Posted by TommyJack on May 19, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like a keeper.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great his goals are education in front of football... I hope hes just trying to impress us by saying that and thats not the real case haha.

Posted by Brama on May 19, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like he has his priorites in line now keep the toy guns out of your car when you come to knoxvile this summer!

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea i mean would you rather have a WR that has 20 catches for 345 yards and earn All Academic SEC... or Someone who know what Western Civ class is and catch 67 balls for 1020 yards... I think i know which i choose.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someone who doesnt know what**** western civ class is

Posted by TurboFan on May 19, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish him good luck and look forward to hearing his name called out on the field.

That said, if there is one area the NCAA needs to lay down a boundary (as opposed to all the areas where they do but shouldn't) is the cell phone calls and text messaging. Wonder if anyone has statistics on average costs to kids and their families on their cell phone bills.

In an unrelated intrusion, saw an article recently describing how some states are considering a ban on toy guns that look too real. The article described the incident involving Marsalous from two years ago. Although it did not mention his name or that he was an athlete, nor that he was acquitted. Just gave the off-duty officer's "I's skeered" version.

Sorry for going off subject. Doldroms.
See you next week.

Posted by DennisVols on May 19, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The class coming in and the next signing class seem to be class acts. This new staff of coaches appear at this time to be turning things around not only with the talent level being recruited but also the level of person.
3 months 12 days till FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE.
Go Vols!!!!!!

Posted by bigbluevol on May 19, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good interview. This kid has his head on straight (so it seems) and he is realistic about the fact he will need to work hard and see how it plays out. He's not coming in with an attitude of entitlement and I'm glad to see it. Good luck Rod. Looking forward to 4-5 great years from you.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea i mean these kids we are bringin in may be a class act.. im not going to deny that BUT can these class acts beat Florida or Georgia's non class acts. These people that comment on here act like they wouldn't take a athlete thats not a class act on thier team. I mean if the guy runs a 4.2 and is a threat to score everytime he touches the ball... I really dont care what his priorities are... thats up to him its his life....

Also most of the college players who are really really good know they are going pro so they don't worry so much about the education part. i would rather have a player come in knowing for sure in his head that hes going to be good enough to go pro.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 19, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think/hope the days of signing guys like Washington and Toeaina are over. It doesn't matter how much talent an individual player has, they still have to rely on the other 10 guys on the field with them and it helps when they actually like each other. Wilks sounds like he will be a good addition for the team.

Posted by auttat on May 19, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And to think eVOLution called me a redneck last week.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It doesnt matter how much talent an individual player has.... its talk like that that lets me know we are ok with losing 3 games a year.

Posted by yemmusdarb on May 19, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hopefully he won't just do a "little bitty job" at WR

Posted by pdhuff on May 19, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JClift1-many are ok with losing 3-4-5 games a year. Just read daily.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea I dont want 11 really talented players... I would rather have 5 ok ones 4 decent ones and 2 Austin Rogers...... Now thats an explosive team.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea I dont want 11 really talented players... I would rather have 5 ok ones 4 decent ones and 2 Austin Rogers...... Now thats an explosive team.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 19, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JClif, I don't necessarily disagree with your point but it's a safe bet that there are many more kids who came out of high school that had it in their heads that they were going pro than those that actually do get a chance in the NFL.

Posted by 99gator on May 19, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you guys are missing the biggest thing he neglected to mention in his interview.

this kid's from tennessee and not once did he mention anything about a fritter.

you would think that growing up in tennessee that this kid would know fritters are essential to success in every aspect of life.

maybe he didn't mention it because it is such a given.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

haha I'm not talking about Carter Hornets 5'6" 230 lbs Wide Reciever thinkin hes going pro. I know theres a lot of kids saying they are going to go pro. Im just saying its disheartning to hear a athlete thats supposed to be D-1 material on the brink of being a star say well theres things other than football. I just think if they are D-1 superstars they are not going to say that kind of stuff. People that say theres stuff after football lets me know they are not thinkin that they are for sure good enough to go pro.

Posted by 99gator on May 19, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

in all seriousness, he sounds like a good kid.

hopefully, for tennessee, he is an equally good football player.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 19, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, Wilks is a WR, fritters are a big no-no for the fast guys. Offensive linemen and, especially our current defensive line, are encouraged to embrace the fritter however.

Posted by 99gator on May 19, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid

i thought fritters were for all god's children. if you can't have a fritter when you are exercising vigorously when can you have one?

Posted by invisiblekid on May 19, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JClif, 5'6" 230 lbs, sounds like he is defensive tackle material because you know how Chavis likes his guys to keep their speed.

Seriously, just playing devil's advocate here but they have been burned in the past by some of these all-world guys coming in, I mentioned two of them earlier. I am also thinking that Wilks may have a little more perspective on things with his brother being Johnson. Johnson missed the end of last season due to injury and I would think he learned something from what happened to Inky Johnson as well.

Posted by Ashley on May 19, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

105 days till Football Time In Tennessee!!!!

Posted by volchiq on May 19, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Finally a quality article that isn't from an SEC jail intake log. Way to do some journalism!

Seriously though, it would be good to have an interview or story or something on each of our new guys. That would be better than some of the other stuff we have been getting.

Of course there will always be those that turn positive stories into negative ones...it is all a matter of perspective.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

haha oh yea the speed defensive tackle... or the 6'5 330 monster Bolden that couldnt push that 5'6 230 guy haha. Yea i mean i know they have to think about education bc of injuries I just like the cocky players for some reason.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 19, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yawn....Foolmore is 11-21 vs. Meyer, Richt, Saban, Spurrier, and Tuberville. 12-23 when you throw in Miles. These are basically all the coaches/teams that matter in the SEC. We play all of them except LSU this year. If we go better than 2-3 vs. UGA, Florida, Bama, USC, and Auburn this year it will have to be considered a miracle considering at least 5 of those 11 victories were modern day miracles:

92 win vs. Florida - Foolmore was interim coach and this was before he knew he soiled his boxers when facing Spurrier

98 win vs. Florida - crowd and Al Wilson superman performance plus missed chip shot FG to win

01 vs. Florida- Travis Stephens superman performance

07 vs. South Carolina- fumble recovered 15 yards down field by backup OL and missed FG for team of destiny and Hamilton post game bear hug.

