It took a basketball game to show Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer just how good E.J. Abrams-Ward can be.
The 2008 UT signee showcased his skills and attitude when Fulmer attended one of Abrams-Ward's basketball games for Thomasville (N.C) High School last month.
"I knew he was a good athlete from the tape," Fulmer said Wednesday. "But I had no idea until I watched him play basketball just how good of an athlete he really was. He was playing over the rim."
Fulmer said he was most impressed by the 6-foot-5, 209-pound receiver when he was undercut with about five minutes left in the game.
"The next five minutes, when he got the basketball, he was playing with that kind of intensity," Fulmer said. "He was playing like you want him to play. I liked that five-minute stretch."
Abrams-Ward, who signed with the Vols on Wednesday after also considering North Carolina, plans to play football and basketball at UT. Fulmer said Bruce Pearl has given the OK for Abrams-Ward to play basketball as long as it doesn't interfere with his academic work or football.
UT midterm enrollee Austin Johnson had already seen the athleticism of Abrams-Ward when the two were teammates in the East-West Shrine Bowl in December.
Johnson said he put a lot of pressure on Abrams-Ward, as well as Columbia, S.C,, offensive lineman Kenneth Page, to sign with UT. Page listed the Vols as a finalist but signed with Clemson.
Still, Johnson's efforts weren't a complete failure.
"It worked with E.J. so I was happy with that," said Johnson, a linebacker from Hickory (N.C.) High.
Johnson said he and Abrams-Ward struck up a friendship during their week preparing for the Shrine Bowl.
Did that relationship have a positive influence on Abrams-Ward's final decision?
"I think so," Johnson said.
It was that kind of relationship that helped Abrams-Ward decide UT was the school for him.
Abrams-Ward said he saw that same atmosphere when he took an official visit to Knoxville on Jan. 18.
"It was a big deal," said Abrams-Ward. "I'm coming from a small town where the only thing basically you have is your family. I don't want to be out there by myself just playing football and that's that."
Abrams-Ward said he was caught off guard by the closeness of the players and coaching staff at UT, but he was happy to see it.
"An SEC team, you think it's just live, eat, breathe football and that's it," he said. "But when I came out there, guys are closer than I thought."
Now Abrams-Ward will focus on fitting in with the players on and off the field.
He said he wants to make an impact with UT's deep receiving corps, but he doesn't expect it to happen immediately.
"I know I'm not going to come straight in and just take over," he said. "They've got great wideouts there."
But that doesn't mean Abrams-Ward is short on confidence. He's already comparing himself to former UT receiver Robert Meachem.
"A tall guy out there going to make plays and win games for Tennessee," Abrams-Ward said.
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Comments » 30
wesw33z#667083 writes:
excited to see what this guy can do
GIVEHIMSIX writes:
Unlike many of our commits, Abrams-Ward is a prospect that has NFL potential. This kid looks dominating in every position he plays as well as basketball. He could be a physical WR that stretches the field. I'm excited to see EJ coming to UT.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Everyone who is bashing this class of players who are ready to "give their all for TN" should just stop reading and go cut the grass or paint the fence or whatever it is you want to do.
I am excited about EJ and all the other players. Recruiting is a phooey shoot. Let's congratulate those who have chosen UT and get ready for August!
hdhurst writes:
Statistically speaking, this guy has the physical attributes to be a stud player. But, what even makes me more excited it the intensity he brings to the table. I hope this translates into a great work ethic. It is sad to see good athletes come through the program and not live up to their potential. Many naysayers want to blame the coaching staff for the perceived "lack of development," but let's face it...if a kid wants to take it to the next level, it takes committment and attitude (which comes from inside). I believe Abrams-Ward has this potential.
Welcome aboard EJ...GO VOLS!!
writer#358485 writes:
One of the things that never ceases to amaze me is how so many people today get their "lives" from the media. They are upset because the "media" doesn't rank this recruiting class very high. They attack the professionals in this field--our coaches--based on what the media tells them. I have a newsflash for all the nay-sayers. The media knows far less about this than the people who earn their living doing it. "Media expert" is an oxymoron. I know, I worked in the media for many years and had broad knowledge in many fields--but that knowledge wasn't nearly as deep as the people who worked full-time in those fields. The media dominates our society, likely to its ultimate destruction. You make a serious mistake if you allow it to dominate your life or beliefs--or believe they, or you, are "experts." Go Vols!
