Inside the Quarterbacks
Position coach
- Dave Clawson
Projected depth chart
- Jonathan Crompton (Nick Stephens, B.J. Coleman)
Watch out for
- Crompton, who will be a more athletic and perhaps more explosive replacement for Erik Ainge, one of the most accurate passers in UT history.
Key stat
- After playing seven games in 2006, including his only career start against Arkansas, Crompton threw just 12 passes and played in just four SEC games in 2007.
Series
For the first time in four years, Tennessee won't have Erik Ainge at quarterback.
For some, that's a good thing. Some may worry about a player with just one career start handling games against UCLA, Florida and Auburn in September.
But after spring practice one thing is readily apparent: Crompton is ready to be a starter.
And any comparisons to Ainge, UT's primary starter for four years and a fifth-round draft pick of the New York Jets, just don't work.
"Jonathan can't worry about trying to be Erik or trying to be someone else," says first-year offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dave Clawson. "I think Jonathan's strengths are different."
For one, Crompton is faster and more athletic than either Ainge or his predecessor, Casey Clausen. Crompton also has shown a willingness to absorb a hit, and his athleticism allows him to create space and let plays develop or even tuck the ball and run for a few yards here and there.
Still, Crompton's first spring practice as the unquestioned starter wasn't without a few bumps in the road. At times, he struggled with decision-making and accuracy. The result was five interceptions in UT's first three scrimmages.
Surrounded by an athletic group of receivers, a talented backfield and an offensive line that excelled in pass protection last season, Clawson wants to make sure Crompton doesn't press for a knock-out blow on every single snap.
"We need to do things that he can be good at, and he needs to make good decisions," Clawson said. "He's going to make plays. He's got outstanding arm strength. He's a good athlete. He can create space for himself. I think his challenge is he doesn't have to win every game on every play."
So far, Crompton seems to be learning the lesson.
In the Orange and White Game, Crompton had his best showing so far, completing 13 of his 20 passes for 266 yards, three touchdowns and only one interception.
After taking about a month off to rehab from minor elbow surgery, Crompton has been working with his receivers in 7-on-7 drills this summer in preparation for the start of camp in August.
According to wide receiver Josh Briscoe, Crompton hasn't wasted any time making sure UT's offense is prepared for the fall.
"He's demanding a lot from this group, from this receiving corps," Briscoe said. "He's ready to play. He's waited three years, and now it's his time to play."
Behind Crompton, junior Nick Stephens and redshirt freshman B.J. Coleman will jockey for the backup job. Neither distinguished himself during spring drills and both have strides to make in game-management before the season-opener at UCLA on Sept. 1.
That's when Crompton will officially step into the spotlight, and Clawson - like plenty of others - is eager to see what Crompton will do.
"Jonathan Crompton is certainly a guy that I'm very excited about," Clawson said. "I enjoy working with him. He puts a lot into it. I think from the decision-making standpoint, he's improved. And I think as he gets more and more reps with the offense, that that part will only get better."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 164
ctownvol writes:
Crompton will be FINE! Go Vols!
TommyJack writes:
Sounds about right.
Michael1204 writes:
the key for Crompton is exactly what Clawson said. "he doesn't have to win the game on every play."
Crompton needs to be effective and productive, not necessarily flashy. If a QB can work on just being effective and being a good game manager, the rest will fall into place IMO.
iowavol writes:
I expect our QB play to much improved this year over the last few years. Not taking anything away from what Erik was able to accomplish, but Crompton brings another diminsion we haven't seen since Heath Shuler.
gwaidley#279246 writes:
Yeah, I generally agree with everything said so far. I just hope Crompton doesn't run around too much and get hurt. Doesn't sound like we stand much of a chance against SEC competition with Nick or BJ in there - at least not yet.
GreerVol22 writes:
just remember that your no Tebow, so act like it.
budrhon writes:
Just hand it to Foster and move out the way!
DennisVols writes:
I watched Crompton in the '06 LSU game. With very limited practice time with the 1st team offense and being put in after Ainge was hurt he came in and did the job. Just one turnover in the game. He threw the ball on a line and could put it down the field.
UT will have more mobility in Crompton, greater arm strength and above all else a Offensive cord. with more than 3 plays in his book (run up the middle, short sideline pass,punt).
Silent_Fulmer writes:
has anyone started the countdown to Foolmer telling us that Football is played in pads?