97 - Tubbs was at Ole Miss

98 - Tubbs 1st year at Auburn where they were starting Gabe GRoss a baseball player at QB and had a true frosh RB and no WRs.

More often than not in the 23 losses, Foolmore's pants have ended up around his ankles. Basically, the games we've won the ball had to bounce the right way. 2-3 best case scenario based on his pathetic 11-21 record vs. these ooaches would be an improvement. This means no SEC title which means not meeting expectations. Can't wait for us to get snubbed by the Outhouse Bowl. Hopefully, the Peacher doesn't snub us as well.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 19, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, good point on fritters but all things in moderation. Maybe after Wilks gets on campus and runs some shuttles, he can have one.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WorkinLikeHeck.

You could make that point about any of the games. I know his record is bad against the big dogs of the sec im not going to dissagree with you on that one.

But you could say those things about numerous losses too.

Gafneys Non catch.

A penalty called on a fumble that Hefney Ran back for a touchdown for illegal contact which was his forearm grazing the helmet a little to wipe of dirt.

DJ Halls "Superman performance"

Caddillac Willams and Ronnie browns "Superman Perfrmace"

I mean I can come up with something like that for every loss too just about.

NO doubt though, we do need to win those games which is probably not going to happen i would say at the best 3-2 in those.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 19, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2007:

Saban/Bama 42 Foolmore 17 - Foolmore pantsed at the onside kickoff and we never recovered.

Meyer/Florida 59 Fooolmore 20 - not much to say other than 31 straight points. Similar to the 42 or 38 in a row in 1995 or the 35 in a row in 1996.

Foolmore did pants Richt somehow this past
year.

LSU 21 Tennessee 14 - Led the whole game. Fake punt gave some momentum to LSU, lost to a backup LSU QB for the 2nd time in SEC title game. That equals a pansting.

Tennessee 27 USC 24 - afformentioned team of destiny bear hug game. Blew 21-0 lead and sat on the ball. Did everything we could do to lose the game.

2-3. Par for the course. Yawn.

Posted by volchiq on May 19, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin, can you tell me one national championship team, or successful team for that matter, that can't claim a couple of games were won by the ball bouncing the right way?

You make it seem like TN is the only team to ever benefit from a little luck...that is what this game is about for teams that are for the most part well matched, one bounce here or there and you lose or win.

Seriously, when was there a team that came out and totally dominated every single game without having one remotely close?

Posted by invisiblekid on May 19, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin', I am thinking that Hambone played his last chip to get us in the Outback last year. We lose 3-4 this year and it's Atlanta or bust.

Posted by JClif1 on May 19, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WorkinLikeHeck must have been pantsed one too many times... whatever pantsed is. Now he likes to call out the team that loses every game haha. I love how no matter the outcome some gets pantsed.

Posted by TommyJack on May 19, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What the Kid said at 5:38. BTW, fritters, while not exclusive to the coaching staff, remain primarily under their purview.

Posted by hmhawk on May 19, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

3 things 1)eVOLution please leave Ashley alone.some of us old geezers like her countdown 2)What is pantsed or whatever? 3)Are there any mechanics on this board?I'm having trouble with my 86 f150 4x4.All my troubles come back to the ERG valve.I want to know if I can remove it.I've taken off about all the smog control stuff and am running straight pipes.The environmentalists will really love me LOL.This is serious but also can be attributed to the doldrums I reckon.Any help will be surely appreciated.

Posted by 99gator on May 19, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workin

don't throw the dirt on the body until its dead.

season hasn't started yet. too early to throw in the towel.....otherwise, why bother to look forward to the season in the first place?

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 19, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go tell the LSU fans that they didn't need a little luck to get the NC last year. I mean how many crazy 4th downs did they have to pick up along the way? Miles even admitted that the TD play against the gators on 4th down was a coaching blunder of sorts that just happened to work out.

JClif1 and eVOLution-

Are you guys serious? Do you really think we'd be better off with a bunch of LaMarcus Cokers and James Bankses? How many times do you think Rod Wilks's mom and dad told him that his education is to come first to keep him grounded? Use your f#cking head before you type that retarded sh!t! You make us all look bad saying that these kids don't have their priorities straight because they are concerned about their education!

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 19, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator 6:12 post-

Amen!!!!

I bet you are in a lot less of a hurry to ink that "W" next to UT on the Gators' schedule than a bunch of these born losers who call themselves Vol fans.

Posted by NorCalVol on May 19, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBleed, I totally agree about your comment to JCliff and eVOL...

Just because someone is a scholar doesn't mean they can't perform on the field, too (is Peyton not a good enough example of this for you??). Plus, look at what grades and/or drugs did to Ramar and Duke on the bball team. I'd rather have a solid player who saves our team embarassment, scholarship penalties, recruiting screwups, etc than a star who causes off-the-field problems that hurt us for years to come.

Posted by hmhawk on May 19, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBleedOrange444-I agree with you 100% and meant to state those thoughts in previous post.Just that my truck is driving me nuts right now.But you are absolutely right.

Posted by hmhawk on May 19, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also meant to tell gator99-and this hurts-that I admire him.He is probably the only rational gator fan I've ever kinda met.If he's ever in NET he can stop by for a cold one and steak on the grill.

Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on May 19, 2008 at 6:51 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 19, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm glad I'm not alone on this one. Good luck w/ your truck hmhawk. I wish I could help you out, but I don't know anything about working on vehicles. If you can't get it to run, you could always go trade it in for a hybrid. LOL.

Posted by hmhawk on May 19, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBO444-thanks but that goes totally against my grain,LOL.It runs but just keeps shifting from drive to overdrive and back over and over.Drives me crazy.Also you definitely ain't alone.Give me a smart athlete anyday.

Posted by hmhawk on May 19, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why was KnoxVol_in_TX removed.It wasn't a bad post.Is the site staff suffering the doldrums LOL.

