Posted by KSMC9107 on January 12, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like him already..."ball to playmakers...get them in space...allow them to do creative things..." LOVE IT!!! GO VOLS!!! COACH PHIL STILL HAS THAT FIRE LIT UNDER HIM!

Posted by jobrando on January 12, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When do they reloacate and go to work?

Posted by jevolball7 on January 12, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I bet he literally drools looking at our players,as compared to what he had!! Kinda like looking back at what you took to your prom 10 years after you realised you could've had prime rib,but took tripe.

Posted by vol94 on January 12, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i too am very excited about the hire(S).
No reason we should Not have high expectations the next few years. i think these new hires can Coach and will relate to the kids, especially recruiting.

any news today about the recruits at ktown today?
let me know!

thanks guys!

Posted by dave1 on January 12, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

here is the video highlights of the press conf today:

http://www.wbir.com/video/player.aspx...

Posted by icecream on January 12, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey man dont you know that we run the sideline play here? You know the Qb takes the snap and whips it over to a reciever near the sideline on 3rd and 17. We pick up two yards then punt. Thats play #1, Play #2 IS GIVE TO THE HALF BACK UP THE MIDDLE WITH NO FRIGGIN FULLBACK. Better learn those 2 quick, it's Phils favorite 2 plays.(only 2 plays).

Posted by icecream on January 12, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Forget going deep, we dont allow that here buddy!

Posted by IPOrange on January 12, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! I just watched the press conference here:

http://utsports.com/home/

How can you not be excited after hearing these guys talking about the upcoming year?

Can't wait for '08!

Posted by mtnvol on January 12, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like what I read!

Posted by SFOrange on January 12, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow--look around...the negativity is gone. Why? Because we've (fans) been pressing for a fresh approach, for a pov outside the UT "family", for a youthful aggressive smart offensice mind. Lets face it---this OC hire seems to deliver. Fulmers press conference comments indicate he realizes its time for change. Good call. Go Vols.

Posted by FWBVol on January 12, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jobrando, from what I understand about these things, they may get a day or two here and there to take care of things in Richmond between now and signing day, but they should be in Knoxville pretty much full time going full speed from now on. The wives are the ones that have to put up with all the household stuff. The coaches clean out their offices and unpack in Knoxville. UT will probably put them up in an apartment or extended stay hotel until they can get their families in town.

icecream, we went deep plenty in 2006 with Meachem and Company. If you haven't heard, Ainge was playing with a bum shoulder much of the year. CPF has said the offense is in Clawson's hands and it is his to put his mark on. That's a huge plus.

Posted by knoxsingle on January 12, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pound the pastrami, baby.

Posted by Chainsaw on January 12, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This guy, and the new RB and WR coaches as well, appear to be first class hires. Kudos to Coach Fulmer, AD Hamilton, and anybody who had anything to do with bring the new guys to BOC!

Now, counting the days until it's once again FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!

Posted by vol4jesus on January 12, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hoskins hounding for Ben & Jerry's before he sees what flavors are offered. Don't judge a book by its cover please. That appears to be what the icecreamy man is scooping out. I for one am excited about the possibilities for our VOLS!!!

Posted by PLEASEGETRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE on January 12, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a great philosophy. "Get ball to playmakers"
I thought the idea was to get the ball to the guys who were not any good. This guy is a genious!

Posted by Chainsaw on January 12, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Your moronic comments are no better than your spelling, "genious".

Posted by dfreeman on January 12, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Soccer in KY must suck for someone to be this unhappy!!

Posted by vol4good on January 12, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I must Say, I am very excited about this hire. Clawson seems to be very smart. I also think Latrell is probably excited as hell with the talent TN has at WR. Good days are ahead fellas. Now we need some dominant DT's.

Posted by wp4ut on January 12, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like what I'm hearing,but its what we will see on the field Aug.30th that will count.

Posted by DennisVols on January 12, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a philosophy “"I’d like to say that my style is we’re going to get the ball to our playmakers,". Where has then kind of thinking been for years at UT? We all wanted to see those freshmen play makers we had heard so much about this year and with few exceptions we really didn’t see it happen.
I for one can’t wait for the Orange and White game to get a look at what we are going to see. Can you imagine Foster & Hardesty, or Hardesty & Creer in the backfield at the same time? How would you defend some of those possible combinations? Who do you key on? Throw in Crompton’s added mobility and the options are endless.
GO VOLS!!!!!!

