Tailback Arian Foster will have plenty of impact on the field this season for Tennessee. But as he sees it, one of the biggest things going for the Vols is what's happening off the field.
Foster, a senior, said UT's team has become closer during the offseason and that a senior-freshman gap that existed when he arrived on campus in 2004 is all but gone.
"When I was a young guy, I wasn't real close with the seniors," he said. "Our seniors now, we kind of try to bring over, 'Hey this is our team. This isn't the seniors' team. This is our team.' "
Part of that has been increased dialogue with underclassmen, something Foster said wasn't great when he arrived on campus.
"Freshmen on up, everyone can contribute," he said. "We're all in this together. We kind of try to bring that to the table, that you can talk to us about anything, we can talk to you about anything.
"It's not us and you. It's us."
And since a run of off-field incidents in January and February, UT coach Phillip Fulmer likes the way his team has come together and leaders have emerged.
"To our team's credit, to our coaches' credit - particularly to our seniors' credit - we haven't had anything that's come up really since February," Fulmer said. "I like that. I think that says something about our focus and our attitude, about what this team could and hopefully will be about it."
Honoring Holbert: Foster plans to wear injured fullback David Holbert's No. 30 jersey for the season opener Sept. 1 at UCLA.
"That's a big deal to me," Foster said. "I asked him first and he said, 'Yeah.' I go out there everyday and he's in the back of my mind."
Holbert, a fifth-year senior, suffered a traumatic knee injury during the first scrimmage in spring practice. His playing status remains uncertain, although Foster said Holbert has talked about trying to return at some point.
"He wants to play again," Foster said. "Whether his knee heals all the way back or not, he wants to play. It's out of our hands. I hope everything works out for him."
Comfort Zone: Foster likes where the new offense stands heading into fall practice, citing a growing comfort level near the end of spring practice.
Foster likely won't see many reps in fall camp, both to keep him fresh for the start of the season and to avoid increased chance of injury.
Foster understands why he'll have limited reps, but isn't necessarily crazy about the idea.
"If it was up to me, I'd do everything," he said. "I guess you've got to find a median to where you're still going through it with your teammates. Camp is a bonding experience. You don't want to single yourself out at all. You want to be part of that."
Pressure Packed: It's no secret that Tennessee lacked a consistent pass rush last season.
According to defensive end Robert Ayers, there's no secret to getting after the quarterback, either.
"Just come to practice, work hard at practice, listen to (defensive ends coach Steve) Caldwell," Ayers said. "We don't have a crystal ball to read the future, but if we do those things we feel like we'll be all right."
Preseason Schedule: Tennessee begins practice Saturday afternoon, following media day and picture day in Neyland Stadium that morning. The first day in full pads will be Aug. 6, and the Vols will have two-a-day practices Aug. 12 and 14 in addition to scrimmages Aug. 9, 16 and 21.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 43
Bigger_Al writes:
Here is a good UT article from Chattanooga:
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20...
Volfan1 writes:
Thanks Drew,
It only took you TWO DAYS after being in the Chattanooga Free Press (and AFTER my posting it on Calkins' garbage article) before it appeared here.
You guys at the KNS are really news hounds.
gavol2572 writes:
Darn!! I wasn't first
rail writes:
You are right Bigger Al, that is a great article! That is one thing I don't think people understand about Coach Fulmer and one of the things I respect about him. He truly cares about the young men he coaches and beleives in them, and that their experiences from playing football in be an asset in their lives. I started coaching 31 years ago and wanted to give back to a sport that was very rewarding in my life. When you do something because you believe you are making a difference, it is very difficult to cut someone loose when you think that you can still find a way to matter in that young man's life. I have always felt that it was better to err by keeping a player too long than to just cut him loose. Who is the winner then?
gavol2572 writes:
Seriously I know that the stats don't lie but to me it is hard to believe that Foster is just a few games away from breaking the UT all time rushing list. Not taking away from his accomplishments but he just hasn't stood out to me. Just goes to show if you just keep pounding the fritter results will come.
vol4gzus writes:
This being first poster is getting a little out of hand wouldn't you say? Was I FIRST to make that comment? OOPS it is spreading........
