You'll be able to read many of these quotes in my story on Jonathan Crompton in tomorrow's paper (and later today on GVX). But I thought I'd post a sort of hybrid Q&A with several coaches and players, including Cromton himself.
Fulmer's quotes are from questions I asked on Sunday's teleconference. The quotes from Gerald Jones, Wes Brown and Crompton are from questions I asked following practice Sunday night. Dave Clawson's comments come from his postgame interview on Saturday. UT's coordinators are available for interviews Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday during the season, and the answers you see here are to questions from a variety of reporters.
To read the quotes in question, go to Drew's Blog.
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Comments » 39
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
i reitterate tngeoff, and i respect him for his insights. I praise the powers which be that we can still field a football team, and that i am alive and responsive enough to care. Win or lose, at least we are over 9 11 when we were afraid to our lives and economies would never be the same. It's been a good 7 years personally and i fault no one but myself for having no more than i do. Effort sometimes is not rewarded, but at least when we show up on the field we maintain our dignity and good will towards others. Football is just another game we play, but in order to have our feet on the ground and our heads above the clouds, we must play dual roles in family, government, and have a ministry also. These boys and men play for us, and they do not need to be booed. Fulmer is doing the best that he can, be as kind to him as you want your bosses to be to you.
BSweet writes:
I hate Crompton's attitude that he "plays for his football family". Do I understand that he is stung by the criticism? Yes. But this is a young man who is old enough to see the bigger picture. This chance he has to play football and receive a free education in return is due to fans and donors that pump their hard earned dollars into supporting their beloved team. Much of the criticism would be curtailed if he would stop making the same mistakes over and over. Learn from your mistakes and stop repeating them. His comments just make me think that he is a spoiled brat that is unappreciative of the oppurtunity he has been given. I hate to say that as I have not met him, but maybe he just needs to learn to keep his mouth shut because his words reflect negatively upon him. If his words are an accurate reflection of his character, then he is not who we need leading our team.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
It is what it is.
Dobervol writes:
BSweet, I'm a donor, and I'm not happy with his performance, but I don't think being a donor means he has to take criticism from me. I have the right as an American to speak, but I don't think my VASF donation obligates him to listen. For example, if your boss gave you some money to help you redecorate your house, would he then have the right to tell you the job you're doing redecorating stinks, you're a horrible human being for your choice of colors and materials and no real man would have re-done his home like that? If so, shouldn't he have told you that on the front end? And by the same token, shouldn't we just go ahead and print on the scholarship papers that in return for the scholarship, donors have purchased the right to make you listen to boos and all manner of criticism, and you have to sit there and take it? Otherwise, you'll be considered a bad character guy. C'mon; this ain't a 25 year old NFL guy making $6 mill. per.
mbradshaw1#655539 writes:
I really hope J.C. can come out and play the game of his life and all will be well. He just needs to be more consistent with his throes. I will be pulling for him but at the same time coach P.F. should make the decision to play another QB if J.C. is not doing well. Maybe that is the help he needs. He has all the physical tools so I think the other part is mental.
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Urban_Weiner writes:
O, and one thing I dont understand is this whole "We play for our family and that is only our team and coaches" then what the hell does that make us! 108,000 worthless people who dont care about how you do and cheer for no reason! I mean seriously, if your not playing for us, then why the heck is game day any different then freakin practice! You need to think about who is paying for your scholarships, who is cheering you on through the good and bad, spends the $money$ to watch you play week in and week out, having kids wish for their birthday just to go to a UT game, those who bleed ORANGE blood, and those who have been to all your games and loves the UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE with all they've got!
Making your fans feel like complete worthless SH!#, Mission accomplished!
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Anybody see the rock? Wow, what a nightmare! I hope these guys can bounce back and play some solid football. I feel for them all. I know losing hurts them more than us. Oh well, I'll still be watching, pouring my heart out, bleeding orange. GO VOLS!!
volfreak#210492 writes:
I, too, didn't like the comments about who they're playing for. Then I heard some comments that Al Wilson made (from the talk he gave the team is my understanding) were exactly the same. Fred White even said essentially the same thing on the Hall's Salvage Sports report. He was talking about how they played for the teammates and worried about letting them down.
Maybe it's been misunderstood by the newer players in what was intended or maybe that's what they really meant. But I heard almost those same exact words on Sunday AM and then later from some talking about what Al Wilson said in his pep talk.
So, I'm not sure if I like it or not (leaning toward not), but if the great players have all had that attitude, we can't slam on the current players.
LVVOLJJ writes:
A young man with stars in his eyes and a lifetime desire to play for Tennessee had to be totally devastated (sp?) to be booed so vigorously. Just him, his coaches and his team against what sounded like 106,000 antogonists. Auburn will be interesting and telling.
JMP_Vols writes:
Not sure how many people remember this, but the writing was on the wall two years ago with JC. 2006, South Carolina, late in that game we roll Ainge out on some aweful naked bootleg. SC drags Ainge down, he gets hurt, and Crompton enters the game. His job--take the snap and hand it off. Remember, we were protecting a lead late in that game.