Posted by stroker on January 12, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where are the spread offense supporters? Mallett is leaving UM. The smart athletes that want to go NFL ain't going to those schools. Just had to say it one more time.

Posted by heathut15 on January 12, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i think this will help our recruiting cless this year.he seems to have his stuff together,look what he done at richmond,he had some pretty good numbers in his second year

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on January 12, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Fulmer, congrats on what appear to be great hires. We're behind you out here.

PLEASE just let Coach Clawson be Coach Clawson. Let him do what he wants. Turn him loose.

I for one believe we are facing a rebuilding year. In my lifetime, a "rebuilding" year means a new QB primarily. It also means we've lost a lot of great playmakers either to graduation or to the NFL. It means we're young at several positions.

The 2008 season qualifies as a rebuilding year, in my mind, even though we return a number of tremendous players. We have entirely new offensive leadership at the top and at key positions (backs, receivers).

I expect a few losses, as in previous rebuilding years. However, 1998 was supposed to be a rebuilding year after Peyton graduated. We had a new QB in Tee Martin.

I can swallow a few losses this fall, if we're at least competitive in each game, getting better each week, and the future looks bright. But I expect this team to come out prepared -- unlike this last season.

Sure hope Coach Clawson keeps -- even raises -- the work ethic Coach Cut installed in the practices.

Faster, smarter, tougher, meaner, nastier, quicker than ever -- that's what I want from whatever team shows up. If that's unfair, sue me.

Get to work boys...and you just might be surprised at how much you can accomplish.

Posted by LouneyTom on January 12, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Clawson....Good luck and remember if you happen to read these blogs, there ARE alot of DA's that will pound you just because they are unhappy with their own lives. Make us all proud as you are now a Tennessee Vol!!!!!

Posted by FWBVol on January 12, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please get rid of all the negative ones!!! This is a day for new beginnings on the offensive side of ball for the Vols. I believe we will see some exciting things on the field.

I hope there is some way for me to get to Knoxville for the spring game, but I doubt if my job schedule will allow it. Still it's a great time to be a Tennessee Volunteer.

GO BIG ORANGE!!!

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on January 12, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I see our Crimson Tide fan named "Pleasegetridofthenotsoslimone" has graced us with his ignorance again. How about this for a screen name: "Pleasepayalabamacoacheswhattheyareworthsomethinglikeabuckandaquarteranhour"

Posted by jsaintge08 on January 12, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The guy sounds good

Posted by rockyknox on January 12, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lost in the discussions of coach replacement is an area that many felt Fulmer was ready to correct. We recruit great defensive backs but don't seem to coach them up. That was very evident early in the Fl and Bama games. It stuck out like a sore thumb in the KY game. I hope Fulmer will take care of some unfinished business and get some fresh ideas in the defensive backfield coaching staff as well. Go Vols!

Posted by gaVOLman on January 12, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sroker - .. you're wrong there buddy. Prostyle QBs may not want to go to the spread offense schools because no one in the NFL runs it, but the best athletes and WRs must love to play in it. I mean they get the ball in lots off space to make plays without ever having to worry about the RBs getting their touches. Not to mention running QBs that are really effective in college love to run that offense as well. Great players will still want to migrate towards it, but utimately I think the school and facilities wins in the end.

Posted by VolBall on January 12, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is encouraging that the cronyism and tribal logic of our couching staff will finally see some new personalities and minds. These new couches are classy and will represent UT well, both on the field and with recruiting efforts.

Posted by dkerr on January 12, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, boy.

Posted by dash727 on January 12, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Really rockyknox? After losing 4 of our top 5 db's from last year and having 6 newcomers in the secondary with Heffney winning the SEC East and our bowl game!
Maybe Coach Slade should get a raise and extension. Sounds like you listen too much to talk radio and listen to morons like icecream. What a loser with a name like that!

Posted by utmdm on January 12, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I had wondered all along if the big surprise was on defense. Maybe with Slade's reported health issues and a couple of comments he had made that we might have changeover there. With our low ranking on recuits and many of our potential recruits stating that Slade had developed relations with them, maybe that has been put off for the good of the team.

