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Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer had waited a year to get another look at this.
So had secondary coach Larry Slade.
Demetrice Morley was back in shoulder pads with a "T" on his helmet and he made sure everybody noticed.
One practice in pads: Chalk up one interception for the junior from Miami.
"He did get a big pick in team work and he looked like a streak going down the sideline with it," Fulmer said Tuesday as the Vols returned from spring break and got back to work in pads for the first time.
"It was good to see him out there."
For Morley, it was just good to be back.
He was considered the sure-fire star of the future two years ago, the last time he put the pads on for Tennessee.
Then came academic issues. Then came a release from the university. Then came uncertainty.
Morley never stopped working and never stopped believing he would be back.
He worked to get his grades in order and now he and sophomore Eric Berry could make up one of the most dynamic safety tandems the Vols have seen in a while.
Morley's smile said it all. He was just happy to be on the field making plays. As far as he's concerned, the future is now and he's going to make the most of a second opportunity.
"When I was in class today, that's all I was thinking about," Morley said of donning the pads again. "It has been a year and a couple of months since I've put on the full pads and a helmet.
"I was excited and I felt really good. We all came out and worked hard."
Outwardly, it might seem like a strange situation. How does Morley fit back in after a year away from his teammates - especially from a leadership standpoint?
"With the circumstances that he left, he has to come back in and earn that," Slade said. "That's what he's doing.
"He's not talking a whole lot about it. He's just going about his business and doing that. He has earned the respect back. He's making plays out here and if he continues to go the way he's going, we'll all be excited."
As a sophomore starter at strong safety in 2006, Morley had 51 tackles, two interceptions a sack and a fumble recovery.
In 2007, he watched Berry shine with five interceptions for 222 return yards on his way to Freshman All-America honors. Watching all the young guns get their shot just made Morley that much more eager to get back on the field in his comfort zone - now at free safety.
"All the young guys impress me," he said. "Eric Berry, Brent Vinson has been working back even though he had surgery, Dennis Rogan, Nevin McKenzie - all the guys.
"We've been pushing each other and making sure everybody is doing what we're supposed to be doing on and off the field. That's what good teams do."
Last season - watching and wondering - has been erased from Morley's memory.
"You just want to get better each year," he said. "I'm not even going to think about being gone last year. I'm going to think like I was here.
"I've just been working hard and I'm happy to be back. I'm glad people are behind me."
As far as Fulmer is concerned, it's just a matter of Morley staying on course and keeping his priorities in order.
"He looks good physically, but he still has to take care of his business," Fulmer said. "He's fortunate to be back out here by the good graces of our university and me.
"He has a second chance and I expect him to take advantage of it."
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Comments » 29
VOLINSC writes:
"When I was in class today, that's all I was thinking about," Morley said of donning the pads again.
This doesn't sound good - Focus in the class room or you will be gone again!
Vols need you D Mo.
tfabball23 writes:
I am very excited to see what he is gonna do for us.
T0MMYJACK writes:
D Mo ... God, I weep for the future of this country.
WPAINE writes:
He was in class... That's all he has to do.
MrBamSeydu writes:
I was thinking the same thing VOLINSC, but then I realized I would be doing the same thing.... and I also thought "well hey, at least he's IN class!!" haha
I think he'll be just fine, if Crompton can be Tebow Jr. I think we'll win 10 games this year. Our D-Line is my second concern. Our starters at D-tackle should, in all reality, be 2nd stringers in the SEC. Bolden hasn't really done anything, but I will say I like Dan Williams motor. He seems to try hard, which I will never discount someone for doing. Give me 110% and I don't care if you aren't the best, as long as you're giving your best.
gohawks1 writes:
Keep up the good work, Demetrice. I can't wait to see you and Berry out there at the same time.
GO VOLS!
Einstein writes:
Demetrice, when you are in class, concentrate on the class material. There is time for football later, but you have to stay eligible.
tenndave writes:
You people amaze me. When you have worked as hard as he has to get back, he can daydream today about being excited about full pads. He has learned a great lesson and it will pay huge dvidends because he is turning it into a positive not a negative.
RockyTopRosser writes:
D Morley is the type of leader we need on the team. Prime example of what would happen to most of these guys if they don't take advantage of their opportunity in knoxville and keep out of trouble. I'm excited to have him back, hope he's being vocal, and hope they're listening.
Go Vols!
Pullingguard writes:
As previously stated.... If he attends classes that will be sufficient, he will make the grade.
