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Adams: UT’s ’07 freshmen a special group
Freshman safety Eric Berry is the object of celebration by Tennessee’s young secondary following Berry’s 47-yard fumble return against South Carolina on Oct. 28 at Neyland Stadium.
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Tennessee’s 2008 recruiting class got all the attention this week. But the 2007 recruiting class will step to the forefront this fall.
Never mind that UT’s most recent class didn’t dazzle the recruiting services. Last year’s class already has flashed its potential on the field.
And there’s more to come.
Until a few weeks ago, my impression of the 2007 class was based solely on what I saw on the field. When the freshmen were finally allowed to interview a few weeks ago, I was further impressed.
These guys have an attitude — a good attitude. The confidence, competitive nature and passion for the game were evident in every interview.
Anyone can talk a good game, but the class also has a track record on the field. The combination is appealing.
Three-fourths of next season’s secondary — strong safety Eric Berry, and cornerbacks Brent Vinson and Dennis Rogan — could come from that recruiting class. So could a much-needed pass rusher in Ben Martin.
You saw just enough of Gerald Jones as a freshman to project him as a playmaker at wide receiver or at quarterback in UT’s “G-Gun” package. Wide receiver Denarius Moore also played as a true freshman, as did Lennon Creer, who could give UT the breakaway threat at tailback it lost when LaMarcus Coker was dismissed from the team last fall.
Berry quickly established himself as the leader of the class. He not only started right away, he achieved his goal of making freshman All-American.
Other members of this class have high expectations as well.
Creer plans on challenging veteran tailback Arian Foster for the starting job this spring. Martin said coach Phillip Fulmer told him he and classmate Chris Walker have the potential to become two of UT’s best defensive ends. He sounded ready to start proving that.
You also get a sense of camaraderie among this class. They’re big-time fans of each other.
“We all work together in the weight room,” Berry said. “(His freshman classmates) are talented and work hard.”
Berry emphasizes that Vinson’s athletic talent transcends football.
“He (Vinson) can run with the best,” Berry said. “He could go out right now and start for the (Tennessee) basketball team.
Berry later amended that to say Vinson could compete for a starting position on UT’s seventh-ranked basketball team.
“He shoots, he rebounds, he dunks,” Berry said. “That kid can really jump.
“When we went down to Tampa (for the Outback Bowl), he (Vinson) was playing against one of the starters on the (University of Tampa) basketball team. He smashed him.”
When asked, Vinson provided details.
“I said, ‘I bet I could beat you one-on-one,’ ” said Vinson, who played on an AAU team with UT basketball player Duke Crews. “He was kind of beating me (at first,) but I had no socks on.
“I went and switched and put my shoes on. I dunked on him a couple of times.
“It was a friendly game, but I wanted to challenge him. Eric and I challenge each other, and we’re roommates.”
Berry and Vinson faced plenty of challenges last fall. They talk as freely about their failures as their successes.
Berry describes in great detail how he got beat for a touchdown in the SEC championship game. He also said he gave up a touchdown pass and another big play against Florida, although most UT fans remember him for his interception return for a touchdown against the Gators.
Ask Vinson about the best players he faced as a freshman, and he’s quick to tell you about his collision with LSU running back Jacob Hester in the SEC championship game.
“He ran me over,” said Vinson, shaking his head. “But I got right back up and kept playing.”
See what I mean about the attitude?
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by GerryOP on February 9, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds good! I guess we will start seeing how good it is in another month or two. I hope the coaching complements what appears to be a great attitude and some natural talent. Coach 'em up and let 'em play!
Posted by volunteers4life on February 9, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let the rest of the country see how well these freshmen have improved and have been developed by our coaching staff and next year's recruiting class should be ranked much higher.
Go Vols!!!
Posted by nivatne on February 9, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am really looking foward to next year. Personally, I would love nothing more than to see Martin and Donald come crashing from the ends and meeting in the middle of the backfield to create a Tebow sandwich. Speaking of DE's, does anyone know if Brimmfield, Hall, Sykes, etc. will be academically qualified to play next year? And was it Langley that left the team to play for like Lousiania-Lafayette or some ofther Lousiania team?
Posted by chipper10 on February 9, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Run the ball, and stop the run, pressure the QB, tackle well. It is as simple as that. Do that and everyone will think Fulmer is a genius. It always goes back to the fundamentals. The Giants are a great example.
Posted by volunteer_cowboy on February 9, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OL still unsigned: bobby massie, scott mcnichols, teavis durgin, james francis, ryan benzik and joe semple and on the DL: teddy dargin, dion foster, john michael bryant, kyle thomas, malcom jefferies, chris enos, herman marshall, aterio arnold, jonathon browning(lb) so could we not sign none of these kids?
Posted by VOLinDAWGland on February 9, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems that we either don't have the scholarships to give, or, we are holding the couple that we have (assuming we have any) for what should be much better recruiting options next year. This staff is not going to give up scholarships just to add bodies. I'd guess that they are loading up to go full out with the new staff on next year's recruits with a pile of scholarships to offer. The cycle should be favorable to us as there's supposedly a good crop of Tennessee prospects and Alabama, Florida, Georgia should not have as much to offer as they should be pretty full. We'll have to cross our fingers that we find some kids that can step in quickly at the DL and OL spots.
Posted by IPOrange on February 9, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't wait to see these guys going at it next year.
Vinson, please don't mess up a knee in a pick-up BB game.
Posted by tngeoff on February 9, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VOLinDAWGland.