Posted by stroker on January 12, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gaVOLman you may be right,some good athletes will like it but I believe not pro style RB's QBS and lineman. So if the QB is not a good passer the D can cheat and in a few words I believe it will go the way of the wish bone when the novelty wears off and the D catches on. Just a layman viewpoint.

Where are the spread offense supporters? Mallett is leaving UM. The smart athletes that want to go NFL ain't going to those schools. Just had to say it one more time.

Posted by pdhuff on January 12, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No d-line push means the DBs are left on an island. It leaves the LBs trying to decide whether to drop back or fill a gap. And it leaves the opposing QB with 3 extra seconds which is deadly.

Pressure on QBs mean the best play in the football world will go astray. Thats why you see RBs getting hit in the back with quick passes and interceptions by cheating-uo corners. D-line is not glamorus but necessary. We just lived thru a season of it, Must be corrected by fall, somehow.

Posted by invisiblekid on January 12, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Clawson has some talent to work with next year, I feel like the offense will be in good shape. The biggest question mark in my mind at this point is whether some of the young guys like Langley, Walker, Brimfield, and Martin are ready to step up and turn the defensive line into a feared unit across the SEC again.

Posted by SCOR on January 12, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys, I really think this is alot like "98". We will be under the radar and if we can get to Atlanta again, we got a good shot. As we know the NC is totally up to the voters to get in, but the SEC has alot of pull right now. Does anyone know the date of the Orange and White? Can't WAIT...

Posted by 1974Vol on January 12, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not only does he get the ball to the playmakers, he designs his offense to match the skills of his playmakers. This could get real interesting. TDTN I think Kesling will be call your name alot next year! Touch Down Tennessee! Has a real nice ring to it. Looks like that doughnut eatin' Foolmer has done it again!

Posted by vol94 on January 12, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i read this site daily and never comment until today. i too am very excited and feel the program is heading in the right direction.. Maybe no natl title in 08 or even 09 but i truly feel we will at least be in the Mix by 2010.. just my opinion for what it is worth..
Go Vols!

Posted by rockyknox on January 12, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey dash727, I guess you liked Slade's prevent defense on the 10 yard line in the Ky game. Let the guy catch the ball on the 1 and hope the db's can prevent 1 YAC.

Posted by britt on January 12, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Less than 2 months until spring practice! Cant wait to see this guys changes in action.

Posted by vols76 on January 12, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why are we not hiring a Special Team Coach? Did we not have problems on Special Teams this year?

Posted by paulvol on January 12, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sweet talk those 12 college football prospects visiting this weekend. There isn't much else out there anymore so we need to do well with those few high school football visitors left over by proving to them that UT and its new coaches will lead them to champianships. This is the weekend of the most visitors we have had at once this recruiting season they say. Let's get it done players and coaches to win them over.

Posted by 55Vol on January 12, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pleasegitridof....news flas to you butt-wipe...yes Clawson is a genius....what's your excuse?

Posted by 55Vol on January 12, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

flash...

Posted by pearlman on January 12, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is great that Fulmers got someone that he can get new ideas from. Good to hear they are already arguing about different concepts. Looks like its going to be a godd '08.

Posted by awhill00 on January 12, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer is pumped, Clawson is pumped, Chavis is pumped... and I'M PUMPED!! Let's get after 'em next season - especially them Gators and Dawgs. GO VOLS!!

Posted by sjt18 on January 12, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

getridofmoroniccomments... In case you really, really are that ignorant about what the guy means. He means that he's going to be less focused on scheme and having interchangeable parts but rather focused on putting guys in a position to make a play... You know, what Meyer does except out of the proset rather than the spread option.

Posted by alfrizzle097 on January 12, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like we might be looking at the next head coach of UT. Guy has head coaching experience and now will get 1-A experience. Also hiring people he has worked with points in the same direction.

Sounds like he will get full run of the offense. Why do we even need Phil? (Joke... don't take my head off)

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 12, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this is what the alabama news paper is saying: How much might Tennessee drop without offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe? The last time he left Knoxville, the Volunteers failed to win ten games three of the next four seasons and bottomed out at 5-6 in 2005.