NatiVol writes:
I think those of us who post on here love UT, and mostly sports. This is a football school at the core and we have high expectations. We have become accustom to top 10, 5 or 3 recruiting classes. This is a "down" year in that accept. For everyone who is complaining about this class and you also wanted Cutcliffe gone, stop. This class being weak according to UT standards has a lot to do with you getting your wish, it is obvious we took a hit because of coaching changes. We can look forward to new days ahead at UT, and this will be the low point in recruiting. The staff will grow together and I think the change in offense system will be good for the program and the fans, kind of breath new life. But loosing Taylor and Cut is directly related to the lower rankings in recruiting.
Volsrbest writes:
Everyone wants to grade the recruiting classes coming in the door. The true grade is in how well they progress and the results they achieve. You want to bash this group of recruits as weak based on some so-called "experts" rating them. What are you going to do if this group has a huge impact on winning a NC in a couple years? You're going to be hypocrites that's what. You're going to be happier than a pig in slop and praising these young men. You're going to forget that a couple years earlier you said it was the worst recruiting class in many years.
Get over it folks! Either you support the program with a team approach or you don't. You're either a true Tennessee Vol Fan or you're just miserable and want to find anything negative possible that you can complain about. You're not going to build a winning team by telling the players they are mediocre.
Be positive! Be a true VOL!
cjraney writes:
H1Gator--Thanks for sharing. I'm sure that's the case for many recruits we were pursuing but no one ever gets them all [although UF and Bammer came close this year]. Congrats on your great signing class.
If UT were not on the top recruits' short lists I would be concerned. However, we still are and this just wasn't our year with the top rated players. This ship isn't sinking-----------Go Vols!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
EJ plays in an area covered by my local media and they just love this guy. They showed a clip of his signing on the local TV news. I haven't seen him play but he makes a good impression when interviewed. I wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be the biggest "get" of this class. He seems to have the ability, the drive, and the character of a real star and leader.
rootin4volz writes:
Amen nicksjuzunk...All of these bozos that are posting the negative phooey about this class obviously believe everything they read on scout.com and rivals.com. Suckers.
jdcdjc#246285 writes:
It's fine to fit in but be careful who you fit in with off the field. We have seen recently what some of the guys do off the campus. Lot's of luck and work hard. Make us proud and we will back you all the way.
UTByrd writes:
On the average, about half of 5 star recruits retain that grade after 3 or 4 years of college. The other half grade out a 3 star or less. I'm sure that there are several 2 and 3 star recruits grade out much higher after their college career is over. I believe most ratings are based on athletic achievement. Do they take into account academic achievement, team first attitude and work ethic. You are not a 5 star in my book if you don't meet these 4 criteria. There are a few schools that consistently sign 4 & 5 star athletes who don't win national championships every year. Take a look at Fla, FSU, Miami, Ohio State, etc. Where is Maurice Clarett? Many schools in a down year can promise playing time to incoming freshmen to attract them to their program. Some of these players are not ready for prime time and can get their ego and confidence bruised beyond repair. It is a rare athlete than can come in as a freshman and make an impact. I believe our class of recruits are much more than decent and will be a big help to UT. To our recruits: study hard, work hard, play hard, and make us proud to be Volunteers. P.S. Don't let off the field incidents embarass yourselves, UT, and the great state of Tennessee. GO VOLS!!!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Appear Abrams and Walls are the class of this class. Wilks has potential. Wish them all the best. We need them badly.
ggriggs939#223122 writes:
Everyone seems to have concluded that Cutcliffe is a GREAT coach. Other coaches have also been considered to be in that class, but look at the talent they had to work with. Some are considered to be great recruiters as well, but look at where they are when they were recruiting. We have had experience with a former coach who was thought and expected to be a GREAT coach and recruiter, but it turned out he was neither.
Cutcliffe did not have the Tennessee tradition at Ole Miss and had mostly average players to work with and posted a fair record against mid- to low-
level competition. Lets see what he does at Duke in coaching and recruiting, if he is allowed to stay long enough to have his own team.
I believe most anyone could be a good recruiter at Duke or NC in basketball, but football is another matter. We have seen that tons of money is involved and some schools have to abide by stricter standards than others else the local hyenas (need to quit degrading birddogs)
will turn them in.