Posted by IPOrange on May 19, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like a great prospect. Personally, I'm glad to hear that he is taking his academics seriously. Don't forget that just a few weeks ago several players were suspended from playing because of poor performance in the classroom. If they don't make the grades, then they don't make the plays. Don't listen to some of these knuckleheads on here, Mr. Wilks. Keep your head on straight, get the job done in the classroom AND on the playing field. It's the only way to continue to be a part of any collegiate team. Glad to have you, young man.

Posted by KingsportVol on May 19, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This kid sounds like his heart and mind is in the right place.Education is the most important thing here.You go to school to set yourself up to have a better life.I wish more kids thought this way at his age.Good luck Rod.

Posted by pdhuff on May 19, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ol Workin' roiling in the doldrums. Stirring the koolade with a Titanic paddle. Ites will be salvoing from far and near.

As GerryOp said, don't muddle the doldrums with facts. Repeat after me, WE ARE STAYING THIS COURSE!

Got it, now? See that wasn't so hard, think,

Family

Loyalty

And as someone said-

Chick-Fila Peach Bowl,

Maybe...

Posted by dfreeman on May 19, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh how I miss Vegas!! "Fly me to the Moon"!!

Posted by DaddyVol on May 19, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the fact that he mentions staying 4 years. A really talented player. Went and watched him play in state championship, and he was the most impressive player I remember from 1A-5A. Had 2 TD's and an INT by halftime in 5A champ. game. Could truly be a DB or WR with good size at either spot. Makes it look easy, not real fast but always looks like he has that extra gear. THE BIGGEST calf muscles I've seen other than Herschel Walker or Walter Payton!!!!

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on May 19, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator - thats the point. There are no seasons to look forward to until FOOLMORE is plucked.

If you think we have a chance to be national relevant again with FOOLMORE at the helm I'm all ears.

Until then, the campaign continues to roll him down Neyland Ave. into the Tennessee River.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 20, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like every team we play in the East (except Vandy) has a bye week before they play us. Uh Oh. That means Florida, UK, SOuth CArolina, and UGA all have an extra week to figure out how to prepare against Foolmore's facorite play call, the FG.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on May 20, 2008 at 5:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

is he going to play WR or CB

Posted by sjt18 on May 20, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"is he going to play WR or CB"

Probably...

Just kidding. My guess is safety but we'll see. If he's a legit 4.5 at 205 then the tng program could turn him into a good DB/WR and maybe shave some time off his 40... or if he's actually 6'2" Chavis might make him a LB at 215.

Posted by Ashley on May 20, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

104 days till Football Time In Tennessee!!!!

Posted by Ashley on May 20, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Tennessee 27 USC 24 - afformentioned team of destiny bear hug game. Blew 21-0 lead and sat on the ball. Did everything we could do to lose the game."

They were the # 6 team in the nation a week before this game you da. It might have been 2 weeks before.

Posted by 99gator on May 20, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i understand how some of you all feel.

to be fair, auttat asked me if fulmer should be on the hot seat. i responded by saying tennessee will never achieve greatness again as long as fulmer is still coach. i think tenn will win and have winning records, just not win big. i also said i think there is a noticeable talent gap at tennessee between now and the 90's.

however, i don't place bets because i have known to be wrong.

after the 2004-05 florida basketball season, i thought joakim noah would never play a meaningful minute at florida. the next season he was the ncaa tourney mvp.

i thought florida would have a good football team in 2006. national championship was not even on my radar screen. i was hoping to get to the sec title game, cross my fingers, and see what happened. then all of a sudden, i see chris leak holding up a crystal ball.

i had no fear of playing tenn in 1998. manning graduated. tenn couldn't beat florida with manning. there is no way tennessee is beating florida with some guy name "Tee" at qb. tennessee didn't just beat florida, they won the national title.

i have been wrong on more occasions than this. i will take pride in the fact that i an right more than i am wrong (i had kansas winning the ncaa tourney in my bracket as an example). but, i am wrong often enough to not take anything for granted either. so, let them play the season and see how it shakes out.

because, for some of you if tennessee went 12-2 with an sec title and sugar bowl win.....some of you would react by saying...."great, another five years of fulmer" instead of enjoying a title.

Posted by dvols on May 20, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

this kid can catch a football all day long, and unlike kenny oneal knows his left from right.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 20, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

12-2 with sec title and sugar bowl win would be an awesome season!! 99gator, I agree with you on the fact that you don't know what you are going to get going into the season. But I think good things are coming this season! Winning your bowl game gives your team alot of spirit going into the next year. Urban Meyer had no choice but to win with the talent that Zook left him. I'm thinking alot of Meyers players are gonna go pro after 2 years, or be kicked off team after 2 years. I think Urban Meyer cares more about heisman trophies than he does anything else, and it will show now that he is getting his guys in there. All I know is that they are ducking a lot of A.K. slugs in Florida and a gator player seems to be the triggerman quite often!! Why did all of Urban Meyer lose almost all of his position coaches during this offseason? Character issues, this time on the part of the head coach. Stan Drayton pretty much said that Meyer was a @#$%!! Not to mention Stan drayton and Doc Holliday, who left you guys for West Virginia, are Meyers 2 best recruiters and they're goooone. So rather than worry about our coaching issues, I say we slam your coach for the next hour or 2!!

Posted by chrslyp on May 20, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i have to say, i always enjoy reading what 99gator has to say. he seems to be a lot more reasonable than most tennessee fans on this site and he's a florida guy. his posts are always unbiased and objective, which, i can say, would be hard for even me to do if i were talking about florida football. keep the posts coming 99.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 20, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a suggestion gator99. But to the suject at hand, this Wilks guy should have ranked higher than he was. Atleast 4 star. I think had the recruiting services advertised his defensive skills more, he would have been a hotter prospect. This surprises me cosidering rivals.com is in Nashville(brentwood and franklin), and Smyrna is in the Nashville area. Maybe they know something that we don't, but on the field this cat can get the job done.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 20, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99Gator.

