Tennessee linebacker Nick Reveiz walked into a team meeting Sunday evening with UT coach Lane Kiffin with a little skepticism.
That’s certainly understandable, considering Reveiz and his teammates assembled to meet their new coach less than 24 hours after they carried their last coach off the field following a 28-10 victory over Kentucky.
But during a 41-minute meeting inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center, Reveiz and his teammates quickly warmed to their new head coach.
“When Coach Kiffin started talking, we started getting more comfortable with what he was saying and what he was trying to tell us,” Reveiz said. “I think everyone really liked the fact that he’s saying it’s going to be competitive.”
In his introductory press conference Monday, Kiffin said the same thing.
Instead of 13 returning starters, there’s a clean slate and a blank depth chart entering spring practice.
“I told them, I don’t care what you’ve done before. I don’t care how many stars you had in recruiting, I don’t care how many yards you had or how many tackles you had,” Kiffin said. “It doesn’t mean anything now. I don’t even care if you’re on scholarship or not.
“We’re going to create a competitive program that it’s done on the practice field. They’re going to earn their way. They’re going to earn their starting spots. Not one of those guys is a starter right now.”
That message struck a cord with Reveiz, who earned a scholarship and significant playing time after coming to Tennessee as walk-on out of Farragut High School.
“The biggest thing was competition,” Reveiz said. “Everything’s brand new. It’s a new slate.”
The cupboard isn’t entirely bare, though.
The Vols lose four starters on offense — tackle Ramon Foster, guard Anthony Parker, tailback Arian Foster and receiver Lucas Taylor — but return experienced players, if not always productive ones, at nearly every position.
On defense, the Vols lose at least five starters in tackle Demonte’ Bolden, end Robert Ayers, linebackers Nevin McKenzie and Ellix Wilson, as well as cornerback DeAngelo Willingham.
Linebacker Rico McCoy and tackle Dan Williams, among others, also could have an opportunity for early entry into the NFL.
Still, center Josh McNeil says Kiffin and his staff will have plenty to work with come spring practice.
“A lot of guys on offense are coming back. We have a lot of talent on defense coming back,” he said. “There’s a lot of reasons to be optimistic.”
Receiver Gerald Jones is optimistic for different reasons.
“We’re warriors,” he said. “No matter what’s going on in our lives, no matter how hard times get as far as football, we know things could be worse. We work hard no matter what situation or predicament that we’re in.”
When spring practice begins a few months from now, there’ll be plenty of work, Kiffin said Monday.
“This spring is going to be very, very big for our returning players,” he said. “It’s going to be highly competitive practices they’ll be involved with. They’ve got to show us what they’re going to do. Because in the fall, the first opportunity that comes, I’m going to give it to our newcomers.”
After Sunday’s meeting and Monday’s formal introduction to alumni, fans and media, Reveiz said he has bought into Kiffin’s approach.
“He didn’t come in here saying, ‘We’re going to do the best we can,’ ” Reveiz said. “(Kiffin said) ‘We’re going to win. We’re going to compete. We’re going to get better.’ I think that made everyone real comfortable because everyone’s got the same goals, and that’s winning championships.”
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 135
FLAVOLS writes:
Let's wipe it clean!
Go Vols!
byobbio writes:
second, dang
rockitwithrespect writes:
put your boots on, its time to step up
FLAVOLS writes:
Good one DC.
MrBamSeydu writes:
RUMOR MILL: Lane Kiffin is trying to recruit Matt Barkley (#1 prospect) out from under Pete Carroll, guaranteeing him the starting QB job as a freshman which Pete Carroll can't do. At USC, Sanchez still has another year and there are 2 QBs behind him that were 5* prospects.
Also, he's supposedly been calling Aaron Murray (UGA commit). I'm not sure exactly where that's going, but it's safe to assume he's got a good lead on one of these guys because he basically told Tajh Boyd he wasn't what we're looking for. Knowing what he's got to work with at UT right now, I'm sure he's got an Ace up his sleeve.
bluetick writes:
Surely Brandon Warren and Ahmad Paige will get more playing time. I got tired of those excuses Fulmer gave regarding why they wern't on the field. I'm ready for this change. Say bye bye to the seniority rules approach and all the other excuses.
bluetick writes:
If your other name is dfreeman I'm listening, but if not forget it.
memvol writes:
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
VolSkins writes:
this is funny.....
TommyJack writes:
Exactly, tick. And don't call me surely.
vol4good#206163 writes:
Wow, I guess I am still in shock--but Kiffin seems to care more about the "team" than he does about the individual players. If he isnt carefull, he could start winning big games around here. Hope he gets Barkley!
thesavageorange writes:
DCflorida ,
I actually hope some are not comfortable w/ him.Guys like Reviez who don't have all the talent in the world , but "work their tails off"(in honor of CPF) love it.They will push those talented guys who have half reared it to the limit.The ones comfortable w/ him are ready to go to work.Being a UF guy I don't know if you know what I do, but a lot of the players are getting together for individual (offseason)workouts together to prepare for Kiffin's high tempo vigorous workouts.This isn't totally unusual,but the amount involved is.He has also put certain players on notice.
