ORLANDO, Fla. - Sam Montgomery isn't going to be blown away by Monte Kiffin's resume.
That's not a knock on Tennessee's new defensive coordinator and his vast experience and success in the NFL. It's just Montgomery's way of saying he's not as much a football viewer as he is a prospect determined to judge the person and not just the career.
"When I meet him, sit down and shake his hand, that will be how I feel about him in the long run," the 6-foot-4, 220-pound defensive end from Greenwood (S.C.) High School said after arriving in Orlando on Tuesday for Sunday's Under Armour All-American Game.
Montgomery already has some insight into Kiffin's coaching style. Montgomery is a friend of fellow South Carolinian defensive end Gaines Adams, who played the past two seasons for Kiffin and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a standout college career at Clemson.
That friendship, Montgomery said, should help him grasp Kiffin's system.
"I think I could pick up on it quicker," Montgomery said.
That's an absolute must for Montgomery, who ranks playing early high on the list of reasons he'll pick a school from among his final group of schools, which includes UT, South Carolina, North Carolina, Clemson, LSU, Georgia, Oregon and Michigan.
Montgomery said he sees UT's coaching change as an advantage. With no impressions made, he can be one of the first to wow Kiffin and his defensive staff.
"I see that as an opportunity to play. A new defensive coordinator is coming in and doesn't know anybody," Montgomery said. "That means I could play early."
Montgomery is definitely feeling wanted by the Vols.
"I'm hearing from them a lot," he said. "They really want me to be a part of their defense. (UT head) Coach (Lane) Kiffin wants to talk to me and get to know me better and I want to get to know him better."
Montgomery is an unusual case. Amidst a group of all-stars here who have spent most of their lives dedicated to football, Montgomery just finished his second season of play.
The inexperience hasn't dampened his confidence. That's evident by asking him about his goals this week.
"Try to win the skills challenge and just be overall dominant," Montgomery said.
He said he'll take official visits to UT, North Carolina, Oregon, Michigan and LSU. He said he's also considering South Carolina and Clemson.
More importantly for the Vols, Montgomery is one of those rare elite prospects who appears truly open on his college decision this late in his recruitment.
"I'm still looking, still got my five official visits to go to," he said. "Right now I'm just having fun and chillin'. Just waiting to see what happens and staying humble.
"There ain't no rush."
Schedule: The Under Armour All-Americans will begin practice on Wednesday at the Disney Wide World of Sports. Practice will also be held there on Thursday and Friday.
The Burger King All-America Skills Challenge will be Friday afternoon and air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m.
The Under Armour All-American Game will be Sunday at 8 p.m. and televised on ESPN.
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Comments » 59
ctownvol writes:
Puff puff pass Dave.
beatlecakes writes:
I still remember the Armour Bowl when a NC QB announced his decision to come to UT and several other followed...things did not turn out great a couple of years later. I think we are two years from really busting out and being the UT of the 21st Century. Young, aggressive coach with a weathered pappy watching over his decisions. Hollywood would not write this script because no one would believe it. After things get so rancid that you want to wet your pants you wait and magically three years from now, we will be number one in incoming freshmen (two years running) and the new Cinderella story of the SEC/nation. Mark my words, change is here and it is in the form of two Kiffins! Long live the Vols, long live Monte and company...
T_VOLZ writes:
sounds like we might have a shot with this kid
bluetick writes:
If you aint chokin' you aint tokin'. :)
I'll be anxious to watch this game and the skills challenge too. So many of these guys think they can walk on water but only end up being mediocre at best. Nothing wrong with being confident but pleeeeeeeeeeease! Waiting for the last day to commit so the spotlight is all on them only to get to college and be second and third string. Dominique Robinson who went to FSU has always stuck in my mind. Rouse? another who went to FSU ( who thought he could go to the NFL right out of High School) and now at some Div lllA or something.
I hope he is as good as he makes himself out to be and that we get him. My favorite type players are the Eric Berry's of the college football scene. Don't say much and don't set themselves on a pedestal but instead just go out there and do what they need to do. Eric Berries > Dingleberries. :)
yeavols#228407 writes:
RIght on Bluetick
T_VOLZ writes:
Yeah we need a football team of eric berry clones
joshvols writes:
ben martin, chris walker, plus this kid? that's some really good speed coming off the edge. it's been too long since we've had those kind of athletes at defensive end
NoogaVol55 writes:
I know this is random but I had to share
I found out who Bama987 really is...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBZUaY...
Nothing but love Bama987!!!
bluetick writes:
For most of these dudes it is a 'wait and see' approach and you know it. Just because they are good in HS doesn't mean they will be good in College. The only thing anybody has to go by are the rankings and evaluations of tapes sent in by them or their coaches. Robert Meacham was a great HS receiver and didn't live up to his hype until his final season. Not sure how well he is doing now in the NFL.
