Photo by Michael Patrick
Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers deliver a hit to Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson during last year’s game against the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
When Robert Ayers got the news he would represent Tennessee along with teammate Arian Foster at last week's SEC Media Days in Alabama, he couldn't have been happier.
Forget for a minute that trip consists of almost non-stop interviews for some 3 1/2 hours with regional and national radio, television and print journalists, a task that's about as much fun as, say, running a marathon in the desert this time of year.
But for Ayers, being chosen by coach Phillip Fulmer to represent Tennessee was an honor, especially considering the way his career began.
"Jerod Mayo, Erik Ainge, Arron Sears, Peyton Manning, guys like that have come down," Ayers said. "For (Fulmer) to choose me to follow after those guys is a great privilege."
It's one Ayers has certainly earned.
Sometime before the 2007 season, Fulmer called the senior defensive end into his office and delivered a simple message: It's time to grow up.
"I've had a couple meetings with Robert about those kinds of things," Fulmer said. "Robert's taking a few hugs of necks a few kicks in the butt, at the same time."
This time, though, Ayers agreed and promised to get with the program. So far, he's kept that promise, and he's never been more productive in his career.
Last season, he was arguably Tennessee's best defensive lineman, and he didn't even start a game. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound South Carolina native also led the Vols with four sacks and 12 tackles for loss. This spring, he shared most improved player honors on defense with defensive back DeAngelo Willingham.
But more than that, he's finally matured to the point where teammates and coaches view him as a leader.
"I think his maturity has grown leaps and bounds," says Foster, who came to UT with Ayers in 2004. "You can see how he carries himself and his character has changed really 180 (degrees)."
Ayers, one of several players who had run-ins with the law prior to the 2005 season, credits his coaches for his turnaround.
"My career got off to a rocky start," he said. "The coaches stuck with me. They believed in me. They confidence in me becoming a good player. They led me in the right direction."
Inky Johnson, a former defensive back whose career ended following a traumatic shoulder injury in 2006, also gets a lot of the credit, too.
Johnson, who remains an active part of UT's football program as he finishes his degree, is Ayers' roommate. He's also a calming force and close friend.
"He's a special person," Ayers said. "He's an inspiration for all of us to want to do good."
And, heading into his senior season, Ayers has done plenty of good after that rocky start on Rocky Top.
He'll start at defensive end, and he'll even play a little defensive tackle early, a sign of his continued growth as a player.
He's on pace to graduate, too.
"Anybody in Clio, South Carolina wouldn't have believed that at that particular time because he wasn't serious about his school work," Fulmer said. "He's represented the team well the last couple of years as he's grown from a really young and immature guy. He has grown up and become quite a football player."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 53
bcbobcat82 writes:
woooohoooooo I AM FIRST!!
rockitwithrespect writes:
third
bcbobcat82 writes:
Great Job Robert!! I wanna see you knockin some linemen on their backside this year THEN destroy that quarterback for FLorida. HMMMM... What was his name????? Anyway GO VOLS!!!!
gohawks1 writes:
rockit, there are 3 kinds of people - those who are good with numbers and those who aren't.
gavol2572 writes:
Maybe he will be the leadership needed on our questionable front line.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
This "first post" garbage has got to stop!
Sorry to be rube. I just hate that junk. And it just started a week or so ago. Why now?
Either comment or don't.
AAAANNNNYWHO,
I look forward to seeing Ayers lay a hard hit or two on Tebow.
GerryOP writes:
What a wonderful story. The story of a young man who has accepted guidance and gained confidence in his own ability in finding his way out of the wilderness and is starting to experience the joy of a productive life. It's called growing up.
You have my sincere wishes for a successful Senior season at UT and, more importantly, a successful life. You have indeed received an education at UT that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
God bless and God speed ... and ... thanks for your contributions to The University of Tennessee.
CoverOrange writes:
Seems to be a lot of newbies running around here of late. I agree, burnt, the "first" thingy is juvenile.
Like they say about touchdown decorum, act like you been there before.
movol77 writes:
While complaining about lame first postings, it's a good idea to use real words when trying to make your own substantive post. "Anywho" is not a word.
gohawks1 writes:
burntorange and Turbo - don't be buzz killers. Let the lads have a little fun :-)
gohawks1 writes:
Kosmo - some of the more brilliant minds in the NBA:
"We're going to turn this team around 360 degrees."
-Jason Kidd
"[My] career was sputtering until [I] did a 360 and got headed in the right direction."