You make some good points, but I really don't think the assessment that UT will never win another national title with Fulmer holds any water. I know it is an "opinion" so I'll keep that in mind, but I wonder what tidbits cause you to think this (other than reading all the b'ing and moaning from "fans" on this site)?

Fulmer has ALWAYS been known as a coach who has trouble with the big games, yet wins all the games he's supposed to win. Yet, somehow the stars all lined up in 98 and UT went undefeated. Simple fact is, this was 100% because Tennessee had the right talent and team chemistry (all recruited by Fulmer and his staff)...and all the lucky breaks went Tennessee's way. Fulmer has a new offensive staff with different recruiting talents. It totally remains to be seen how well they can recruit, but I think Tennessee's future in that department is more than bright. I honestly wouldn't mind seeing Chavis sent packing if he can't recruit some serious horses on defense. But honest to God, I don't think Tennessee's woes (if their really is any) are Fulmer's fault...other than hanging on to OCs and DCs who aren't producing.

I'm anxious to see what this new O staff does with the talent that is there. And I really believe that the stars can line back up for Fulmer and the Vols in the next few years. I honestly can see us having a "surprise" season this year and a BCS bowl win, which would be a catalyst for recruiting in the next few years. As you said, a 12-2 season with a Sugar Bowl win would be a great season. I think that kind of season would make Tennessee football relevant again, if it was ever truly irrelevant.

Fulmer CAN take Tennessee to another title just as easily as any other coach.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 20, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That should have been "if there really is any" in my previous post instead of "their". typo

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol_in_lsu: 2 points. You say Fulmer has always had trouble winning the big games, etc...

You say (paraphrasing) than Tennessee's woes (if any), are due to CPF hanging on to OC's & DC's that are not producing.

Are these a couple of minor points? Lord, man, you just defeated your own argument.
With respect

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 20, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Based on 32 games coached and going 11-21 against Spurrier, Meyer, Richt, Saban and Tubberville, going 2-3 against them would be considered an improvement. Please tell me why I should think we will go better than 2-3 against these teams.

Posted by wewhite on May 20, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! A recruit that doesn't come in thinking that they're going to "save" the team or already know everything. AND he's already enrolled in summer school. Gee, Fulmer, get a few more like that and even Adams might give you a break.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on May 20, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, but does a 12-2 season make us "nationally relevant" again?

NO. NOT if it is followed by return to Peach Bowls and Outhouse bowls at best.

YES. IF it is followed by another 1-2 BCS Bowls in a 5 year span with one of them being a national title shot.

Thats what USC, Ohio St., UF, LSU, UGA, Texas, WVU, and Oklahoma are doing and were not.

If you think Fulmer is going to get us back to within the ranks of the above I would like to hear how.

Keep in mind, their are other schools on the rise in our territory now that are also trying to reach that area - Michigan, Rutgers, ND, Alabama, Auburn, Illinois, Penn St, Kansas, Oklahoma St, Oregon, Wisconsin, Cal. ect...

Will we be nationally relevant under FOOLMORE again?

Well, there are 8 schools already above us and at least 11 schools surrounding us due to their coaches having the program on the rise or program rich schools that will always be at least top 20.

I would say were looking at a 10-15% chance being relevant under FOOLMORE again.

Good luck with that.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 20, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My uncle is a very successfull Highschool f-ball coach in East Cleveland, Ohio. He almost worships Fulmer, because win lose or draw Fulmer does it the right way. He is diehard Ohio State, but says that Tenn is his 2nd favorite program because of Fulmer and the style of play. Currently wanting his players to go to Tenn because lot's of his players are great at f-ball and track. He claims that Jim Tressel is so fixed on the Ted Ginn Acedemic(football)academy, that he overlooks alot of talent in the Cleveland area. But my point is from a national standpoint I would bet my check that Fulmer has a better reputation than alot of us realize!! I do want to say that I like Fulmer, but if some of you want him gone and are TRUE VOL FANS, than I truly respect your views and at times understand why you feel that way!!

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on May 20, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like I have a long wait today for someone to tell me how were getting back into the big boy club of football with Foolmore at the helm.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on May 20, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like I have a long wait today for someone to tell me how were getting back into the big boy club of football with Foolmore at the helm.

Posted by pdhuff on May 20, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Phil is a good man, a quality person, it appears.

But Ford thought they had a great idea with the Edsel.

But when it sputtered, they did something about it. They changed course.

Their charts told them to. You must deal with the times at hand and in college footbal being reactive leaves you behind. Our corporate president and I were beer-swilling buds, but he would have not hesitated to can me if I didn't meet our clear-cut goals. And that's the way it should be.

Maybe I need more koolade.....

Posted by DaddyVol on May 20, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff, You say you need more kool-aid. I think I need more beer. Would be interesting to see a younger more energetic D-coordinator, regaurdless who the coach is.

Posted by auttat on May 20, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can football in any shape, form, or fashion be related to a car manufacturer?

"But when it sputtered, they did something about it. They changed course."

Interesting, I remember UT hiring some new coaches, I think.

I recently had the opportunity to hear Pat Summit speak at a graduation and her lasting words were: "Stay the course!" It's some kind of motto she uses when she coaches.

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Auttat: But HER program is a good course to stay on...

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 20, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kind of like comparing Erik Ainge to Candace Parker.

Posted by Ashley on May 20, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DaddyVol, a large majority of the CPF haters were either humping Johnny's leg or had just gotten through humping it when he was ousted. They have never forgiven CPF for accepting the Head Coach position. Yes, it is very strange.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 20, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a Fulmer fan, but prior to the 07 season when Phil made the Ainge /Parker comparison, I did almost vomit.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 20, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SEC teams coming off a bye week (think Florida, UK, UGA, and USC) against unrested teams (think Tennessee this year) were 10-0 against the spread and 7-3 straight up. So, the unrested team (which is Tennessee this year) won at a 30% clip. 2-2 here would be defying the odds, 1-3 would be about right. Then that still leaves Auburn and Bama. Uh oh. Say we split those 2 and that's 4 conference losses. Hey Foolmore.

Posted by volinSmyrna on May 20, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If a recruit comes in and talks about going pro then he is labeled an ego problem and a cancer in the locker room. Somebody that is not out for the good of the program (see Kelly Washington).

