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Coach Fulmer mentions how appreciative he is of the support he's received in light of the tough season thus far. Watch »
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After talking about some changes they're going to implement in practice this week, Coach Fulmer joked with the reporters at Tuesday's media day that he didn't want to see the headline, "We're changing our entire practice." It's good to keep a sense of humor. Watch »
Dave Hooker audio
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Tennessee Stat Book
Through six games, tight end Brandon Warren has five catches.
But the former freshman All-American from Florida State and Alcoa High School standout not only hasn't had many touches. He hasn't had many snaps lately, either.
Asked about Warren during Tuesday's media day, offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said a lack of depth at tight end and fullback early in the season played a role in limiting Warren's effectiveness.
"He's a lot more of a slot receiver than a true tight end," Clawson said. "Unfortunately in a lot of ways, I don't think we've been fair to him."
Clawson said UT's coaches were forced to play Warren as a true tight end and work him some at fullback because of a lack of depth behind tight end Luke Stocker and fullback Kevin Cooper early in the season.
That kept the 6-foot-2, 220-pound sophomore from getting the kind of work that suits his quickness and athleticism.
"We asked him to do too much," Clawson said. "Trying to develop those things and prepare us for guys getting hurt, we probably hurt his development here."
The return of tight end Jeff Cottam from back surgery and the progress of Ben Bartholomew and Austin Johnson at fullback in recent weeks has allowed them to focus more on tailoring a package to suit Warren's skills, Clawson said.
"He's got a very unique and dynamic skill set," Clawson said. "I think we could have just said, 'Hey, this is what we're doing with Brandon Warren' and develop him as that."
That's what coaches have been doing recently, Clawson said, but running only 95 combined plays on offense the last two weeks has kept them from fully utilizing Warren.
"The last two weeks, we've really tried to take his skill set and put him in a position to be successful. Last week, we did not play him nearly as much as we had hoped. The plan is this week to try and play him more. If we can convert third downs, that will materialize."
Tempo, Tempo: UT coach Phillip Fulmer said his team will have more full-contact "thud" work this week in practice to get more work at game speed and help his team carry practice work into games.
Fulmer said he would make a few periods more up-tempo with players wrapping up but not tackling to the ground and also work on inside runs.
"I don't want the headlines to be, 'We've changed our entire practice,'" Fulmer said. "That's not the case."
Slade Misses Practice: Defensive backs coach Larry Slade missed practice. His father passed away Monday.
"Our condolences go out to his family," Fulmer said.
Defensive coordinator John Chavis worked with the defensive backs during practice and in meetings, Fulmer said. Slade is expected to be back today.
Running Rotation: Running backs coach Stan Drayton said UT's rotation Saturday against Mississippi State would remain the same as it was last week in the loss to Georgia.
Last Saturday, Foster carried on UT's first drive, Hardesty on the second and Creer on the third.
"We're going with the approach that all three of them are going to play," Drayton said. "We have three starters, and what you saw against Georgia is going to be our game plan. We're to give all three of those guys the opportunity to get the hot foot."
Soft Coverage? Chavis bristled when a reporter brought up fans' complaints of "soft coverage" from UT's defensive backs against Georgia.
"I need to understand what 'too soft' means exactly," Chavis said. "I don't think we've played soft. There were times in the Georgia game that our corners did align a little deeper than we wanted them to. There were times in the run when we had a corner or two that bailed when they were supposed to be playing a different technique. But I wouldn't classify what we do in the secondary as soft."
'Good Stuff': Leaving the podium following his press conference, Fulmer answered a question that wasn't asked.
"Recruiting is going very well," he said. "All of our commitments are holding. That's good stuff."
Injury Update: Defensive tackle Walter Fisher (toe) did not practice, although Chavis said he is hopeful the senior will be available Saturday.
Defensive end Chris Walker (back) and linebacker Nevin McKenzie (ankle) dressed for practice.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 79
Jediphysics writes:
First! Not that I care. But I'm glad that the coaches are concerned about getting Brandon touches. I'd love to see him get involved... if only we can actually score more that 14 points in a game. I think I burn my tickets if they can't score more than 14 against Mississippi State...
alavol writes:
first, i had to do it because nothing will fix our malaise
jlight#347852 writes:
Coach Chavis, if that wasn't "soft," then I don't know what classifies as soft. Too bad our coaching staff for the most part is too hard-headed to admit their mistakes. When they do admit then (See Brandon Warren & Lennon Creer), they never do anything to correct the problem either.
