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Sawtelle can handle criticism
Fulmer says backups at offensive line 'still soft'
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Darris Sawtelle knew something was amiss when he first saw his teammates early Wednesday morning.
"You knew something hit the fan," the Tennessee redshirt freshman said Thursday.
Sawtelle hadn't read the News Sentinel that morning but the other Vols had and they weren't pleased.
Coach Phillip Fulmer called UT's second-string offensive linemen "soft". Fulmer's ire was mostly directed at Sawtelle, Cody Pope and Ramon Johnson.
Motivation by media or not, some players were upset. Not Sawtelle.
"I appreciate it actually," he said of such criticism.
As strange as that may seem, remember that Sawtelle is now at least being coached - not just the self-described All-American blocking bag holder he was a year ago. Sawtelle will take all that Fulmer can dish out.
"He may say some mean things that you don't like but you have to take in stride," Sawtelle said. "The only thing you can do is take it as constructive criticism and prove him wrong. I think that's what he wants. To be proven wrong."
Sawtelle said UT's second-string offensive linemen met this week to re-focus on improving as a group, instead of just striving for playing time. The message was received.
Offensive line coach Greg Adkins has seen a positive response.
"They know it's all for the betterment of them and the betterment of the team," Adkins said of the public criticism. "Most of those guys got better from it."
That doesn't mean Adkins is ready to declare his offensive line a finished project. He shares concerns with Fulmer about his second stringers. He's also a bit worried about his starters, who are still learning a new offense.
"I think we're doing a little bit too much thinking instead of just playing the game right now," Adkins said.
As for Fulmer, he's seen some recent improvement with his backups but ultimately declared, "Still soft."
Cottam Fractures Fibula: Tight end Jeff Cottam suffered a right leg fibula fracture during practice. The junior will miss the remainder of spring drills but is expected to make a full recovery by fall.
The projected starter is slated to replace departed seniors Chris Brown and Brad Cottam, Jeff's brother.
Major Matchup: UT and Ohio State have agreed to a two-year series. The Vols will host the opener on Sept. 1, 2018 at Neyland Stadium, with the return match set for Sept. 7, 2019 at Ohio Stadium.
"We're looking forward to a series with another one of college football's storied programs," athletic director Mike Hamilton said in a release. "I know our fans will enjoy going to the Horseshoe (Ohio Stadium) as much as their fans will enjoy coming to Neyland Stadium."
Quipped Fulmer, "I'll be right here waiting on them."
The Vols and Buckeyes have met only once previously, a 20-14 UT win in the 1996 Florida Citrus Bowl. UT has never hosted a Big Ten Conference opponent.
Practice Report: UT held a 35-play scrimmage as part of their 2 1/2-hour workout. Despite a turnover, Fulmer said he was pleased with junior quarterback Jonathan Crompton, the heir apparent to departed senior Erik Ainge.
"Jon has the upper hand and has certainly done nothing so far than pull himself further to the forefront," said Fulmer, who also complimented the play of quarterbacks B.J. Coleman and Nick Stephens.
Fulmer cited a run by sophomore tailback Lennon Creer as one of Thursday's top performances.
More Orange: Fulmer said redshirt freshman Josh Hawkins will be moved to linebacker once he recovers from a foot injury. The former Loudon High School star began his UT career at tailback. … Receiver coach Latrell Scott said junior Quinton Hancock has been the "go-to" receiver this spring. Scott said he's also been impressed with sophomore Gerald Jones.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by smashmouth98 on March 28, 2008 at 1 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess now it's football time in Tennessee!
Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 28, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good news about Hancock and G. Jones.
Posted by bigorangesob on March 28, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Still no Kenny O'Neil sighting huh?
Posted by NJVol on March 28, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hancock was all the rage last Spring as well. Lets hope he makes a name for himself in the Fall.
Posted by seaplane on March 28, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone heard about that Warren kid from Alcoa? He's the transfer from FSU that's suppose to be a top notch tight end.
Posted by sjt18 on March 28, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Warren still has to be cleared by the NCAA. He passed one hurdle but they have to approve his transfer if I remember right.
O'Neil isn't in practice due to his academics.
Sawtelle will be a hoss before all is said and done.
I'd rather hear Paige than Hancock though I'm not disappointed QH is doing well. Paige is a couple of steps faster.
Posted by sjt18 on March 28, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm usually accused of defending CPF too much but this kind of thing bugs me.
If you confront a player then call him out publicly, that's one thing. For guys to not have heard anything out of the ordinary then be surprised by a news article... doesn't sound like a very good motivational technique to me. If I were a player I'd probably be better and also question the coaches courage to face me like a man... CPF is 40 you know.
Posted by sjt18 on March 28, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bitter, not better.
Posted by Volchaz on March 28, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let the football banter officially begin, Bring on the Spring Game, boys....
Posted by cmoore7 on March 28, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Somebody get the Cottam's some milk. They could open a prosthetic brace & crutches outlet with as many bones as they have broken. I wonder how their teeth are.
