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Tennessee wide receiver Gerald Jones is tackled by Tennessee defensive back Art Evans, left, and linebacker Savion Frazier during a scrimmage at Neyland Stadium Thursday.
Quarterbacks - B-
Jonathan Crompton began the preseason throwing too many interceptions but remedied that throughout camp. Depth is a concern. Nick Stephens and B.J. Coleman were average. Neither seized the backup role.
*
Running Backs - B+
Arian Foster looks quicker than ever. Montario Hardesty turned in a strong performance in UT's final scrimmage, averaging 19.75 yards per carry. Freshman Tauren Poole is a talented hard worker who is on his way to stardom. Lennon Creer has speed but isn't making enough would-be tacklers miss.
*
Wide Receivers - A
UT's top four wideouts (Josh Briscoe, Austin Rogers, Lucas Taylor and Gerald Jones) further cemented themselves as go-to players. No longer just a G-Gun threat, Jones' emergence is key. Quintin Hancock once again proved he's a good practice player. Ahmad Paige showed late improvement.
*
Offensive Line - C+
UT's offensive linemen didn't dominate from the beginning of camp as they should have. Still, the Vols seem ready to flip-flop positions in accordance with UT's new offense. Ramone Johnson and Preston Bailey emerged as future contributors.
*
Defensive Line - B
UT's defensive ends closed strong with three sacks in the Vols' final scrimmage after having only two sacks in the previous two scrimmages. Losing defensive tackle Chase Nelson for the season to a knee injury was a setback. Victor Thomas showed improvement as a replacement.
*
Defensive Backs- A
One bad scrimmage chock full of missed tackles is all that keeps this from being an 'A+'. Otherwise, UT's secondary was outstanding, especially in pass coverage. Crompton won't face a better set of defensive backs all season.
*
Linebackers - C
Weakside linebacker Rico McCoy wasn't the explosive playmaker many expected in preseason camp. Still, he's a gamer. Middle linebacker Ellix Wilson is solid. At strongside, neither Adam Myers-White nor Nevin McKenzie established himself as the bona fide starter, yet both played adequately.
*
Special Teams - C
Punter Chad Cunningham still lacks consistency but is getting the ball off quicker. Placekicker Daniel Lincoln has become a weapon. He was 19-of-24 in field goal attempts. Without much live work, it's hard to judge UT's kickoff and punt teams.
*
Coaching - A
UT's coaches allowed Crompton to grow in a new offense, installing it quickly then cutting back on what the Vols didn't master. Brandon Warren and Brent Vinson were kept motivated and had good camps even when their eligibility was in question. The Vols seemed to get in plenty of contact but weren't overwhelmed by injuries.
*
Overall - Inc.
A West Coast trip, a brutal schedule and two division rivals on the upswing will dole out the ultimate grade. Still, with hard work and great team chemistry, these Vols have put themselves in position to surprise the pundits.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Vanderbilt 65, Tennessee 47, Jan. 24…
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Comments » 155
bigorangetrain writes:
Whooo!! I get an A+ for being FIRST!!
VOLnNASH writes:
B for d-line? I think that if they (d-line) play that well, we're in for a fun season...
bigorangetrain writes:
This season will depend on that front seven.... We can't let Florida and Tebow run it down our throats....
Volunteer writes:
When was Bren Vinson's eligibility ever in question. I know about Warren and Gerald Williams but i didnt know about Vinson....somone throw me a bone!
jacksfacts writes:
agreed train getting williams eligible would be a huge boost. in savage i trust
MrBamSeydu writes:
Here's my "One Man's Opinion" grade card:
QBs = B
RBs = B+
TEs = B+
WRs = B
OL = B+
DL = C
LBs = B-
DBs = A
K = A
P = C+ (Britton = A-)
bcm4ut writes:
Just my opinion, but anyone else think that the o-line having to change positions according to the called play kind of goofy?... How's that going to affect our checks and audibles?
bcm4ut writes:
Black unis would be hideous and grotesque. Have you not seen the Oregon State uniforms?
bcm4ut writes:
I think to make it look good with black you would have to change the helmet to black, and we all know that will never happen, especially with traditional Phil around.
BSweet writes:
Biggest questions I have: Where's Denarius Moore and why have rumors been floating about questioning his good friend Creer's dedication to practice? Are they both feeling homesick or something or are they just not as good as advertised? I seem to recall TT having high praise for Moore and his work ethic last year. I wonder if he and Coach Scott are getting along? Also, rumor has Poole about to surpass Creer on the depth chart. Anyone know anything about that? And is there any timetable on when we might hear something about Gerald Williams' eligibility? And I know Montori Hughes is expected to go the prep school route, but is the same expected of Marlon Walls? Also, the article mentions Victor Thomas, but not Donald Langley. I recall reading that he was coming on early in camp, after returning from spending time with his sick mother. Is he still in the mix or has he fallen back?
