Tennessee Stat Book
Northern Illinois Huskies
Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer refused to say when he would announce the starting quarterback for Saturday's game against Northern Illinois.
"I'm not going to be backed into a corner as to when we'll do it," Fulmer said following Wednesday's practice on Haslam Field.
However, Fulmer said the two competitors for the job - junior Jonathan Crompton and sophomore Nick Stephens - would benefit from knowing as early as possible who will start.
Typically, Fulmer has made similar announcements following Thursday's practice.
Crompton, who started UT's first four games, said there's no pressure in practice just because there's suddenly an open competition.
"I think I've done a pretty good job so far (this week)," Crompton said. "You just have to carry it into Thursday then Friday and the game on Saturday."
Stephens described his week of practice as "solid".
Stephens said he's been given no indication of the amount of playing time he might receive.
He said neither quarterback should be worried about when he will be informed of the rotation.
"Just go out and practice," Stephens said.
But wouldn't Stephens like to know as soon as possible?
"Of course I'd like to know," he said to the assembled media following Wednesday's practice. "You'd like to know too, wouldn't you?"
Stephens Says: Playing against UAB when the game is in hand is one thing. Playing when a game is in doubt is something entirely different.
"It will be a lot different because it will be meaningful," Stephens said. "… If I get a chance to go in during a time that can determine the game, I have to be smart and do what I know I can do."
Stephens said redshirt freshman B.J. Coleman has helped push him in practice.
UT coaches said the two were neck-and-neck throughout preseason camp before Stephens took the lead in September by limiting mistakes in practice.
"If you don’t have anybody pushing you, you’re not going to get any better," Stephens said.
Stephens said leadership is what he’ll draw from his friendship with former UT quarterback Erik Ainge. The two were close friends soon after Stephens arrived on campus.
"He was a good leader," Stephens said of Ainge. "People looked up to him. He wasn’t a leader by being loud or being vocal.
"…The way he carried himself on the field and the way he played, I took after that."
Injury Report: Middle linebacker Ellix Wilson said his sore right shoulder is 80 percent. The senior was held out of Wednesday's practice.
"Coaches just said sit it out and get it right for Saturday," Wilson said.
Tight end Jeff Cottam practiced for the second consecutive day as he returns from back surgery. As long as he's pain free, Cottam is expected to play.
"It just depends how it feels Thursday and Friday," the junior said. "My back feels fine. I can't even tell I had surgery."
Cottam, who is considered UT's best run-blocking tight end, said the plan is for him to play some snaps Saturday to get up to game speed for Georgia next week.
"That's a real big plus for us," Fulmer said.
Fulmer said junior defensive end Wes Brown is "fine" and that his sore right knee will be an ongoing maintenance issue. Brown reaggravated the injury last week against Auburn.
Fulmer said he was disappointed that junior offensive lineman Vladimir Richard wasn't able to practice longer Wednesday. Richard was very limited by a sore knee.
Practice Report: Fulmer returned to for the final hour of practice Tuesday, just hours after attending the funeral of a close friend in Florida.
"I could hear the tempo from the time I got out of my car," Fulmer said.
Fulmer said the Vols followed up a good Tuesday practice with a good, aggressive effort Wednesday.
Fulmer said Daryl Vereen, a former running back, has been moved from safety to linebacker.
Berry Picked?: UT's coaches have not approached sophomore safety Eric Berry about playing quarterback despite their struggles on offense, Berry said following the Auburn game.
The Vols toyed with that package sparingly in preseason camp.
"They know what they're doing," Berry said. "Coach Fulmer has been doing this for a long, long time.
"When he feels like I need to be over there, he'll make that decision."
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Comments » 72
normdia writes:
?
normdia writes:
First!
Sorry...I couldn't resist.
chattownvol writes:
"Fulmer in rush to save program"
chattownvol writes:
Sorry..."Fulmer in NO rush to save program"
chattownvol writes:
I will look at the film to see why I didn't post correctly.
chattownvol writes:
"I think I've done a pretty good job so far (this week)," Crompton said. "You just have to carry it into Thursday then Friday and the game on Saturday."
