Posted by ThaiVolFan on May 15, 2008 at 1:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the attitude and the confidence. I hope to see it translate onto the field of play and I hope he gets to enjoy that feeling of causing Neyland Stadium to erupt time and time again. (Like after sacking Tebow on 3rd and 4th downs this year)
Go Vols!

Posted by KHVOLFAN on May 15, 2008 at 1:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This kid sounds great! Welcome to BIG ORANGE COUNTRY young man. GO VOLS!

Posted by gnm53108 on May 15, 2008 at 2:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fantastic.Welcome aboard.Just stay hungry and take advantage of your chance to get a degree,and please,please,please stay away from wacky weed.
Did I mention....PLEASE.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 15, 2008 at 5:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At one point, rivals listed this guy as a top 5 sleeper in this recruiting class. Hopefully we got a few more sleepers in this recruiting class.

Posted by gnm53108 on May 15, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now that we can use the webcast will this get chief into recruiting?We know what he can do position coaching and from what recruits say about his talks he has with them,once there on campus,he's pretty good at that too.We just need to get them on campus.

Posted by gnm53108 on May 15, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

But supposedly now he can talk withem without going anywhere.This might be the only occasion where we'll be able to thank saban.

Posted by KingsportVol on May 15, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTennessee LOL

Posted by gnm53108 on May 15, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport...please tell me you didnt watch Andy Griffith last night.As a matter of fact you shouldnt ever,and i mean never watch that show again.

Posted by volroadwarrior on May 15, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Negative Nellies are clucking again.

Posted by gnm53108 on May 15, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Volroadwarrior...I actually am a fan of the Cheif.I just reconize his short commings along with his strong suits.I think he's a great,and I mean great position coach,a pretty darn good cordinator,but lacks in recruiting because of his dislike of traveling.

Posted by GreerVol22 on May 15, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport....Judy, Judy , Judy...Goober says Hey.

Posted by T0MMYJACK on May 15, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What ... no YouTube link?! You're not staying the course. Fritter ... FOOLmore ... KrispyKreme ...

Posted by tngeoff on May 15, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome to Tennessee Willie. By the way...do you know any great defensive tackles you could encourage to join you on the line? Go Vols!

Posted by GreerVol22 on May 15, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ok imposter TJ, here you go. http://youtube.com/watch?v=owaOxKHxb9U

Posted by TurboFan on May 15, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Most impressive statement by this young man: "Long term (foal) is to graduate in three years."

Second most impressive statement: "uses technique and speed to get around players. That’s something I do a lot."

Dumbest question: "Are you going to end up on 'Dancing With the Stars'”

Posted by TurboFan on May 15, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"goal" not "foal" dang qwerty keyboard

Posted by TurboFan on May 15, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"like Berry" just doesn't have the ring to it that "like Mike" does. Gotta come up with something.

How many more years until kids response to "be like Mike" is "who?"

Posted by Ashley on May 15, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

109 days till Football Time In Tennessee!!!!

Posted by GerryOP on May 15, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice interview! Sounds like a great prospect with excellent potential. It would be interesting to see the same interview next May and each May thereafer that he stays in school.

If we make it through September ...

Posted by Ashley on May 15, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The real TommyJack is a friend of mine."

How special:)

Posted by GreerVol22 on May 15, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the real TJ is so sharp he can cut a popcorn fart with a butter knife....imposter TJ still gets on the short bus.

Posted by pdhuff on May 15, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds good, throw another 20 lbs on him so he actually can rush. Who else was after him?

TT 6:48, good 'ern. Does he and Phil fly together?

GerryOP, 8:47 lose the realism, pour the orange powder, stir the mix, don the glasses and check the how many days, Ashley.

Posted by auttat on May 15, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is recruiting allowed by High Schools in Alabama?

Posted by 99gator on May 15, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff

listed other schools as alabama, auburn, ole miss, and ky.

not sure either alabama or auburn offered though.

Posted by waterskier3 on May 15, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what's kind of weird is that we have no idea how this kid is going to turn out but with needing something to cover KNS does this interview...( small for a DE so will he end up at LB??) do i really care???? not sure.... sometimes the internet is just mindless nothing.......

GO VOLS!!!! fall practice is when is starts!!!!

Posted by cjraney on May 15, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Please gain 30lbs of muscle before fall practice starts.

Posted by 99gator on May 15, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i'll try to end the doldrums.....

besides eric berry....who will start for tenn that has the potential to be all-sec?

who are the guys tennessee expects to carry the team in 2008?

Posted by vol88 on May 15, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe he'll get to watch a lot of players wearing orange dancing in the end zone!

Welcome Willie!

Posted by txvolsfan on May 15, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

De Morley is definetly all SEC, Rico McCoy should step up on defense.
Fosters on offense and Gerald Jones has the potential.
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by auttat on May 15, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Defensive: Ayers has the potential to be a force, Berry and Morely have to play well, along with McCoy. Bolden and Williams are obvious.

All-SEC guys in my opinion, Berry, McCoy, Ayers

Offense: Crompton has to perform, Foster should have similar numbers to last year, just need Creer to become a homerun threat like Coker was. Any WR to become a homerun threat...ANY? People can diss Cut's O all they want, but you can't throw it long if nobody is there to catch it. Cut's O suited Taylor last year, but I think his numbers will drop off this year.

All-SEC guys, Foster, Parker, McNeil...and hopefully a WR.

Posted by auttat on May 15, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One thing I would like to see done away with is the Game Day Captains. Designate Captains at the beginning of fall camps and have them be your leaders. Too many chiefs, not enough Indians, or just too many Indians who don't know who the chief is. Workin, we all know, it starts with "Foolmore"

Posted by Ashley on May 15, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jevon Kearse was 6'3 230-40 pounds when he came out of high school. It list him at 6'5. He must have been wearing cowboy boots when he was measured.

Posted by TommyJack on May 15, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks guys. pity the poser.