Savage and sjt, you both normally seem to know quite a bit about what's going on. Any insights by you, or anyone who knows, would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
BSweet writes:
Kosmo, scores are subjective and not necessarily accurate. They're just the opinions of Mr. Edwards and Mr. Hooker. The season will show the true scores. And let's not forget that many players save the real intensity for the game. Let's take it one game at a time. If we win the SEC east, great, if not, then the headhunters will be out in force. I have nothing against the headhunters and their opinions, but I hope we don't see too much of them this year. I'm hoping for a good year.
BSweet writes:
Kosmo, it's strange. The coaches have talked about every receiver but him. I'm just wondering if he's in Coach Scott's doghouse or if there is something else going on we aren't hearing. Now, I haven't seen the scrimmages but I've heard Creer has not performed quite as well as expected. If that is indeed the case, I'm just wondering if something is going on with his good friend that is distracting him. As I recall, Moore and Creer were HS teammates. If anyone has the inside scoop, please share.
Caspian writes:
Maybe change the double orange stripe on the pants to black. Continue the black outline on the white jersey numbers. And a black stripe on the helmet. Also, narrow the helmet stripe down - not so fat. Johnny Majors is the one that fattened it up (along with a fatter "T"). I didn't like it then or now.
OrangeKoolAid writes:
Pass your glasses and fill 'er up. Six days and a wake up - Football Time in Tennessee!
11 - 1 (the only loss to Mississippi State to keep my wife happy).
ksteelescvol writes:
Its Football time in TN.... Dang that felt good... I can't make it to the UAB game and i have 3 seats in Z12 if anyone is interested. 8032128297 GOVOLS....
BGVOL writes:
how much??
MrBamSeydu writes:
bcm4ut: I happen to like Oregon State's unis. I also like Oregon and Miami's unis.
Some people get tired of seeing a 2 color scheme game after game. This isn't 1928. Change it up every now and then, is what I say. Do some "throwback" unis here and there. Maybe do black numbers with orange outline? Maybe do the all orange unis but with a little more black to offset the "creamsickle" look. If not, screw it go for the creamsickle look.
Anything to get attention. Recruits like stuff like that.
MrBamSeydu writes:
sjt18: I don't see where there is much of a competition with Poole and Creer. If you go by scrimmage stats, Poole averaged around 2 yards/carry.
In 2 years I expect Poole and Jarvis Giles to be the headliners with Creer in that rotation as well.
LifeTimeVOL writes:
How come nobody is mentioning Gerald Williams as a starter? The man can play ball - he had a great scrimmage the other night. I don't see why he is not even brought up in the "linebackers" section
volunteer_cowboy writes:
info on gerald!!!!!!!
volunteer_cowboy writes:
PHILLIP FULMER and matthews: http://podcasting.fia.net/5885/29882 info ON G.WILLIAMS: 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.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
The die is cast. The stage is set. The players are waiting in the wings.
Opening day will soon unfold. How will the performance come off?
It is almost time for either the slurping or doubting to start to be affirmed.
7 days - the battle is joined.
To be recorded forever........
volunteer_cowboy writes:
CPF on radio concerning gerald williams: http://podcasting.fia.net/5885/298822...
volunteer_cowboy writes:
this is matthews and fulmer: http://podcasting.fia.net/5885/298822...
volunteer_cowboy writes:
what does IMO stand for. im not stupid just dont know.....
T0MMYJACK writes:
Southern Cal has gotten fantastic talent for the past several years. So has Florida. So has Georgia. Texas has landed good talent, too.
Tennessee has done very well, too, last year notwithstanding. Overall, the recruiting at UT has been excellent.
Throw in Auburn, 'bama, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, West Virginia, etc. All have raked in the talent.
And not one has gone to black uniforms, and as far as I can tell, none have incorporated black unless it's a school color (i.e. Georgia). There is nothing to suggest that schools should change their uniforms to improve recruiting, and there is no real evidence that "Recruits like stuff like that."
And as an aside, the Oregon uniforms are a joke.
For those of you who seem to be caught up in the euphoria of fashion and design, I believe that there is a weekly fashion section in the print edition of this paper, and you may be able to access the March 12th special section of the KNS entitled "Women Today Expo".`
I Googled "fashion magazines" for you guys (or is it gals?) and found one whose title seems particularly suited to you. It's called "Fruits".
You're welcome.
GreerVol22 writes:
..remember my slogan for the rest of the season......."but we gotta cover the kick!"
pdhuff#552644 writes:
GreeVol22 - How about, 32 yards angled out of bounds?
Beats the adventure of 15-20-25-30......
orangebloodgmc writes:
'Cowboy, I think IMO is in my opinion. Sometimes they say IMHO, putting a humble in there. But I couldn't find where they used it in this thread, so it could be somethin else.
Thanks for the update on the G.Williams situation. You would think they would have arranged to have this paperwork done several weeks ago. But I agree with Lifetime that they could have mentioned him in the LB section of this article.
