Tennessee’s next football season doesn’t kick off for nearly nine months.
But that didn’t stop some players and coaches from looking ahead to next season shortly after dispatching Wisconsin 21-17 in Tuesday’s Outback Bowl.
And there’s plenty to look forward to.
Only three offensive starters from Tuesday’s game — tight ends Brad Cottam and Chris Brown and quarterback Erik Ainge — won’t be back next season.
Junior tailback Arian Foster and All-American guard Anthony Parker have applied to the NFL’s college advisory committee, but if those two return, the Vols will have 10 players back on offense who started at least five games in 2007.
“They have all the talent in the world to do everything,” Brown said. “They need to stay humble and work hard and I think things will go their way. I think we had a lot of lucky bounces and a lot of things went our way. They have a bright future.”
It’s just as bright on defense, too.
In the secondary, Jonathan Hefney is the only player whose eligibility is up. At linebacker, only Ryan Karl is done, however All-SEC middle linebacker Jerod Mayo, a fourth-year junior, could opt for the NFL.
Ends Xavier Mitchell and Antonio Reynolds won’t be back next season, but the defense still could return as many as 11 players with starting experience.
That doesn’t include Demetrice Morley, who was dismissed from UT last January because of academics but is expected back for 2008.
“We’re going to have the best secondary in the country,” Karl said. “Just think with Demetrice Morley and Eric Berry back at safety, there’s not going to be anyone who do anything on that. I just wish I had one more year to to play and be a part of that defense. It’s going to be an exciting year to watch.”
That excitement will continue through this week, as UT coach Phillip Fulmer continues to interview candidates to replace David Cutcliffe as offensive coordinator.
San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti is expected to interview for the position sometime this week. Fulmer interviewed Michigan quarterbacks coach Scott Loeffler while in Tampa.
Loeffler, who was not retained by new Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, is a candidate to become UT’s quarterbacks coach.
Cignetti has been offensive coordinator at North Carolina and Fresno State.
He also spent two seasons as the New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach and was an assistant coach with the Kansas City Chiefs.
His brother, Curt, is the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Alabama.
Fulmer said his goal is to have an offensive coordinator in place by Jan. 8, however that deadline is flexible.
Fulmer has also said he wants to hire a coordinator before naming position coaches.
The Vols will apparently have to find four new offensive assistants.
Running backs coach Kurt Roper is expected to join Cutcliffe, who left UT after Tuesday’s game for his new job at Duke head coach, to be his offensive coordinator.
Tight ends coach Matt Luke told his UT players following Tuesday’s game that he’s leaving to become offensive line coach at Duke.
Wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor will leave in the coming days to become co-offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State.
Even with those staff changes, though, Fulmer couldn’t contain his optimism for 2008 after the Outback Bowl.
“I’m excited about where we are, and I’m even more excited about where we’re headed, even with the staff changes,” Fulmer said. “I think that gives us a chance to even be excited about something new and different. I’m looking forward to it.”
Oregon sends Lady Vols home from…
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Comments » 162
cdldoc#211897 writes:
Wow, such an optimistic article will really upset a lot of the negative heads on this site.
dlobh writes:
All the talent in the world won't guarantee anything without at least a solid year from the QB position. I hope Crompton will be ready to run the show.
ONUV writes:
not as well stocked as the 90s.
none of the receivers would break the rotation of great receiving corps of past. nobody on the defensive line is even comparable to sean ellis, haynesworth, henderson, little, walker, etc.
the talent is down and the SEC competition is better.
outermonvolia.com
cpahiker#231287 writes:
talent = potiential
talent + hard work +teamwork = great season
add a dash of some luck(aka 1998 ark)= champs
talent looking at pre-season SI pics = 2005 vols
we'll see next year . . . . .
heathut15 writes:
i agree with you onuv we just havent had the talent like we used to have i hope fulmer can work some magic and get some good recruits this year i would like to see foster come back and that is good news about morely coming back
cltvol writes:
Replacing Ainge/Cutcliffe effectively is not a given. We had 3rd best offense in league without huge big-play skill at receiver or RB. That tells me scheme, O-line, and QB execution carried the day. Crompton may bring different run dimension, but its yet to be proven. Can't wait till next year. Enjoyed this year a lot, nothwithstanding the 3 losses. ( i know we lost 4, but ATL seems more to me like a missed opportunity than a true L). These guys played with heart and grew up and together as the season went along. Special teams improved, D improved, O sort of stymied. Their successful finish beginning after AL loss and continuing thru LSU loss and Wis W was a really nice run. I think the momentum carries to spring and fall. Same way the PSU loss in TPA overhung us in Berkely, the momentum of Nov, Dec, and Jan triggers a 1-0 start in Pasadena come Sept.
james#216392 writes:
One or two play makers, especially at running back, and this could be a very good team. Not sure how good Crompton is but I hear good things. The defense got better all year. I look forward to the naming of the O.C. Go Vols.