Posted by ellisonfamily on January 12, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe we could give PF a raise to $4 million and go 6-6 like our friends in Trailer Park U.

Posted by sjt18 on January 12, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Any of our "Fulmer will only hire a puppet" folks notice anything? First, he doesn't come across as someone who is going to be micromanaged... he'll demand space to operate in... AND Fulmer specifically mentioned the guy's willingness to disagree with him as a reason he felt good about hiring him.

He has a philosophy that he believes in. CPF showed alot of wisdom and good leadership in hiring a guy who is obviously NOT the YES MAN many said was inevitable.

Posted by RocketVol on January 12, 2008 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Al, you said exactly what I was thinking. Clawson said this is a step in the logical progression of things - next obvious step is 1A head coach. It may be at Tennessee like you said.

I'm impressed with Phil here. He states willingness to hand-off the offense unlike ever before to the "expert" and allow him to work. This is a management feature that is required for greatness - empowerment. I didn't think Phil had it in him. I'm also impressed that the interview process created discussion that spurred on some disagreement, so what does Phil do?....hire the guy. That's a sign of a great manager (Phil) - a willingness to accept that his view in the end may not be what's best for the program. I must say this seems like a tremendous move in the right direction, and a major maturity step for Phil as a leader.

Posted by EastTennVol on January 12, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This should turn out to be a great hire for Big Orange Country. All of the new coaches seem to be the right fit for our program. One thing for all the haters out there.....the last time UT hired a coach from a mid-major school it turned out to be one of the best hires in school history! Just keep on hating and we'll keep on winning!!!

Posted by reedt on January 12, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with RocketVol, this restores my faith in Phil Fulmer IF he lets the new OC have a free hand to do his job. No more 3rd and 10 shotgun formations from our own endzone, or the horrid wide slants after a pitch back on 3rd and one!

Posted by LargeOrange on January 13, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like this guy and Drayton. I, for one am not surprised that CPF did his homework and did what is right for the program. I am also really glad to see almost all of the Phil Haters realizing that he is not a donut eating moron and is truly a great CEO and Chairman for our program. I believed in Coach all along, but am glad to welcome back to the fold all of the second guessers and glass half full guys. Phil will run the program, and Chief and Clawson will run the x's and o's, just like before, only better. Time to take a big sip of my Kool-aid and put back on my Orange Shades, because the future is looking bright ORANGE!!

Posted by BigOrangeFan on January 13, 2008 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good post LargeO - It is good to see the wayward sons coming home. This leadership will bode well for the Big Orange Nation for the future. Question, someone asked earlier, does anyone know the date of the Spring Game (O&W) this year? I didn't see it on UTSports.com. Anybody out there know?

Posted by FWBVol on January 13, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is the most excitement I've seen about a Tennessee football hire since Johnny came home at the end of the 1976 season.

I agree with every positive remark that's been posted here. These are great hires that could/should put us back in the mix for conference and national titles for years to come.

One thing I love is Clawson fits his offense to the players he has. That should give us an edge in the early part of the season as opponents attempt to figure out what those schemes might be.

Clawson had a great quote when he said being balanced to him is being able to throw when you need to throw and run when you need to run.

Turn it loose Dave, we're behind you on Good Old Rocky Top!!!!

Posted by brdteton on January 13, 2008 at 1:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You mean we don't have to always 'take what the defense gives us',Coach?

Time to DICTATE!