I hope you're right. It would be really helpful to get a couple of big guys pronto!
Posted by volunteer_cowboy on February 9, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
but a couple of these guys are 3 and 4 *stars
Posted by volunteer_cowboy on February 9, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
also the reuben johnson kid. we lost a CB to michagan so why wouldnt we try to get him to replace and they are the same ht but johnson is faster
Posted by volunteer_cowboy on February 9, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
we lost jt floyd to michigan and johnson is rated the same or higher
Posted by jawbreaker on February 9, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
IPOrange, my thoughts exactly on the pick-up game.
Posted by dqnapier on February 9, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope the Class of 07 can teach the Class of 08 how to make a big impact in their first year. If so, 2008 could be special!!
Posted by thesavageorange on February 9, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nivatne ,That was actually Melancon.He was scheduled to go to JC , but opted to go and play right away.
Posted by cjraney on February 9, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
volunteercowboy-
Fulmer has said we only had 15 scholarships and one was going to Brandon Warren. We signed 18 and some have grade issues.
Mr. Vinson, Jacob Hester ran through and over lots of people this year. Keep that fighting spirit going and work to get better. Congrats on nice freshman seasons gentlemen. Go Vols!
Posted by IPOrange on February 9, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jawbreaker, with 3 knee surgeries under my belt, I cringe a little every time I read something like this. I know the pain associated with a knee injury, and also know that a full 100% recovery is often never achieved. Football can be hard enough on the body. I'd hate to see one of our young guys receive an injury with a meaningless one-on-one competition.
Posted by UTByrd on February 9, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To a true competitor, there is no such thing as "meaningless" competition. Heck, you could twist a knee helping your neighbor with her groceries, like slipping on a wet floor. At least BV and others like him are staying sharp and in shape and not spending their spare time hanging out in bars. You know, "An idle mind is the Devil's playground".
Posted by nicksjuzunk on February 10, 2008 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Creer wants to beat out Foster???
THAT is ambitious.
Posted by iowavol on February 10, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A few years ago, a friend of mine from Wisconsin asked me how our coach could start a freshman ahead of the senior who has waited his turn to start. He emphasized that is what Barry Alverez would do. Coach Fulmer doesn't recruit players who want to wait their time. His players want to compete whenever, wherever, however.
Posted by ssukonic on February 10, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, there's no guarantees in life. If you're a senior and a freshman is better, the freshman plays and the senior hopes for an opportunity. You play the best you have; the one who gives you the most opportunity to win. Now, that doesn't mean the freshman plays every snap. The senior probably gets some time too. But you play who gives you the best chance to win. If you're the senior and you have a good attitude, you get yourself as ready as you can be for that opportunity....and stay ready. I like these freshman (now sophmores). I hope those that really didn't get to play much have the same attitude......Martin, Walker, etc. .....and I certainly like Vinson's attitude. You get run over or get beat on a pass, you jump back up and get ready to attone for it the next time. That's a winner!
Posted by ssukonic on February 10, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
.......and I really like Berry's attitude. He's not tooting his own horn. He's talking about how he needs to get better!!! Another winner!!!!
Posted by slovog on February 10, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Sports Animal did an interview with E. J. Abrams-Ward, the big receiver out of North Carolina, and if you can, give it a listen. Intelligent kid with a good attitude.
I hope the signees in this class take the same approach that the last class took. The ratings won't matter (except to those who don't like anything).
Posted by LargeOrange on February 10, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
John Adams (and Kaplan if you are still out there today) I applaud this excellent and positive article. The timing of running this article helps put in perspective this years recruiting lack of success. Thanks for pointing out that this class is special and giving us some light into the attitudes that they have. We depend on you to give us these insights, since most of us don't get the chance to interact with and make judgments about their work ethics and attitudes. Thanks.
Posted by pdhuff on February 10, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't feel bad Vinson. Hester ran over a lot of people. Fullback-types still have a place in this game. Gators found that out the hard way using their QB as a fullback.
Posted by zjcvols on February 10, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Berry is already a top-5 DB in college football. We might have the best DB core in not only the SEC, but one of the best in the country. Look at this.
CB-Vinson,Willingham,M.Johnson, Gaines,Rogan
S-Berry,Morley,Kemp,McKenzie
If we can put pressure on the QB and find capable LB's (calling you out Donald), our defense will be great next year
btw, Berry for Heisman 08'
Posted by givehim6 on February 10, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
See, the ship is not sinking as some would like us to think. Sounds tike we have some good leadership, and I think some good coaches. A good couple af recruiting classes in 2009,2010, and so on, we will be in the limelight agin.
Posted by sjt18 on February 11, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cowboy, Massie being available really surprises me. If UT can get him, it would be foolish not to take him.
I haven't heard of any of those DL's except maybe a little a long time ago about Jeffries. If there's a DT in the bunch then maybe UT should take another look. If not, they don't need anymore DE's right now.
Posted by wilsonA2000 on February 11, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
whatever happened to chris donald? is he a bust?
Posted by sjt18 on February 12, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
C Donald redshirted. He didn't make the adjustment to the college game as easily as some of the others. His HS specialty was the pass rush. The info I saw was that he had to learn pass coverage and run D. He has all of the physical tools to play LB but could also wind up a speed rusher from DE.
Unfortunately he was also academically ineligible for the bowl game. That came after he and his family made a pretty big deal over academics during his recruitment. Supposedly ND kept his attention for that long due to academics.
I can sympathize with him. I ended college much better academically than I started it.
If he gets his head straight, he has elite physical abilities.
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