Posted by KingsportVol on May 15, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gnm53108 lol.Aunt Bee is a sexy lady.Big Willie welcome to Big Orange Country.Home of the craziest fans in the land.

Posted by BADGES0413 on May 15, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Aunt Bee makes Kerosene Cucumbers and can't handle Elixer very well.

Hopefully Bohannon lives up to some of the names he mentioned.

Posted by pdhuff on May 15, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tks gator on the info on who was adder him!

All SEC- hmmm, Berry then Foster 2nd or 3rd team
then ......

We'll have to see. I don't think the overall talent level in near where many seem to have it.
We're full of two stars playing as, well, two stars.

Posted by TommyJack on May 15, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gnm53108, 7:15 And you have no problems with this? Good grief, man.

Posted by pdhuff on May 15, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"is" not in, my bad

Posted by bigbluevol on May 15, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99, if I remember correctly, I think Alabama tried to get back in late with Bohannon. I might be mistaken though. As far all-SEC, I think Berry and Morley as well as McCoy are good picks. Foster, Parker and I'm going to go with G Jones. I think a lot of the offense could go through him. We'll see though.

Posted by TurboFan on May 15, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Alabama did offer a scholly to him. But we beat out Kentucky for his services in the end.

Posted by TurboFan on May 15, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just reread the article from back in January. Alabama was the first to offer him last spring but he delayed commiting until last fall when he was told they were out of scholarships. He then commited to Kentucky. Tennessee called on him late but gave him a better chance at the NFL in his mind, than Kentucky.

Posted by 99gator on May 15, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just went to look up last year's all sec team....

georgia had three total on the 1st and 2nd team all sec squad.

knowshon moreno
fernando velasco
dannell ellerbee

that was it

Posted by BADGES0413 on May 15, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99 gator, GA is hard to figure out. They have no name receivers and a very young offensive line. Also they don't seem to have any playmakers on defense, yet some are picking them as No. 1 in the country. UT held Moreno to 30 yards and Stafford had an average year.

Posted by 99gator on May 15, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

badges

until proven otherwise, stafford is an average qb to me.

if you stop moreno, you win. until stafford wins a game with his play, i will consider him nothing more than a game manager with tremendous physical talent.

Posted by bigfan502 on May 15, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolRoadRunner...If the Chief lacks the desire to travel in order to recruit..then it is no wonder the Volunteer tackling defense in many years with the exception of maybe couple years, has been below average...recruiting is the lifeline...come to think of it, how long has it been sibnce you have seen a Vol defense score on fumbles or takeaways..The Vols for years were known and feared for their quick defense that caused fumbles..mishaps in the opponents backfield that led to quick touchdowns...You don't see that anymore. For some reason, the Vols do not, or cannot recruit top defensive linemen..I have seen Vol teams in the past destroy opponents that were superior in talent. One game I recall years a lightening quick Vol defense made shambles of the top ranked Penn. St., team laden with star-studded all-pro backfield aces, by slapping the ball out of the runner's arms...scooping the ball up and rambling for td's. You don't see that anymore. At one time it was rather common. But, one question, how do you know the Chief does not like to recruit?

Posted by bigfan502 on May 15, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolRoadRunner...If the Chief lacks the desire to travel in order to recruit..then it is no wonder the Volunteer tackling defense in many years with the exception of maybe couple years, has been below average...recruiting is the lifeline...come to think of it, how long has it been sibnce you have seen a Vol defense score on fumbles or takeaways..The Vols for years were known and feared for their quick defense that caused fumbles..mishaps in the opponents backfield that led to quick touchdowns...You don't see that anymore. For some reason, the Vols do not, or cannot recruit top defensive linemen..I have seen Vol teams in the past destroy opponents that were superior in talent. One game I recall years a lightening quick Vol defense made shambles of the top ranked Penn. St., team laden with star-studded all-pro backfield aces, by slapping the ball out of the runner's arms...scooping the ball up and rambling for td's. You don't see that anymore. At one time it was rather common. But, one question, how do you know the Chief does not like to recruit?

Posted by Vol13 on May 15, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We're just paying Bama back for getting Sean Bohannon a few years ago. You get our Sean, we'll one up you and get your Willie!!!

Posted by TommyJack on May 15, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigfan: It's documented. He's stated it publically more than once.

Posted by Vol13 on May 15, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I predict that Morley and Berry will flip flop by mid-year and Berry will be playing FS/Morley SS. And don't ever underestimate the Slavis factor in the secondary. Berry played in instinct last year. He's now had a year to be screwed up by our schemes and coaching to negate his natural ability.

Ayers All-SEC? Are you kidding? If he had Alex Brown game-changing ability he wouldn't be earning a starting role as a 5th year SR. He had 25 tackles in 2007 and 11 of them were vs. La-La and ASU.

Posted by bigfan502 on May 15, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My mistake "Volroadwarrior", the above article was intended for GNM-53108...sorry..( I like all names that began with VOL.) This is all good-natured back and forth between us rabid Vol fans. All of us have the same goal..to see the Big Orange return to the top again where they belong.

Posted by BADGES0413 on May 15, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Ayers were allowed to jump offsides every play (and not get a penalty) like Alex Brown in the 99 FL vs UT game he could make All SEC.

Posted by bigbluevol on May 15, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigfan, the last fumble recovery returned for a touchdown that instantly comes to mind is 2003 Bama game. I do believe Turk got away with jumping offside, but Haralson (I think) scooped it up and scored on the first series of the game. Vol13, as for Morley and Berry flipping, you might be right but the safety positions in our defense are continually referred to as interchangable by both the coaches and players. However, in years like 98 when Grant was obviously a better player in coverage that White, I think the safeties were a little more rigidly structured. Saying that Berry played on instinct alone and succeeded isn't really true. One youthful error he made was breaking on the ball late in the SEC Championship. That could have been a pick if he had read it right. A year of studying tape and being coached will help eliminate errors like that one.