Posted by wcirwin64 on January 13, 2008 at 2:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok,I'm submitting a rare post to this site.I read these post almost daily and I find myself wondering how old some of you are so here is some history. When Fulmer was the OC we threw the ball all over the place when we needed to, and we ran the ball down peoples throats when we needed to. Everyone loved the way PF ran the offense, including other D1A schools. Many Vol fans wanted UT to promote PF to HC long before John M.was fired because they feared he would be hired by another university and we could not afford to lose a great OC and recruiter.In '90 we played #1 ranked and eventual NC ND down to the wire in a 34-29 loss.However, it was one of the best offensive football games ever played in Neyland stadium. Of course '91 gave us the "Miracle at South Bend". When PF filled in for JM in '92 the offense was wide open with a young team lead by sophmore QB Heath Shuler.We beat FlA and GA (unexpectedly)JM returned and we went back to 3 runs and punt and lost 3 games in a row; ARK,ALA,and SC in which Shuler looked like a timid rookie. PF took over in '93 and here we are.It seems that PF and Clawson have the same fundamental philosophy but Clawson has some new methods and creativity as to how to get from point A to B. PF was not looking for a puppet. PF liked the fact that Clawson was confident and convicted enough about his own ability to stand firm when challenged.This obviously did not scare PF, on the contrary,it impressed him. PF knows how it feels to be "handcuffed" (under J.M.) but also needed someone he could trust enough to give full control.I believe he challenged and questioned Clawson to see what kind of reaction he would get.
PF has hired recruiters from north and south of TENNESSEE's borders to help retrieve the prospects we need to compete ... another aspect of PF's coaching philosophy.
Clawson,Scott, and Drayton are good hires for UT at this time, just as Cutcliffe & company were good hires in '06. PF is a solid coach who knows what he is doing and is loyal to and loves TENNESSEE.

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, you go Clawson. Two problems loom huge - d-line play and this recruiting class. One will bite us this fall without immediate help and the other will show up in 2009. Some are 5* for a reason.

Maybe the "late push", if it happens, will buoy us up. If not, will take a lot of "coaching 'em up". Remember the Berrys arrive with the goods put together, not just a sack of pieces. Go Vols!

Posted by GerryOP on January 13, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The best statement Fulmer/Clawson made and some earlier posters brought up is "...His multiple offensive system using the talents of the players available to their fullest..."

I believe we have a tremendous amount of underutilized talent on offense and hope that Clawson can design a system that fully utilizes every bit of it. If so, rather than a drop off after change and upheaval, we may see a major improvement. Perhaps the mantra of "we've been doing it this way for fifteen years..." will be silenced.

Posted by dgb63 on January 13, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm think that Touchdown is right on this point. We have been talking so long about the new OC that we haven't looked close at the other side of the ball. I still think that Champ's are won on the D side of the ball. We need some size and speed up front and some guys that can tackle. I have never understood how a player can make it to the D-1 level and either not know how to tackle or just forgets how. If we start next year thinking we will have to out score people in a shoot-out and we can't stop anybody we are sunk...

Posted by RocketVol on January 13, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Careful LargeO and company. Phil has not demonstrated these what you call "CEO and Chairman" qualities til now. So before you guys start pounding your drum, let me remind you that the reason so many folks were upset is that until this past week he has for 10 years seemed incapable of: 1) looking outside of the good-ol-boy network for help, 2) letting go of the reigns, and 3) making solid in-game adjustments. I think many folks, me included, have been correct in this observation.

He answered the first 2 this week in principle (we'll see how they pan out). I am impressed! But don't act like you knew this was coming all along - sounds like my kid talking.

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Big Phil said "HIS offense". (Clawson) I will take him at his word on that. Let it be "HIS" offense, that's what he was hired for.

If I had Chavis and Clawson provided with adequate (?) SEC level talent, HC would be an enjoyable position. But if I wasn't sure about SEC talent on the defensive side of the pig, I'd be sitting outside at 2:00 AM staring at the night.

$2,000,000.00 brings a ton of responsibility as it should. Steer this course upward, coaches. Compete every time out. Top 10, no less, then we'll worry about NCs. Seek the grail fiercely! Don't arouse the rabble.

Posted by fencevol on January 13, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I keep hearing about "THE GREAT SURPRISE'. Could someone please fill me in. Do we already have it?,and if not,does anyone have the slightist idea, what the hell it is?

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fencevol 8:58 AM - the great surprise is under wraps and known only to......no one. To no one's surprise that it is now still not known.

Posted by southernACmavs on January 13, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good Football talk up front. I hope Fulmer let him coach. It want take long to find out ,3 and short inside our 20 againt Florida,Will we play for a field goal or go for the kill??? As far a Quarles i dont get it folks..He is a great 4a football coach..But where are all the other offers?? South Carolina, Florida ,Kentucky, Vandy,Carson Newman, any one?? Im not ready, we cant afford to take a chance with The Tennessee program.Let Quarles go earn the right to be a collage coach. In the collage ranks Richmond needs a coach............

Posted by waterskier3 on January 13, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

any news on the recruits this weekend???? if they leave town uncommitted then not sure the great news has had much effect from that standpoint. you would think with all this going on plus the red carpet for the recruits some would commit....

