Photo by Michael Patrick
Center Josh McNeil, left, and Anthony Parker, right, protect quarterback Erik Ainge from the rush of California's defensive line on Sept. 1, 2007, at Berkeley, Calif. The Vols' offensive line allowed only four sacks during the 2007 season, best in the nation.
Inside the offensive line
POSITION COACH
- Greg Adkins
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
- Right Tackles: Ramon Foster (Darius Myers, William Brimfield)
- Right Guards: Jacques McClendon or Vladimir Richard (Jarrod Shaw)
- Centers: Josh McNeil (Anthony Parker, Cody Sullins)
- Left Guards: Anthony Parker (Vladimir Richard)
- Left tackles: Chris Scott (Ramone Johnson).
WATCH OUT FOR
- Richard, a punishing run-blocker who will see plenty of action and could challenge for a starting position at guard.
KEY STAT
- UT allowed an NCAA best four sacks in 2007 but the Vols also averaged a respectable 4.2 yards per carry.
When new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson took the reins of Tennessee's offense in the spring, he didn't have to look far for horses.
"The offensive line is the group that has to give us stability," Clawson said. "It has to be counted on to play at a high level every single week, whether it's in the run game or protection-wise."
Good thing for Clawson that the Vols return all five starters from the last six games in 2007.
Back is All-SEC performer Anthony Parker, who also earned second- and third-team All-America honors and elected to return for his senior season. Back, too, is Ramon Foster, one of UT's most versatile and consistent performers at guard or tackle.
Former freshman All-SEC center Josh McNeil is a junior, as are a pair of road-grading guards in Jacques McClendon and Vladimir Richard.
And fellow junior Chris Scott made a seamless transition to left tackle from the right side after last year's starter, Eric Young, went down with a season-ending knee injury against South Carolina.
"The experience we have coming back, that's something you can't teach or explain how important that is," says McNeil, who is back in full swing after missing spring practice following knee surgery. "We have five guys, six including Vlad, that just know how to play with each other. If we play the way we're capable of playing, we should be one of the strong points of the team."
Just because the Vols return starting experience doesn't absolve those experienced players of the need to improve.
UT averaged just 139 yards rushing per game, which ranked ninth in the SEC. Part of that can be attributed to former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe's play calling, but some of that also belongs to Tennessee's inability at times to execute in short-yardage situations.
Still, there's one area where UT's offensive line left itself almost no room for improvement.
Last year, the Vols allowed four sacks, fewest of any school in the country and in one more game that most, and starting quarterback Erik Ainge was only sacked three times. A lot of those numbers had to do with Ainge's tendency to get rid of the ball quickly - either to a receiver or via an incomplete pass - but a lot of credit goes to Tennessee's linemen for giving Ainge time.
With Jonathan Crompton at quarterback, UT's sack total will likely increase. Crompton is more athletic and mobile, which should allow more time for plays to develop downfield, but also will allow oncoming rushers more time to reach Crompton. And, in spring practice and limited game experience, Crompton has shown a willingness to hold the ball longer and absorb a few more hits than Ainge, which also means the Vols will probably yield more sacks.
Another issue for the offensive line is adjusting to Clawson's new offense, which will see linemen play on both sides of the line in a "quick" and "strong" side scheme. It also puts added emphasis on making the right call at the line of scrimmage, which falls on McNeil.
"In this new offense, I'm having to communicate with the offensive line," McNeil said. "It's a lot of added pressure, because if you bust one call, it could make the difference between the line going one way or the other. It's definitely a hard thing to do, but it's a challenge I'd like to think I can take on."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 53
ncvol writes:
The offensive line will be great this year. The defense will not be bad either.
Go Vols....
Smallmike4pres writes:
I hear that McNeil is great at the triple team.
Volfan1 writes:
I think we need to cut Crompton some slack for the Arkansas game two years ago. We went into a hornet's nest on the road. The Hogs were a good team that was on a mission that night.
We were still reeling from a last second loss (thanks to that "non-fumble") and adjusting to a new QB.
And, truth be told, Crompton wasn't spectacular against LSU on his home turf. He made two long passes, which is no small feat, but not much else. One good thing is he didn't cause us to lose.
All that said, I'm a Crompton supporter, and I think this may be his team, like Tee took over in 98.
4114 writes:
I will admit things look real good on the offensive side of the ball however if the defense can't stop anybody any better than last year look out. We can not expect to win shootouts everyweek.
Bass_Vol_1998 writes:
good stuff volfan.
Something about our line that is promising to me was the Arkansas game last year. We kept QB sneaking on short yardage and they couldn't stop it. After about the third time I thought to myself we're gonna win this one.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Yawn...26 yards rushing the last 2 years combined vs. Florida. Hey, but McNeil MIGHT be close to 275 lbs this year for at least the opener.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
running the ball is a mental disease...um, I mean mindset....
just kidding.