- NBA star Tracy McGrady, after signing with the Orlando Magic
posivol writes:
i like the way robert credits his coaches and teamates,nothing better than having people believe in you!
Laydbakvol writes:
Yeh! Fourteenth! Sorry Burnt, but it's been going on longer than a couple of weeks. I thing maybe Chief's defense will be back on track and something to be feared this year. Wouldn't that be nice.
cjraney writes:
GOP-
Teachin' and mentorin' perhaps?
utchris writes:
I suggest everyone go read the story attached to the following link bc I am sure Deputy Dawg and the boys at the KNS wont post this one! Calkins the clown tried to call Fulmer an idiot and ended up one himself!
Oh and as a side note. He jokes about excuses of why he left his radio show with the local ESPN Radio show...but truth is that they did not want the clown back (my buddy works at the station and thus the info).
Karma.....
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...
VOLinDAWGland writes:
But Calkins did win a 'journalism' award from his peers...perhaps it was really for best tickler in an all male tickling orgy.
etsuvol99#227561 writes:
Wonder if John Adams reads this and is disappointed that somebody Fulmer didn't kick off the team could turn around and make something of himself.
GerryOP writes:
cj, perhaps...
GerryOP writes:
It always amazes my the paucity of posts on a "good" story like this one. And most of the posts that are here are not about Robert Ayers. C'mon all of you -ites and antis-, stop the hatin' and show Robert some love!
Skibum165 writes:
I don't subscribe to the "Blame Coach Fulmer"mind set, but in this case I will make an exception. Part of college is growing up. It helps when the coaching staff is stable and can offer a strong mentoring to all who desire it. Mark this as a W even though it won't show up in the team stats!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Hope Robert encircles some opposing QBs.
Much less stress "teachin' and mentorin'" when 8 is enuf.
ctownvol writes:
General-You ain't right dude! Too funny.
In a time when we read about kids making the wrong choices it certainly makes you fell good to see this story being told. Hope Robert and the rest of the Vols have a great year.
rootin4volz writes:
Take Tebow OUT Robert!!!
dcvolfan98 writes:
Great job, Robert. Playing in the NFL is something that may or may not be within reach. Earning a degree is something no one can ever take away from you. Keep up the good work and encourage others on the team to keep going to class!! Go Vols!!
ctownvol writes:
Nafslov- I hate Teabag too, but unfortunately it's not all hype with him. 55 total touchdowns and a little trophy called a heisman kinda validates him a little. Now that being said I hope he throws 3 int's straight to Berry for touchdowns this year and we win 60-20. One up 'em I always say.
givehim6 writes:
I think using Inky Johnson as a role model was a good choice. I think he is a good example of some one who could have some thing bad happen, but by not leting it get him down picking what's left and caring on will take you places. GO Robert! GO VOLS!
cjraney writes:
pd-
8 will never be enough at Tennessee and, despite your posts to the contrary, you know that as well as I do.
I expect a big improvement in our D-line starters this year. DE's have more talent and DT's are at least stronger. The backups will set the ceiling for the unit.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
cjranye - au contraire , my friend. It is in writing the 8 will suffice, however you look at it. Extensions mean you are doing OK!
We are giving raises for nine years of no SEC titles. I don't like it any more than you, probably, but that is the course we are staying.
I really hope that this is not the season that lack of d-recruiting does not catch up with us more than last year. Blow this opener and 8 will become a struggle.
We shall soon know.
TommyJack writes:
CJ: Per Mikey, contractually, 8 IS enough.
Really shooting for the stars, huh?
utkalumn writes:
Can't wait for the season to start and see these guys start knocking heads. The SEC is going to be tough as always. If this season shakes up anything close to last years anybody can walk away with championship bragging rights. A good win at UCLA will help set the tone for the rest of the season.
2009SecChampions writes:
I totally think it is rube!!!!!!!
gavol2572 writes:
Hey turbo and burnt its all in fun. There is not a whole lot going on in sports. We, and I say we because I've done it myself, are just trying to pass the time until the ol pigskin is tossed around. Lighten up sheesh. And as far as the "newbies" comment thats a good way to welcome other posters. Makes it seem like only the "Veteren" posters are allowed to post. You would be suprised at how many come to the sight and just don't post, are they newbies? Just saying lighten up, life is too short.
cjraney writes:
pd & TJ-
I know all about the contract. I am speaking of those few individuals who truly influence who does or does not coach the Tennessee Volunteers.