Posted by volroadwarrior on May 15, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigfan502--If Chavis does not want to travel and recruit, I agree with you. That would seem to be a big part of his job description. Unless he is exceptional as a field coach and has others take up the slack and do the traveling and recruiting, he should not be the DC. And I really question whether or not he is an exceptional field coach. I do know the defense is not where it has been in the past.

Posted by UTfan4life on May 15, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eric berry one of a kind

Posted by cjraney on May 15, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If we're talking 1st, 2d, and 3d team All-SEC:

McNeil
Parker
Berry
Morley
McCoy
Foster
G.Jones(possibly)

Wouldn't be too surprised to see Crompton on 3d team. Who else is there? Tebow and Stafford? Oh, the Ole Miss transfer also.

Posted by BADGES0413 on May 15, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John David Paker Cartman Booty Pennington III Wilson will probably be 3rd team all SEC.

Posted by pdhuff on May 15, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dawg players are getting a lot of favorable ink for one big reason.

Check Ga's finish last year.

Between # 1 and # 3, where we haven't been in a while. Don't forget they actually beat the Gators while our rating vs Fla was...present.

Posted by tigervol9802 on May 15, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can he play D-tackle........well, he's a D-linemen, so I'll take it.

99gator - agree 100% on Stafford.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on May 15, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lincoln will be all SEC as well

Posted by murrayvol on May 15, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BADGES: Brown may have been offsides a few times (I never reviewed the film), but more often than not he anticipated the snap count and we did nothing to counter that i.e. the occasional hard count. Nor did we change our blocking schemes to actually get a pad on him. Pretty damn pathetic.

Posted by 99gator on May 15, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if you want to torture yourselves....

here's the alex brown montage on youtube from '99.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M5D9HleQ-Rs

i still don't know why they never double teamed him. bad, bad coaching night.

Posted by auttat on May 15, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brown said he got a "tip" on some kind of gesture Martin was making right before the snap.

Incidently, I was at an ex gf's family's house for this game and I had to go outside to yell when Grant intercepted the pass. (Huge South Carolina fans, had the nerve to fall asleep) Got back inside just in time for one of the all-time greatest checkoffs. The toss-sweep hasn't worked at UT since Chuck Webb. But, that guy could take a 20 yard pitch back for a positive gain.

My lasting impression of that game, Lewis looking up at Martin with the expression, "duh, didn't you know I'm folding it in this year so I don't get hurt again?"

Man, was that team loaded, though.

Posted by bigbluevol on May 15, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we let crowd noise be too much of a factor, i.e. not changing the count because we didn't want to risk the false start. That's what I'll tell myself, anyway. Was it Josh Tucker that was trying to block him? I'm sure he was begging for tight end help. The amazing thing is that we still had a chance to win and could have if not for the check that the Florida players all said they knew what play was coming. Tee continuing to play despite the cheap shot into the sound dish and face/shoulder injuries as a result was pretty awesome. Direct contradiction to what you you pointed out auttat about Lewis.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 15, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Astute observations on Brown Murray. I think he just got another sack, Mauck just ran another QB draw and Tebow just scored another touchdown between circumcisions.

99Gator, you're on the watch list for posting that link to the '99 game.

On Bohannon for a minute, I like the attitude and hope he makes half the impact Berry did but he'll have a long climb up the depth charts. Brown, Ayers, Walker, and Martin all have experience on him.

Posted by BADGES0413 on May 15, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually Invisible it is my fault, I sometimes make comments out of frustration (like the Alex Brown Comment)from that 99 game. After painfully watching the You Tube video he was maybe offside once. Did almost take T's head off, but that is old news.

Posted by auttat on May 15, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's sad is that there is no way a pre-injury Lewis would have been denied on that play, no matter who he had to run over. Martin knew that. I mean, you want the ball in the best player's hands.

My play in that situation, hail mary formation, let the WRs take off and let Martin tuck it and run. What? It works on Playstation.

Posted by pdhuff on May 15, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator go watch the Gator kicker miss the FG at Neyland and freeze Spurrier's expression.

That ranks with the Brown performance.

Posted by bigbluevol on May 15, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can see it in my mind's eye and it is glorious!

Posted by 99gator on May 15, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff

closest i could find....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWVFz_...

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 15, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99Gator-
Dead on about Stafford. What is all the commotion about? That I've seen, he hasn't put the team on his back to win a game yet. Until he proves me otherwise, he's just a poor man's David Green.

auttat-
I still get mad thinking about how Lewis finished out his UT career. The coaches should've left him on the bench if he didn't want to get hurt. He probably should have picked up the 1st down on the game killing drive against Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl too. Instead, he just ran up to the line of scrimmage and laid down like his name was Eddie George or something!

Posted by 99gator on May 15, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff

different year. can't see much, but i think you know what happened.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ_2le...

Posted by tigervol9802 on May 15, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gator -

That may have been the loudest kick I have ever heard in my life. There was no doubt it had the length ever. It would have been good from 60.

As for the infamous toss sweep in the 99 game. I have often been told that the original call on that 4th and 3 was a bootleg to the left but the receiver lined up in the wrong spot and Martin had no choice but the check off.

Is that the truth? I have no clue, but more than one person that was either on the sideline or wearing a headset (manager, not coach) has told me that.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 15, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love watching those game clips on YouTube.

Yeah, it sucks that we haven't fielded a team quite the caliber of those of the 90's and early 2000's. It really does. I'm just like everyone else, I yearn for a return to Glory Days at our coveted Neyland Stadium. I think it is the near misses that make it worse...seeing the Vols just an interception away from the SEC last year for instance. All it will take is stepping it up just a notch...just a few superstar breakaway players (ie playmakers)...just one or two more guys with the leadership of Al Wilson, the skill of Peyton Manning, the coolness of Tee Martin, the sureness of Jeff Hall. A few Little Man Stewarts or Travis Henrys wouldn't hurt either.

Come on Coach Fritter, I mean Fulmer...please, we need to give the Gator fans on this site something to cry about this year!

How many days? Ashley?

Posted by JClif1 on May 15, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope this guy is good... I dont know if I can take another Xavier Mitchell for 4 years. I dont think any of us can.