Then if we have a recruit that comes in saying that there is a life after football and he wants to make sure his education is in order...he is not focused on becomming the best player he can be.

Which one is it guys...come on. This is a great kid and an outstanding football player. I have had the PRIVILEGE to watch him play these last few years. He is as competitive as they come. He is big, fast and wants to win. Personally, I can't wait to see him wear the Orange. He is very similar to a Jayson Swain-type receiver, but maybe a step faster.

You guys need to quit finding reasons to pick on 18 year old kids.

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: Had an Edsel once while in school. People laughed, but they didn't mind getting free rides in it.
Have you ever quaffed any at the County Line?

Posted by auttat on May 20, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, workin has already predicted the season (and it's only May) so I am just not going to watch. Thanks for ruining it man!!

volinSmyrna, the majority of us are excited to have Wilks as a member of the UT football team. Others forget to drink their Ovaltine, sometimes.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 20, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack.

No, I didn't defeat any arguments. If you read the entire post, my point was that Fulmer always had trouble with big games, but the stars lines up in 98 when the team and coaching chemistry was fresh, right, and motivated. Since then things have slipped as SJT pointed out. Randy Sanders couldn't hack it, so Fulmer went "back to the future" and rehired Cutcliff. Cutcliff is a great coach (and I think given a year or two might have built another 90's caliber offense), but either way, this new coaching staff is fresh, young, and quite possibly has great chemistry given that many have coached together in prior environments.

What I'm saying, if you can comprehend the entire point of my post, is that if it has happened in the past, it can happen again in the future. Phillip Fulmer, like all head coaches, is just a figure head, an "executive" if you will. He sets the tempo and the expectations for the sub-coaches. Honestly, I think defensively we could use some coaching changes, but the truth is that Chavis's defenses have never been a true "weakness" for UT (except for last year)...If we can get past the hurtle and develop some playmakers, there is no reason why this team can't be competitive and relevant once again.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 20, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Speaking of not watching. How many PPV games will we have this year?

UAB
Northern Illinois
Wyoming
Vandy

Bama game might be on JPO but that's not a big deal according to Foolmore.

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol_in: I'll work harder on my comprehension. Hope Phil will work harder on being a teacher, mentor, and now an executive. Maybe somewhere in there he can find time to coach. lol

Posted by tigervol9802 on May 20, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin -

I'm not convinced Florida won't go from top-billing on CBS to ESPN. LSU/Auburn play that day too.

Posted by auttat on May 20, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Teaching, mentoring, and managing pretty much defines coaching.

Posted by auttat on May 20, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin, I guess I'll never know cause I already know the outcome. No need to watch.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on May 20, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nobody can argue with my posts! this is awesome!

Posted by DaddyVol on May 20, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Eric Berry, Lenon Creer, Nevin McKenzie, Rolando Melancon(gone), Denarious Moore, and Ahmad Paige, are players recruited by Trooper in '07 alone. How awesome is that? Problem with this is that he is not responsible for recruiting hardly anything in '06, not to mention '08. Where is the consistency? As good of a recruiter as we think he is, this may be why he is not ranked higher nationally from a recruiting standpoint. Stan Drayton on the otherhand, is a top 25 recruiter, therefore we have replaced Trooper in my eyes. Lets not forget that other than 2-3 players Kurt Roper and Matt Luke just didn't impress me much from a recruiting standpoint, nor did Cutcliff(other than recruiting QB's). Dan Brooks, Steve Caldwell, and Larry Slade are responsible for lots of our current talent and are all 3 good recruiters. Collectively our current offensive staff will slaughter the old from a recruiting and scheme standpoint. ASHLEY, glad you have no hard feelings.

Posted by murrayvol on May 20, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No memory of having starred
Atones for later disregard
Or keeps the end from being hard - Robert Frost

Following the BCSCG win over FSU Vicky Fulmer said to Phil (paraphrasing here) We should quit now because it can't get any better than this. She was right.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 20, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually Silent, nobody CARES to argue with your posts. I think we're all very tired of it and are getting better at "tuning out the noise".

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Auttat: Right. Stay the course. Didn't see much mentoring, teaching, or managing when AL & FL hung a 100 on us. Must have missed that lesson.

Posted by bigfan502 on May 20, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember guys, its the recruiting of top players that really count. You can have this coach, or that coach..but the players they recruit are the keys to winning. Football, no matter what one says, is still blocking and tackling..the best athletes are the winners. A mediocre coach can win let us say, if he is a better recruiter than coach,,,its the players who can hide the shortcomings of coaching.

Posted by DaddyVol on May 20, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Time to drink some beer and fire up my John Deere. Should I do stripe pattern or diamond. Since my neighbor is form Gainseville, maybe I should just mow it about 3-4" tall and in the middle lower the deck to the ground and mow a big POWER"T". Don't kill each other guys, i'll need some people to blog with later.

Posted by tigervol9802 on May 20, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

murrayvol -

Phil's response?

(Paraphrasing)

"Honey, where else can I make this kind of money?"

Posted by Vol13 on May 20, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I pledge allegiance to Coach Fulmer of the University of Tennessee.
And to Mediocrity, for which he stands.
Vol Nation, Under Hamilton,
With ticket increases and coachspeak for all.

Amen.

Posted by murrayvol on May 20, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

tigervol: I'm guessing that's a fairly accurate paraphrase.

DaddyVol: Check your neighbor's garage for Roundup before carving out that Power T.

Posted by 99gator on May 20, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

vol_in_lsu_land

my opinion that i don't see tenn reaching the promised land again under fulmer is based on the fact that the league has gotten better since the 1990's.

people pick on recruiting rankings, but they matter.

the teams perenially ranked very high have high recruiting rankings. the exceptions to that still have the highest recruiting rankings in their conference (ex. west virginia). the exceptions (in a negative way) are schools whose recruits never got in school and inflated the ranking (ex. florida state)

i think (on paper...where games are not played), florida, lsu, and georgia will have more talent in most seasons than tenn. and alabama is heading in that direction. it is hard to have the third, fourth or fifth most talented team in the league and win the league.

tenn just does not have the recruiting base and it is getting harder and harder to take top talent out of other people's back yards.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on May 20, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you can't argue with my posts because there correct. LOL!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on May 20, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by Vol13 on May 20, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I pledge allegiance to Coach Fulmer of the University of Tennessee.
And to Mediocrity, for which he stands.
Vol Nation, Under Hamilton,
With ticket increases and coachspeak for all.