HollySpringsVOL writes:
Fourth!
tjunker77#207526 writes:
10 yards of cushion and straight into a backpedal is soft
fltapout writes:
No, you haven't been fair to Warren or anyone.
tjunker77#207526 writes:
Getting sick and tired of coaches on a 2-4 football team that seem shocked and appalled when they have legitimate questions raised by the media. Show a little humility
tnbigg writes:
"THINK?!?!?" You skrewed him...think of all he endured...and for what...to sit on his azz..."THINK?!?!?" Grow up and open your friggin eyes...
murrayvol writes:
"I need to understand what too soft means exactly," said Chavis. I'll give it a shot Chief.
1) Corners 10 yards off the LOS on 3rd & short prepared to retreat with the snap.
2) UT corner running parallel w/UGA WR 3 yards away on a post pattern. Of course the pass was completed for a 1st down. That sort of play helps your TOP reach 42 minutes.
murrayvol writes:
Easy there big fella or you're gonna say something you'll regret.......again.
Orangeblood13 writes:
maybe he might catch the ball and stay on his feet or even get a block....All American in ACC is not All American SEC
BigVolinCarolina writes:
My goodness! Quit talking "packages" and just put Warren in the game. Give him some stinking plays.
Worth noting: Warren is eligible for the NFL draft after this season. Granted, he's not likely going to go; but, enough NFL teams have an idea of what he can do.
BSweet writes:
Agreed. Someone needs to explain this to Chief.
vol_chaz writes:
I hope Chavis reads this. The 10yard cushion, The Third down GURU...He's getting these nicknames for a reason....Maybe,, just maybe, ..Perception, in this case, IS REALITY......UGA didn't have to pass the ball in the fourth quarter..They just ran it down our throats.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
Understatement of the Year
TommyJack writes:
I think that Clawson would publicly say this re Warren is very telling.
VOLorado writes:
Running Rotation: Running backs coach Stan Drayton said UT's rotation Saturday against Mississippi State would remain the same as it was last week in the loss to Georgia.
yeah, why mess with that formula. the running game was stellar.
cdonsbach writes:
"Unfortunately in a lot of ways, I don't think we've been fair to him."
Understatement of the year.
tnbigg writes:
Point well taken...thanks Bro'...
eb502us#225637 writes:
Take Chavis' comment on the soft coverage and add in Clawson's view of the Warren situtaion, and is there any doubt why we're 2-4?
We have the three stooges running our football program!!!!
wittenfaninky writes:
I couldn't agree with you more. The only thing I would add is the DBs are not only prepared to retreat on 3rd and short with the snap, but do so on almost every snap, regardless of down. I don't think I've seen one DB get into the face of a WR near the line of scrimmage all year.
Unfortunately, this seems to be clear as mud to our defensive coaches. Not sure why we bragged about our great DBs before the season if they can't play tight man coverage.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
Chavis, stop bristling like a cur and bring those corners up and press unless you think they are just too slow and not as good as touted.
DannyVol writes:
They do it all wrong and have for years. Fulmer and Company have ruined more high school All-Americans than have become stars. Look at Crompton two years ago burning Laron Landry of LSU twice for 50-yard touchdowns and look at him now...unable to complete a handoff.
Even the pretty good ones seem to thrive once they get out from under Fulmer. By the time Jamal Lewis, who has been a starting RB in the NFL for a decade, finished his time at UT the guy couldn't make a yard. Jason Witten was pretty good at UT, but hardly a player anyone would have thought as a Pro-Bowl type of player in the NFL. The list goes on and on and on -- on half the teams in the league.
cwisenhower#637741 writes:
28th!!!! Geeks.
Couchdummy writes:
Excellent post!!! I could not have said it better. If only Haslam and Thornton knew the depth of fan disgust, they would have Hamilton moving swiftly to staighten out this coaching mess. It is becoming an embarassment to continue hearing the same excuses for a bad contract negotiated by Mr Hamilton last year!
richvol writes:
I am sorry to hear about Slade's father passing away...I have been really rough on Slade the past several seasons but Chavis' confusion over what soft coverage is may explain a great deal. You first have to be able to recognize what the problem is before you can correct it.
This attitude that is displayed by Fulmer and Chavis whenever they are asked legitimate strategy questions is just plain stupid. This brings to mind the question; are you smart enough to understand what is being asked? I'm not sure...they certainly haven't read "How to win friends and influence your enemies".
As far as getting the ball into the hands of the playmakers,I would suggest that if Brandon has "a dynamic skill set" as Clawson says, then put him in the game along with Jones and Berry and let the defense worry about who is going to work his magic. If I only got "95 plays in the last two weeks" then I would have made sure one of those three had the ball in their hands on 80 of those. Duh...