Hunter writes:
Morley for Hefney is an improvement IMO. I know his tackling numbers were high, but he was not very good in coverage and used his speed to make up for some blown coverages. Morley is a star in the making.
I expect Mayo to go, but Parker and Foster could be first-rounders next year if they get preseason exposure.
Does anyone else think that it seems like we're going after some serious scrubs for our new OC? Not impressed by any of Michigan's QB's since Griese, Henson, Brady (doubt the current guy was there at the time). And I'm certainly not thinking a former UNC OC unless they meant Off. Coordinator for the basketball team.
Hope I am wrong - my wife tells me that I often am. Happy New Year Vol fans!
ckmorris3#223265 writes:
I disagree about the scrubs that you say we are looking at for OC. UNC was not known for having a potent offense, but Fresno State was a strong offense. Also if we can get the brother from Bama. They are putting a serious recruiting class together and if we can steal the recruiting coordinator away that would be a huge coup. Also Chad Henne is a good QB, but people will complain if we get outside the system and people will complain if we stay in the system.
b.skelton#207404 writes:
OK, time for OKLAHOMA to fire Stoops. OU is obviously a much better team that WVU and WVU just lost their coach. And we know that Urban needs to go at Florida, as their talent level was twice that of Michigan. HA!
DennisVols writes:
Choices and Consequences: The wrong choice here will have consequences that could hurt UT’s football program for years to come.
Like many I have questioned Fulmers play calling, game plans and decision making at times. There is history to support or condemn him depending on what you chose to look at. The one thing that cannot be question is his toughness. It would have been easier for Fulmer to have quit following the ’05 season rather than take the heat that is still being applied. Following the National Championship his wife encouraged him to quit because she feared it would never be that good again. Once you reach the top how can you go any higher?
UT has had (3) 10 win season in the past 5 seasons, (1) 9 win season and the bad year in ’05. 3 times of those 5 years we were 1st in the East and once 2nd. Not great but not what you would call shabby either.
Fulmer is about to make the most important decisions of his coaching career. Some fresh ideas are needed. While the spread offense looks good it also has some negative points, like exposing the QB too often to injury. I would like to see a good balance of spread and smash mouth football at UT. GA which run a similar “Pro-style” as UT whipped a spread offense last night. Two of the most noted “Spread” offenses, Oregon and Florida both failed to win their division/conference and one of them lost to an unranked team in their bowl game. Both will be ranked lower than UT in the final ranking next week.
The fact that a new OC has not been hired shows that some thought is going into this process. Had Fulmer hired within the program right away the screams of how things are not going to change, good ol boys and other would be all over this board. Now that the process has taken some time some claim to know all and say no one is interested. Quit looking for something to complain about.
Many of the OC prospects are still coaching this year, this week and will not take the time away from their responsibilities to interview until their season is done, be it college or the NFL. Would you want a coach that would neglect his responsibilities to look for another job? We heard a rumor that Brown turned UT down because Fulmer would not let him hire his staff. Show me the proof this happened. No names attached to statements holds water like a sink screen.
Give this process a chance to play itself out. Nothing good ever comes from making knee jerk decisions.
utclassof1992 writes:
b.skelton ,
That was one year for those two programs. UT's been like this since '01. There is a difference.
Ironcity writes:
DCS what do you mean one year. UF has only been to one SEC championship game this decade. They havwe had a top 5 recruiting class every year. They are situated in a state that has the best high school talent. Their is no excuse for that team with that QB to win less then 10 games. As for Oklahoma didn't they miss a bowl game in 2005 like UT. didn't they lose to lowly Colorado when they had a huge lead? Had they won that game, they would be playing next Monday. I think Skeltons point is every team has its ups and downs. Look at USC, I think VolCR could have coached them as well as Carroll did the last two years with the talent they have.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
tngeoff: I agree with one exception... what dlobh said.
If Crompton is ready to roll... then LET IT ROLL!!