Amen.

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by DaddyVol on May 20, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Florida has lost there best recruiters on there staff, but nobody wants to discuss that. Gator99, would you please enlighten me on who florida's new position coaches are so I can investigate their background? I'm sure they are not as good as the coaches who left in the offseason, or that would be one more rediculas thing that gator fans would brag about. As far as I can tell, we improved from a coaching and recruiting standpoint. I'm sure the gators got worse from a coaching standpoint, and recruiting standpoint. Time will tell. This time I'm really gone, gotta mow,PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Vol13 on May 20, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

daddy:

I'd take Florida entire staff over ours. There might be an exception here or there. But overall, they have a better (and more proven) coaching staff than we do. They don't have to be ace recruiters down there because they are going to get boatloads of talent each year without having to work their Gator tails off to do so.

Don't hold your breath on Drayton cleaning up in Florida. He's from PA and was only at Florida for less than 3 years and didn't foster a ton of lasting relationships with HS coaches. UT has never gotten players en masse from Florida and never will. I could rank as a Top 25 recruiter at UF.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on May 20, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Daddy - lay of the crackpipe. Top tier players will still go to UF just as top tier coaches will.

Posted by nUTsack on May 20, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Off subject: So I go with my son to Pop Warner football conditioning camp yesterday here in Florida. Who is one of the coaches? Mr. Antone Davis himself. He owns a local joint called Buffaloes Wing House. Was great to see him again.

Posted by 99gator on May 20, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

daddyvol

1. the most important recruiter on a staff (and this is true at florida) is the head coach.

2. in the state of florida, if you can't recruit, you need to find another job (especially with fsu and miami in the toilet)

3. along the lines as #2, in florida, you get players who end up contributing by accident (and i can list names)

new dl coach is dan mccarney
new db coach is vance bedford
new rb coach is kenny carter

did you know the names of any of florida's assistants (besides the coordinators) under spurrier?

Posted by nUTsack on May 20, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The most important recruiter is created on the field with results. 4 and 5* guys for the most part want to win championships quickly. There is a reason why the same teams year in and out perform on signing day.

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You yaysayers are right. It is our inalienable right to return to the apex. Forget schemes, coaching, recruiting. God is on our side. Stay the course; wait and see. Selah

Posted by 99gator on May 20, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol_in_lsu_land

another way to put what i meant in perspective....

as a gator fan.....in the 90's......when asked to rank the toughest games on the schedule it would be....

1. florida state (without a doubt)
2. tennessee (without a doubt the toughest game within the conference)
3. ? it depended on the year

now, it would be

1. lsu
2. georgia
3. tennessee or someone else depending on the year (like if auburn is on the schedule).

so, now tennessee is florida's 3rd toughest game within the league instead of its toughest. (this has nothing to do with a win-loss prediction. florida used to lose to miss state under spurrier).

if you beat tenn, it used to mean you were probably going to win the league or at least play in the title game.

now beating tenn means you still have a lot of work to do, but at least you got by that hurdle.

Posted by nUTsack on May 20, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The SEC has become a monster. The two loss LSU team being voted to the title game says it all. No other conference could put a two loss team in the big one under any cirumstance. So many good or better teams now it's unreal.

Posted by thesavageorange on May 20, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The best thing about Wilks is, he is physically ready to play.Alot of receivers/DB's come in and can fly (A. Paige), but don't have the strength/conditioning they need to compete yr 1.

The DT derby that is college football is heating up.The staff is starting to court some commited guys as well.

Terrence Coleman is still committed to Auburn and called Tennessee his second choice, but left things open.

"Things could get interesting if Tennessee decides to offer me a scholarship," Coleman said.

And Coleman thinks that the Vol coaches are going to like what they see when they watch his tape.

"I think they will see a scholarship offer when they watch my film," Coleman said. "I believe that they will like my game, but we will see. I am anxious to hear what they think from coach Chavis this week."

Also:Word is Isaac Holmes of Hoboken (NJ), a 6-3/295lb 4* DT had his coach call the vols to let thim know he wants to be recruited by them.Alot of the DT's out there are starting to mention the lack of depth at UT and the chance they have to play right away including 4* Darrington Sentimore and 5* Chris Davenport.Both have sited that their home state school is loaded(LSU) at DT and that they could compete at UT right now.Alot of people are whispering that UT is catching up w/ LSU for Davenport.Only time will tell.

Ohh well, just trying to keep the kool-aid cold.

Posted by nUTsack on May 20, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll drink to that. Winning 10 games this year would bring the big boys.

Posted by murrayvol on May 20, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And heaven knows we need a lot of big boys.....right away.

Posted by BPongVol on May 20, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Huge shock. A Q&A with a player turns into debating whether the coach should be fired and how relevent UT football is. It seems that no one has been convinced by anyones arguments and peoples opinions remain the same. Lets cut the crap and give this kid credit for having his head on straight.
How telling is this quote? "Most people are like, ‘I want to play like him.’ Nah, I don’t want to play like him. I want to be better than he is."
Thats the kind of kid I want on my team.

Go Vols!

Posted by DennisVols on May 20, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FYI
Under the Lights: Tennessee Football debuts Tuesday, May 20 at 10:30 p.m. ET on SportSouth and re-airs on Monday, May 26 at 10:30 p.m. ET, Friday, May 30 at 5:30 p.m. ET and Saturday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage: Hope that's all true.

Posted by jimr07 on May 20, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BPongVol--you have to understand that there are people that log on here and will turn any subject into fulmer bashing. they live to tear him down. that is one reason i hardly come on here any more.

Posted by thesavageorange on May 20, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DennisVols , What exactly is that about?