Ala Saban/Meyer upon their arrival.
It will be interesting to see if Guys like Gerald Williams, Chris Donald, and Gerald Williams respond.We are talented, just not unified.Guys like Berry don't look at things like what Kiff said like "does he know who I am".He looks at it as I am going to push everyone to get better, "I want to win".It's about a team attitude.
joshvols writes:
what do you mean out of respect for coach Carrol? to heck with every coach thats not wearin bleached orange!
thesavageorange writes:
TommyJack ,I guess my job has been taken.Oh well, I guess I'll just quit.lol!
bluetick writes:
WORD!
murrayvol writes:
Don't quit savage. Compete. With just a little extra effort you can be #1 again. :)
thesavageorange writes:
DC,
He's taking on the attitude of the guys that have, and will dominate this conference.A lot of people hate Saban and UM.I don't hate either.Do I like them, nope.Why?Cuz their that damn good.There are only 2 coaches who would have told a 4* QB your not good enough and one of them is Kiffin.Guess the other 2.I just hope Kiffin becomes as hated.Nobody hates someone non threatening.
The 2 most hated b-ball coaches in the SEC are Donovan and Pearl.There is a reason.
TommyJack writes:
No it hasn't. Those that know, know. Stay the course. :) You still da man.
BTW, when you say certain guys have been put on notice...you mean like, gain weight, lose weight, bench more, what?
BillsBrother writes:
I bet a few of us need to be put on notice in regards to losing weight and benching more ;-)
my 40 time has dropped a bit....
thesavageorange writes:
Watch for Terrance Coleman recent decommit from Auburn.We really made a move after he committed to AU.He was seriously wavering anyway, but watch the rush.Tubs put it over the top.We were #2 at one point.Also watch Raynard Randolph DT from MD.He was told by Chavis he would be a OL.Not Kiff.It's open.Also watch Josh Boyd from Mississippi.IMO, he will de-comitt and we were also #2 @ one point.Watch Kiffin make a push.He dropped Boyd for a reason.He doesn't think that the remaining offensive players are as necessary as defense.
I also got an interesting e-mail response from a JUCo that said "I am very intrigued".A good one.
TommyJack writes:
I got put on notice a long time ago...to no avail. I can drive the 40 in my old truck in 4.5.
BillsBrother writes:
DC, Savage; I do beleive the attitude you are describing is what made LK so attractive to Hamilton. MH did not want to hire 8-9 wins a year with an occasional championship caliber season. Many coaches know the x's and o's. It appears that young Mr Kiffin also has many quality "intangibles".
sundiver98#346449 writes:
Eric Berry is not a starter anymore? Doesn't matter how he played last year? Thought there'd be a little respect, but this is what you guys wanted. Yeah a real genius...
thesavageorange writes:
TommyJack ,
actually more than that.Basically every school has kids under watch.He told a few "you got one shot w/ me".One was DM.I will e-mail you what he told a couple others later.It did impress some of the other guys and made an impression on the others.
TommyJack writes:
Don't be a moe-ron. Berry understands the drill.
MrBamSeydu writes:
No, my name isn't dfreeman or savage. I'm not a message board hero. I'm just doing the same thing they do. When you hear a rumor, you normally shrug it off or hope it's true. But when you hear a rumor more than a few times from a few different places, you pass it on. That is all they are doing and that is all I'm doing.
So, unless their "other name" is Lane Kiffin, then it really doesn't matter now does it?
Just watch the recruiting sites and if I'm wrong, I'm wrong. No harm, no foul. But if I'm right, I'll expect an apology. However, I won't expect you people to make me a message board hero. I'm just a fan wanting the best for my team.
gwbask writes:
it takes me that long to get into mine
TNfaninMS writes:
Savage - what makes you so sure about the kids you were talking about above? What I mean is, are they talking Tennessee or are these just rumors? Just wondering
orangecountry21 writes:
There are no primma donnas. I like it. That way when others see a guy like Berry giving 110% and not half-assing, they step up their game too.
Maverick1921 writes:
If you know there is a chance you can lose your job, you're going to work 10 times harder to keep it. Kiffin is looking for players to step up and earn spots, not have them handed to them. Berry will take that push and play at another level next year... watch and see. Oh, and did your boss respect you first, or did you have to respect him and gain his respect? Get real!
thesavageorange writes:
MrBamSeydu,
Ohh boy, here we go again.A lot of these people get e-mails from me beating volnation, scout, rivals, and gvx to the punch.I understand the scepticism b/c everybody claims a source.However, I never claimed a source.If you really know something , why do you need a source?