Just because you are good in College doesn't mean you will do well in the pros. (Kelly Washington aka 'The Future') Future bench warmer is what he was. It is all just 'wait and see'. That's why I don't get all hyped up anymore over certain recruits until you see them on the field. Unfortunately for most of the Fulmer era we didn't get to see most of the 'fresh' HS players because in his opinion they weren't mature enough or whatever :-j. I'll take what we can get to be honest and just wait and see how they turn out.
blitzshoot writes:
Sounds like a good recruit. I trust Kiffin and Kiffin.
orangevolz writes:
What's wrong with you? People like you complain when you don't get news, and you complain when you do get news. Hooker is giving us some insight on a potential recruit. If you don't want recruiting news, read the classifieds.
newtonrail writes:
I assume you are referring to Jonathan Crompton, since he's the only QB out of NC since Schuler. He went to U S Army Game in San Antonio, and not this one. Maybe you need to toke another one. BTW, Crompton will be your starting QB next year, if we have any kind of QB coach. Bank on it.
orangevolz writes:
Huh!! Robert Meachem had some injuries at UT, but he was still a stud for his entire time, not just his last year. He lived up to all his hype and more.
bluetick writes:
A 'stud' for his entire tenure? Look up the statistics and then come back and tell me he lived up to his potential. I could find many who DIDN'T live up to their potential but don't want to do the research now. You get my point. And NO, Robert didn't live up to his potential at UT until his final season as a Jr btw and that is when he went pro...if you remember.
cobbwebb writes:
oj owens comes to mind,a safety, from new jersey i think. this kid was supposed to be the next l.t.
cobbwebb writes:
maybe the biggest disappointment ever was micheal munoz, or maybe j train davis ! i know munoz' problem was probably due to injuries, but still a bust imo!
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
I guess so, you have fingered the pig for what it is, you've got to see it to believe it!! And I believe it!
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
OK, just who is it that we didn't see? Dante Stallworth? Jason Witten? Peyton Manning? Any big stud running backs? Jamal Lewis? Just who didn't we play as freshmen where we cheated ourselves? Come on, please put your money where your big fat mouth is!!
Southpaw_Vol writes:
That was hilarious! That guy should have been wearing a Bear Bryant hat. That would have made it even better. I guess the way Bama has been playing for the past 15 years, up until this year, all Bama fans needed to do some "base'n" just to get through the football season! lol
BY_HIS_WOUNDS_WE_ARE_HEALED writes:
1ST! I RIDE THE SHORT BUS TO SCHOOL!
MemphisVol1485 writes:
Hey I know this is not a defensive topic but Chris Low just posted this on ESPN.
New Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin has zeroed in on St. Louis Rams assistant and former Purdue offensive coordinator Jim Chaney to become the Vols' offensive coordinator/offensive line coach.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec/0-3-16...
Does anyone know anything more about him?
jimr07 writes:
we appreciate your effort, but who cares.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Anyone notice the "UT coaching change is an advantage"?
Going to be interesting come signing day.
Hopson2008 writes:
Ok, let me get this straight. A 220 lb DE that has only played football for 2 years and his main concern is early playing time at the likes of UT, Clemson, LSU, GA, etc. This kid is delusions of grandeur. Still hope we get him though.
iwilbeafan writes:
Why do you get so mad when someone dosen't agree with your opinion? The guy even gave examples when you fell do so. If you can not take the heat please get out of the blog.
HtownVol writes:
I have to say that Meecham did live up. He was always w threat for us. Everyone knew he was the #1 out of him, Smith, Swain. He did just have too many injuries. Look out as good as that 3some was I think if we get them that Stokes,Green and Marlon Brown can be better. I really want us to get these 3 more than any other recruits b/c they will make our "QBs" look better.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Good search on that Memphis..This story appears to be more accurate. There are no reports from other sources other than the one published at LSU that Orgeron is going there. It is reported that his family does want to stay in Louisiana. I only know Orgeron when he was a coach at Ole Miss. Don't know anything on Jim Chaney. Probably do a search though.
lomas98 writes:
Just another example of a recruit looking at us because of a coaching change. As long as Kiffin proves it on the field, this will be a normal thing. It is nice to at least get looks from these guys now. It is amazing that Carroll is now not even a solid commitment to USC. Doesn't mean he will come to UT, but he is looking. We may suffer through a 7 win season next year, but the groundwork is starting. Maybe we can look like a real football team again.
Ironcity writes:
He started all four years and made all SEC. I wouldn't call him a bust.
SignalMtnVol writes:
I'm still laughing about that!! Loved the jacket and 'burns!
alwaysorange81 writes:
its because of the way people like tennessee vols or whatever that persons name is answer others posts. Its always venom and name calling "big fat mouth" REALLY? was that necessary? That being said I have to agree that favorites played. Can anyone name a freshman or sophomore that started over a senior or junior that had started for more than one season? Pretty sure A.J. Green and Julio Jones were starting over seniors, and someone was starting at those schools before those guys got there. They wouldnt have been starting at UT if they came here this year and thats why there not here. Now please name a fresh or soph that didnt start solely because of need. Big fat mouth. GoVols.
SignalMtnVol writes:
Kiffin's after Chaney? Seems kind of odd to me, since Purdue actually kind of "Invented" the spread under Joe Tiller around '97 or so, and Chaney spent all of his OC time at Purdue. Not quite the pro set offense that Kiffin wants to run. But, I would guess that even from a pro set O, you'll still see spread type formations from time to time.
