shape on that side of the ball.
miamiVOL writes:
if G.Wiliams doesnt get in im calling a complete B.S. tactic by the NCAA , running its own agenda ruining this young mans life
MrBamSeydu writes:
miamiVOL: it may not be the NCAA, it may be the simple fact that he did not pass the class and maybe there is an effort to do some extra credit for a passing grade... who knows?
all I know is, if the kid is having THIS hard of a time with school and he hasn't even been through a full semester at UT... he may not have lasted very long anyway. the student comes before the athlete in student-athlete for a reason.
vtvol#210290 writes:
I understand that potential MLB Gerald Williams was held out of this evening's scrimmage due to academics. As of this posting, no one knows if he has passed his summer class to become eligible three years after the Vols initially recruited him. I just want to thank Mr. Williams for his heart, courage, and patience to stick with Tennessee in the face of academic adversity. He greyshirted in 2006 and enrolled in Hargrave Military academy. Last year he enrolled in the City Community College of San Francisco and played defense at a high level. Not once, did he look elsewhere to play division 1-A ball as a non or partial qualifier elsewhere. His heart stayed with the Vols. He practiced all this fall with Tennessee and was making a name for himself in the middle of the Vol front seven. I just want to say that Gerald embodies the great heart and desire of many Vols past and present. I hope he makes the needed grade. If he does, I'm sure that the first time the public address announcer calls his name he will receive a cheer reserved for Big Orange legends. He will have earned it.
cjraney writes:
This whole G.Wms situation got me thinking about the broader issues. What is the role of the NCAA and CFB in our free-market economy? If G.Wms does not qualify to play D-1 CFB what are the chances of him earning a living with his football skills? If his skill was acting, business, graphic design, composing, etc. what administrative body would have comparable power to impair his ability to earn a living?
Best of luck to the young man.
Cherokee writes:
I'm pulling for G. Williams as much as anyone, and appreciate his tenacity. That said, I see no facts that indicate the NCAA, or anyone other than he himself, is responsible for his situation.
Ironcity writes:
Here we go again
TurboFan writes:
According to Savage, GW passed the test and the class and is just waiting for the mail to arrive from San Fran with his transcript.
Why he would have to be held out of practice now because of academic issues when he was practicing before makes no sense.
1manningfan writes:
VOL FANS LETS ALL SAY A PRAYER FOR THIS KID AND HIS FAMILY FOR THE COMMITMENT HE HAS GIVEN US. G.WILLIAMS WE OUR WITH YOU AND SUPPORT YOU!!!
I WILL GIVE IT MY ALL FOR TENNESSEE TODAY!!!
txsvol#372416 writes:
An editorial in the Wall Street Journal on Aug 15 opined that only 30% of college graduates actually need degrees. But the people who control opinions have "sold the dream" of a college education to virtually everyone, even those who are not prepared by their secondary school education to pursue it. Basically, football gives us a great rallying point, and I second vtvol's comments about Gerald Williams. I want him to succeed beyond his wildest expectations, both off and on the field. Whether he gets onto the field or not, he's a Volunteer football hero for his determination and commitment to be a Vol! Hope you get the academic issues resolved, Gerald! Go Vols! SAVol
GreenDevilVol writes:
This is a matter of the MAIL getting in the way. He HAS passed all courses and is waiting on the transcripts to be delievered. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,in this case Fed X would of been better.We will see G.Williams on the field of play.
GerryOP writes:
What RichRollin said.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
I just want to know 1 thing? WHERE IS ALL OF OUR TUTORS?
volunteer_cowboy writes:
they had a doc on espn about the Lady Vols and all that CPS does while the team were (hows that geoff, i used were instead of was) on the road a couple of years ago. They had coaches and tutors going to the girls hotel room and teaching class everyday like they were at school.Why doesn't CPF do something sort of the same? I never hear of any other sports team at UT having academic problems, just football.....WHY?
volunteer_cowboy writes:
phooey I SOULD OF SAID "DID" WHILE THE TEAM WERE ON THE ROAD
txvolsfan writes:
I agree SAVOL, We should give him a free ride to school whether he is on the field or not.
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN
volunteer_cowboy writes:
GEOFF THAT"S "ABOUT" NOT "ABOPUT"
volunteer_cowboy writes:
LIVE BY THE SWORD, DIE BY IT!!!!
volunteer_cowboy writes:
Taylor Zarzour is a sports radio show host and sports director at WPTF, an AM station based in Raleigh, N.C. Zarzour is a Mobile, Ala., native who spent a year at Nashville's Sports Radio 560 before returning to Mobile. The Associated Press in North Carolina bestowed one of their college football poll votes on Zarzour. Big mistake. Not that the AP poll is relevant these days, as only the USA Today/Coaches and the Harris Interactive Poll factor into the BCS formula that determines which two teams will play a national title game after the regular season. But many newspapers still run the AP poll as a comparison and contrast of polls. Preseason polls are unscientific at best, but Zarzour's AP preseason poll is even more of a joke.
Bias showing:
In a former bio on his station's Web site, Zarzour said one of his favorite moments in sports is "whenever Auburn or Tennessee loses.''
