Overblown or blown up? That depends on who’s describing the most noteworthy play in Tennessee’s recently amped up practices.
The play in question took place Tuesday as sophomore quarterback Nick Stephens rolled out, only to find starting defensive tackle Demonte Bolden bearing down on him, then through him.
“Bam,” Stephens said describing the play. “My feet were in the air. It was funny.
“That’s intensity. It comes along with practice like that.”
When asked of the play, Bolden just smiled and said, “That was alright.”
Those are the sort of practices (not plays) the Vols are hoping can correct a season gone awry with a 2-4 record and three losses in three SEC games.
UT’s coaches have added more contact and tried to increase practice tempo this week in an effort to increase carryover from practice to games.
Defensive end Robert Ayers said he thought the play was a bit overblown, but admitted that it was a mismatch.
“Demonte is 300 (pounds) and Nick Stephens is like 200,” Ayers said. “He didn’t have too much of a chance.
“Demonte knows that we need him (Stephens) to win. I don’t think he was intentionally trying to hurt him.”
To clarify, UT’s coaching staff isn’t holding mid-season scrimmages. However, the Vols are holding more physical practices where defenders are expected to “thud” offensive players yet not knock them to the ground.
The risks are easy to identify. If good fortune isn’t on your side, injuries can make a bad season worse.
So is this a sign of desperation?
“I wouldn’t say it was desperation but at this point,” Ayers said. “You’re looking for playmakers. Full speed practice is the only way to find those playmakers other than the game.”
Ayers didn’t flinch when told that the Vols would be ratcheting up the intensity.
“I look at myself as a physical type player so it doesn’t bother me,” Ayers said.
Ayers’ mindset isn’t universal, especially among a team that has the expected bumps and bruises that are associated with playing five games in row without a bye week, namely UT’s offensive line.
“That is not fun for them,” Stephens said flatly. “They do not like it.”
As for other players that are less than enthused, don’t expect any names to be called.
“You probably have some guys that complained about it,” Ayers said, “but I can’t comment on that.”
The shock factor took some players awhile to get used to.
“When young guys are not wanting to go 100-percent on a physical day like yesterday, that’s when older guys are going to have to step up and pull everybody along,” Ayers said. “Some guys are doing a good job. Some guys are not.”
Fulmer said Wednesday this week’s practice has been among the best of the year.
“We’ve probably had our best week — at least two days — of practice,” Fulmer said. “Tomorrow is another day. We’ve got to make that go to the game field, so we’ve had more game-like stuff this week, a considerable amount of full-speed inside run and full-speed blitz pickup. You’re really nervous about those kinds of things because you can get somebody hurt, but we’ve made it through. Hopefully it will translate to the field.”
Center Josh McNeil said players realize the motive is to get better.
“It’s not a punishment,” McNeil said. “We have to go out there on the practice field and get better. Obviously, we’re not where we want to be.
“In times like these, you’ve got to have the right attitude and you have to step up and own up. We’re not having a great season right now. Coach Fulmer isn’t just trying to crush us just because we’re losing. A physical practice is what he thinks we needed. I feel like we got a lot better yesterday from that.”
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Comments » 87
FlaVol2 writes:
It is good to see some intensity by the players in general. Go Vols!!!
rains_g#232559 writes:
Has anyone else noticed that every week the Vols have their best practice of the year? Does anybody else see a problem with that statement and the results on the field?
rblakeh writes:
Sounds like we are finding out who the leaders on this team are. In a normal season, this is not the type of practice you'd like to see. However, this season, I think it's exactly what we need.
mpm80#1357758 writes:
yes ive noticed it too but this week i believe they said they had the best 2 practices so far this week ? lol
redstickvol writes:
So either Josh McNeil said the exact same thing twice when being interviewed for this article, or there is some pretty janky editing going on. Check out paragraphs 1 and 2 vs. paragraphs 7 and 8 (the last two) from the quotation taken directly from above.
ICK!!!
“It’s not a punishment,” center Josh McNeil said. “We have to go out there on the practice field and get better. Obviously, we’re not where we want to be.
“In times like these, you’ve got to have the right attitude and you have to step up and own up. We’re not having a great season right now. Coach (Phillip) Fulmer isn’t just trying to crush us just because we’re losing.