Mayo should bolt unless he pulls a Peyton. The other guys should be staying.
I fear Arian Foster may go down as one of those very good forgotten backs unless he really explodes next year (ala Travis Stephens) and/or we have a monster year as a team.
sneedo24 writes:
I think UT should look at bringing in Mike Martz. Think how cool it would be having the guy who ran the "Greatest Show on Turf" running our offense.
orangesox writes:
I agree that Morley would be an upgrade over Heffney. I just hope he can keep his head straight this time around, for the team's sake and for the sake of his own life. You hate to see a kid with so much talent throw it all away.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
I don't think we are all that talented. we are weak in the d-line. Mayo is a stud, if he goes and McCoy isn't back, that could be tough.
On offense, Foster needs pushed. Coker is gone, Hardisty is always hurt, Creer seems jinxed.
The WR's are average.
Now, you can certainly win games with average talent IF the team is buttoned down and disciplined. Notice how few panalites we got this year??? That was a nice change.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
2nd part:
CPF has GOT to get some hot coahces. Guys with fire, yet smart.
I'd like to see some coaches who will challenge things a bit: maybe challenge Chavis' pride, push CPF to get his a## in gear with special teams play.
For all we gripe and complain, I do love the UT Vol athletics, always will. We are a pretty damn good program.
ONUV writes:
Martz would not take orders from Fulmer
and people are getting too excited about Morley. He didn't live up to the hype in his first two years. He'll have been away from football for a year. if anything, it will add depth, but i won't expect anything great.
orangesox writes:
Yeah, I would think Martz would be a very long shot. Surely that guy has made enough money in his career that he wouldn't want to take on the grind that a college coach's life would require.
InBruceWeTrust writes:
I'd really like to see Loeffler come in. He's done a great job with the qb's at Michigan. And if we got him, maybe Ryan Mallett would be lured into transfering to UT. Remember, he's been rumored to be considering transfering since Rodriguez will bring the spread option offense that doesn't fit Mallett. UT has a Pro-style offense, prestigeous program, big stadium, etc. Same reasons he chose Michigan. Loeffler recruited him and their close so i think if he decided to transfer, we'd have a legitimate shot at him. I'm dreaming...
mississippi_vol writes:
how many years will dmo have left? i thought he only played as a freshman....and i dunno if he played juco this year or what?
WYLOVER writes:
morley didn't live up? are you kidding? he is exactly what our run defense needs (given our D line is just there to try to slow people down and not worry about stopping runners).
he is a stud....our D should be ok next year. Our O should be better than this year if we get an above average OC and crompton isn't a bust.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Hunter, I'm thinking the same thing. Underwhelmed by almost all of the names being thrown around. Kippy got me halfway excited because he could draw a lot of recruits.
Maybe it will be a name that hasn't made the papers yet.
Anybody really believe we're conducting a thorough, NATIONWIDE search for the ABSOLUTE BEST OC out there?
GIVEHIMSIX writes:
Morley had played two seasons, and he was well on his way to being one of the better strong safeties in the country. For as goog an all aroung db as Berry is, Morley is a harder pure hitter. He reminded me of Sean Jones and Thomas Davis at UGA. He might have blown some coverages, but he was still an intimidating hitter who really helped against the run and as a blitzer. If he can shake off the rust, our secondary and linebackers may be two of the best units in the SEC.
On offense, our skill players are in the middle of the pack in terms of talent. If young players like Jones, Creer, and Moore continue to progress, our offense will be in good hands. If Crompton is a disappointment, watch out for B.J. Coleman.
One thing looks probable. The 2008 team should return the trend of the defense bailing the offense out.
ONUV writes:
Morley was inconsistent. that's how a lot of young players play. taking a year away from football hurt his development. at this point in time, Morley should not be used in the same breath as Eric Berry. Morley can still be great, I'm not saying he doesn't have a bright future. It's just going to take him time to get to an elite level.
volguy615 writes:
great article dlskaggs, some of these idiots need to read it and try and understand it. of course i am sure all of these nay-sayers have had many years experience coaching and running major companies and making improtant decisions. it would most likely be a good bet that the only time they ever put on a jock was a pick up game at the "Y", and then they probably had it on the outside. but then they didnt have their wife or mother there to direct them. go vols . and by the way, the spread offense is nothing more than the single wing with new names for the backs.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
mbum: Anybody really believe we're conducting a thorough, NATIONWIDE search for the ABSOLUTE BEST OC out there?