I will wait until the fall because i thought jimbo fisher would improve fla stat offense early in the season and that didn't happen and i know he can coach so what the heck...

Defense has to improve and the 3rd and 2 short pass has to go........ our schedule will be tough early and we're still only a top 25 program at best... fla, ga, ala and auburn and ucla will all be improved so we'll know early if the defense is better...

recruit baby recruit...................

Posted by drwfocus on January 13, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - thanks for your comments today. I agree with most everything. Even your few criticisms are relatively constructive. As such I take it you are as excited as I am about these new coaches and the potential new directions for the future. Now if we could only convert the other negative sayers to objective/constructive observers------

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 13, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

anybody hear anything about recruits yesterday the 11th did any commit

Posted by rockyknox on January 13, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wcirwin64, I enjoyed your history lesson. How soon some Vol fans forget.

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

drwfocus: 10:18 a.m.- Appreciate the kind word. I've been a Vol for many years. This past season with 10 wins would be rated no higher then a "C".

We failed some major tests. That said, Clawson should not be encumbered with our past performance. I wish him the very best and maybe he'll open some complacent eyes on the Hill. Good hire, Phil, at least we did something.

We have lost our way on defense. As many have said, it all begins with a d-line. Without SEC level players there, the toe stumpings are coming. I'm still waiting to hear what we're doing to vastly upgrade the front four.

Forgetting the past will doom you to repeat it.
Clawson, show us the new road needed and get Chavis some help. If not, those close wins in 2007 won't all go our way. Crank it up recruiters. Stay the "new" course.

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 13, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTN - you make a few good points but the statement about "Fulmer inheriting talent from Majors" is nonsensical. Some of Majors players were seniors in '95, but of course there was more than Seniors that made that year special. After that, like 97, 98 there were no Majors players. Just a note, I was/am a Majors fan, just stating the facts.

Posted by FWBVol on January 13, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Many of the great players left from the Majors' era were recruited by Phillip Fulmer and the staff members that remained. CPF had as much, if not more, to do with assembling that talent than did Johnny.

Johnny Majors is, and always will be, a Tennessee legend. But as wcirwin64 pointed out, his own paranoia led to his fall. Another thing that might be pointed out is Johnny's last year
also was the year long time trainer Tim Kerrin suddenly passed away. Kerrin was one of Johnny's most trusted confidants and speculation has been if Kerrin had been alive he would have advised Johnny to stay away a little longer.

But that is all speculation just as the speculation about Steve Spurrier coming to UT (which probably would have happened) if we had gotten rid of the single wing a year earlier.

We can all rehash ancient history if we want, but ho matter whether you think Majors brought it on himself of Fulmer stabbed Johnny in the back, it really doesnt matter.

Tennessee football isn't about the coach, but the young men that give their all to Tennessee each and every Saturday in the fall.

I believe Phillip Fulmer has given these young men the offensive coaches needed to produce at the highest level, and will continue to do so until proven otherwise. GO BIG ORANGE!!!!

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tdtn - The "late push" in recruiting may have started. Rivals moved us up to 42nd from 44th. That nose guard Wadley, from Miss looks good. Will visit, has Auburn high though. Need d-linemen like a hog needs slop.

Posted by TommyJack on January 13, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: The only "big secret" left is the recipe for KK glazing. Locked in a vault, known only by KK Corporate, and CPF. Pound it.

Posted by tammy101 on January 13, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can anyone tell me where i can find a 2008-2009
football schedule? Thank You

Posted by LargeOrange on January 13, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.utsports.com/football/page...

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ -won't be long until glazed will be the only subject other than he Pearl and perhaps, our late push. I hope our recruiting haul is a 400 lb pumpkin instead of a little tangerine. We'll know sooner than we think. Floating along thru the doldrums in the hills. Dogs ate cake this AM. Life is good.

Posted by brdteton on January 13, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GoVols, See You @ UCLA!

Posted by bigfan502 on January 13, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RIGHT NOW VOL FANS...RECRUITING TOP PLAYERS IS THE NAME OF THE GAME...THE COACHING HIRES ARE IMPORTANT. BUT NOT NEARLY AS IMPORTANT AS THE RECRUITING....REMEMBER WHAT "BEAR BRYANT" SAID: YOU HAVE TO HAVE ENOUGH CHICKEN TO MAKE GOOD CHICKEN SALAD.