IMHO, running the ball is harder than passing because of the number of blocks and difficulty of beating up on d-linemen. So, to run well, your team has to be in that "pound'em" style and be very confidant about it.
gnm53108 writes:
4114:You're right about us not being able to win shootouts every week.Thats why I have us going 11-1.
45 More days before our frost brewed koolaid drinking gets serious.
Go VOLS!!
MidTennVol writes:
"UT averaged just 139 yards rushing per game, which ranked ninth in the SEC. Part of that can be attributed to former offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe's play calling, but some of that also belongs to Tennessee's inability at times to execute in short-yardage situations."
Darn tootin'. Show us the money, boys, and then we'll believe you're good.
Can you blow UCLA, FL, AL, etc. off the line and open some holes for our backs?
WE WILL SEE.
oldorange writes:
Excellent article!
lnbadger320 writes:
i'm kinda excited about our offense, but i'm still leary about our D-line. i just hope fulmer lets clawson play the calls and control the offense. i still don't think we'll beat the Gators, i think we'll get out coached. i hope i'm wrong but i just don't see it happening.
b_neas writes:
How much experience did Tee Martin have going into the 1998 season? Athletism and other intangibles are just as improtant, if not more, than experience.
jasonn1970 writes:
Am I the only one who thinks Crompton will be an upgrade from Ainge? And as for the offensive line I really hope our new offensive coordinator will not give up on the run like the old one did.
Go4Two writes:
Crompton reminds me a lot of Tee. Both have been around a while and have simular talents. Could be a repeat.
GerryOP writes:
VolNation's take on the '08 season:
http://www.volnation.com/blog/2008-07...
orangebloodgmc writes:
Jason I agree with you. I'm not bashing Ainge -- he did a lot for us -- but I believe Crompton can do some things that Ainge just wasn't able to do.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Hayull must be freezing over, because I am agreeing with DCGator for a change. On paper our offense has a good chance to best the Florida defense but that's what I thought last year, so I have quit predicting stuff. Still, we seem to have good morale and momentum for now, and we play 2 before Florida. We'll see.
jasonn1970 writes:
I wasn't trying to bash Ainge myself. I just thing a more athletic QB and different playcalling are going to be a refreshing change this year.
jasonn1970 writes:
*think* - not thing
CoverOrange writes:
Talking about Crompton's style reminds me of the conjecture about Tebow likely getting hurt as the season goes along. Same possibility with Crompton. I hope there is a plan to run up the score in some games early so that Coleman and/or Stephens can get on the field. Of course, that requires us to be able to score and play defense.
Anybody know if Clawson will be a pressbox signal caller or on the field?
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
I would be fine with losses to UAB, NOrthern Illinios, and Wyoming.
As long as we went 11-3 on the season.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
Turbo if you can get Fulmer to run up the score it would be most appreciated!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
tngeoff 11:08, I'm glad our koolade got there. Pretty tasty, huh. LOL
Seriously, if we can hold UCLA under 350 yds total offense, we have a chance at a good year. If not, I'm sticking to my 7-5 predict.
Big tests coming for a under performing "D". Easy to forget they were 11th in the SEC. Chavis will have earned his glazed with this bunch if they step up.
I think Crompton will be fine.
Stay the course.
CoverOrange writes:
LV8T, I'm filling out the application forms now.
mikes70gto writes:
I feel that some are UNDERESTIMATING our defense. With this being Bolden and Ayers last go around they will perform to expectations.McCoy,Williams,Myers-White/Mathis will provide the added pressure to make the D work along with the best secondary in the SEC if not the NCAA.Offensively we should,will; have the joy of "suprise" with the new scheme we will run,to me a breath of fresh air is in order.Give Cromp a game or two to get his feet wet and we should see a confident field general,which has been missing IMO for a while. pdhuff,very true Chavis will have to earn his stripes this year or it could be "adios ole friend". Thought that adios would sound better than "aloha".Anyhoo look for an exciting year and a 10-2 or a 11-1 campaign !!We still might lose one we shouldn't;and I'm not talking about Fl or Bama.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
general_w;
a lot of the modern passing game is really just another way to get an offensive back 'in space' with the ball. lots of little flares and dumps and that sort of thing.
That is why I think yac (yards after catch) should be SUBTRACTED from a QB's passing yard total. yeah, semanitcs.
anyway, back on topic, I think a lot of offensive coordinators look at the short passing game as part of the 'running' game.
BleedsOrangeinMO writes:
supersmo;
T-Martin didn't have any experience either.
That turned out OK.