Stephens described his week of practice as "solid".
I've made my choice.
golfballs03 writes:
Fulmer needs to step down
chrisw2967 writes:
if Fulmer doesnt know right know who the starter is then maybe the powers that be needs to be evaluating his job.
If he doesnt start Stephens then we as fans will know something is up.
OldNumber7 writes:
"Frankly," Majors said, "I think (defensive coordinator) John Chavis has saved (Fulmer's) job for 10 years."
Majors knows football - he didn't just get stupid.
normdia writes:
I think I'll have to agree with Majors' comment.
MrBamSeydu writes:
haha, Tell'em Johnny!!!
I personally think David Cutcliff was to Fulmer like Cheney is to George W. Everyone can see who was really making the ship sail.
Hucklebuckle writes:
Give me back Jime Rome!!! Who thought we needed another homer show.
Spread the word...
BRVol writes:
I don't remember ever having a "whatever" feeling about the remainder of a season. Not even last year. Don't get me wrong, I'll be cheering them on. You know what's really sad? I don't believe we are through the worst it. waahoo go vols
lomas98 writes:
What if Crompton starts and goes out and has a solid first 3 drives? Does Fulmer pull him then just for the sake of getting Stephens in the game? If he pulls Crompton for being successful, the statements about doing what is best to get a win is BS. Now, I don't believe Crompton will all of a sudden turn it on but it is something to wonder. This is why I say start Stephens just to see what he can do, we know what Crompton can or can't do so far. If Crompton succeeds and then gets pulled that could do even worse for his psyche. Remember Ainge getting pulled after the 2nd series in the opener in 05 after we were up 10-0? He never was the same that year.
cleVOLand writes:
"He was a good leader," Stephens said of Ainge. "People looked up to him. He wasn’t a leader by being loud or being vocal.
Intersting that Ainge buddied up to Stephens and not Crompton. I wonder if John is 'loud and vocal?'
vol52 writes:
If Crompton starts he will have a solid 3 and out!
peerlessvolfan writes:
A. B. C. (Anybody But Crompton)
peerlessvolfan writes:
Just looking at my post, I wonder why there's #211995 after my postname? Does this mean there are 211994 other peerlessvolfans out there?
RockyTopReign writes:
it's unfortunate to have such a highly touted recruit play so bad. (a.k.a. Crompton.) in all honesty i hope the best for him and hope he can salvage his career. (not holding my breath though) it seems like we have had a lot of that lately. Players not doing what they are hyped up to do.
At least all of UT's former players are keeping their noses clean. (Oh wait?!?!)
khelton657 writes:
.....notice Berry said "when"...not "if"...
servinggrant writes:
3 Million dollars folks. Your money very well spent
thevoice writes:
Peerless Price was a great player and has a great following. At least 211,994 others thought so.
mattnchatt writes:
Fulmer is full of it. He will start Crompton and he'll probably look pretty good vs. NIU. Stephens will get some meaningless snaps and then we get crushed by Bama and the Dawgs. Read Stephens' comments, he even knows he won't get any meaningful snaps. What a joke.
soccervol writes:
I'm still in shock that Crompton was left in the game on Saturday. His completion % from the UCLA game and Auburn are horrendous. Damn, every game he has played in is sorry. He seems cocky and arrogant. And don't say that he played well against LSU 2 years ago...He was chucking those balls up and we just had stud receivers to catch them. He's a chucker. Put Stephens in. Fire Fulmer.
Time for a change!! Thank goodness the students are paying for Fulmer's buyout.
DennisVols writes:
Make the decision, right or wrong, the rest of the offense needs to know as well. They need to have this settled because of the center to qb exchange, qb to runningback exchange, throws to receivers all hinge on who is under center.
You talk about the offense not excuteing this year well a lack of decision by the coaches leads to a lack of decision by players.
CEO's of corporations can't make no decisions on improtant moves.
Nothing worse than a leader/coach who is unwilling to make a decision.
imnotwithphil writes:
"I'm not going to be backed into a corner as to when we'll do it," Fulmer said...