Hunter writes:
We are the Mitt Romney of recruiting - second on everybody's list!
volinSmyrna writes:
I cannot wait to see Abrams-Ward and Wilks at wide-out for UT!!! Those two guys are the physical presence at Receiver that we lacked last year. Did we have 1 receiver over 180 pounds? Now we have two at 200 lbs that can run. GO VOLS!!!!
volinSmyrna writes:
Yes, I know we didn't get the DT's that we wanted, but that does not mean we can't be happy with those that chose to come play here.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Good article, good times ahead for the Vols.
mgraham65 writes:
The University of Tennessee has a great program, a storied history, a wonderful campus and a myriad of other positive aspects. Even with having a revamped offensive coaching staff, it appears that we will have an outstanding leadership group to instruct and mold these young men. Although they aren't necessarily "ranked" by the gurus at the top of the recruiting classes, I hold out hope that the coaches will be successful in shaping these kids into a fine football team.
Many of the people who circle these blogs like vultures and constantly dump on Coach Fulmer, his staff and the current program can hold yourselves at least partially responsible for the rankings of this year's class. Each time a recruit goes onto a message board and sees the negativity that a program's OWN SO-CALLED FANS flood the site with, including the derogatory remarks and defaming comments, it is obviously going to create an unattractive environment for the kid.
With all that being said, I acknowledge that there have been several issues that have plagued the program over the past month or so. I don't see through rose-colored glasses. Each of these issues has not really been a direct reflection of the coaches themselves, but has resulted in the questioning of the character of a few of the players. In response to these issues, I believe that Coach Fulmer has taken positive steps towards holding them responsible, by administering in-house punishments (running at 6AM, etc.) and community service assignments, with the possibility of suspension or even termination of scholarships at stake as well.
Now, could the repercussions have been more severe? Sure. They certainly COULD have been. No, I don't believe proper steps were taken to handle disciplinary issues in several past incidents (prior to those that have occurred just recently). However, I think that the staff has redirected it's focus and is on the right path to making sure the players are aware of what is expected of them and what repercussions they might face if they don't live up to them. I trust the coaches are aware of the same standards that are placed on them.
***cont'd***
mgraham65 writes:
I believe, and I think others would agree, that the team will survive and is destined for very good things in the near future. For example, the main piece of the offense that will have to be replaced next season is the quarterback, while there is also a need for a tight end. Jonathan Crompton (for all of you recruiting gurus) was one of the top QB's in the nation when coming out of high school. He's got the cannon arm and good mobility, a luxury we didn't have in 2007. Crompton really only lacks the recent game experience that you might look for in a starter. At tight end, we have Brandon Warren (potentially) and Jeff Cottam that will fill in nicely.
Defensively, yes, we have some big holes to fill up front and, admittedly, didn't get that addressed in this class. Gerald Williams looks like the only true answer to that D-line question and I really can't defend that one. So yeah, the D-line concerns even me. Sometimes you whiff. But try to look at what we DO have. Try to have some sort of positive words to say. Recruits do pay attention to this stuff.
Defensive backs - VERY SOLID
Linebackers - good experience - very good
No worries at either of those units.
Even at the defensive line positions we have some experience there. Ben Martin got PT and showed some positive flashes. Dan Williams played impressively. Chris Walker - we haven't gotten to see him much, but where was he ranked coming out of high school?
Look, the point is, we have good talent over there. Am I disappointed that it doesn't seem we bettered ourselves through this recruiting class? You bet I am. Do I think that it is at all possible that these message boards and websites that UT fans... err... followers, flood with blind statements about "the demise of the Tennessee football program" adversely affected the recruiting class? Absolutely. Do I think that we should be leaving a Ryder truck in front of a house somewhere in Blount County for the coach to pack his stuff up? People, we are fresh off of an eleven-win season and SEC Championship appearance. C'mon. Let the man do his job. Give him a chance to succeed without death threats to his staff or their families, or constant harassment about his personal appearance. I'm really surprised, at times; he would WANT to stay here.
Never mind the prospect of playing for Coach Fulmer or his staff. With the negative cloud some UT followers have cast over this program, the persistent destructive criticism at the very slightest indication of opportunity, along with the unfailing degradation of the kids and their talents, ask yourselves this - why would anyone want to play for YOU?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Ole TDTn- Dupree came by the house and borrowed a hund. Said something about getting bolotic roids and gettin' bigger. Keep an eye on him if you don't mind. Mumbled something about being a DE for big Phil.
He got a bad job review at Halls w-Mart. Could only push 5 carts at a time.
filmjr#558361 writes:
I just can't for the life of me figure why folks are so infatuated with the number of stars by recruits' names. For every Eric Berry and Tim Tebow (who certainly seem to be worth every star) there's a Demonte Bolden and Brock Berlin.