Posted by Ashley on May 15, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh help us baby Jesus, VolnLSU done been drinking on that koo-laid.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 15, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK 99Gator, you're off the watch list by posting the link to the '04 game...FOR NOW. But I'll be keeping an eye on those ulterior motives, eroding the program from within etc. etc.

Badges, it's every Vol fans God-given right to lament and agonize over every close call, near miss, and whuppin' that the Gators have laid on us over the years.

Posted by JClif1 on May 15, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I dont need to go back to the days of Al Wilson... I just need to go back to the days when we didn't really recruit from the state of Tennessee. I just looked at Rivals and the last person that we recruited out of the state of Tennessee that actually had a productive career would be 2002 (Justin Harrell). You could makea case that Rogan had a good year last year and chris donald might have a good career but other than that everything that comes out of Tennessee is no more than a decent player.

Posted by philfan on May 15, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A few months ago I requested more interviews with players and KNS delivered. I thought, though, that Fulmer had prohibited freshmen or incoming freshmen from giving interviews to the media. Has the policy changed?

Posted by pdhuff on May 15, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

True, TT, Wilson owned the middle.

Be interesting to see how this 2008 bunch does.

Will know fairly quick facing Mr. Chow in a 100 days or so.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 15, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN...Thanks for that YouTube link. My, my, my...to quote Archie and Edith, "Those were the days". Fred Thompson sure does a great job in bringing some hometown Tennessee flavor to the narration of that great spectacle. And John Ward...PLEEEZ can somebody clone him and bring the heart back to the Vol Radio Network???

Yes! Dammit I want another Sears Trophy to sit alongside the one we already have. I want another team of destiny. All we need is a few surprises, a few leaders...maybe Crompton WILL be the next Tee or Peyton. One can only hope...

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 15, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Drunk off Big Orange Koolaid
the best kind is freshly home made
A little 'shine makes it great
100 days, we can't wait
till yet again it's "Football Time in Tennessee".
(National Champions, wait and see)

Posted by 99gator on May 15, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

forgot to mention this earlier....

saw people mention how hard lewis ran in the 99 game. and whether the 4th down call was good or bad (it was bad. you never run a toss sweep on 4th and 4)

all i remember from that game was a td that lewis scored where he nearly took a gator's head off at the goal line.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 15, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the 98 season clearly demonstrates what has to happen to win it all. It really isn't about coaching. Who was our OC? Some young coach named what? Sanders? Never called a game in his life, really? And they won the big one?

It is about plays being made by playmakers. Isn't that what our new coach Clawson said? It isn't about designed plays, trick plays, dink and dunk or spread option. It's about recruiting talented, gifted, sure handed players who give 100% each down and never give up. Players that see an opportunity for greatness with every play. Peerless Price, Joey Kent, Robert Meachum, Raynoch Thompson, Shawn Bryson, etc. etc. etc. I still think that CPF has the spark and the knack for recruiting those types of players...it's just unfortunate that the stars haven't quite lined up the same way in 5 years or so. But think about it...2002 was a decent season and 2001 was a pretty great one. And the years leading up to our "decline" were arguably the best in Vol history (ie 97,98,99). As SJT points out, the trend has been somewhat of a turnaround. I truly believe that it all starts with having a good QB, and I have a feeling Crompton might be the best since Tee Martin. I can see Clawson surprising the NCAA world with a great offense that is good enough to overcome shortcomings on defense, and a defensive secondary that contributes to point totals with single season interception records. I really can see this team being the sleeper in the SEC and a big surprise.

Slurp, slurp, slurp...I'll take mine frozen.

Posted by MillisaAnn on May 15, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great Article!!! Welcome to TN Willie!!! Go Vols!!! :) :) :)

Posted by invisiblekid on May 15, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agreed 99Gator, toss sweep was a horrible play call, my arthritic grandmother along with several hundred thousand others pegged that call before it was made.

Vol_in_LSU_Land, hate to be argumentative, but we probably aren't in that big game had Sanders called the plays throughout the season. As far as the future goes, I personally think Clawson is going to rock but it's up to the old guard on the defensive side to pick up their game. The one key stat for next year will be rush defense IMO, it has to get much better or it will be another year full of nail biters which may or may not go our way.

Posted by bigfan502 on May 15, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To win a championship...you must be good and lucky...the 98-team was both...in the first game of the year on the way to the national title..Tee Martin with less than a minute to go, and the Vols behind by two points...went back to pass..or did he? As the clocked ticked down, Suddenly Tee instead of passing, tucked the ball and ran sprinted 55-yards clost to Syracuse goal line. Only a few seconds left, the vols kicked a field goal just before the clock expired and won the game by one point. Since that year the Vols, have not recruited a QB with that type of ability.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 15, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, I remember that run By Jamal. I also remember on Tennessee's first drive when he ran the ball and knocked a gator helmet off when they tried to tackle him. After all that, the vols were the ones stuck with the pain for a long time. Maybe the no call down on the goaline when Tee Martin got raped and slammed on the camera man 5 yards outta bounds had as much to do with this. There may not have been a 4th down play had we not gotten hosed by the refs as we tipically do against Florida.

Posted by sjt18 on May 16, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"besides eric berry....who will start for tenn that has the potential to be all-sec?"

"Potentially"- Morley, Williams, McCoy, Vinson, Rogan/Willigham, McNeil, Parker, A Foster, R Foster, Taylor, Briscoe, Jones,... and an outside shot with one of the DE's or a TE.

Cyanide swallowers don't have a cow... the question was "who has the potential".

Posted by sjt18 on May 16, 2008 at 3:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"We're full of two stars playing as, well, two stars."

Have you been possessed? You've gone from skeptical to downright cynical here lately. You are going out of your way to make things sound much worse than they are in contradiction to the facts. UT MAY have 2 former 2* seeing significant playing time this fall- Elix Wilson and Cooper.

Based on the current depth chart the starters will be: 2 5*, 7 4*, 1 3*, and 1 2* on defense - 5 4*, 5 3*, and one 2* on offense.