Apparently a 1-3 start isn't enough data for Fulmer... he needs to see a full week's practice (after the countless practices this crew has had since Spring)to make up his mind.
What an arrogant @ss. Fulmer clearly cannot be proven wrong on Crompton. His fragile, insecure ego can't handle it. Expect Crompton to start and Stephens to see limited action.
Philip really is the fool on the hill...
tenuscvol writes:
If Fulmer would announce that Stephens is the starter and that if he plays well he will play the entire game there would be +10,000 to +15,000 more fans in the stands. I beleive the fans would be very tolerable of Nick's efforts early on and hopefully fun would be had by all.
If he announces Jon is starting then there will be less enthusiasm. There may be a few boos when Jon runs out the first time the offense takes the field. (I do not agree with booing but I'm sure they'll be a few amongst the 85K or so in attendance.)
I'll be in "T" row 34. Hopefully watching the first game of a great quarterbacks career! (I can dream can't I?)
I hope Stepehns starts and economics tells me he will.
Go Vols!
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Most of these posts are posted by raving lunatics. You guys have been howling at the lunar moon for too long. You guys are gonna' have to get a grip on it.
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
VolFans- as Thursday approaches and Phil has been able " grade every pass" You have to wonder what these young employees are thinking. Why isn't our CEO making the decision, maybe he has told them in private and it has not leaked out to the media just yet. I just look at this and ask what else does a young man like Nick Stephens need to prove himself or more importantly what do the fans of VolNaition have to see to know that Jonathon Crompton is not capable of managing the field. He admitted to the media last season “I quit playing last year because I knew my season was over." this is not the type of leader I want to go into battle with. Will Nick Stephens make some mistakes, yes he will, but I like the muster this kid shows, A 3rd and 8 from the 3 and throwing a perfect strike (not seen very often from #*) leading to a 42 yard gain. In addition to his 15 minute interview showed that he can handle some pressure.Imagine having your first interview for a job being taped and shown to a million people. Let alone being interviewed by 8 people looking for a word to play Spin Doctor with....
As game day approaches and the coaching staff makes the decision to either play The Gun Slinger aka Nick Stephens or The " I am the man" aka Jonathon Crompton...JC talks cheap and your play has proven you are not an SEC QB. But that is OK, get your free education at UT and be a team player and gracefully step aside. In life you will not always win everything and adversity builds charcter..Ask Nick Stephens..does not sound like he was given the same shot you were in the spring. Only the coaches know the truth, but the media has leaked that Crompton was given the position regardless. Nick Stephens also had to sit on the sidelines and watch his teammates throw helmets, shake their heads, watch Arian Foster wonder why can't someone just put the bread in the basket, seeing your offensive coordinator throw his hand in disbelief, your head coach playing psychologist at Auburn trying to get you motivated...and millions of fans demanding a change.
I wish Nick Stephens and his teammates good luck as Season #2 rolls out on Saturday...If he does not start how ever many fans show up at Neyland Stadium they will Voice their opinion in Boos not Whews....
A memo to Dave Clawson, go down and work the first half on the sidelines and assist Nick Stephens in leading the offense to multiple first half touchdown drives..something that has not been seen since Eric Ainge's playing career (which seems like a lifetime). Dave Clawson after you see that your decision was correct and #17 is your future QB and Field Leader...go back to the penthouse and let the QB position take the pressure off the Defense and punting game..Just make the decision and announce that Nick Stephens is playing so your employees and shareholders can rest easy and focus on the task at hand the first series against NIU....
govolsfan#214750 writes:
This just speaks to how phooey the coahing is when they cant make a educated decision. Play the new kid the whole game and get him ready for GA.
yeavols#228407 writes:
When do we get to name our new starting coach? I can't wait!
volnbig11land writes:
In response to:
peerlessvolfan#211995 writes:
A. B. C. (Anybody But Crompton)
C. B. S. (Crompton Better Sit)
KennesawVol writes:
The only way Crompton has 3 solid drives will be by Divine intervention.
fedupvol writes:
What arrogance from PF...no wonder JC has same attitude...Bench 'em both! Things have got to change...NOW! 3-9 is looking kind of optimistic these days..
eduardo writes:
No wonder he is in no hurry look what he has to pick from!