Give me Al Wilson, Travis Stephens and Jason Witten, and you can have just about any 5* guy you want.
At any rate, we'll see how well the new staff can develop raw talent, yeah?
kiddtigger#228291 writes:
Just remember 2005. A great recruiting class and ranked high preseason. So you can't judge until they hit the field.
mgdchvol writes:
mgrahm.......I agree!!!
hueypilot writes:
The level of negativity toward Fulmer correlated markedly with the site going free. You can dog cuss me all you want, but it was amazing how much a measley 40 bucks tempered the level of comment. I know, I know, you can't go back to the "good old days," but I'd be willing to try another site, with a fee perhaps that would more suit my taste. I can't imagine I'm alone in thinking that the level of criticism (calling Fulmer an imbecile, for example) has gotten just plain stupid. If, in fact, the level of vitriol has influenced any recruits, then we'd have an example of "fans" actually hurting the program they claim to support.
drwfocus writes:
Well said hueypilot. When I speak with my associates I always say it is OK to complain as long as you have a suggested solution. I see very little of that on this site, i.e., replace Fulmer with who, realistically? and what would they do different to achive the desired objectives. Why is the spread the ultimate offensive solution? etc., etc., etc.... as to your last point didn't we have a recruit we lost (I think to NC) say just that?
mgdchvol writes:
We should take it upon ourselves to use this and other sites available to us to help these young men understand what it means to be a VOL. Negativity has never accomplished anything.
Madkels writes:
After watching signing day on ESPNU, I was amazed at the ego's some of these kids have already. Fla, Bama, etc can have 'em. I'll take the kids who are growing, want to learn, and be part of a team. Let the 5*'s go elsewhere when its all about "I". Many were the "hot dog" in high school but now have to deal with coaches making millions, other players competing for there spot, and the pressure to maintain good grades. Many won't be able to balance it all. Go vols!
ballewville6 writes:
I KNOW WE DIDNT GET A TOP RECRUITING CLASS BUT WITH OUR DB AND LINEBACKERS THEY ARE GOOD AND OUR D LINE WONT HAVE MUCH IF ANY DEPTH BUT I THINK THEY WILL BE BETTERWITH GERALD WILLIAMS,DAN WILLIAMS,BEN MARTIN AND THE OTHERS,AND ON OFFENSE WE HAVE A GREAT O-LINE AND HAVE GOOD BACKS AND RECIEVERS SO IF CROMPTON OR COLMAN OR WHOEVER PLAYS GOOD AT QB, WE SHOULD WIN 9 OR 10 GAMES STILL, THEN NEXT YEAR WE SHOULD GET A TOP 5 RECRUITING CLASS AGAIN,AND SHOULD BE ALRIGHT.WE SHOULD BE HUNTING TOP DE AND DT FOR THE CLASS OF 2009,I VERY EXCIETED ABOUT OUR NEW COACHES BECAUSE THE LAST 6 YEARS OR SO I KNEW WHAT UT WAS GOING TO RUN WHEN THEY LINED UP BECAUSE SANDERS AND CUTCLIFF WERE PREDICTABLE THAT IS WHY OUR RUNNING GAME HAS WENT FROM GETTING 200 PLUS A GAME RUSHING TO JUST AROUND A HUNDRED ,WE WILL BECOME ONE OF THE BEST RUSHING TEAMS IN SEC AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE COACHING CHANGE,BUT CROMPTON HAS TO PLAY WELL,WE COULD AVERAGE OVER 200 A GAME RUNNING AND PASSING AGAIN LIKE SEVERAL YEARS AGO BEFORE EVRYONE KNEW WHAT WAS GOING ON BY THE WAY WE LINED UP
birddogtails#1349595 writes:
New poster here!
About Ward from Thomasville,NC. I live 12 miles from the Thomasville. Yes a 1A program. It's big news if they lose the state and no news when they do. Good program -- good coaching. Plays 4A schools on their field and runs them their own field. Got see Ward over the years play.
UNC is crying baby blue tears. Ward was the quarterback of state winning champs. Ward never played wide reciever. Never throw the ball much, if they did they would never get to run the offense. Score too quickly.
Ward is clearly the best athelte on the field. Quick but do not know about his speed. Hands look pretty good.
Why UT over UNC? Basketball! Confused? He has a jump shot too! anybody got Pearl's e-mail addy?
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