Just attend those classes, don't miss a single class.
orangeblood writes:
for real man, he was in class. That's all that matters
newtonrail writes:
Right on tenndave. Some folks take a little honest enthusiasm and blow it out proportion.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
tenndave, newtonrail,
I agree... but you can't tell me when you read that you didn't think the same thing. Every single person did. It is just a funny little thing called irony right?
How bout this D-Mo...ralize the other team. Sweet.
wjackson#226202 writes:
I too am a bit concerned with our D-line. However we should have one of the best secondaries in the country this year. If Clawson is true about getting the ball to our play makers and we get ahead and make teams have to throw the ball. We could see a lot of interceptions this year by our D.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
Great point wjackson,
That is exactly the recipe for success for our defense. Jump out to a lead, force the oponent into a pass heavy catch-up offense and harrass them with quick d-linemen and suffocating secondary. If this plays out we could see a lot of turnovers this year.
volssam writes:
How many years of eligibility does he have left? 2?
asleep#212036 writes:
Volssam,
Apparently he has 2 years left. Since he didn't play at all last season and attended only JUCO, I don't think the NCAA counts that. Had he played ball, even at a lower level, it would have counted as an eligible year. What a guy! Sits out an entire year and makes it all the way back. With Vinson getting more experience and Berry coming on, what a secondary. Hope this is our year because both Berry and Morley probably leave early. Go Vols!!!
GoVol writes:
Interceptions usually do not happen without a lot of pressure fromt he D-line. Any average receiver can beat an above average defender one-on-one because the receiver has the advantage of knowing when he's going to cut. A well executed timing pattern is hard to defend, unless the D-line disrupts the timing....that's where the INT's come in.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Demetrice, you could very well be one of the great success stories of this football team and university for our generation.
Reading about your story, your determination tells me a lot about your character. And character is everything.
I personally am VERY proud of you for turning it around. You're back in school and you're wearing the orange and white again. Now what are you going to do with it??
Everyone deserves a second chance; not everyone makes the most of it.
Keep it up, keep it straight, keep it focused.
Congrats!
HotlantaVol writes:
givim6: Read it again. ""When I was in class today, that's all I was thinking about," Morley said of donning the pads again."
MORLEY SAID OF DONNING THE PADS AGAIN. That seems pretty clear to most of us. I'm not sure why you are confused.
iowavol writes:
the potential for our defenisve backfield in 08 is better than I can remember - and I've been a Vol Fan since Bobby Majors played back there. This group has the speed and athleticism to make things happen.
Silent_Fulmer writes:
pay Pearl more
vols1086 writes:
I too am very proud of D-Mo. I just want him to stay focused. I am also very excited about the potential of our defensive backfield. Who will be the nickel back in our defense though? Is it Nevin or someone else?
givehim6 writes:
I hope he does have 2 years left, and has the same juice next year also. I can just tell by the way the players talk theres a new spark in the air with UT football! GO VOLS!
thesavageorange writes:
Demetrice does have 2 full yr's ,and Berry promised his father he would graduate "before" leaving school.They will be together for atleast the next 2 seasons.(providing they stay healthy)
Also the coaches and rivals.com are saying Dennis Rogan has continued to be impressive and may be in line for a starting CB position.
Enemies, don't come over the middle, b/c "The Goon Squad" is waiting!
WestTennVol writes:
I think it's quite obvious Morley knows how to handle his priorities now, (after living in your car for a while I'm sure the gravity of the situation sinks in) so I think we can all get off his back about the academic issues. On a lighter side, the talent level and leadership present in our secondary is just...plain...scary. Berry is mature well beyond his years, Morley is as driven and resilient as they come, and Vinson is a warrior (how many times did they have to reset his seperated shoulder on the sidelines and he goes back in next play?) I CAN'T wait to see these guys in action together, with three serious playmakers in the same secondary there is no way to throw away from them all. If we can slow the run, or jump ahead like Clawson plans...watch out for the Vols this year...
philfan writes:
D-Mo sounds like a good nickname for this guy who has gone through a lot to be where he is today. Hopefully, after the Florida game in September 2008, he will have a new nickname: D-MOLITION. This guy could easily be one of the better team leaders ever. I think team chemistry is essential to having a great season as opposed to an average year. This could be the year for D-MOLITION to really show his talents.
ThurmondEppy writes:
D-Mo:
I am very proud of you. This is what a real man does...he sets his priorities, overcomes adversity and gets it done!!
hueypilot writes:
Three years ago I predicted Morley would make All SEC. Thought I was wrong, but I just might be right yet. Tough to do with Berry in there given the politics of spreading the awards around, but we could have a real special secondary the next couple of years. Just hope we have the D linemen to go with them.
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