“A physical practice is what he thinks we needed. I feel like we got a lot better yesterday from that.”
Fulmer said Wednesday this week’s practice has been among the best of the year.
“We’ve probably had our best week — at least two days — of practice,” Fulmer said. “Tomorrow is another day. We’ve got to make that go to the game field, so we’ve had more game-like stuff this week, a considerable amount of full-speed inside run and full-speed blitz pickup. You’re really nervous about those kinds of things because you can get somebody hurt, but we’ve made it through. Hopefully it will translate to the field.”
Center Josh McNeil said players realize the motive is to get better.
“It’s not a punishment,” McNeil said. “We have to go out there on the practice field and get better. Obviously, we’re not where we want to be.
“In times like these, you’ve got to have the right attitude and you have to step up and own up. We’re not having a great season right now. Coach Fulmer isn’t just trying to crush us just because we’re losing. A physical practice is what he thinks we needed. I feel like we got a lot better yesterday from that.”
mattgb7c writes:
"Not the game...We talkin' bought Practice, man!?"
Allen Iverson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2...
mattgb7c writes:
And yet another good one...I mean, since we are talking about PRACTICE and all... Geez...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rmtO9...
volthrunthru#658770 writes:
Bolden is so dense that he does not understand that if he hurts the quarterback...
he hurts the team.
There was at least one discussion among UT sports obervers that he is the one who broke Ainge's finger.
Bolden made talk about Ainge's happy feet, late in the year, and then he was not able to make his grades, so he did not play in the bowl game.
Therefore, Bolden's feet and his oversized rear and pea sized brain all were elsewhere when his team was needing him at the bowl game.
Now he hits the only quarterback who has been able to throw passes with consistency.
Bolden's grades have mysteriously morphed into a B average, we hear. Wonder who is doing the homework, because guys who make decisions like Bolden,
are not able to achieve a B average,
because they do not have the ability to understand what they need to do at even the most basic level.
Where exactly did UT get this goofball?
Wherever it was, send the bozo back, postage due.
buddylroe writes:
Hmmm. I like the tough practices but let me throw this out. Was the hit a good practice hit? or was Bolden trying to get one of his best friends back into the huddle? Its no secret from interviews over the summer and stuff that Demonte and Crompton are tight. Maybe I am reading something into it that doesn't exist, but in the drama filled season we are having you just never know.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I think Stephens already knows "taps" from the hits he took at Ga. Be careful you're not sitting him up for a career "taps".
It might behoove us to tap some Bulldogs.
Stephens is a rare bright spot in a dismal landscape.
Stay the course.
GreerVol22 writes:
pdhuff...right on. Gotta hand it to Fulmer, I mean actually letting kids hit each other in practice. In the immortal words of Cal Naughton JR. "Shake and Bake"
Living in SC I get a load of USC, Clemson, NCState and UNC phooey. Everyone is laughing at Phil on this one, they just felt sorry before...
carsontwin writes:
I think this kind of practicing will be what they are going to need in game play. I say we see a whole different Tenn. team out there Sat. Im being positive about this and hope things work out. Go Vols!
fltapout writes:
Save some for the game.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True greer, many still don't realize the shape we are in.
Have some relatives in Chapin, SC, wherever that is.
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
"step up, intensity, physical, tempo, leaders, right attitude, own up, consistency, blah, blah, blah"--same old story. Nothing new here.
vinnievol writes:
It's good to see Bolden getting pressure on a qb after all these years he's been at UT... too bad the qb happens to be on our team.
fedupvol writes:
"playmakers"...you know have heard that term used so much this year with vols coaches...not sure what it means anymore...think there might be a new term to use...maybe "coach makers"....somebody has to step up and be an intense coach....and on the physical term...O line complaining....that's the problem...the lack of intensity/physicality....vols haven't had that in years...constantly beaten by teams that are more physical...sort of like the Penn State bowl game....over and over again game after game...embarassing to be vol fan these days.
TommyJack writes:
I hope they got it on film. Had to have been Bolden's only hit of the year.
wkjq#213863 writes:
Just goes to show what average players can do against our offensive line.
tnbigg writes:
Time to rejoice! Bolden finally made a play!