Another thing to watch is where they play Marlon Walls.He is reportedly up to 6'5 and 250lbs.When he signed his LOI he was listed at 6'3 to 6'4 and beetween 215 & 225lbs.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 20, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

poor jimr, he lets me dictate his web viewing habits.

Posted by thesavageorange on May 20, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack , Me too bro.Davenport is good friends w/ current Vols Dallas Lee & Prentice Wagner.The staff has done a good job of finding guys who have ties to current or former Vols.IMO this will be a top 10 class.The problem is it could be a top 10 class w/o the ever elusive DT's.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 20, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for the updates on recruiting SavageO.

The defensive tackle situation is at code Orange IMO. If we don't get some guys with serious talent who can contribute immediately in the upcoming class, things are likely to get ugly in '09 up front. Williams will be the only returning DT who has seen any significant playing time, Nelson and Thomas haven't done much, Hughes is a project by most accounts, and Langley has made some plays in Spring practice.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 20, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we will be able to take some pressure off of the D line this year b/c our secondary is so strong that we will be able to bring the LBs and safeties on blitzes a lot more often. I am interested to see how Gerald Williams does once he gets to campus and starts practicing. He looks like a beast that can really get after the QB as does Marlon Walls.

Posted by jimr07 on May 20, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workin- i did not mention you by name. you are the biggest ass hole that ever lived. you do not have pitty me.

Posted by jimr07 on May 20, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workin- i did not mention you by name. you are the biggest ass hole that ever lived. you do not have pitty me.

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

Is there a parrot in here? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by jimr07 on May 20, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workin--the one thing you have done is to solidify my suppprt for fulmer. when i first started reading this board, i was pretty much in agreement that he should go. but your constant bashing has now turned me 100% in his favor. so i thank you for that

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

thesavageorange
It is an inside look at UT football. The coaches are mic'd during contact practices.
The full story on the show is located on utsports.com in the football section.
Looks like a good show to give us some inside information regarding the new coaches including Clawson.

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

Again, I am glad my comments are dictating jimr's behavior. It's okay to be weak. LOL!!!!!!

Posted by jimr07 on May 20, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workin-- your insults do not bother me as i just consider the source and move on.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on May 20, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They don't bother you yet you call me names and admit that you don't read the site as much as you used to? LOL!!!!!!!!! I guess it's okay to lie to yourself. Next.

Posted by murrayvol on May 20, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage: Appreciate the recruiting info. Top 10?? Good start but we'll see.

Keep the faith. There's got to be a couple of certified 24 carat 6'5" 300 lb. buttkickers out there with Vol tats and a hostile attitude just yearning to further their education in the shadow of the Smokies. At least I hope so.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 20, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DennisVols-

Sounds like a great documentary that I won't get to see out here on the West side. No Sportsouth but they've got an entire channel dedicated to Mountain West sports; what a bunch of crap!

Posted by nUTsack on May 20, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do you guys add fuel to the fire by responding to those you dispise. That's what they want from you. Maybe that's what you want also. Just wondering. Tried dunkin a Fritter in Kool-Aid, not too bad.

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jimr07: You need to chew half a hand-full of Xanax before signing on here. Way too anxious, dude.

Posted by DennisVols on May 20, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBleedOrange444
I hate to hear that you can't see this out there on the left coast.
It does look like a good inside story about our Vols and some of the changes on offense Clawson is installing.
If you know someone that does get SS and has the ability to record it maybe they could and send it to you.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 20, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol_in_lsu_land, you're right 13-0 can happen again with the right lucky breaks. Of course, 5-6 could happen again just as well with those lucky breaks going against us. Personally, I'd rather see our fortunes rely on solid coaching along with fielding a motivated and resilient team every week than hoping for those lucky breaks.

You also say that "the truth is that Chavis's defenses have never been a true "weakness" for UT (except for last year)". Actually, the defense has been trending downward for two years and, while the secondary should be improved, there are still major question marks in the front seven for this upcoming season. I'd also contend that the defense was a weakness for a number of years against FL and almost any time they have faced on option-based offense.

Don't take my comments the wrong way, we all want to see the Vols win and win big. I think Clawson will prove to be a great hire but I am worried that you're right about needing a change on the other side of the ball. Fulmer proved with Sanders that he can hang on too long with an assistant. If the defense tanks again in several big games and we don't have a great season, then I doubt there are going to be many folk willing to listen about lucky breaks.

Posted by thesavageorange on May 20, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid , No problem.There is a couple DT's in-state that may turn out to be studs, but UT hasn't offered b/c they feal that they are the leader and can pull them even if they commit to other schools.Curtis King & Hakeem Worthen are the 2 I'm refering to.

Earlier I meant to say Chris Davenport is friends w/ Dallas Thomas not Dallas Lee.

Posted by thesavageorange on May 20, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DennisVols , Thanks, I'll definately check it out.

Posted by bernardking on May 20, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workinglikeheck is only one of the biggest blowhard idiots on this board. There are many. Most are totally uninformed, never played the game or are just stupid.

This is about Wilks. He will be a valuble contributor to the program. Whether or not he becomes a big time WR remains to be seen, but he will help in one way or another.

Posted by nUTsack on May 20, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid, are you there. I can't see you. I concur with your statement.

It will take a tremendous group effort on defense this year for us to have a good year. Especially from the front seven. I do foresee an improvement coming that will surprise many. Hope I'm right for I live amongst the Gators.

Posted by 99gator on May 20, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you guys keep mentioning it....

how many d-lineman on the current roster return for 2009?

Posted by Vol13 on May 20, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The only problem with us signing a Top 10 class is that our class will likely still be ranked behind UGA and Florida - LOL!!! And they'll be 3 other SEC teams ranked in the Top 15-20.

Recruiting rankings are pretty much a joke when you get to looking at who is ranked where. But throwing a blanket over the "Top 20" and saying they all had good recruiting classes is no laughing matter.

Posted by Ashley on May 20, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"you are the biggest ass hole that ever lived."

Bigger than John Adams?