BNR10 writes:
OMG!!! Not rushing into naming the starting QB??? Wow.........1-3 ?
PennVol writes:
For Crompton, practices apparently aren't indicative of what will happen on Saturdays (or Labor Day). So why are the coaches pretending this week of practice means anything?
It's amazing that we've sunk to the 14th best QB in a 12 team conference, with apparently no plans to change anything. How many visors would Spurrier go through coaching Crompton?? Probably one, then he'd be a linebacker.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Mine is another post-name with a big number after it. I asked the other posters what it might mean but did not get a serious answer. Just one of the great unexplained mysteries of life at this point, I guess!
gavolfan writes:
Okay, here's the thing, we are not the same program we were even a few years ago. Watching the Vols right now is like watching my son's old rec. football team. They had no leadership and NO respect for their coach, so they lost every game they played. This year my son moved teams and ALL the kids RESPECT their coach. They are a WINNING team. Not only that, but Fulmer is doing to Tenn. what Donnan and Goff did to Georgia a few years ago, the program is self-destructing.
To the players, I will continue to cheer for you if you give it your all. You can not give it your everything if you have not been coached properly.
To the Quarterback question: I don't see a question. You have nothing to lose at this point if you put Stephens in and let him play. We will never know until he is in a game and gets some quality playing time. One or two snaps is not gonna do it. I just do not believe that Crompton is the best man for the job at this time. Put him on the bench for a while and play Stephens and let's see how it goes. I think if Coach Fulmer wants the best for UT then he has to do this. If he does not put Stephens in, then we will all know that he just really does NOT care about UT football like he says he does. GO VOLS!!!!
oimo2005#352417 writes:
N.B.C. (Need Better Coaching)
johnlg00#206211 writes:
"Lunar moon"? What other kind is there? If you go out today, try not to let the "solar sun" burn you(;-P)!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
There comes a point where loyalty, consistency, and confidence become blindness, rigidity, and arrogance. I'm afraid CPF crossed that line some time ago. I doubt there is anyone on the staff who can tell him he is wrong without suffering for it. There is an even chance that he has already decided who the starter will be and the team knows it, but he just won't allow himself to appear to be influenced by outside opinion. Unfortunately, he will probably announce that the starter will be Crompton for the reasons I suggested above. I hope I am wrong. It is of course at least as likely that he will start Stephens and then pull him if the offense doesn't score on its first possession, claiming later that he gave Stephens a chance, but it didn't work out. Bets, anyone?
Lofton4Three writes:
My favorite station across the Big Pond...
B.B.C (Bench Bloody Crompton)
Lofton4Three writes:
From most of your comments I am beginning to believe that Phil Fulmer is a cult leader and has sucked you in.
What's next...you gonna drink some kool-aid and start chasing comets?
lomas98 writes:
eldee, if you want to complain about someone having too long of a post, do not copy and paste that same post in yours.
volnbig11land writes:
in response to Lofton4Three
"My favorite station across the Big Pond...
B.B.C (Bench Bloody Crompton)"
Don't forget C.N.N. (Crompton Not Now)
imnotwithphil writes:
Excellent point...
New QB = New Hope.
and btw Philapuss:
New Coach = New Hope.
FlaVol2 writes:
Coach, give Stephens a start. Crompton needs to sit and work on his game in practice.
tnbanker_govols writes:
Phil doesn't seem to be in a rush to do anything these days. Hey Phil, your TEAM is 1-3, 0-2 in the SEC. Where's your sense of urgency???? You better be working like heck to do anything you can to fix this!! Draw it on a map, make out a chart....I really don't care. How do you fix it???? Name Stephens starting QB TODAY.....Let Crompton know that his play will NOT be acceptable anymore...PERIOD.
FSU writes:
Hey Fulmer how are the cheerleaders doing this week in practice is Crompton getting there timing down now.
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