Of the five 3* on O, three were good enough to get NFL evals as JRs, one caught 56 passes in 2007, and the other is your pick of 6'7" 270 lb TE's- Stocker or Cottam.

Posted by pdhuff on May 16, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yep, I'm possessed sjt18. I sit and stare at

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Get the message. More to come. Repeat after me - we will not win the SEC under Phil, ever, again. Forget NC.

Man, would I like to eat those words and would gladly do so. Windex can't clean up the old glazed Sears.

But sadly, donkeys don't fly (maybe tngeoff could find some) and there "aint't no Coupe De Villes's in a Crackerjack box". thanks Meatloaf.

Posted by 99gator on May 16, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i know this will ruffle feathers.....

but, after thinking about it....and watching some of the youtube clips....and some of you all mentioning some of the players of the past....

you can't tell me that there is not a sizeable talent gap between the teams of the late 90's and right now.

jamal lewis and travis henry are an awful lot better than arian foster.

peerless price and the receivers of his day are much better than briscoe and rogers.

what would you rather have the offensive line of the late 90's or the one that will be on the field in 2008?

and on defense, al wilson, raynoch thompson, leonard little, etc. tenn won games with that defense. they didn't merely slow down the other offense to allow their own offense enough possessions to score. they shut teams down, forced turnovers, flipped the field, etc.

kickers are the same, but the kick block and return teams were probably better in the late 90's too.

just no comparison.

Posted by 99gator on May 16, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sporting news ranks the best of the sec by position

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/...

Posted by 99gator on May 16, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

early predictions from scout

http://cfn.scout.com/2/755198.html

Posted by bigfan502 on May 16, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GUYS IT COMES DOWN TO THIS...The team with the best athletes wins championships...the best athlete is described as strong, quick, savvy, and a burning desire to win. Now, of course he must be big enough, but not overweight..what good is a 300-pounder, once the ball carrier gets one step past him..he is utterly helpless.

Posted by pdhuff on May 16, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator 10:36- you sir, are dead on. Many will spin o-thissa and o-datta, but recruiting has ebbed more than flowed.

It has been gradual enough, in my humble opinion, that many don't see or choose to see what is very plain. Phil is a good man, but has run his course. Ck with FSU and PSU to see what "staying the course" does for you. We're in it, its here and you can't spin it away.

Stir up another batch, probably ten gallons of orange and on we go. Same road, same results.

We all want a winner, to be ultra competitive and make the BCS without a multi-year drought.

Some SEC rings would be nice. Oh well.

Selah.

Posted by Vol13 on May 16, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UMia 47 - 4 Conf Titles; 1 NC; 4 BCS Bowls
OSU 44 - 4 Conf Titles; 1 NC; 4 BCS Bowls
FSU 41 - 5 Conf Titles; 1 NC; 5 BCS Bowls
USC 39 - 6 Conf Titles; 2 NC's; 6 BCS Bowls
UGA 37 - 2 Conf Titles; 0 NC's; 3 BCS Bowls
UM 36 - 3 Conf Titles; 0 NC's; 3 BCS Bowls
UTn 36 - 0 Conf Titles; 0 NC's; 1 BCS Bowl
LSU 32 - 3 Conf Titles; 2 NC's; 4 BCS Bowls
UTx 32 - 1 Conf Title; 1 NC; 2 BCS Bowls
UF 31 - 2 Conf Titles; 1 NC; 3 BCS Bowls
AU 30 - 1 Conf Title; 0 NC's; 1 BCS Bowl
ND 30 - 0 Conf Titles (N/A); 0 NC's; 3 BCS Bowls

That's players from these schools in the NFL currently (start of 2007 season).

Since 1999, look who has won their conference; played in a BCS game; and won an NC. We're the poorest performing team of all of these. Yet, we supposedly have been ranked in the Top 5 or Top 10 most years in recruiting. So have these other schools. Some teams are cashing in on their future NFL talent and actually getting something for it.

When are some of you going to start demanding some results?

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 17, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99Gator.

Problem is, I would also say the same thing about the Mighty Gators. I do not believe the talent pool under Zook or Meyer has quite been to the level of the old ball coach's reign. I believe there has been a noticeable gap. Even two years ago when yall got your shiny new trophy, it seemed Florida almost "backed in" like LSU did.

I think the nature of the SEC in the 90's was a two team conference (UF and UT)...Now there are 4/5 teams with a legitimate shot at the conference and at least two more who are rebuilding. No spin, the competition is fierce.

Posted by pdhuff on May 17, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13 8:59- sjt18 will explain it to you. You must be patient.
Study your charts. Wave your shaker. Think of 1998, etc.

LOL

Posted by 99gator on May 17, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

vol in lsu land

they may have backed into the title in 2006.

but, as far as talent goes. that defense had three first rounders on it (2 @ DE). marcus thomas would have been a first rounder, if he decided to lay off the sweet sticky weed.

the defensive line off that team had backups who were drafted. if that's not an abundance of talent, i don't know what is. there were six defensive lineman off that team who were drafted.

if you look at the 2006 roster, it was loaded with people who were or will be drafted. florida had more players drafted in the 2007 draft than any other school.

what they don't have, that the team's of the 90's had, is a fred taylor like tailback.

but, if you don't see the talent on the current roster..... then, i don't know what to tell you.

there are many people who suggest florida may have the best offensive team in the country this year. if that's close to true, you can't do that without a plethora of talent.

Posted by 99gator on May 17, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

vol in lsu land

they may have backed into the title in 2006.

but, as far as talent goes. that defense had three first rounders on it (2 @ DE). marcus thomas would have been a first rounder, if he decided to lay off the sweet sticky weed.

the defensive line off that team had backups who were drafted. if that's not an abundance of talent, i don't know what is. there were six defensive lineman off that team who were drafted.

if you look at the 2006 roster, it was loaded with people who were or will be drafted. florida had more players drafted in the 2007 draft than any other school.

what they don't have, that the team's of the 90's had, is a fred taylor like tailback.

but, if you don't see the talent on the current roster..... then, i don't know what to tell you.

there are many people who suggest florida may have the best offensive team in the country this year. if that's close to true, you can't do that without a plethora of talent.