VOLinDAWGland writes:
I'm not ready to throw Clawson under the bus yet. The main problem with this offense is:
1. The o-line...Fulmer gave him this mess by retaining Adkins. These guys are fundamentally unsound, i.e., poorly coached and soft. This is a huge problem that Clawson must now scheme around - not possible.
2. Crompton being a huge bust and Clawson being forced to play him regardless. Now he's playing catch-up with the better QB.
3. Don't know, but if Fulmer is meddling in Clawson's business than what we might be seeing is the worst case scenario where we are caught between two offensive systems...part old due to Fulmer's meddling and stubbornness and part new but not fully implemented.
For all who's criticizing Clawson's system but calling for Gruden, understand that Gruden runs the same/very similar system of West Coast principles. The offensive system is sound, it can and does work at the college level, it does take, even at the pro level, at least a full season a couple of off seasons to implement...but it has to be fully implemented, not partially and it has to have an o-line and o-line coach on the same page.
If we don't get the wholesale coaching changes this year, then I'd at least like to see a change at o-line, special teams and secondary. Preferably, I'd like to see a whole new defensive system with a younger high energy recruiter as DC.
APPLEJAX555 writes:
talked to someone last night whos imbedded in the Jets program. Hes got pretty nice ties to some schools in the big 10/big 12. says that theyre actually thinking that they can upgrade Ainge (telling of his tenure at UT- sounded like he needed an attitude and mechanical adjustment. I hope that he makes it or gets tuned up to maybe get traded later). He also said that TN fans need to careful what they wish for... a coach outside the engrained system at UT would be a hard transition. We talked about TX Techs coach, whom he has a contact or two in mix with... He said that their coach is the real deal, but plays a very hard hand. His opinion was this - a harder, in your face guy. He says he plays his kids tough - first and second string, are all ready to play... His opinion kept critiquing UTs program to a "system". It seems like on the sublime - what he was saying was that "unlike your current situation, the guy develops the "players" rather than the "system"... "
Just thought I would share. Considering the guys played college and pro ball and is involved in the organization, as well as being involved in his own alma mater, I take him at his word.
One other thing he did say to me - "lot of good coaches will be available this year. Also gonna probably be a lot of open slots after this year too. So teams like TN are gonna have to ask themselves if they can actually wait til another bumper crop of good coaches are around and can come up from smaller schools like this again. You can get them for same amount that Fulmer exits with, which is almost like saving money these days, given you dont have to upgrade Fulmers package..." Also said one other thing that made me laugh " stop talking about Gruden. Aint gonna happen anytime soon."
WVVOLFAN writes:
"I need to understand what too soft means exactly," said Chavis.
Coach, look at the GA game film a few years ago when after TN scored a TD to go ahead, the 'feared' mustang package allowed them to drive a score a TD in the last secs of the game. "Hobnailed" boot ring a bell? Look at last years AL game film coach. Made 2 average UA player look like all stars. Look at this years UCLA game film coach. To scoring drives in the last quarter. With all that film to look at, I would hope you can understand!
"If we can convert third downs, that will materialize." Here's a thought coach. Try using B. Warren to conver those third down attmpts!
It's no wonder. I do think Hamilton has fired the first shot across CPF bow though.
19 days until it's BB time in TN. Can't get here soon enugh.
WVVOLFAN writes:
sorry for the miss spells, and my wife is an english teacher. sheesh!
BobbyGraham writes:
You guys just don't get it. We have to have Stocker and Cottam in the game to produce 1 yard of rushing. There is no way we could get that kind of production from Warren. We may have been held to 0 yards against Georgia if Warren would have played. Cottam and Stocker give us the best chance to tally 2 inches per carry.
VolsorCat writes:
A 220 pound tight end in the SEC is not going to cut it. A tight end, at Tennessee, must block and at 220 pounds he is giving up weight to all defensive ends and most linebackers. Play him in the slot or in two tight end packages. The kid can probably play, but you just have to get him in the right package to let him be successful. If he can't clear the linebacker or end turning up field, the pattern is busted and he won't ve a viable option as the quarterback goes through his reads. You have to get him away from the lineman.
wkjq#213863 writes:
Warren could have a few more catches if he could hold on to balls that hit him in the hands.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
If he doesn't know what playing soft is, then he is watching a different game than I am, and he needs to go also!
SemperVol writes:
FREE BRANDON WARREN!
SemperVol writes:
I'm going to lose my lunch if they call the G-Gun one more time.
NJVol writes:
Strange comment from Clawson saying that if we can convert third downs then Warren would get on the field......um....coach, why don't you use him to convert those third downs?!?
Does this sound like the chicken or the egg?
SemperVol writes:
Agreed, but I'm not sure what your screen name is all about. Which is it? Vol fan or Cat fan?