Posted by FWBVol on January 13, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigfan502, that might be so, but you can have all the chickens in the world, and without the right cook you've just got something that will give you food poisoning.

We need to go out and recruit like heck, because I'm confident we've got some good cooks in the kitchen.

Posted by philfan on January 13, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just saw the video conference. Coach Clawson seems to heve excellent verbal skills and presented as professional and knowledgeable. He could pass for a Richt, Meyer, or Saban in terms of looks. I also thought Fulmer looked good too. Is it my imagination but has he lost a few pounds, or firmed up a bit? I am looking forward to a more interesting and innovative offense. Coach Cutcliffe could give you a lot of victories but not too many style points. I want Tennessee not to just defeat the opponents but also to beat them so badly that they dread having to play the Volunteers!

Posted by TommyJack on January 13, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: Doldrums indeed. Like the BB ok, but will miss the ovoid big time.

Posted by posivol on January 13, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

our failures are a direct result of recruiting,we have not gotten it done on a regular basis in a long time.i think this was one of the main issues being addresed w/ the new hires.good solid young coaches w/ fresh ideals along w/ solid work effort.recruiting has changed thru the years and players are not willing to come because in the past you were a well know university.it takes a good solid young recruiting staff to relate to these players.give coach fulmer his dues,he recognized the problem and has taken action to correct it.i think the future is bright and hopefully coach chavis will adapt his defensive mind set and will soon follow suit.we have to have it on both sides of the ball.i think we are close to turning the corner with a nice stable of playmakers already on board.

Posted by posivol on January 13, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrim1998 im sure you meant to say (go to heil gators)i know thats my thought!

Posted by ncvol17 on January 13, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hating the Gators since the Charley Pell, Galen Hall Crook days.... Let's hope we can put the Spider bite on them this year.. new offensive blood has to help us up the 2nd half scoring.

Crompton's time has come.

Posted by pdhuff on January 13, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ncvol17-4:38pm Man, you opened a chapter I'd stored away. Charley Pell and Hall set the bar for cheating so high only SMU ever aspired higher. They truly had the best Gator team $$$$ could buy. What was it, 70 or so violations, that Fla admitted to. What a standard. That took work. Thanks for the memories.

Only SMU death penalty exceeded their work.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on January 13, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just watched some YouTube videos and got myself pumped up for 2008:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY3N13...

Look folks, I am high on coaches Clawson, Scott, and Drayton and the fresh ideas they'll be bringing to UT, but let's realize that in Clawson and Scott's case, they'll be on a stage (SEC, Div. I-A) that neither has coached or played in before. There will be some growing pains. I think they are up to the task but don't expect a title the first year!

I will say again that their most important job will be recruiting. Let's hope they have the personality it takes to get the best young athletes from around the country playing on Rocky Top.

Posted by FWBVol on January 13, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrim1998, your break is over, go clean the parking lot.

The two best recruiters on the Florida staff have left. Meyer, the con man, sells running backs a Brooklyn Bridge offense in the spread that has never produced a single 1,000-yard rusher in his seven years as a head coach.

You will never win it all with a spread so get accustomed to third place in the SEC East.

Posted by dgb63 on January 13, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree wih FWBVol.. I think the spread is a fad now but the D is what wins Champs. We have been focusing on the O side of the ball. It wont be long before the D will catch up with the spread then those teams wont have a run game to fall back on. We need to get some size and speed up front and teach some guys to tackle!!!

Posted by KingsportVol on January 13, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcrimJOB1998 I guess you guy's in Gaytor land don't have much to be excited about so you keep coming back to our site.Congrats on your bowl game.If Oscar Meyer keeps using Tebag as a RB somebody is going to put him in a goat lock.Go Big Orange!!!

Posted by dgb63 on January 13, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree Kingsport He will get spread if they keep running that. I can see using it in a conf with less speed and talent but in the SEC one day somebody will knock the snott out of him. I just don't see how a QB can last for 2-3 years in this conf running like that. I think this type of O is run by teams with les talent to keep the bigger teams off guard. The SEC is as close to the NFL as you can get along with the top conf's in the country. If this was a good O then the NFL would be doing it...