Posted by Vol13 on May 17, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

vol in lsu:

Crompton did nothing in the spring to distance himself much from Coleman and Stephens. The practice observers that I talked to all said that Coleman and Stephens looked more impressive at times running the offense. He still has time to widen the gap though and we'll see.

As for talent, very true. But the problem now is that 6 teams in the SEC all have a lot of talent, with Bama being in the infant stages of assembling theirs. Through much of the 90's and into the millenium, UT and Florida had a decided talent advantage over everyone else. But no more.

Posted by pdhuff on May 17, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Touchdown T - 11:33 - That's why they invented Jack Black and Maker's Mark to temporarily cure loooong Saturdays.

Posted by douglasawilliams on May 18, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone know where Bohannon is rated? Not sure but it sounds like a lot of schools were after him. I'm just wondering if he is rated at 3 or 4 stars.

Posted by tngeoff on May 18, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

As close as it gets I guess:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ix13Ag_BPmA

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5ydnwweufKs

Posted by pdhuff on May 18, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now, tngeoff, if you can uncover one of pigs going by the window, we may be on our way to a NC.

Posted by tngeoff on May 18, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

That my friend is where we collectively strike out! Flying donkeys...sort of. But that is where the story must end. So...THE END. NC? Ummm...ummm...ummm. I do wish.

Posted by pdhuff on May 18, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff, Looking back, I think the end started when John Ward knew it was time to go.

Man, we lost a lot when he stepped aside. From "Give him six' to "King of the Volunteers", the entire tableau started down and hasn't stopped it descent.

At least in many minds.....

Posted by tngeoff on May 18, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

Agreed 100%.

http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/...

http://www.utfan.com/images/JOHNWARD.GIF

http://youtube.com/watch?v=61DnOsJd1J...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AYSeKm1IrZE

John Ward...please come home...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ejV2o4pcouE

Things have NEVER been the same...

Posted by tngeoff on May 18, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Matter of fact...things may NEVER be the same again ever...

Posted by sjt18 on May 19, 2008 at 3:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

douglas, Bohannon was a 3* player.

Vol13, That's odd because several folks that have proven themselves to be extremely reliable and close to the program said that it wasn't even close. JC spent much of the Spring going against the 1st D. Supposedly his grasp of the O exceeds that of Coleman and Stephens significantly...

and JC carries himself with the confidence of a guy who is "the man".

Posted by pdhuff on May 19, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

True, sjt18, my lone source, who actually knows several things that turned out to be correct told me that Crompton was head and shoulders above the other two. This source lives and dies, $$$$, P & L with the Vols.

He's usually spot on, but I'm sure we'll see.

Man, 3;11 am in the morning, impressive.

Posted by sjt18 on May 20, 2008 at 3:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Repeat after me - we will not win the SEC under Phil, ever, again. Forget NC."

Since you have no means of knowing that... what was the value in saying it on a public forum?

I have no idea whether he will or not. I do believe that he either will within the next two years or SHOULD be asked to retire... which basically means I think he has to make it happen this year. It looks more and more like 2009 belongs to UGA.

I have to be up at 3:11... someone has to pay the taxes...

Posted by pdhuff on May 20, 2008 at 5:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18-3:21 am- Since you have no way of knowing its not true, why not offer an opinion? I thought that's what a forum is for. Not to be in lockstep with a PR department.

Or is that not allowed since it doesn't march to the company line?

One that's failed nine straight years to reach the goal 12 teams strive for.

Or should.....

Every year.

Posted by sjt18 on May 20, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Repeat after me- will not win the SEC under Phil, ever, again."

That doesn't sound like you are stating an opinion but some kind of cosmic certainty.

My opinion is that he or MH or some combination of folks have hung CPF's fortunes on Clawson and the notion that Chavis can get his groove back. I think UT has the ability to win the SEC this year due to relative talent/experience and schedule. I think it all hinges on the UF game... Fulmer will have to exorcise one of his demons to win the SEC.

Two years out... I don't think anyone other than UGA will win the SEC in 2009.

When have I marched to a company line or asked you to?

6 teams strive to win the East... he's done that 4 out of the last 7. I'm not saying it is acceptable to keep making the CG and losing it but you act as if they aren't even close.

IMO... if I were Hamilton... CPF would have to win the SEC or get a BCS bid at large this year. I've gone through that many times before. After 2005, my ultimatum would have been: "You've won alot of games here and a NC so that earns you the right to try to turn it around... but there can be no backsliding or plateau until a championship is won."

BTW, I found your list of potential replacements and answered that post. Johnson is probably the only one I'd consider if I were "king"...

If CPF has to be replaced with anyone other than Clawson then I'd offer Hawkins whatever it took to get him.

Posted by pdhuff on May 20, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nope, sjt18, not cosmic, just from the calendar years of failure. Real noted years.

So you're for giving him 2 more years making it possibly (see) 11 years of no rings. Forget the BCS.

At least the circus of JoePa chasing B Bowden for most wins is amusing while making both programs stale and mediocre. I think a 1962 Pontiac GP is the ultimate car, but it's technology is sorely outdated in 2008.

We'll see.

Be well.

Posted by sjt18 on May 20, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nope. I'm for giving him a chance to turn it around after 2005... I don't think that's too much to give to the guy who brought UT its greatest success since All-American OL's weighed 185 lbs and helmets had no facemasks. The ONLY reason you have a reason to complain about a decline is because CPF's teams elevated the level of expectation.

Failure is what UGA had between Dooley and Richt... or Bama between Bryant and, well, ?... ND between Holtz and ?... OU between Osborne and uh?... between Switzer and Stoops.... Texas between Royal and Mack Brown...