JCVol85 writes:
I don't think this is going to be the normal situation of having a new quarterback at the helm. Crompton has been here for three years already and has some experience. He may make some mistakes early in the season, but by at least the Bama game I think he will look like an SEC veteran QB.
steve22043#233791 writes:
Didn't want to belittle Ainge while he was the starter, but always thought Crompton would turn out to be the better QB. As time has gone along I like his attitude more and more. I think he'll be one of our all time greats
HilltopperVolPhi608 writes:
I think Crompton will bring what Ainge didn't, intensity. I can't remember what game it was but it was either Arkansas or LSU and Crompton came in for Ainge and one of the first plays that he is in the game and he takes off running down the sideline and completely runs over a defensive back. I believe Crompton will be a great quarterback for the next two years and I CAN'T WAIT until the season starts at UCLA, which by the way I am probably going to. Kind of random, but how much would you give to run through the "T"?
alavol writes:
I hope the football Magazines rate us low, because when they rate us high we lay a goose egg! Let all the other heros have their faces plastered all over the front pages. Work hard and work smart, we'll get there. Beat both Alabama teams, Florida and Georgia. Let Spurrier have his fun.
andy112382#209793 writes:
Crompton will be perfectly fine at QB. I hope anyone who looks at scrimmages realizes they run a lot of scripted plays, asking the QB to attempt certain passes to test certain situations. Granted, some INTs are strictly his fault, but some may come as a matter of doing what the coaches ask to test the teams strengths and weaknesses. Spring game is probally a better look into the future of the season, and if that is the case, I am one happy Vol fan!!!
HilltopperVolPhi608 writes:
DaddyVol, good video. Granted he did run over that guy, but that is a far cry from the SEC DB's he is seeing this year.
TK writes:
Laughing....sorry everytime I see Ainge's name now I think of Fulmer saying he could start as a rookie for the Jets.
WereInTrouble writes:
We're in the middle of a propaganda blitz. Get everyone enthused and they will ignore how bad it is over at 'The Good Ole' Boy's Club', buy their tickets, fill the seats and everything will be alright. The university makes money and the sheep will be so blind they won't add us the losses and see what a failure 'The Warden' really is. Sorry, anyone but a fool can see through the propaganda. I'm not rushing anywhere to buy a ticket.
volfan73120#211815 writes:
Trouble- I don't think anyone cares whether you buy a ticket or not.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
Finally a quarterback with some wheels! Maybe we can quit throwing at the sidelines. If we can throw downfield some, Foster will set some records since he seems to have figured out how to hold onto the ball.
VOLS85 writes:
hey trouble,
when you have something to add to the conversation besides your disdain for the university, I'm sure people will start listening...until then, you're a joke, just like your cohort or two in crime...
kbart4033#247331 writes:
WereInTrouble--good to hear you're not rushing to buy a ticket. Last I checked, we were sitting No.1
in the nation's toughest division. That must be a
real bummer for your negative butt Suggestion:
get a life--and change your name to
GlassIsHalfEmpty!
jhmclain#224991 writes:
Trouble - I usually don't say much on here and when I do it is something quick about the game, team or a play. Don't have much to say directly to the other posters because evryone has an opinion just like everyone has an ---hole and you sir are the real thing! Go root for Bama as I will root for the Vols no matter what happens. And no I am not a diehard Fulmer fan as I also was calling for his head after the Bama game last year. Since my first game watching them on TV back in '68 I have had orange blood in my veins and it will be orange until the day I leave this earth.
Volgrad777 writes:
I think Crompton is a solid player , not so sure hes even close to garnering comparisons to Heath Shuler at all though. He will struggle some , thats probably his biggest downfall is that intensity and attitude. Hes got to keep it in check and not get carried away because we all know that leads to turnovers and bad decisions. As long as he understands his ability and what he can do he should be fine. Thats what was great about Ainge that people dont realize , he never forced the issue , always gave us another shot , he knew what he could do and what throws he could make. Never tried to be more than what he was. I think in that sense Crompton could take a page from E Ainge. He is MORE mobile than Ainge and Clausen but lets not get carried away either , i wouldnt exactly say hes got so called "legs". Hes def no burner , hes not gonna get ya 75 yards rushing a game , he might pick up 3 or 4 here and there when otherwise we get nothing but thats about it. By no means is he going to be running the football much. Im not sure which play he ran over a DB in that game , i must have missed it but id stray away from that kind of thing too. All we need is him getting his head knocked off in the first game trying to prove something to everyone. We all know he is capable of good things and now its his turn , as long as he doesnt have that "Ill show you what youve been missing out on" chip i believe he will excell by next year. Hopefully he will harness that intensity to the right areas and lead us to some good things this and next year.
eb502us#225637 writes:
Crompton has been the best QB on the team the past 3 years. Cutcliffe was just to clueless to see it.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Gen W, "More mobile than Ainge"?
Say it ain't so.
Can he reach row 31?
blhvols#536551 writes:
Hey Trouble, you can't afford your trailer payment much less a Vol football ticket. I bet you don't turn on that FREE Tv or radio either !!!!!!!!!!
BigMix writes:
Go Vols!
TommyJack writes:
eb502 8:45: You're not too far off.
arkyvol writes:
i hope the writer is right. the only game i've seen him start was the 06 game in fayetteville. there may have been worse performances by a vol quarterback, but none come to mind. of course, that fiasco was truly a team effort.
TommyJack writes:
Kingsport: Advice..don't get caught in between the Chief and the buffet line. Could be ugly.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
ainge and clausen were very accurate passers (mostly), and there stats back it up. the clawson is exactly right, and some posters here....crompton has to play 'in the offense' and not force things.
crompton has the opp, a big one: he can work had on his d-making and accuracy, and use his feet to buy time, and be a real star. or, he can just wing it and try to throw through defenders.
