Preseason report card

UT in position to surprise

By Drew Edwards, Dave Hooker

Originally published 10:20 p.m., August 24, 2008
Updated 10:20 p.m., August 24, 2008

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.