Volgrad777 writes:
I think everyone will see this year , crompton will be no upgrade from Ainge. 4 sacks is impressive , im sure Ainge got rid of the ball too soon sometimes , but he got rid of it and made smart plays because he was coached that way. All these goobers who call him a sissy is ridiculous. He played with mangled fingers and everything , he was told to play smart and not take big losses , something we werent used to. Thats a huge part of the reason we won. Lets put it this way , i like Crompton ok and hope he plays well this year , but if he had started last year theres no way we play in the SEC champ. The LSU game two years ago was far from "phenomenal". He tossed two huge bombs , underthrown and had some awesome recievers help him out with some "phenomenal" catches. He played like you would expect against Arkansas. I hate to see everyone toss him on a podium because they didnt like Ainge , E Ainge was a solid QB , he gave us some good years and played well , he got drafted. Crompton isnt near Ainge right now and i think it might hurt some people when he doesnt come out of the gate on fire and struggles early. Namely all those Cromptonites.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Zanebreeding, we are not disliking nor disrespecting Ainge, and clearly as a senior his experience showed. Crompton will have to gain this experience and surely will make some mistakes as he learns, but he does offer an additional dimension that Ainge did not have. That's all we're saying. It should be two consecutive yrs of good qbs with different styles, just like it was with Manning and Martin.
b_neas writes:
I agree zane, i wonder why so many people bash Ainge. I think he was a solid pocket passer QB. Under Cutcliffe he did very well. I do not think he was a leader and obviously could not scramble at all (which is why people maybe bash him), but they should not question his passing ability or his QB IQ. All things considered (off coor, talent surrounding him, and intangibles) I think Crompton this coming year can perform as well as Ainge. I hope I am right.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Giveim6 10:51 - After long and thoughtful deliberation in a retired tobacco barn, here are my picks.
Wins - UAB - N.Ill, MSU SC WY VU and Kaintuck.
Loses - Fla -Ga -Auburn - Ala - Holding a mulligan for UCLA, but we are bad on the coast for some reason. Cal's speed killed us last time out.
I just don't think we'll get the breaks our way we got vs Vandy, SC and Ky. If UCLA wasn't our opener, I'd feel much better.
As a Virgo geezer prompted by Maker Mark after 5 pm, thus spake I.
My not dead, but buried horse of questionable d-line pressure stands dead in the way of a 10 win season. Hopefully , happily, Chavis will come off the near bottom of the SEC in D.
We can all hope.
I eagerly await others who are not scared to step out and not wait till Oct to predict. Most natl pundits have picked us below the top 15.
94VOL writes:
It seems like in our new offense we will be able to let Crompton grow by hitting quick passes. I feel like he has the talent he just needs a game or two to get the flow back since he hasn't been a true starter since high school.
I just hope they are in great shape and ready to battle because I think the staff all know that they have alot to prove to the Volnation and the rest of the country.
ctownvol writes:
Bleedsorange- Please don't mention Tee martin! Not that we don't love him tremendously, but ANY mention of him will bring out Nafslov!
invisiblekid writes:
PDHuff, 9-3 with losses to FL, GA, and Auburn.
Florida just has too much speed on offense for us to stop, I think Rainey, James, and Harvin break off a few big plays instead of Tebow being a one man show.
Auburn on the road following a tough game against the Gators, to go along with a new spread option which will take Chavis a few years to figure out, makes me skeptical about our chances.
And finally Georgia at home with the nation watching is a tall order. They don't have any receivers but Moreno is solid along with their defense.
I think all the games will be competitve though. If we see anything like last year against the Gators, I will make Workin' sound like Gandhi. Pull off an early win against the Gators and momentum may be a tough thing to stop.
I think we get revenge on Bama in Knoxville in a big way and believe we have an OC who will not throw it in neutral at half time against SC and KY. We scored 10 points combined in the second half of those two games after getting big leads.
We are just flat out better than UCLA, UAB, N.Ill, Wyoming, MS St, and Vandy. MS ST will be tough, Croom is a good coach and they are always hard-nosed but we have more firepower than them. Heck, their spring game went to OT and finished 6-0. Losing to any of these teams puts the season on shaky ground IMO.
marmotman writes:
Zanebreeding - I agree that Crompton's second TD pass in the LSU game was underthrown (althought the DB misjudged it) but the first was well-positioned over Meacham's shoulder away from the DB. I don't want to argue about how perfect it was or not, but it illustrates my point that the vertical passing game was essentially non-existent last year. Not only does that limit big play ability from the receivers, but it also means that the safeties can creep up towards the line of scrimage against the run. I think Crompton's arm strength will be essential in the spread attack in order to open up big hitters from the RBs (esp. Creer).
TommyJack writes:
LV8: I suggest you rethink that 11-3 season as being satisfactory (the losses you mentioned).
Ainge had mediocre skill, a mediocre OC, and was given a horrible season long game plan. Crompton should have been inserted when Ainge proved his longest toss would only reach the third row. Was he injured? Absolutely...But he was a senior and that fit Cut's plan. Shameful.