You really, really don't realize how bad it can get do you? Not just for a couple of years but for decades. You're willing to chuck a guy whose been consistently close who with some "tweaking" might get UT over the hump again and risk REAL failure. I'd like to see if that guy can get it done first considering the changes that have been made in the program.

Do you really think the 62 Pontiac illustration relates to a guy who just went completely off the reservation in hiring Clawson?

Posted by bigfan502 on May 20, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys...I think we put too much emphasis on the fellows who make their living guessing as to what player going to what team is superior to other athletes..are you aware that in most cases the much ballyhooed player most of the times does not live up to the prediction. Of course, these writers thrive on their who's who talk because of the great interest it creates from we fans...also the money the money the so-called experts carry, laughing all the way to the bank. But, we fans thrive on such talk. But next time you read about which team has recruited the best players, you would be smart not to take the guys who predict with a slight grain of salt.

Posted by spam247buster on May 20, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Very well put, sjt. GO VOLS!!! Beat UCLA!

Posted by pdhuff on May 20, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did you see a long line of assts waiting to work for Phil?

I seem to remember turndowns in public (Clemson) and who knows how many in private. What did Ga, Bama, Okla and Texas do about exactly what we're going thru?

They reacted and hired someone. You seem to think it can't be done. Give him a chance! My word man, just a BCS game every 3-4 years. Failed.

Top ten every 2-3 years. Failed.

You can talk about leather helments, etc. but all that past glory is blown away when they kick it off. No defensive coaching changes to a bunch that oversaw 600 yds by Fla last year. Family.

I'm glad you're satisfied and keep on "giving chances" for I believe you're going to keep on getting the same results. Losing record to 6 current SEC coaches doesn't matter. See a trend here. Probably not.

You truly stay the course.

Be well.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on May 20, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff wants a new coach...go it

sjt and I are with Fulmer but with no slack...check

The only relevent point is Hamilton continues to sign Fulmer's checks. If you don't like it tough. Continued whining on this or any other venue ain't goin' to change that.

This debate is way past old and boring.

Posted by gnm53108 on May 21, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt:Good post,but I think you are forgetting something about 05.We had a very good defense that year.I was in Tusalooser that year when i saw a fantastic defensive performance only to lose 6 to 3.6 to freaking 3!What a waste of a defense that should have gotten us some gold.If our defense this year could just get back to some semblance of that we should make some noise.
pd..you need a fresh batch of frost brewed koolaid.
Heck,so do I.

Posted by sjt18 on May 21, 2008 at 4:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Did you see a long line of assts waiting to work for Phil?"

By virtually ALL sources... we never knew the entire list of guys interested in the job. Thus the comment "alot of interest from all over the country". Reportedly CPF and MH spoke to several others on the phone that never got past that point.

"What did Ga, Bama, Okla and Texas do about exactly what we're going thru?"

They kept turning over coaches and losing to their biggest rivals... a none of them played in a conference as strong or with as much parity as the SEC is now. What you are proposing may eventually be necessary... but realize that it could turn UT into Vandy's whipping boy.

Just keep spinning pdhuff... keep parsing the facts to make it look worse than it really is. I'm not satisfied... but I'm not reaching for the cyanide tablet either like you seem to be doing.

Posted by sjt18 on May 21, 2008 at 4:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gnm53108, I didn't forget 2005. IMO, 2005 cancelled out any credit CPF had for the 90's or 98.

As I've said before, I don't think 05 was a direct result of the job CPF did that year... ie not because of micromanaging or any of that stuff. I believe it was a result of CPF's lack of leadership, vision, and perspective.

He tolerated Sanders when all of the warning signs had been there for at least 4 years. As the players trained and developed by Cut left, execution and production dropped off.

CPF also allowed off the field discipline to go slack. You are right. They squandered one of the best defenses UT has ever fielded. They allowed only 18 ppg while getting no help from the O. I've even argued that they might have been better than the 98 D... especially if they'd had an O that held up their end.

Posted by gnm53108 on May 21, 2008 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt:100% agree.I just brought that up because of the ongoing discusion you and pd have going about the defense.Last year was just about unaceptable.Another year like that and it would probably be time for another change.It might be the koolaid but I have a feeling that this year should be alot better.Our secondary and d-line play improved dramactitly from sept,oct to the end of the season.This year we gain experience and or talent at both.And say what you will about Cheif but we always have good to great play out of our lb's.If the offense can score a few and actually maintain some ball controll we might have a season we can be proud of.
More frost brewed koolaid please.

Posted by GerryOP on May 21, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The longer you postpone the inevitable, the worse the inevitable becomes.

Since we have a four strike policy on drug use, we might as well have a four strike policy on coaching bumbles.

2001 -- Gave away any chance of a 2nd NC in a choking loss to LSU in the SECCG - STR-I-I-I-KE 1!

2005 -- Off field problems, perfect storm, no magic dust, loss to Vandy (yup, VANDY!) at Neyland (yup, at NEYLAND!), 5-6 but 5/6/whatever plays from being undefeated, 'nuff said - STR-I-I-I-KE 2!

2007 -- Cal, Florida, Alabama - 145-68; sad-sack prevent offense almost snatches defeat from the jaws of victory against Vandy, UK, USC, and WI; gave away the SECCG with two late interceptions - STR-I-I-I-KE 3!

2008 -- Off field problems, 35th ranked recruiting class, claims head coach's primary job is teachin' and mentorin' -- Strike 4? TBD.

Coach Fulmer, you still have time to walk away with honor and pride!

If we make it through September....

Posted by pdhuff on May 21, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Factory just called. Last batch of 5000 gallons freshly stirred ready.

Only awaiting purchase order from good ol' sjt18 and shipping date from Ashley.

Hope we break the trend. Hope spring eternal.

Free TDTN! Avoid Tebow.

Posted by sjt18 on May 21, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gnm, Last year's defensive showing WAS unacceptable but not because of injuries or secondary youth. It was unacceptable because they didn't have the players they needed on the DL to make Chavis' philosophy work. I don't particularly like what he's trying to do but he's made it work and so has UF.