Good article including one I read off the link in ChooChoo.
gavol2572 writes:
Can't you people laugh and have a little fun? Vol4gzuz I was being sarcastic because of some getting "annoyed" by the gag.
vol4gzus writes:
Yep suh. You can't read in the tone of the"Darn!" unless you put "Darn!" (sarcasm intended). I know it is funny. It is called slow news filler, that is except for Rogers and the DT from California(inject Arnold Scwarzenegar voice).
gavol2572 writes:
I will from this day forth insert a little (si) for sarcasm intended after every post of mine that is meant to be sarcastic. Oooh here's a good word FACETIOUS
BigOrangeVol writes:
Nice article on Robert in the TFP!
Don't knock the KNS staff too hard; The Tennessean will do a copy/paste of this article about Thursday.
Let's all remember to keep Inky and David in our prayers!!!
TommyJack writes:
Great story.
alavol writes:
STAY under the radar- beat Bama, Ga, Fla and we'll be ok.Work hard and don't believe everything you read.
Bigger_Al writes:
Here is another TFP article with various SEC coaches discussing the clock change. Coach Fulmer and Coach Clawson sound like they are on top of it, while the Georgia players make it sound like Richt was clueless about it during the Spring. Coach Meyer is boo-hooing about it. I cannot imagine the KNS writing an article with a similar tone:
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20...
Bigger_Al writes:
Kosmo - "Adams" has five letters...
CoverOrange writes:
Bigger, thanks for the link, I am quickly becoming a fan of the TFP. However, I don't agree with your assessment of Richt. I think the Ga players were talking about the refs.
Bigger_Al writes:
Right or wrong, this was the basis for my assessment:
"Georgia receiver Mohamed Massaquoi and defensive tackle Jeff Owens admitted they expect to be better educated on the clock change at the start of preseason camp, but Tennessee tailback Arian Foster said the Vols experimented with it all spring."
LargeOrange writes:
There is a lot to be fired up about from Foster's comments and Ayers and some of the other players comments. This team has chemistry and a chip on it's shoulder for Bama and FLA. I think we are going to surprise a lot of people this year. All the way? I have to say, I doubt it, having to play GA, FLA, AU and the rest of our schedule, but this has the chance to be a special season, if we can get a couple of Cliff Stourner's along the way.
caskew#218608 writes:
3,097,200 seconds until it is FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!
alfrizzle097 writes:
Beleive it was Clint, not Cliff. Just saying you should get the name correct considering how much that guy did for UT.
bobo_the_vol writes:
Wow, ESPN giving MORE love to Tennessee?? No joke, Adrian Foster is a "dark horse" to win the Heisman .. no, THE dark horse cuz Percy Harvin ain't gonna be doing much more than hobblin after he visits Neyland for the first time.
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/v...
rockytop47 writes:
I think Foster can have a great season. Great story about leadership and about leading from the front. I got a great idea! How about we as fans lead from the front and support our Vols and coaches and stop all the negative phooey on this site! Why trash our own! I as soldier (Sergeant) wouldn't do it to my troops and not to my commander! GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
givehim6 writes:
I really like hearing the players saying "we all are in this {football team} together". SR. talk to the FR. and vica-versa, were all in this together. Sounds like a real "TEAM"! Hopefully echos of the 98' TEAM. GO VOLS!
CoverOrange writes:
The King has no clothes, Rocky, although I respect your opinion. This isn't the armed forces.
Re: the clock rule. Could there be a side effect to the change? Such as refs are so focused on getting the ball ready for play that they miss some extracurricular activity?