Zarzour professes to be an "avid Alabama fan.'' His preseason poll reflects that. Zarzour doesn't have Tennessee or Auburn in his top 25, even though Auburn ranked No. 10 and Tennessee No. 18 in the AP preseason poll. Where was his beloved Alabama team, the one that finished 6-6 last season and lost to Louisiana Monroe? The Z-man has the Crimson Tide at No. 23 in his AP preseason poll and predicts a 9-4 season. It's possible Nick Saban's restoration project could be ahead of schedule and that Alabama will end in the top 25. But when Zarzour omits No. 8 West Virginia from his preseason poll, it further detracts from his credibility. When his rundown on LSU (he ranked them No. 5) says that quarterback Jarrett Lee "may be smart (Harvard transfer) but he's not (Ryan) Perrilloux or (Matt) Flynn either,'' his credibility drops even deeper. Andrew Hatch is the LSU quarterback who transferred from Harvard.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
this is in the tennessean today and is written by biddle. He is showing how stupid bama fans are!!!!
lomas98 writes:
It didn't take 5 days when I was in school to get a test grade back. This guy will only be around for this season if he gets through this class. He will be on the bowl non participate list due to grades. I can't believe that after all he has been through it still comes down to the week before kick off to see if he can play. I feel bad for the young man because he wants to play so bad.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
Also read this about tennessee's practice: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.d...
orangebloodgmc writes:
'Cowboy, interesting about Zarzour. I also noticed a couple of AP voters from Louisiana, with one being Glen Guilbeau who is pathetic. Made me wonder how in the heck he got one of the voting slots. I think the other was Rosetta and he is more rational.
Come on, Gerald Williams!
volunteer_cowboy writes:
Find a team with veteran offensive and defensive lines and you will find, at the very least, a dark horse (Wisconsin? Tennessee? BYU?) "Ivan Maisel"
scottc#269453 writes:
volfan5521...I agree with your Southern preacher comment... So sayeth the shepherd, so sayeth the flock...
Where is CollierVol....YAWN...
volunteer_cowboy writes:
C'mon somebody step up and tell us for sure if he is in or not no bull $hit just tell the truth and dont guess or try to look like you have inside info that you really dont!!!!!! Is he in or not?
vol1994 writes:
is anyone concerned about Crompton's ankle?
Last year it was Ainge's pinky and it was NOT a big deal per the coaches.
Then Ainge hurt his shoulder and it was NOT a big deal.
I have concerns about Crompton already and now his ankle..
longtimefan writes:
vol1994, only if he tries to throw with his feet! Jon's tough. its NOT a BIG deal!
RJ_Vol writes:
I think many assumed Gerald Williams was going to be wearing orange. I have asked time and time again if he was eligible. He seems to be a real talent. However, (to paraphrase others) if he is struggling this much just to get in...a major university's courses don't get any easier. IF there is truth to the NCAA poking around, we may need to rethink our relationship w/ Williams. I thinks it's wait and see right now. However, I hope the coaching staff has not prematurely depended on his services.
drwfocus writes:
OH NO --
Crompton's ankle, Warren's illness, Williams' grades, Creer fumbled, Coleman threw an interception, Jones dropped a pass -- the sky is falling, the sky is falling.
I cannot believe anyone is surprised by the Williams saga this year. Face it, he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer or he would have been playing for the VOLS two years ago.
orangebloodgmc writes:
I hope its nothing major, but just seems like if they were merely waiting on a grade or something to be mailed, they would not have pulled him off the field.
thesavageorange writes:
Swearinger a Vol.
thesavageorange writes:
For those who don't know, DJ Swearinger is a 5'11 191 lb safety from Greenwood, SC.He runs a 4.4 and holds a 3.3gpa.He is also rated the 4th most physical S in the country.We beat out Auburn, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Vanderbilt,Michigan & Clemson.
jacksfacts writes:
savage; u still feel confident with williams now that he's being held out of practice? what position is swearinger?
volunteer_cowboy writes:
jack what part of 5'11" 191 lb SAFETY didnt you understand????
volunteer_cowboy writes:
its got to be a little injury or something with williams and not grades or a grade because warren practiced without even being cleared by the sec or ncaa!!!!!!! think about it....
thesavageorange writes:
jacksfacts , unless I hear different I'll stick to my guns.What's aggravating is that every time they ask him to do something ,he does it then they ask him to do something else.Reminds me of my wife.
jacksfacts writes:
cowboy sometimes when i enter these on my phone it takes a me awhile. he posted as i was typing.i don't have the fingers of a princess like yourself. so relax kickoff will be here shortly
jacksfacts writes:
brokeback mountain
b writes:
To all those worried about him being bowl eligible IF he gets in.
He only has to take 6 hours during the fall semester.
Surely, they can come up with 2 easy courses he can make Ds in.
I also think Morley has taken him under his wing so to speak, I don't think they will let him fail.
But, I still think it could be a strong possibility for him to be one and done..that is IF he gets in.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
did he pass or what?????
cpa writes:
On 104.5 radio in Nashville Doug Matthews has a show called Big Orange Sunday. He intervied Phil Fulmer this morning and asked him about this situation and after the break, Doug came back and said he wanted to explain the situation because Fulmer was very limited in what he could say. Williams has to graduate from the 2 year college in order to be accepted at UT. He took a correspondence course at UT and representatives came to be with him while he was tested offsite. The test results have to be sent back to the 2 year college to be scored. The results are put on the transcript and it is then sent to UT. As Doug explained it, 2 year colleges are not always fully staffed and move at their own pace depending on the instructor's and registrar's schedules. He said he graduated from a 2 year school and often recruited from 2 year colleges. He thinks it is the process not poor test results. Once Williams transcript is accepted by UT, he will be eligible to play.
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