IF Chavis can't get it together then I don't think you just deal with the coordinator this time. It will be the second time recently that CPF let the program be hurt by a guy who didn't get it done because of misplaced loyalty.

Posted by sjt18 on May 21, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gerry, I think that's a fairly skewed presentation of the facts but you end up basically with what I've been saying. He needs to continue to improve or else get out of the way for the good of the program. There are only a few ways to improve over a CG appearance and decent bowl win.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on May 21, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

...and Hamilton just signed another CPF pay check.

Posted by sjt18 on May 21, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Witchdoctor just called. LAST batch of hemlock tea freshly brewed is ready. Only waiting on a credit card order from Vol13 and shipping arrangements by TDTN...

Unfortunately the dosage still isn't sufficient to put a end to the incessant carping and may tend to only excerbate the poison sickness.

Drink hardy guys... enough will make you sick enough just to quit complaining...

Posted by sjt18 on May 21, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Off field problems,"

Hmmm. How long has it been since CPF, staff, and player leaders took action resulting in a complete cessation of incidents? The test for the coach isn't whether the problems occur... they will. It is whether he deals with them effectively. He didn't prior to 2005... he appears to have done so this time.

FWIW, my speculation is that the departure of Kemp and O'Neal may have been a "proactive" addressing of potential problems by CPF. Remember those 40 or so players CPF needed to meet with to have a heart to heart... now O'Neal is gone?

"35th ranked recruiting class"

I'll take it when it includes Morley, a former professional baseball player, and a former All-ACC player... not to mention Poole who is now acknowledged to have been underrated, Austin Johnson who impressed from day one, and potentially other contributors.

The only "real" problem with the class was a lack of DT's... which according to the inside "experts" is being aggressively addressed this year. It could actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise if a couple of the guys being talked up actually sign with UT in part because of the chance for early PT.

Posted by tngeoff on May 21, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP.

Agree with everything you said except the next to last sentence. That time has passed as well.

Posted by pdhuff on May 21, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff-9:39 bang the muffled drums slowly, a riderless horse led by a man with white gloves, well said......

Posted by gnm53108 on May 22, 2008 at 4:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt...I 100% agree with you on Randy Sanders and PF giving him way too much time.I thought after 2000 there needed to be a change.I aplaud PF on his loyalty but he cant jeapordise the program.Now with the Chief its a little different.He has proved himself and fielded some very good defenses.Now you could argue that he is loosing his edge,being left behind,not changing with the times,but in the eb n flow of the college football world we are going to have some ups and downs.Now here at Tennessee we expect alot more ups than downs,but I'm not ready to say PF is making a mistake yet.Another down year and still no change....
pd:5000 gallons!!!!
is it frost brewed?

Posted by gnm53108 on May 22, 2008 at 4:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

stj:I'v noticed something else about the Chief.He seems to field alot better defenses against AC's that he knows.It seems to me that he has the hardest times angainst new AC's,but the more he plays them the better we perform.Just an observation.I know you are alot better at researching these things.Look into it if ya get a chance.

Posted by GerryOP on May 22, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like the folks at VolNation agree that 2008 has to be the year that Coach Fulmer steps up to the challenge. For those of you with ADD, you can skip to the last two paragraphs.

http://www.volnation.com/blog/2008-05...

If we make it through September......

Posted by pdhuff on May 22, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOp, ol' sjt18 says he doesn't like facts "parsed" but facts they are. Many of us got a lifetime of parsing from Bama and Fla last year.

But it don't matter if you don't do anything about it. If you don't like your yellow car, guess what, it'll still be yellow in the morning if you don't trade it. For a color you like better. If you don't try, nothing will change.

Me, I ordered my ninth anniversary no-ring ring.

Posted by GerryOP on May 22, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang pdhuff, I missed the ad for the no-ring ring! Where did you see it? I went through 137 boxes of Cracker Jacks trying to find one! No luck! Any news on when the SEC East Champs and Highest Ranked Four Loss Team trophies are coming out?

Gotta' get back to laying low until 9/1. A date to look forward to with extreme excitement and stark raving terror. Our Vols on the left coast ... on national TV ... against a team with a point to prove. Fear the Bruin! Scary!

If we make it through September.....

Posted by pdhuff on May 22, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOp, that kind of rhetoric will have you the focus of a early AM sjt18 sermon. You keep it up and you'll have to wear a "Stay the Course" tee shirt.

The order form for the no-ring ring is posted yearly in the SEC guide.

Selah.

Posted by sjt18 on May 23, 2008 at 3:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gnm, I think Chavis' problem if there really is one is that he DID change with the times and didn't do it effectively. I still hate that they are trying to play DT's at 275 lbs. Right now the most effective guy they have is Williams playing at about 315... and they are badgering the guy about his weight.

Posted by sjt18 on May 23, 2008 at 3:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gnm, I don't have the resources at hand right now but I'll take a look if I get a chance.

I do know that Fulmer generally does poorly against quality new coaches but improves as he sees them more. At first he couldn't beat Spurrier or Richt and now he's had a very good run against both. He needs to get it together against Meyer and Saban now especially.

Posted by sjt18 on May 23, 2008 at 3:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes guys in spite of your witty sarcasm, you do have to parse the data to make it as uniformly negative as you guys like to present it.

I've never said the championship drought was acceptable or should be tolerated. I've even said specifically what I thought the procedure should be for holding CPF accountable. But to deny the positives about the guy and his career at UT is not being honest with the facts.

Posted by pdhuff on May 23, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 3:32- do you have a timeline for holding Phil accountable for this dry run that will occur in our lifetime?

Or do you start in 2005, forgetting the previous 6 no-ring years so conventiently? It is amazing your fervor is for the coach rather than the program which has not succeeded in nine years!

Fulmer is not the University of Tennessee. Period.

Calling posters "stupid" is cynical. Period.

Posted by GerryOP on May 23, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt, parse we must. Why would we present facts, facts that are parsed and skewed fairly, that do not support our conclusion?

Be well ya'all and have a great weekend!!