SemperVol writes:
Jim Chaney Bio (Purdue):
http://purduesports.cstv.com/sports/m...
Jim Chaney Bio (Rams):
http://www.stlouisrams.com/Team/Coach...
(The guy has lost some serious weight since his Boilermaker days)
SignalMtnVol... is he really a Spread O guy? If he'll oversee offensive line duties also, then what will James Cregg do? Or maybe Chaney will coach tight ends and VolQuest is wrong... though they rarely are.
alwaysorange81 writes:
I think the word "spread" offense is more an invention to have something after "west coast" than anything else. I can understand spread option because it uses option philosophies with multiple receiver sets, something not really done before. But calling something the "spread" just because it sets out four wide is kind of a stretch. And who "invented" the spread? Ive heard about twenty different coaches at 10 different schools get the credit. last I heard tony franklin had something to do with it.
alwaysorange81 writes:
nice bio expat
givehim6 writes:
Amen Bluetick, the kid sounds a bit full of himself to me also. If thay could all be like Berry instead of drama kings.
alwaysorange81 writes:
haha and here I thought you were researching and such. Still nice to read real news. thanx anyway.
PasadenaVol writes:
Great news from a great former player!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/st...
SignalMtnVol writes:
I'm not sure, but maybe OC? I don't know that Chaney is a "true" spread O guy, just know about his time at Purdue with Joe Tiller, who is one of the coaches credited for introducing the spread to CFB.
SignalMtnVol writes:
Mayo deserves every bit of the recognition. How many players record 128 tackles, with 100 of 'em solo, in their rookie campaign? Congrats to Mayo!
SemperVol writes:
College could not contain Mayo. Much like EB, a pure stud among some-what duds.
Good news, thanks Pasadena.
SemperVol writes:
Signal,
This might also mean that Billy Gonzales probably won't venture to Knoxville. Think the only move he wanted to make would be into the OC seat somewhere.
I thought Kiffin was going to perform the OC duties this year and then pass it off to someone maybe next year. Could be wrong about this... I've slept too many times between the last time I read that and now.
SemperVol writes:
TENNESSEE POTENTIAL SECONDARY COACH JIMMY LAKE.....
Colletto Jimmy Lake comes to Detroit after two seasons (2006-07) as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ assistant defensive backs coach. In his first season with the Buccaneers, he coached alongside Lions defensive coordinator Joe Barry (linebackers) and made an impact with a secondary led by CB Ronde Barber, who made his fourth Pro Bowl appearance in 2006.
Just before joining the NFL coaching ranks, Lake spent one season as the secondary coach at Montana State and helped the Bobcats finish 2005 as the Big Sky conference’s top ranked defense. The secondary allowed a conference-low 165.6 yards per game through the air and the team’s multiple coverage schemes helped the defense total 26 sacks which was the third most in the Big Sky.
Prior to his appointment at Montana State, Lake coached cornerbacks and nickel backs at the University of Washington in 2004. The Huskies secondary ranked first in the Pac-10 and 17th in the nation in pass defense during that season.
Lake also worked as the secondary coach at his alma mater, Eastern Washington, from 2000-03 after serving as an undergraduate assistant in 1999. As a standout strong safety for the Eagles from 1995-98, he earned All-Big Sky Academic honors and honorable mention accolades as a senior. Lake graduated from Eastern Washington in 2000 with a degree in
From the following link:
http://www.detroitlions.com/document_...
Go4Two writes:
If you look around C football you will find most Freshman sitting on the bench. At times you will find a few special players that can play at a championship level. Eric Berry, Peyton, Bo, H. Walker.
SignalMtnVol writes:
From what little I gather, Kiffin will be calling all of his own plays, but he will have an OC, ala Mike Gundy. I have a feeling that the OC will be sitting in the skybox feeding Kiffin D formations, and recommendations on play calling depending on what he notices from the D.
But then again, you know what they say about assuming.
I wouldn't mind getting Gonzales, but I think that Meyer may be dangling the Florida OC job in front of him now that Mullen is gone.
SemperVol writes:
Yea, Kiffin will call his own plays and I think that's why he didn't go after a big name OC.
I think I remember reading VolQuest's Monday Morning Chatter and it noted that Billy Gonzales did not get that OC job at Florida.
From Brent Hubbs:
"Gonzales keeps telling people that he is not interested in leaving, but he also didn’t get the offensive coordinators job."
This is all very interesting.
JTinCharlotte writes:
Off Topic.....Jerod Mayo named Defensive rookie of the year.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/134/...
FWBVol writes:
Meachem didn't stick around for his senior year. He left after his redshirt junior season. Not knocking him for doing so, but just stating the facts.
FWBVol writes:
The Tennessean is reporting there will be a press conference officially introducing Monte at UT on Friday. It will be good to get him in house in time to take the recruiting test and help pull the class together. I bet Monte scores better on the test than Stevie Boy too.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Maybe we should change coaches every year so the high school kids will think they have a better chance of playing since no one knows any of the players?
I'm not sure I get your point?
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