I would love to see Warren in that slot with G. Jones and L. Taylor/D. Moore out on the ends. Run that same package with like 10 different plays out of it. One thing I've noticed in watching Tennessee's receivers is there terrible blocking ability. Granted if our Tackles and TE's could contain those Defensive ends for even a split second and our WR could stick to a DB, then Hardesty and Creer might be able to make somewhat of a living out there. Obviously our guts are getting in the way of running it up the gut.
GoVol writes:
The problem is the opposing teams know which plays we are running - can't you when you see the formation? If you can, then I can guarantee you that the folks that make a living at this certainly can as well.
law_vol writes:
"There were times in the Georgia game that our corners did align a little deeper than we wanted them to."
Is he saying that the DB's are not lining up in the right positions and screwing up the called defensive plays? Throwing them under the bus?
beef4davols writes:
I love our new reason for not getting the best players on the field. "Not enough plays" and "Not getting a chance to put them in."
First: Are we the only football team that the new clock rules are effecting?
Second: What is this great unseen force that is not allowing our coaches to grab a kid and say "Your in the game" and then call a play for them?
I guess we don't want to be too obvious by running Warren out onto the field and then throwing at him!!
beef4davols writes:
If this is the case, then our DB's have been screwing up for however many years Chavis has been at UT. You can tell our secondary coverages by our pre-snap alignment. That is NOT good and it has been that way for a while.
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
WHAT ABOUT ROGERS AND BRISCO . THEY GREAT WHEN THEY GET TO PLAY . THEY CAN CATCH THE --- THING .
orangebloodgmc writes:
First! Glad they have some intentions of geting more reps for Warren and hopefully Creer as well. Hope Vinson gets more p.t. also. And if Fisher is hobbling, throw Victor Thomas and Langley in the fire and get 'em a little more seasoned. This is the week to do it, not Bama week.
etbuc4eva#271956 writes:
Im sorry, ive said if before but ive seen brandon warren line up and block calais campbell from miami and chris long from virgina as a freshman. 220 pounds or not, he is a physical player and there is a reason he was the number 20 ranked player in the country and a freshman all american. HE CAN PLAY! Hes made plays against an sec school before. As a freshman at fsu, he did a pretty good job against florida.
Volgrad777 writes:
The issue here on the corners is, that corners use their insticts , things you cant teach to make plays many times. You do want them to leran and use technique but many times is boils down to athletic ability and speed. When i coached high school i only had my corners off the ball 5 yards and rarley did they get beat deep playing against solid QB play. While in college the set was moved up to between 4 and 5 , even bump and run on certain occasions. When you ask a corner no matter if its eric berry , brent vinson , or whomever to play off the ball 10-12 yards deep there is a slim chance they are going to make open field tackles against athletes like Green and Massaquoi. Corners are generally taught to break down to make tackles on quick routes because flying at the ball can lead to an easy move and touchdown. There are times when closing speed on some throws works out but in most instances a corner is instructed to break down on spot or possibly a few steps and break down , once again this leaves us 8-10 yards off the ball trying to make open field tackles on great athletes who have 10 yards and a free first down to beat you. Corners are taught to always take at least a 3 step back drop on the snap of the ball , thats why they retreat , but they have to recognize run when it comes and close quickly. This can easily be done with a 4-5 yard seperation instead of 10-12. So, yes coach Chavis , your spreads are EXTREMELY SOFT.
DennisVols writes:
"what you saw against GA is going to be our game plan"
What I saw against GA was 1 yard total net for the day. What on earth is going on? Could someone please explain the idea that if a tire is flat you keep driving on it hoping it will inflate and run smoothly?
This it totally nuts. There has to be change if you expect to change. Failure to see that there is a problem, is a problem.
The blind leading the blind.
JayTee writes:
"I need to understand what 'too soft' means exactly," Chavis said."
There's your answer folks. These coaches are absolutely clueless on what's going on.
Now "THEY ARE WORKING LIKE HECK" trying to win a game to save their fat A** and the fat paychecks they get for sitting on same for doing nothing until it's to late.
volsforever writes:
Warren doesn't have enough splitters in his butt yet from riding the bench. Fulmer will not start anyone unless they have rode the bench for three years. He's just so nice to the rest of the players that shouldn't be playing D-1 ball anyway. Fulmer has become more of a politician in his latter years rather than trying to win ball games. Those same end of game excuses and lack of originality during the game has got to end. The players deserve much more, the fans deserve much more and college football deserves much more. All that talent riding the bench and were getting wipewashed play after play running the same plays. Everyone knows what the 1st down play will bring, then second down and then the evitable incomplete pass for a record setting season of 3 and outs.
TommyJack writes:
A man Chavis' age doesn't want to talk about too soft.
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