I'll say one thing: jon crompton is ready from a maturity standpoint. I like what I read about his attitude and work habits.
good luck Jon.
longtimefan writes:
Crompton would have some experience if coach Cut would have let him play. dont understand how you can go all season with a senior qb and not get your projected qb of next year a little playing time!
TommyJack writes:
longtime: And an INJURED senior QB. Incredibly stupid on Cutcliff's part.
THE_VOL writes:
The Kool-Aid is flowing freely isn't it boys???!!! Funny how EVERYBODY is gonna be "fine" and "great" in July but I wonder what the excuses will be in Sept, Oct and November???? Injury? Crompton has yet to prove he can stay on the field. Certainly not hoping but I'll bet he doesn't play a whole season this year either. Inexperience???? Three years, 48% completion rate, and NOBODY to back him up. Ole FOOLmer does a great job recruiting and developing doesn't he???? Interesting that so many want to go back to the LSU game with Crompton but very few want to look at the ARK game???? Selective memories abound!
But if ole EB says Crompton has been the best for 3 years they I'm sure he was! That's why he played so much folks! Clueless??? Yep that's old EB!!!
The Perfect Storm II is barrelling down on K-town folks so hide the women and children, stock up on the Magic Dust, and just wait for those FREE tickets to start flying! This could be ugly!
TommyJack writes:
Last season was a classic study in How NOT to Handle your QB's. Shameful.
longtimefan writes:
TJ, Cut didn't want a qb controversy! did i spell that right? his thinking might have been, LETS GET AINGE THROUGH THIS YEAR, IM OUTTA HERE ANYWAY!!!
TommyJack writes:
longtime: I think you're right...much to his discredit.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
Cutcliff positives:
- attention to detail
- demands discipline
- structured and effective practices
- game prep
- passing game coordinator
negatives:
- stubborn (injured Ainge or Crompton, lack of Crompton play time)
- unimaginative offensive scheme
- predictable play calling
- poor in game adjustments
- poor running game coordinator
Overall did good things for TN, was probably the right medicine for the sick offense that Sanders' left, but glad we're moving in another direction. Probably took the Duke job for all the right reasons and was probably highly encouraged to take it by Fulmer. I think Fulmer wanted and wants to cement his legacy with a successful run without Cutcliffe...and hope he succeeds.
longtimefan writes:
i think we'll pound the rock at UCLA. If we can get thru that game and get back home, we'll be in good shape!
vol1994 writes:
I ask this from time to time on different threads so here it goes again:
Being realistic and with our schedule-
1.what do you think our best case scenario will be this year (wins and loss record)?
2. worst case?
3. Probable record?
I love my mighty vols and always positive, some say too positive, and I will go to every home game and a couple of away games regardless of record.
In my opinion, we wil most likely go 9-3 this year (loss to Florida, GA, Auburn).
I think crompton will be okay if we do NOT have to play from behind which is a concern, as I have a feeling our front 7 will struggle in Sept and early october.
cjraney writes:
1994-
1. Best case: one SEC loss
2. Worst case: three SEC losses
3. 10-2 regular season
FLA will lose in Neyland, but go on to win the SEC and play for BCS title. Vols will likely fall to AUB if we beat UF, if not we edge the war tigers on the road.
vol1994 writes:
CJraney- do you think we will be play in natl title game again under fulmer?
I do but folks think I am crazy when i say this.
If we only lose one game this year then we will win the SEC east and possilby compete for a Natl title if we win the SEC... Of course that is not probable but I do think a one loss team will play for the NC again... but not a two loss team.
longtimefan writes:
best case would be to get past UCLA with a W.get Jon and receivers tuned up for FLA. win that one,which we will, PAYBACK you know! then get on a roll. my only concern is Georgia and Auburn on the road. have to wait to see how we are playing by that time. best case? 12-0 worst? 9-3 we should know more after that first game
vol1994 writes:
12-0 would be awesome!
LanceR24 writes:
what happened to ashley, and who is going to give us our countdown lol?
Vols1998 writes:
The schedule poses many issues and I believe our results will hinge on QB decisions under pressure and the D-Line putting pressure on the other team's QB....sounds pretty simple, but we have the tools to go the the SEC Championship again and on to a BCS...IF everyone stays healthy.
Go Vols!!
longtimefan writes:
yes it would, the VOLS usually put it together when no one expects them to! but sorry, we probably lose in sec championship game in a rematch with Auburn! dont see Phil gettin another one. Tommys turn
vol1994 writes:
It may not be this year nor next, but Fulmer and the VOLS will win a SEC title by 2012 and probably compete for the natl title.
I just have a feeling that will happen and then Fulmer will leave UT.... He initially said 4 more years then changed it to 8-10 years but if he has success by 2012 then his wife Vicky will convince him to leave. she wants him to leave now but.........
TommyJack writes:
grvol: Then I'm guessing you don't agree with Butch 12:12? Are you a hater or jealous? Got to be one or the other, right?
longtimefan writes:
maybe they just needed to get Colquit more experience!
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