Posted by KingsportVol on January 13, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good one.

Posted by grvol on January 13, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just glad Sanders and Cut are gone. No more check off dink and dunk? It's like waking up, going to the doctor and learning that your cancer is in remission.

Posted by hooverd283 on January 13, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we need a "vol positive" web sight for true vol fans and a link to the vandy web sight for all non believers . go vols !

Posted by KingsportVol on January 13, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grvol so you believe that both of them had full control over the offense and called the shots?The problem was bigger than both of them.I would say the problem was about 320lbs.I think he did a great job in hiring Clawson but if he don't let him do what he does it won't matter.I am excited about this guy after hearing his press conference.Looking forward to some revenge in 08.Go Big Orange!!!

Posted by utchris2003 on January 13, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hear that we are high on the list of one of the top Juniors in the nation. WR Marlon Brown of Memphis is rated the #11 Player and #2 WR in the Nation for next years class. Apparently, Fulmer spent much of a already scheduled December visit to Memphis at Brown's school. The kid is also a D1 prospect in basketball and has been told that he would have a spot at UT in the regard as well.

I saw this kid play. We could use him. At 6'4 or 6'5 he is big and has major hops. Hope he chooses to either play football or play both as he seems to have a higher upside in Football.

Posted by anthony on January 14, 2008 at 2:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Boy, Fulmer really put this one together, didn't he???

Posted by volunteers4life on January 14, 2008 at 2:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought we had a top 5 recruiting class for the past 2 years?! Was I smoking something and got cornfused, or what?? Anyway, cant expect that every year but sure can expect better than 42nd for elvis's sake!

Also, I disagree about our defense. Remember when we had the ainge/schaeffer qb controversy season. The only reason we were in most of the games that season was due to our defense. I think defensively this year was an aberration, end of season D was much better and more reminiscent of years past. Plus we had so many injuries and youth in the secondary, chavis was def. handicapped by that this year. But run D has to be tighter up the middle. I can't stand watching FL run right up the middle, knowing exactly what they were about to do but TN not being able to stop them shorter than 7 yards later. D line definitely needs something whether it is talent, conditioning, fundamentals, depth, motivation, energy, explosiveness, aspirin, HGH, whatever I just cant say with any certainty b/c I am truly no expert.

Posted by volunteers4life on January 14, 2008 at 2:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the additions and expect great things out of this crew, anyone know where this Clawson guy has recruiting strength?? Geographically I mean....

Posted by vols76 on January 14, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrim1998.......Vols 12th.........Gators 16th.....yeah go gators....LOL!

Posted by bustervols on January 14, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the first order of business should be to get Coach Clawson an orange tie.

Posted by GoVol on January 14, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on Chavis - need you to have the 'D' ready. We need lineman and please let the backs turn and look for the ball??

Posted by pdhuff on January 14, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Govol 9:06 a.m. Chavis does need to have the "D" ready. I don't think he can take many more seasons of not playing with a full deck. I believe he had fewer SEC-level players than in his entire career.

And I'm not convinced he's going to have a major improvement to work with in 2008. "D" is and should be a major concern for this team. Serious issues abound here. Go Vols.

Posted by inswhiz on January 14, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Clwson sounds like he could really be the guy to jumpstart this offense. Dont think it will be Crompton at QB think it will be BJ Coleman, your thoughts guys?

Posted by vol4life on January 14, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

What is the deal w/Crompton I see alot don't want him as QB. playing time when it counted he This year everytime he came in with the predictable playcalling everyone knew he was going to run, they have to give him a chance to throw the ball...like everything else, this spring the cream will rise to the top one of these kids will get the job done or they wouldn't be at UT

Posted by utchris2003 on January 14, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

His tie sure looks orange in the pic above!

Posted by VolnFlorida on January 15, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe Fulmer knew Cut could not take over as HC at UT. I sincerely believe he is trying to find someone so he can leave it in good hands when the day comes. It seems like he knows the game may be passing him by and he is giving it all he can to
put UT in a good position down the road. We'll see.
I'm not certain if UT has all the athletes needed for this system. It may change the approach to recruiting this year. Sounds good so far.