Uh, yes, but that is just because I haven't seen anything yet to the contrary and haven't been infected by the sour bug as you apparently are.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
mbum: perhaps you're still smarting from the loss you took betting on Wisconsin.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
Seeing how this whole poll and article is pure speculation, there are some names not mentioned that might yet surprise us as GREAT players...G Jones, Moore, Paige. We don't know anything about Paige yet, but Jones and Moore have shown flashes of potential brilliance.
Watching WVU, they have a lot of dynamic players on both sides of the ball. But that's college football where a couple of studs can dominate. If they don't replace White and some of their other studs with equal talent, they will slide back to the pack.
That's what finally caught Florida, they really only rely on two dynamic players and when you can contain them like Michigan did, they're toast. I prefer our system where we can go to several options. We need a couple of those options to be more dynamic next year.
I'm with SJT in that I'd like to see a real power running game that forces the defense to commit a safety and then throw over the top and vice versa. And when a defense blitzes and goes man that's when the running lanes open for an athletic QB as an option. That threat forces the DBs to keep an eye on the backfield which presents opportunities to dynamic WRs to get good seperation.
Next year will be exciting but FL is young and loaded and GA is young and loaded...it won't be getting any easier.
gmccown007#392764 writes:
"ckmorris3"
Are you INSANE? Just what the HELL recruiting service are you "following"?
There is not a single one that ranks Tennessee higher than # FORTY-THREE in the nation!!!
The worst in the last fifty years! And, mind you, for the first time in my memory we do not have a commitment from even one single 5 star recruit. Further, we have only ONE 4 star! And, stunningly, over HALF of the remainder is NOT EVEN 3 star! That's right. The vast majority of next years "class" is only 1 or 2 stars!!! I've bled orange for DECADES. And I have NEVER seen a recruiting DISASTER of anywhere near these proportions. And to really tie a knot in the noose, there is only a handful of "uncommitteds" left to even prayerfully hope for. Mind you, NOT ONE of which is a 5 star! Consequently, as EVERY recruiting service out there has "said", this will be the first time in "memory" that the VOLS are GUARANTEED not to land even one single 5 star athlete!
So, "friend", whatever you have been smoking, believe it or not I am going to recommend that you keep right on laying in a good supply. I mean, as out of touch with reality as you are, you might as well keep right on lighting up. I mean, you're going to need SOMETHING to ease your pain. Or, at the very worst, help keep you in the fog that you are currently (hopelessly) lost in.
AlpharettaVol writes:
Prediction: Gerald Jones will become the Vols' "go to" receiver next year.
leedsvol2007 writes:
gm
Lets not have a heart attack until the results are in hand.
First, Gerald Williams is expected to finally arrive and he is rated a 5 star player.
Secondly, recruiting ratings are "relatively" new. When you and I started following the Vols they brought in as many as they could and weeded out the talented from the 2nd tier players so I doubt this is the worst class in 50 years. The worst class I can remember is the disaster caused by Tony Robinson's cocaine charges in 1986. Only about 3 of those recruits were around 4 years later.
We don't need a quarterback this year and many times a team that brings in a couple of big time QB's leaps in the ratings.
Finally the question is will we fill our needs ?We obviously need a home run threat at wide receiver and some better linemen.
I would not panic until we see who we get. Unlike last year we are well stocked with younger players at many positions and have veterans returning that will be starters.
Players like JJ McClesky, Joey Kent, and Dale Jones were not highly thought of and became great players while others like Maurice Staley and OJ Owens never panned out.
If we get what we need we will be OK.
TnVolFaninSmyrna writes:
When in tarnation did Morley come back? I totally dropped the ball on that little news nugget.
Hunter's right...Morley for Hefney is an improvement. Next season's secondary will be tough with Vinson and Willingham/Marsalous Johnson at the corners and Morley/Berry at safeties. Something to look forward to. Now if only we could get coaches who can coach these kids. That's what we need.
VolsorCat writes:
Morley is definitely an improvement over Hefney. Hefney might as well not have any arms when it comes to tackling. He hits people and bounces off. I like the kid, but he is no tackling machine and Morley will knock your head off.
gmccown007: I agree that as of right now, things look bleak. No playmakers and no DT's to dominate the line. It is not over however and with some exciting changes we might get a few guys to fall in line. Don't give up hope brother, let's get a coordinator and see what happens between now and the first week in February. Besides, Pat White was a 2* recruit and he looked pretty dominant last night! Also, they have had only ONE 5* recruit in the last 5 years. West Virginia was built on 2 and 3 star guys who are physical.
eduardo writes:
Unfortunately, same head coach! Do the right thing Phat Phil step aside! Go to Jackson Hole!