Also...Stephens probably felt the love by the dawg rushers...Mississippi State has no fear of any aspect of our Fulmer (Please...as per Fulmers insistence...substitue "Fulmer" for "Tennessee" football) football offering this year. Their defensive line is salivating looking at our line performance so far...BUT...they are on full alert for far thinking offensive team play like untying shoes and punching...stay the curse...
Now...on to important stuff...pass the word...BIG Saturday night slumper party in Neyland...with bag or without...
tnbigg writes:
"offensive team play"
Not limited to offensive team unit...but "offensive" team play...meaning overall performance with all team units included...
Waldorf writes:
Wow, Demonte Bolden actually hit somebody.
Surprised he didn't have a 45 minute press conference after it bragging about it. I'd love to see him actually get to a QB in a real game.
Boo Colquitt.
Bench Foster.
Fire Fulmer.
Fire Hamilton.
surfmaster writes:
"namely UT’s offensive line. 'That is not fun for them,' Stephens said flatly. 'They do not like it.'"
Somebody send our offensive linemen a box of skirts, size XXXL. Perhaps they would be better suited holding the pom-poms on the sidelines. Pansies.
You play like you practice. If they don't like getting hit in practice, no wonder we don't have a running game. Replace 'em all with third stringers, I don't care, so long as they don't cry to momma every time they get a nose bleed.
Ironcity writes:
Bolden getting to the QB really shows how far down our offensive line has dropped.
GoVol writes:
I heard that Crompton paid Bolden $500 to make the 'hit'.
GoVol writes:
"Hopefully it will translate to the field.”
The above quote is from Fulmer. He lives on 'hope' because he doesn't have a clue on how to fix the problems. One solution would be to play the best players. Wow, what a concept. Fulmer's never thought of that one before!!!??
leedsvol2007 writes:
I've got a suggestion for Bolden. Save your "love taps" for the opposing quarterback.
Of course during the games we haven't seen you near one in time yet so I guess you wanted to cheap shot your teammate as a reminder of how it feels to tackle one.
The great Tennessee teams of the past were known for team play. They did not play for individual recognition first. Its ironic but ardent Vol fans recognize names from the 1951 team of close to 60 years ago and certainly from the 1985 & 98 teams.
If you want to stand out do your job don't take cheap shots at the guy who sets up the offense.
GoVols!
Docrok writes:
Ironcity
AMEN...... Bolden cant get to an opposing quarterback in a game but he running wild in our backfield..... OUTSTANDING!! And as far as hitting the qb and the rb's and the recievers what does this accomplish? Injuries... Excessive soreness going into a game with "the most physical team we played all last year" (Fulmer's words not mine!) He wants to thud but not to take to the ground. Well gee how about wrap up, thats been a problem.......
TheMagician writes:
Are you saying that Crompton "Tonya Harding'd" Stephens?
lilmoorevols writes:
Ayers’ mindset isn’t universal, especially among a team that has the expected bumps and bruises that are associated with playing five games in row without a bye week, namely UT’s offensive line.
“That is not fun for them,” Stephens said flatly. “They do not like it.”
THEN BLOCK SOMEBODY AND YOU WON'T HAVE TO DO IT!
SPOILED BRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jasonn1970 writes:
This is how championship coaches run their practices after a poor performance. For some reason it took Fulmer six poor performances to recognize it was needed.
Hire Muschamp
SemperVol writes:
Off topic comment:
Anyone else find it funny that they passed out white towels to the Dodger fans last night to wave feverishly?????
DennisVols writes:
I have the solution to our season. Since we do so good during the week have all our games on Thursday and pretend it is just another practice. Probably have just as many fans as they do during a practice session anyways.
SemperVol writes:
Brilliant, my man. Further, let's keep the practice pennies on so we don't confuse the offense....
Volumni writes:
Coach Head Wound practices this way but is afraid to let Berry in on offense because he might get hurt?
The problem with our defense, and always has been, is that we tackle this way, trying to knock someone down without wrapping them up, which usually means more yardage for whomever is killing us at the moment.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
It's a shame a mere $29.95 (4 sacks of can) will keep me from watching those two mental giants facing off in Neyland.
But Kesling's golden tones will at least have me within 5-6 plays of whats going on.
But I'll get to see Phil's mastery of Bama soon.