HotlantaVol writes:
Based on McNeil's comments about completely changing the blocking schemes up front to a quick/strong setup, it sounds as if Clawson is truly being allowed to take over the offense. If CPF was just pulling a Houston Nutt and putting in a puppet coordinator, we would be hearing how very similar Clawson's offense is to Cut's. To me, that's good news. It shows that CPF recognizes the need for change and is willing to let his coordinators run their own shows. I hope it pays off for us.
ctownvol writes:
I know General but he loves to point out Tee brought us the NC. I figure better safe than sorry when it comes to poking that bear.
vscebail#247785 writes:
I just hope they get back to the basics. There are two main jobs on the O-line: Protect the quarterback, and punch a big hole for the running game. The last two years we did a good job with QB protection, but at times it seemed like we couldn't punch a hole in a wet paper bag! Almost all of our big run gains last year came when the running back started inside, and then bounced the play back outside because there was nowhere else to go with it. I want to see them hit a big hole with a head full of steam and stay untouched until they're standing in the end zone!
cobbwebb writes:
IF ANY INJURIES OCCUR WE ARE IN BIG TROUBLE , CROMPTON IS STILL AN UNKNOWN , BUT HAS ANYONE THOUGHT WHAT IF CROMPTON GOES DOWN ? can the g gun step up or will stephens or coleman get the nod? we cannot afford any injury along the d line period. im very excited about seeing mcclendon and richards, these 2 should be blowing guys off the line of scrimmage, but we will see. GO VOLS !!!!
CoastGuardVol writes:
I agree that we may lose at Auburn. Thats a tough week after seeing the Gators the week before. I think that we go into Athens though and beat out a over confident Georgia team. South Carolina may be tough in Columbia even though they peter off in the last part of the season. I predict 10-2 Going into December with a win against Auburn with a BCS bid. All this is yet to be seen, but I like the "Strong and Quick" side of our O-line. Arian came back with a plan in mind and I think that he is going to be a force, also with our secondary teams will not want to tempt fate and let Berry or Morely get the ball. This is our year for SEC Champs!! GO VOLS!!!
b_neas writes:
The GA game is in athens invisible. Not at home as you say in your thread.
94VOL writes:
I think Clawson has complete control over the offense and it seems like he is a control freak with something to prove. I bet he is going to try and keep it simple this summer to help the guys get there confidence up and once he hits the field he is going to put the hammer down.
I can't wait to see what he is going to do because for some odd reason I think he is going to be the REAL DEAL.
RJ_Vol writes:
9-3 regular season w/ New Year's Day Bowl (W)...So, I say 10-3 overall in '08. As to who we lose to, I hate predicting individual losses because I'd like to think each game is a real possibility for a (W). UCLA is no gimme. However, don't put too much stock in a UCLA win or loss. But if we can go on the road to UCLA and win, it takes a lot of pressure off the UF game. Look for the defense to continue its hard hitting(LSU/Wisconsin games) all year long. UT will remember the UF loss. The punter, J. Crompton, and B. Martin are wildcards who, if they play well, will raise my expectation to a conference championship in a hurry. Clawson's offense will getter better w/ each game and I can't wait to see it. Agree w/ PD that D-line will be the deciding factor(better or worse) in all big games. DB's are only as good as the pass rush. IF we beat Florida and Georgia, the table is set...
Next year ('09) we will be legitimate contenders, though a trip to the Swamp will stand in our way and also to Bammer. I think a BCS games is in the cards.
TommyJack writes:
slov: I was showing my customary benevolence to Mr. Ainge.
TommyJack writes:
I look for a big year out of Rogers.
cjraney writes:
TJ says: "Crompton should have been inserted when Ainge proved his longest toss would only reach the third row. Was he injured? Absolutely...But he was a senior and that fit Cut's plan. Shameful."
Shout it from the hilltops TJ. Cut put his own ego/senior loyalty/or something ahead of the team and it was disgusting. Glad Cut is gone and I don't blame Ainge at all. As long as Clawson maintains a high level of discipline and attention to detail [Cut's only 2 strengths] our offense is on the rise.
cjraney writes:
pd-
I'll take 10-2. Will split with Aub and Fla then drop one to UGA, Bammer, OR....USC East.
cjraney writes:
I'm looking to hear more from Andre Mathis this year. It seems like every time he saw the field last year he got his name called. Have I missed recent news on him or anything?
gnm53108 writes:
sjt18..I think,and also hoping that our offense will be more run orientated.Alot of times when we are accused of calling off the dogs its just our ability,or lack thereof,to be able to run effectively in the 2nd half.Espicially in short yardage situations.A couple of long 7 or 8 min drives thru 3rd and 4th quarter will usually put a game away.
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