The contract may guarantee Fulmer a pink unicorn, but if certain people aren't satisfied a change will be made. IMO, most who have seen a goat ropin' or two accept this as truth.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
cjr 1:19 - At least on the surface, at this writing, those "power brokers" have not reacted. No action means "stay the course". he call has not been made.
It wasn't made after Bama and Fla laid a 100 on us!
Mikey H is dancing on the head of a pin.
The Ga win for the last 2-3 years has kept the major heat from Phillip, but it will be a large order in Athens this fall. I feel our offense will be fine, but can we stop anyone?
30 odd days away from finding out.
TommyJack writes:
cjraney: Fair enough. Goat ropers need love, too.
pammyvol1000 writes:
Robert,
I am really looking forward to seeing you play this year. You do the Orange jersey good! This is your year to be that role model to all those new Freshman coming in. So, like all the other posters here.. go put a hurtin on Tebow, Stafford and anybody else you can.
invisiblekid writes:
Nice to see Ayers get it together off the field. Now it's his time to dominate on it. I think he is going to have a monster season for the Vols, especially if one of the other DE's can step up to take away potential double teams.
Also interesting to see him mention Inky Johnson. What happened to him was a real tragic situation and not many guys would have stayed as positive and stuck with the program the way he has. After watching the ESPN deal this morning on Paterno and Penn ST, reading a story about a couple of good kids like Ayers and Johnson makes me proud to be a Vol.
VOLS85 writes:
Fulmer will be on Mike and Mike in the Morning tomorrow as well as College football live...
Any comments from Silent or Workin on this one?
I'm sure it'll be blah blah blah he should have done it earlier, blah blah blah I'm a miserable human...
VOLS85 writes:
I'm not sure of the details, only that he will be on both programs. He didn't seem all too tickled to talk about the subpoena at media days, so I would imagine he wouldn't want to talk about it on these two programs
GerryOP writes:
You guys have got to be kidding me! After a weekend of hoping the issue would die, Coach Fulmer is going to revive the issue by presenting his case on live radio? Mercy, mercy, mercy...
With his proven ability to make inane and nonsensical statements at the most inopportune times, he is really going to do this? Tell me it is not so!
Phil, buddy. You are in a hole. The best thing to do is stop digging.
LargeOrange writes:
PD - I checked the Vegas futures/prop bets for NCAA and guess what? Tennessee is picked to win over/under 8 wins for 2009. I put $500 on Tennessee and the over. We would have to lose 5 games in the regular season for me to lose that bet. I may double it now that I think about it. Could be the single malt kool-aid, but I say there is no way in he11 that we lose 5 games in the RS. I say 3 loses MAX. But if you are so pessimistic, you could always take the under.
LargeOrange writes:
Gerry, I got to agree with you on this one. Nothing good can come from this.
TommyJack writes:
Gerry: Maybe this gig was previously scheduled.
Just trying to give the big fella the benefit.
Besides, being the crafty ol' wordsmith he is, what harm could befall him?
GerryOP writes:
You're right LargeO, nothing good....
GerryOP writes:
TJ "crafty ol' wordsmith?" Our Phillip? Sure hope he doesn't bring up pixie dust or perfect storm.
We appreciate you giving him the "benefit." Charity from your heart....
utchris writes:
I am sure that there are parameters set so that this issue is not brought up or only simply to say that he can't comment on it for legal reasons.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
LargeO- you should know about your bet by late on 9-1. A little wrinkle could develope on 11-1 since everyone thinks SC will be very good on D. I see us being about the same on D in 2008.
I learned years ago never, NEVER, bet on the Vols, for or agin. They will light your arse up when you least expect it. I lost a $200.00 wager many years ago with a Bama friend. Bama was much better and he bet me 20-1 that the Vols wouldn't score a TD. I believe the game was played in the cool rain in K-town and he was right. My friendly ten became $200.00.
You're a much better man than me to bet on them. None of my geezer circle do. Never do it when they are laying points. Whew.
We prefer to call it factual realism than negativity. Nine years....
ncvol writes:
Way to go Robert Ayers! Go Vols!
Skibum165 writes:
pdhuff, 8 wins is a general framework that allows both ends to posture and do what needs to get done.
I watched the UT-Cal game next to the AD in the press box. When our Coaching Staff came out to hit the elevator, I saw a look exchanged between Mike and company that let me know this is not an AD that will let the status quo go on if we are not competitive. Let it play out. I think you will like the results.
APPLEJAX555 writes:
check out the wednesdays Dan Patrick show positing on SI - Tim Tebow bets Kenny Chesney a UF win over UT or he'll sing rocky top...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danp...
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