Larry Slade of Tennessee said he hasn't thought much about being one of three finalists for the FootballScoop Defensive Back Coach of the Year Award.
"When you ask me about that I think about our defensive front, I think about Eric Berry and those guys that we've been fortunate to coach," Slade said.
Slade said he expects sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson to close out the season strong. Despite a standout freshman campaign, Vinson has struggled to stay on the field in 2008, mostly because of off-field issues.
"I expect him to go out and make some plays," Slade said. "Brent has come a long way. He's working hard and practicing hard."
Slade said former Austin-East High School star Anthony Anderson benefits the most when Berry practices at quarterback since Anderson steps in for Berry at defense.
Anderson's former high school rival, Dennis Rogan of Fulton, would likely play safety in place of Berry.
Freshman Prentiss Waggner was thought to be close to playing early this season, but will instead redshirt, Slade said.
Scouting Report: UT's defense is well aware of quarterback Chris Nickson, Vandy's second leading rusher with 469 yards this season.
"Quarterback is a real issue," Slade said. "He can run around and make plays."
Slade also wasn't buying into the old adage that Vanderbilt's talent is far inferior to its SEC foes.
"I think they have gotten better from a talent standpoint," Slade said.
Slade, who called the Commodores "blue collar," has also been impressed with Vandy's discipline.
"They make very few mistakes," he said. "If you're going to beat them, you have to beat them. They're tough dudes."
Backfield Berry: Berry doesn't think playing quarterback is all that hard.
"Most of the time when I'm at quarterback, I just follow Coop," Berry said, referring to UT fullback Kevin Cooper.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 18
shipperman#280095 writes:
FIRST. I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN TO SAY THAT
shipperman#280095 writes:
And even though I said it, it still looks stupid. Slade as a coach of the year? Get real
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Football scoop must have a scoop of it.
Most arrogant, wins it going away.
jobrando#216494 writes:
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=7&...
Just read this and if Sexton is right Tennessee is not even going after a big name coach based on the 2-3 mil they are willing to pay. Sexton seems to thing Tennessee is giving up on football based on what they want to pay. So sure looking more and more like Kelly or Kiffin.
shipperman#280095 writes:
I told you Kiffin was a STRONG candidate. I am Fred DeLucky, and I sign my posts
tnbigg writes:
I heard it would end up in the pooper scooper...
hotrodvol writes:
It sounds to me Sexton is not to happy with UT firing Fulmer, and I would bet UT is not going after one of his clients. So he is out of the loop, besides agents lie.
aketron writes:
Congrats!
xvolx writes:
noone can get credit right now.
TurboFan writes:
2-3 mil used to be a lot. Outside of Saban and Meyer there is no one that is a sure enough thing to be paid more than 4. Not Leach, not even Carroll.
True competitors like competition. Plenty are interested. Just which one has most likely chance of success and desire to stay 10+ years.
kjvols writes:
Travis Henry will be the next coach!Look out ladies
jclvol writes:
Hate to break it to you, NO ONE ("next generation") is going to stay 10 years...at any school. Those days are long gone.
GoVols133 writes:
Coach Slade is the greatest assistant coach in the history of Tennessee football bar none. LARRY SLADE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FOOTBALL HEAD COACH 2009
02champs#209256 writes:
first of all....being proud of being first on the board is indeed sad....second of all, congrats Coach Slade.
TommyJack writes:
Good stuff, Jo. But personally, I have found that most agents will lie at the drop of a hat. It's in their DNA.
Hopson2008 writes:
Did the voters of this award see the 2nd half of the UCLA game?
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
Kiffin would make a great assistant coach!!
dehvols writes:
That would be our defensive coordinator's fault. Chavis dialed up his infamous mustang D which allowed the QB all day to throw. Any secondary would have trouble defending routes for 5 seconds. Our secondary has been one of the VERY few highlights this season, along with Fulmer getting canned. If he wins he can thank Eric Berry!!
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