GerryOP writes:
Was anyone involved, or know anyone involved, in the shooting at the Knoxville churh on Sunday? If so, I hope everyone is OK. Those who were harmed are in my prayers.
hueypilot writes:
For everyone who says a kid, and they are kids, should be on a zero tolerance program, here is a kid who got a second chance and ran with it. It is good to see a turnaround like Ayers and (I hope) Demetrice Morley.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Gerry, my wife and I met at a meeting held at that church in 1981. I don't know if there is still anyone there that we know. Will pray for them all.
tmartin writes:
If he's such a good leader, can we PLEASE name him and another couple as captains for the whole year????? This game by game rotation of captains is bush league. Its probably to avoid "hurting anyone's feelings".
CoverOrange writes:
tmartin, I believe the rotation of captains was started to reward players for doing well in practice the week before each game. Incentive to work hard every week.
Jamey1210 writes:
Fulmer is getting ready to be on Mike and Mike in the morning on ESPN radio. There are more media time for today with ESPN here is the link with all the times. Thought you all might want this stuff.
http://utsports.com/football/article....
alfrizzle097 writes:
Kids? They're at least 18. That is old enough to go to war and old enough (they think) to drink. They take the freedom and responsibility of adults and act like kids. I'm not saying that they should have a zero tolerance policy. But at the same time, don't try to excuse it.
Morley is earning everything he gets right now. Hope that its a permanent transition.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Certainly hope that Clawson is smart enuf to be in the press box.
Still remember Sanders hopelessly lost beside Phil walking the sidelines.
Foster should be good for 7-800 yds. Different O.
TommyJack writes:
alfrizzle: Right, it was Clint Stoerner, not Cliff. I heard we were going to retire his jersey soon. :)
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Remember, also that Foster set-up his yards going East and West, due, I believe to the dink and dunk mentality of o-line pass blocking.
I agree with tmartin, name your captains and stick with them. You don't cross the ocean with weekly captains. Make your leader a leader with responsibility. Not the cureent -"you,re fine-I,m fine-thus we're all fine- idioms.
vol4gzus writes:
Talk about going over the top! General and Kingsport is the pot calling the kettle black here? You really have to stretch it to get sour pus attached to me. Lighten up? I'm about 1531bs so I'm pretty light(yuk..yuk..) is that better boys? Oh btw I guess I was too uptight when I said to inject Arnold's voice saying Callyfournia also. Guys you see what you want to see and paint me the way that makes you the happiest evidently. Hate to tell ya , you are way off base with your read on me. Have a blessed day! GO VOLS!!!
waterskier3#226480 writes:
GO VOLS practice starts soon and we'll all be waiting for that kick off on the west coast!!!
Foster has been a good student ath but he's not a game changer so he'll get his yards but he will never be remember for anything more than that.... unlike some great RB's in the past... you remember the game changing runs!!!!!! Henry, Lewis, Graham, Stephens etc....
Not negative just a fact. maybe 08 will be different.
vol4gzus writes:
Oh I forgot yew were the one who put the name Francis in play so yew have a fascination with donkeys not me. Was a cute movie when I was a tyke. Better go to the doctor about that animal fascination though. Just kiddeeng senor. Have a blessed day even if you don't want to.
TommyJack writes:
vol4gzus: 153 el bees of pizz and vinegar, I'm guessing. You go, V4G!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TJ,11:18 however you spell it, ol' Cliff or Clint or Cletus Stoerner has looooong since been replaced by the gnats pooting.
TommyJack writes:
PD: I agree. But his visage should be on the TN State Seal.
vol4gzus writes:
nice touch TJ. I knew(sniff..sniff..) I could count on yew to stand by....oops...behind me all the way. I'm out of tissues so I gotta go...sniff...sniff.
TommyJack writes:
vol4: Why the sniffs? That was a compliment.
VolFanInAtl writes:
We should have handed the ball to Foster in the SECCG.
Foster for Heisman!
vol4gzus writes:
TJ sometimes at my ripe age I get foggy on a compliment vs sarcasm ya know. GO VOLS!!!
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