99gator writes:
congrats to tenn for winning its bowl game. sorry, florida did not hold up its end for the league. although, i am sure that most of you enjoyed florida losing (in general) and to the team that lost to appy state.
i will now exist in a depressed state until next august. at least there is recruiting season and spring ball
TommyJack writes:
VolGuy615: Spread is like Single-Wing? Are you peanuts, man?
jweaver3#395614 writes:
DCSOVOL, I disagree about 1 yr. Stoops has lost 4 out of last 5 bowls!!! Oh I forgot you play 5 bowls in one year, You Idiot!!!
TXVOLSFAN
orangebloodgmc writes:
I just hope the young dl guys bust butt, lift, run and go into intensely focused beast mode.
orangebloodgmc writes:
99gator, I don't know why you guys lost in the bowl, but I still feel like you all had one of the best teams in the nation, and no, I almost never pull for you guys, but against Michigan I was. No need to be depressed; you know you all will just reload and be right back next year.
b.skelton#207404 writes:
DSCO - Oklahoma has lost FOUR straight BCS bowls. Is that a National powerhouse, losing to Boise State and WVU on consecutive years?
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
What you guys are missing is this: at the college level, you can get by with the following:
-a qb who doesn't make mistakes (ref: Jay Barker at Bama, Tee Martin at UT, Erik at times)
-a decnt runner, such as one of the Travises
-1 receiver with the tools to get open
That assumes the following are in play:
-strong special teams
-bend-don't-break defense
-no penalites (team discipline)
-at least one 'goto' offensive tackle
The above may seem simple, but just think how many times teams with maybe average talent do really well. Remember David Greene at UGA??? Adn, think of all the talent we had in the 1990's, yet couldn't win more than one NC.
I gotta agree with one thing: a lot of the problems in the 1990's did go with CPF's bull-headedness. Not playing Jamal because he couldn't pass protect well enough....damn, put in an extra fullback for that; or, playing Jay Graham against UF after he was clearly having trouble hanging onto the ball.
Volker writes:
One of the best articles to date. The Ryan Karl quote was great. I can't wait to do it again next year.
Sheepscape writes:
Fact is we are almost ten years out from an SEC title. I'm tired of the next year argument.
Get it done.
mloaks#222092 writes:
I just wanna beat Bama next year.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Tngeoff, the most important question is "Have we raised the bar back to being an BCS team"? Not close, not ten wins with no top 10, not "get'em next year" hollow enthusiasm, a BCS TEAM!
Or as we have done for 8 of the last nine seasons, paying $2,000,000.00 now for a near minor bowl against a 4th place Big Ten team.
Maybe the debacles against our two biggest rivals will fade. Maybe we won't stay this course. Talent will have to be better next year, especially on defense. No D-linemen killed us against the LSU-FLA-BAMA-CAL teams. Doldrums.
TnVolFaninSmyrna writes:
55 Vol, I think the term is "in synch" as opposed to "in sink".
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
Fire Stoops! He can't win bowl games against teams he should (Boise and WVU) and gets blown out against a team with equal talent (USC) and he lucked into his only National Championship by beating a Florida State team that shouldn't have been there by a score of 13-2. He also "backed" in to the title game in 2003 after getting waxed by K-State in the Big 12 Title Game.
Note the sarcasm, but does this argument sound familiar?
A lot of Vol Fans would be screaming to FIRE STOOPS! They would diminish his conference titles because the conference was weak...I mean who can't beat Kansas, K-State, Baylor, Iowa State, Colorado (awful this decade), Missouri (until this year), Texas Tech, Nebraska (also awful this decade)... I mean come on.
FIRE STOOPS! Man, does this argument sound like the drivel we read on here most days...
Oh, yeah...FIRE CARROLL TOO! He hasn't won a title since 2004 and he has THE MOST TALENT, BAR NONE, EVERY YEAR!!!
LMAO!
Ironcity writes:
I think the addition of a fullback could really make a difference in the run game. Question for the other posters, who do we have on the roster that can play fullback? Is Cooper one? Didn't we lose a fullback to injury this year?
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