SemperVol writes:
Defensive line good, Offensive line not so good. Newton's third law of motion.
volcowboy-
thanks for the info. I've been curious.
pdhuff 5:48 am - that made me tear up a little.
GoVol writes:
Keep the black out of the uniforms! The black trim on the road jersey's is fine becaue it makes the numbers readable on a bright sunny day....that's it. Keep it O&W!
CoverOrange writes:
"Without much live work, it's hard to judge UT's kickoff and punt teams"
That line scares me (visions of Cal dancing in my head).
miamiVOL writes:
UCLA Report Card:
QB: F
OLINE: F
WR: D
RB: C
DLINE: B+
DB: C
LB: B
ST: N/A
TN : 37
UCLA: 16
CoverOrange writes:
The only wish I have for unis is more orange on the road uniforms. But not orange pants!
I noticed in some practice photos the all white, no double stripe pants, Orange T on the hip pants. Portend of things to come?
Poser TOMMYJACK, I like apples, do you like apples?
JohnnyU writes:
My sense of optimism this year is based on Crompton. Whenever he's been out there, he has seemed to be a fighter who is unafraid. He also grew up a Vol fan just over the NC state line, and I believe that makes a difference sometimes. He has some good players around him, and he may flourish with Clawson as OC. Overall, there seems to be a good feel to this team. Hope I haven't jinxed 'em now. Anyway, it's late August, and I am amped for this season.
ThurmondEppy writes:
LOL Tommyjack. You fashionistas should dress yourselves in black. Maybe add some black eyeliner. Man, wouldn't black fingernails look cool? Dye your hair black too. I hear the goths like that. Weirdos.
Ironcity writes:
Its a waste of energy to do a preseason report card because nothing has been accomplished.
richvol writes:
The O-Line has not been able to gain a yard in critical situations for years. I find it amazing that CPF allows this to continue.
A grade of C+ should be embarrassing to the the staff and every one of these OL with the amount of experience they have. They should be mashing everybody they face.
The methods and techniques taught by Nebraska during Tom Osborne's tenure would be a good place to start. They even used a lot of walk-ons.
threehundredbowler writes:
We are Orange and White.Keep it that way.
MrBamSeydu writes:
lifetimevol: it's kind of hard for GW to have had a great scrimmage the other night when he didn't even play in it, don't ya think?
MrBamSeydu writes:
T0MMYGAY: Listen brobot, don't pretend like you know what you're talking about. I've read your posts before and you are a bona fide idiot.
Oregon's uniforms have brought them national attention (have you ever heard of "bad publicity is still publicity"??) and just because UGA has black IN their color scheme didn't mean they had to go ALL black. But they did, and everyone remembers it and it got their team pumped up. Everyone remembers when we wore the "throwbacks" against UNLV. Everyone remembers when we DID in fact wear black uni's against Memphis. And everyone remembers when we did the all orange last year in the SECCG.
So, just because hillbilly rednecks like yourself want UT to wear solid white pants and a solid orange jersey every single game for the rest of eternity doesn't mean normal people who don't mind for a little flashiness every now and then do....
Oh and by the way, Tennessee does have black in their color scheme. It outlines numbers. They issue black braces, cleets, and gloves (along with grey). And if you've ever watch a single practice, pretty much every coach wears a black UT pull over. So, obviously, they think black goes very well with the Tennessee color scheme and I FOR ONE agree.
Now go back to your trailor and tell your wife to quit texting me.
MrBamSeydu writes:
ps: get an original name, why don't you...
99gator writes:
any last preseason predictions?
HellBornElfChild writes:
IMO = Innocent manly Oral
CoverOrange writes:
Brad, I have no memory of black unis against Memphis. When was that? Must not have been on TV. Good post though.
Kaplan, or somebody at KNS, for those of us outside the 50 mile viewing radius of WVLT, would you please list who is broadcasting the games on your chart (CBS or Raycom)? It makes a difference in how many times I have to purchase PPV or get a better antenna. Neither CBS nor Raycom have their broadcast schedules posted on their websites as far as I could find. Thanks.
VolGraduate writes:
99,
gators go down in knoxville in a close one and tenn loses the next weekend the same way to auburn. tenn will lose another close sec game and back into a bcs bowl similar to georgia last year.
...or tennessee will win every game including the nat'l championship and florida will lose every game getting relegated to pop warner
SemperVol writes:
I wouldn't wipe my *** with anybody's preseason prediction, gator.
CoverOrange writes:
99gator, my predictions for last year's preseason was 10-4 and a trip to the SECCG.
Oh, did you mean this year? 9-3. Our defense will not be able to slow UF's offense long enough for our offense to catch up. Georgia and Auburn will be defensive struggles that could go either way, but being on the road....
99gator writes:
sempervol
true. but, it's usually fun. especially, if your predicition turns out to be true.
then, it allows one to claim they actually know what they are talking about.
TommyJack writes:
ThurmondEppy, 9:16 What do you expect from a liar/poser?
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