Somehow Vols, win this game and get ready for the Tide.
givehim6 writes:
I can see how this would have been noteworty news about the hit in practice back in august during fall practice. But mid-season? Are defence ends should be making note worty on other teams QB's by now. But anyway keep on working like heck. GO VOLS.
thesavageorange writes:
DennisVols ,
if we don't start playing better ,we will be relegated to Thursday night games anyway in order to get on TV to rebuild the program.Va Tech, WVU , South Florida etc....all used Thursday nights to build their programs.Imagine how tough it will be to get prime time spots next yr.
I can't wait till B-ball starts so I can wear my orange gear w/o getting throttled.Bruce will shut em up.Ohhh yeahh, Bruce will shut em up.
richvol writes:
I read something yesterday that I feel applies:
Excellence is the result of caring more than one may think is wise.
Risking more than than what is considered safe.
Dreaming more than one may think is practical.
Expecting more than one may think is possible.
The staff has been unwilling to take risks on both sides of the ball for years. Additionally, the unnamed players would not be grumbling over trying to get things right if the staff had expected more from them all along. That's why they are underachievers.
DennisVols writes:
M.H. stated: “That doesn’t preclude you from doing something different."
In other words an embarressing loss to MSU might cause a change in how UT has handled coaches in the past. Right now they are hoping for a sweep the final 6 games but we all know there is little chance of that given the way UT has performed so far.
Lose a game that you should win such as MSU, Wyoming, etc and this season finally crashes. Without some kind of show of improvement, excution, discipline this will be the straw that breaks the camels back. Fulmer stated he has met with the AD and the trustees so this tells me he has been informed that they are not happy and some drastic changes must take place.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Just a guess on my part, but I rather doubt Iverson is planning on a coaching career when his playing days are over! Be pretty hard for him to get his players to work hard in practice when they can just whip out that particular video!
MrBamSeydu writes:
this is all one big broken record
airvols#371403 writes:
One hit in a practice makes headlines and we wonder what's wrong with the program. Geeeeeez
orangeinbama writes:
LOL....Its football. They should have been hitting and practicing like every play was life or death a long time ago. So what breakdown contributed to the love tap? Did it get fixed? It happens in a game. Did we flop our line and no one knows who to block? Let em hit. Maybe some practice hits would have got that deer in headlights look off Cromptons face BEFORE UCLA. Maybe if they hit and PLAYED FOOTBALL the lack of blocking by the offensivr line would not have been a surprise. Beat and bang em up. Offensive line cant be too sore and tired cause they aint blocked nothing but the sun to their backs all year. Let em hit. Get tough or go home. Bench em and replace all whiners. Probably the same ones that quit in Gainsville last year. They were tired. Ask Al Wilson or Fred Weary if they were tired and didnt want to hit someone. Ask Cosey Coleman and God bless him, Reggie White if he would have took that shot. It's football. This story/article tells me all I need to know about what is "wrong". You guys know that Bear had to calm practices down cause somedays they were tryin to kill each other? This was in mid season. He did not coddle anyone. You play like you practice has been said a million times on here. WTF? HIT em again.
threehundredbowler writes:
Is this all the heck you have to complain about? Find something to do besides bitc--ng.
BubbaVol44 writes:
I think the news of these types of practices before we play the two physically toughest teams on our schedules is absolutely idiotic!
MSU 14 UT 10
'BAMA 56 UT 7
IT'S OVER! I don't care if Phil was the coach when we won the NC 10 YRS AGO--we owe him absolutely nothing! The program has declined below mediocrity on his watch. I hope he resigns after the 'Bama game....
orangeinbama writes:
Amazing! You want change but expect to keep doing the same things you have been and expecting different results. Thats called insanity.
Vina_Dude writes:
If coach Fulmer do not recuit the right player next year, we going to be in trouble next year. Did I mention Fulmer will be here next year? Oh what a bummer!!!! sooooo Don't Worry! Be Happy :)!
and Go Vols!!!!
fltapout writes:
I really believe a change is in place if he does not win the next two. Maybe we could get Miss St to agree to play flag football?
jcaltipc writes:
"Demonte Bolden" and the phrase "hit the quarterback" have never been used in the same sentence. No one disappears like bolden during games. Big Dan is way better than Bolden, but was less touted out of high school
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