Posted by thesavageorange on May 20, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13 , I thought about that myself.(UGA/UF)

The common misconception about recruiting rankings is that the amount of players doesn't matter.Each recruit counts as a certain amount of points, so the more you have the higher your total point #.For example ,Tennessee's final average * ranking would have made UT's class a top 25.Their avg *'s were better than 4 teams in the top 25 including Auburn.UT 3.06 AU 3.03, but Auburn signed 29 players.

Uga will have a very good class this yr ,but may not crack the top 10 simply b/c they only have 18-20 they can offer this yr.I do agree though that for UT to compete on a regular basis, they will have to stay in the top 15 yr in yr out.

Posted by JClif1 on May 20, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBleedOrange. Your cool because you can block out cuss words. I know deep down inside you couldn't care less if this guy gets a degree but you do care if he catches 10 touchdowns a year. You can talk like that all you want to so you look good on here. Its just a fact the majority of fans could not care less what these athletes do in class. Your right is mom and dad told him education matters im sure they did... Thats because they care about him. But seriously if this guy is catching 60 + passes a year and 1000 yards a year do you care what grade he gets in statistics? No.

Posted by TommyJack on May 20, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As longs as TOMMYJACK posts here, workinlike can only attain 2nd biggest A-hole status. lol

Posted by JClif1 on May 20, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well I tried to find a list of the 2007 All academic team but I couldn't find it anywhere.... Could someone find it and post it please?

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 20, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JClif1-

I'm cool for a whole lot of reasons. I'm glad we can agree on that, but don't go assuming that we all share your same views on the role of education in college athletics. Even if you only care for selfish reasons, there are still plenty of reasons to want our players to take school seriously. I don't like it when one of our best receivers has to stay at home when we go to play a bowl game because he didn't have the grades to play or when we get our number of available scholarships reduced because of a poor academic record. I guess you are cool with that as long as they play lights out until they get kicked out of school.

Posted by Ashley on May 20, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"workinglikeheck is only one of the biggest blowhard idiots on this board"

another one of workins dictatee's posting in reference to him.

Posted by JClif1 on May 20, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ibleed. So you don't really care about the kid getting the education as long as hes eligible to play right? I think i see where your coming from... Really if they reduced our number of scholarships it wouldnt since we waste about 5 a year on homegrown prospects that are never going to amount to anything. haha

No but in all seriousness you have to admit that education is not the main idea in the football players, coaches,and fans heads. He can say thats number one in this interview but its probably not the case. Ive never heard a fan say yea hes good but you think hes making good grades?

Anyways im with touchdown Florida has too much talent this year... too many players back and too many recruits.

The problem i have with phil is that it seems like we dont get the ball in the playmakers hands like meyer does. Dont get me wrong, i can't stand even looking at the guy on the side lines (Meyer) ... but he does get the ball in the playmakers hands. We dont. its simple. Kenny Oniel ran a 4.26 i believe I dont care if he couldnt even talk we can say hey outrun the db and Erik is going to throw it as far as he can you go catch it.

Posted by JClif1 on May 20, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And he's on the defensive side of the ball... (besides punts) thats another example.. Can we run a spread and just throw a screen to him... i bet he could make something happen.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 20, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JClif1.

Believe it or not, we CAN have our cake and eat it too in reference to players making the grade. Look, do you know why I love Vol football but could give a ratz azz about the Tennessee Titans? NFL ball is all about money, showmanship, and owners paying a bejezus worth of dough to "buy" championships. College football is a chess game. Some of the most interesting competition is in the recruiting game. And then, when the team takes the field, I swell with pride knowing that MOST of those players on the field are at UT for the love of the game. College FB is still more about fundamentals than putting on a show.

It's also the tradition and pagentry and fan loyalty that I love. But all of this is for naught if we don't have SMART as well as gifted athletes who are doing the right thing in class. I take pride in the fact that Tennessee runs a clean program by other schools standards (As far as we know) I take pride that we don't "buy" the best athletes money can get. I appreciate the Peyton Mannings and other scholar athletes who prove their worth on AND off the field.

So no, not all of us are willing to sacrifice that aspect of CFB just to put the most gifted athletes on the field. ANY school could do that if they were willing to pay out the dough. This AINT the NFL.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 20, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://arkansas.scout.com/a.z?s=10&am...

interesting article on UT athletics.

Posted by movol77 on May 20, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great story. Then comes the standard "fool" fetish.

So, riddle me this...
If one calls the coach a "fool" repeatedly 25 times or more, does that make the caller an idiot or boring?

Posted by murrayvol on May 20, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol_in_lsu_land: "ANY school could do that if they were willing to pay the dough." Would that be to buy or post bond?

The luckiest athletes in the world have people (parents, teachers, coaches, friends) in their ears telling them to have a Plan B (includes education) when the air goes out of the ball.

Too many aren't that lucky.

Posted by gnm53108 on May 21, 2008 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems like a good young man.Got it together.I have to aggree with TT.We need to get Rogan on the feild.With the logjam at db,why not give em a chance on the other side?
When's a fresh batch of frost brewed koolaid due?

Posted by sjt18 on May 21, 2008 at 3:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IbleedOrange, I'm hopeful and choose to be optimistic but almost never does even a great secondary make up for a weak DL. It can make a good one look great but there are limits. If UT can't disrupt the "bubble" that UF needs in their backfield to run their O... the secondary won't be able to stop both the run and the pass. If he DL gets pressure on Tebow and consistently makes runners make cuts in the backfield then they'll do well.

After all has filtered through, this next season like the last one hinges on DT play.

Posted by Ashley on May 21, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

103 days till Football Time In Tennessee!!!!!

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

sjt18 3:52am, sir, that has echoes of the hallelulah chorus.

Free TDTN.

Posted by JClif1 on May 21, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol in Lsu...... that makes no sense? You're saying that you would rather have worse players as long as they are here to make the grade? I understand they should go to class simply because they are supposively like every other student at the school. Although every other student doesn't make the school millions and millions of dollars and not receive any money back. You swell with pride when they play for UT and make the grade... Imagine how much you would swell if we had players that could beat Florida 59-20 every year.

Im not saying its totally the right thing for them not to focus on school... I know th