TJ,
when all this is said and done we ought to release the e-mail I sent around NOV 6th stating why and how LK would become HC.Don't let that one go about possible candidates either!lol!
By the way, MrBamSeydu, the dfree thing was a joke.He's cool though.
ibvolman writes:
Did you not read the article, or do you just not understand? Kiffin is creating a competitive atmosphere that has been lacking at UT since the mid 90's. Players have to prove themselves to get PT. Kiffin wont be one to play someone just because they are an upper classman. If a freshman beats out a senior, Kiffin plays the freshman.
The competitive atmosphere is also a major step to player development, which has been a serious problem at UT for the past 8 years.
BillsBrother writes:
Yeah, TJ.
I hope you save all the e-mails and publish a paperback. You can sell them at the the 2009 O/W game.
thesavageorange writes:
TNfaninMS ,
you should know by now I don't spread rumors.I tell what I think and spread facts.These are guys that we were right there w/ all along.They chose other schools, but now those that have comitted are gone.Coleman has already de-comitted.
Now yhey are looking around.UT has plenty of room especially at DT.Like I said one JUCO told me Monte makes him think.
orangecountry21 writes:
Barkely seems like the pretty boy that wouldn't leave the LA hills and lights to come to football town Knoxville.
thesavageorange writes:
BillsBrother ,
yep.Sure could.
utchris writes:
Tennessee (while in Memphis) paid a visit to see 2010 QB Barry Brunetti, who just won a State Championship with MUS. More of a dual threat QB (he does have a big arm though), but he isl more than likely being recruited as an athlete.
NoogaVol55 writes:
you're right...a better move would be to say, "Nobody is a starter except Eric Berry...everybody else must earn a spot." I am sure that would bring on team unity.
Everybody takes things so literal. I am sure that he made that comment to instill the fact that there will be no handouts. Everybody must go to work.
ibvolman writes:
Savage, what is the likelyhood of Barkley coming to UT?
OakyVol09 writes:
Savage, thanks as always for the great info. Any word on Marlon Walls? He seems to be wavering. How does one go about getting on your e-mail list? Thanks.
TommyJack writes:
Not about being a hero. We're all about the team. A couple of guys on here actually work hard at digging stuff out. I, for one, appreciate it. The more diggers the better. Be well.
thesavageorange writes:
utchris2003#250961 ,
great point.Brunnetti is very good.Kiff has already made 2010 a huge priority.I think LK is looking at him as a QB.At least at 1st.He visited him and then gave the statement to Boyd.
jturne44 writes:
you are not even using your brain are you? I hope that was a joke...you really think kiffin is benching eric berry??? come on man use your head kiffin is using his, why can't you? He is letting everybody know that half assing it and "working like heck" is not going to be tolerated...and eric berry doesn't do either of the two. Long story short, playmakers will be on the field. Why do you think florida is so sick on special teams and everywhere else? Because old (young actually) Urban Meyer takes the guys that can run and make plays and he puts them in positions where they can do that. Unlike fulmer where a freshman all american tight end at florida state doesn't see the field all year when cottam can't catch a cold...
maybe a little harsh and i'm sorry for that, but use your head man
coach75 writes:
are you the creator of the savage orange tshirt in the late 80's and early 90's? did you attend mtsu at one point in your college career?
thesavageorange writes:
ibvolman ,
sorry none.
OakyVol09 ,
send me an e-mail telling me abot youself and leave your actuall e-mail address.I will check your history.
utchris writes:
Thanks.
Brunetti has flown somewhat under the radar. I had been wondering how long it was going to take for the UT staff to court this kid. This is a school that has some strong UT boosters and I know for a fact that his name had been slid that way quite a while ago. One big push towards him apparently came from Brown.
BSweet writes:
Savage, I know you probably can't say, but I hope that JUCO is Akeem Hicks. I was really hoping we would land him. Also, how does one go about getting on your email list? I love the insider information you provide and find myself wanting more, lol. Weren't you thinking of starting a website? Let me know if you do. Thanks.
thesavageorange writes:
utchris2003#250961 ,
I really like that kid.He has a smoothness to him.Kiff has made him a priority.We really do have gems here in Tennessee.Kiff likes "it" so do I.
BSweet writes:
LOL, it seem you already answered my question for someone else.
thesavageorange writes:
BSweet ,
just send me your e-mil through GVX.I'll do some research.If its cool I'll add you to the list.I am picky though.I don't have to agree w/ peoples opinions but it is important to be honest.
I really want to get the website running, but i do run 2 businesses.1 offline 1 online.I can get it done but I need mass support.Keep the support coming.
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