Posted by FlushTheJohn on March 28, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone who has ever played football at even the High School level knows that all good football coaches yell and scream and tell you what a worthless piece of crap you are all of the time. It's kind of like boot camp, especially in the spring and August. You have to be mentally strong to play this game. If you can't take a little public criticism, then you are not tough enough to play this game. This isn't kindergarten and you don't just pat these guys on the back. Fulmer want's to piss them off so maybe they will grow some "sack" and get after somebody.
Football is a Man's game, so grow up boys!
Go Vols!
John Adams, please jump off of a bridge (a very high one) !!!!!!
Posted by RockyTop1 on March 28, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Bridge would need to be memoralized as a true VOL fan...think not! Adams another attempt to bring contempt....GO VOLS!!
Posted by BOASoldier on March 28, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Adams why did you take a bite of that stupid apple... or were you the serpant in the tree?
Posted by mparker on March 28, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Coach will judge wheh it's time to 'turn on the light' for these boys. Most coaches will know when it's time to quit fussing and start showing confidence. For each player, that time is different.
Most of these young linemen are here because they know UT puts players in the pros, especially linemen. It's funny how that works: Scott Wells, a 'nromal' lineman, plays in the NFL, while Munoz had what he considered no chance.
Scott was tough as a cement truck, Munoz was a big, smart guy with injuries, and while he had a nice college career, he knew he didn't have the quicks for pro ball.
My rambling, unclear point? If you are a lineman at ut, listen to the coach, because you might be sruprised at where it can take you. You don't have to be the most heralded recruit to earn a pro career.
Posted by volchiq on March 28, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt - I figure it was more of a surprise to them that they were being called out publicly. I am sure that they were aware that CPF wasn't happy with them, but you never like to see it announced to everyone. I am sure they thought he would never name their names for print, after all, that is mean and might hurt a fragile ego. ;)
Posted by thesavageorange on March 28, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hubbs said it was interesting to watch the offense.He said they lined up in multiple formations including the 1 back,power I, and even the split back pro set.He also mentioned that Creer had more than 1 nice run.
Just a few side notes:Xavier Nixon of (NC), a 6'6 275lb 4* OL, was on campus Thursday to check things out.Also John Martinez of (UT)6'4 265lb 4* OL, and Xavier Su’a Filo also of (UT)6'4 270 4* OL,have been offered by the Vols.Su'a Filo and Martinez know each other (different HS's), and both also know JT Mapu and his family.They are saying Mapu is helping us out w/ these 2.Thanks JP!
Clawson must be comfortable w/ adjusting to his players by watching the QB's he's courting.He is recruiting a couple classic drop back passers, but of the other 4-5 ,I noticed they all run atleast a 4.7 40, and are all 6'3 to 6'4.(ala JC)
The only other one outside that mold is his latest offer, Tate Forcier out of San Diego.He's only 6'1, but runs a 4.5...
Posted by raynochonspeed on March 28, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by BOASoldier on March 28, 2008 at 2:31 p.m.: Adams why did you take a bite of that stupid apple... or were you the serpant in the tree?
BOASoldier: "serpant"?? At least Adams probably has a college degree.
Posted by VOLinDAWGland on March 28, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good stuff savage...thanks!
Posted by General_Fritter on March 28, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What did Fulmer mean when he said he would be right here waiting on them when referring to Ohio State game played in 2018? Does he intend on coaching that long? If so, that's great news!!!!!
I see several national championships to come.
Eat more fritters!
Posted by General_Fritter on March 28, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sawtwelle you SUCK!
OK, I was just seeing if he could handle criticism.
Posted by WD40plusVol on March 28, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mparker, the one that surprised me was Anthony Herrera making it in the pros. Speaking of lacking in quickness, he got end run so many times.
I wonder if I can make reservations now for tickets in Columbus in 11 years. Probably not.
Posted by LiveFaith on March 28, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Fulmer is around in a decade. As coach or in the ''front office'' it means 10 years of stability, which translated meanai winning. Not a lot of SEC football programs that I would choose over the Vols since 92'. After living through the mid-70's until the mid-80's, it's much easier to tolerate a slump from a proven winner. The right players here or there plus a little ''luck'' and CPF can easily be hoisting another NC trophy.
I often wonder what would have transpired from 2003-2006 had Chris Leak kept his commitment to UT. It usually comes down to a few key playmakers and chemistry to go undefeated.
CPF can easily do it again, so I'm hoping he's around with another trophy or 2.
Posted by Bigger_Al on March 29, 2008 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm surprised Adams hasn't called for Fulmer's head for having the gall to call players soft. Fulmer, Spurrier, and Paterno all do that, and all of them have players that get in trouble sometimes. That messes with their inner child.
Hmmmmm...
Posted by DadwasaVol on March 29, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey guys, this article was written by Hooker, not Adams.
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