So what does he do. Fresh off the bench he gets to the line and starts checking off. The coaching staff goes crazy and a dozen or more people are screaming for a timeout from the sideline.
Point of this story is, JC may be a very intelligent person; I don't know him. But it was scary that he didn't grasp that that wasn't the thing to do in that situation. Two years later, he's still showing that he's not grasping the position. Again, not taking shots at him, just stating the obvious.
BSweet writes:
Dobervol- I'm not telling him how to play and I haven't supported the booing of the players, but I still say his attitude is poor. The coaches should be the ones on him about his playing, which has been subpar for TN qbs. As for your analogy, sorry my friend, it isn't a very good one. When you sign those scholly papers you know you are coming to play for the University of Tennessee. Listening to Peerless Price and other former players, you come to Tennessee to compete for championships. That expectation is built in. I don't believe we will win every game, and I can live with that. But we should compete. I haven't seen that level of effort yet this season. Maybe that's just my opinion, but I am entitled to it. And sorry to jump here and there, but back to your statement about expectations, scholarships aren't given to players to come here and play mediocre. Scholarships are given to the best football players we can get. There is an absolute upfront understanding that you are coming here to play well and not stink it up. But, I didn't respond to critique his play. My problem is with the attitude he is showing. Like I said, I don't support booing, but JC is certainly old enough to take it with a grain of salt and not hold it against the entire Volunteer nation. If it weren't for donors and fans, half his "football family" wouldn't be in school because they couldn't afford it. Their practice facilities would be nothing and there would be no Neyland Stadium. I'm not knocking that these kids are blessed with talent and that many of them work hard to get where they are, but in the same respect, they need to remember that their oppurtunity exists because there are people who love this program and pour money into it through donations, buying tickets, buying apparel, etc. I understand that some fans have disrespected our players with the booing, but that isn't solved by disrespecting the entire Volunteer nation. "I play for my football family." Fine then, give back the money from your scholarship and pay your own way. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. It is a poor attitude and one that I'm sure the coaches will not fix. It makes him look like a prima donna. The boy needs to humble himself because his ego has grown way too big for what he's showing on the field.
jobrando#216494 writes:
I would say if Tennessee beats Auburn it would be one of the bigger upsets of this century. If you go by the rankings it would be like UAB beating Tennessee at home.
auttat writes:
Fulmer has assured us he is not stepping down. Love it or leave it, he is not abandoning ship
ncvol17 writes:
I was so happy when we signed Crompton. I thought he would learn from the sideline and take his place among the top QB's of the last 20 yrs. Now I wonder,,when and will it happen? I wish we could have had another year of Cutcliffe's tutoring him especially as a starter.
Watch some Peyton tapes on humbleness tied to greatness..
JMP_Vols writes:
Didn't notice his exchange with Fulmer before the half. We can blame Clawson for the call and JC for the throw.
Also couldn't stand that on 4 or 5 different occasion in the game Saturday, he's lobbying for late hit or roughing calls. Speaks to where he's focused. But hey, we've been assured by our trusted leader that Crompton is our guy.
TNisPeerless writes:
I was at the Fayetteville BEAT-DOWN 2 years ago when he started...tied for the worst performance ever by a UT quarterback. I should have known then...
Madkels writes:
It does not matter if we beat Auburn or not. The writings on the wall. 5-12 versus UF and under .500 versus top 25 this decade. A coaching change is needed. If you don't agree, just go back and look at the VOLS records and scores we won by in the '90's.
http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-foot...
Madkels writes:
When the shoe is on the other foot..and believe me, it will be, will you gators fans still come on here and belch your junk?
JMP_Vols writes:
Blowouts to Auburn, UGA, and Bama will seal the deal. Hamilton will keep Fulmer around until the end of the season, but arrange his exit without it getting ugly.
Probably won't be any of this up-and-coming, small school coaches being looked at--even with Pearls success. UT has the facilities, resources, tradition, and fanbase to go after a big dog. I don't what anyone says, UT is still an elite school to come coach football for someone up for the challenge.
Best thing we can do as fans is ride this season out because its going ot get worse before it gets better.
CoverOrange writes:
I noticed the exchange during the game and I was hoping the camera would linger long enough to see Fulmer grab JC by the face mask and start talking through clenched teeth. Didn't happen.
The players aren't afraid of Phil.
rblakeh writes:
@JMP_Vols
Regarding your story about Crompton in the SC game, I remember that happening. But I still don't know what to think of Crompton, because one week later he came back and lit it up against LSU. And the following week he played mediocre against Arkansas. The point is, he shows flashes of brilliance. I feel like he has the potential to be a great QB. If the stories about him are true, he truly is working hard to be a great QB. I just hope he realizes his potential sooner rather than later.
rubbervol writes:
coleman!!!!!
JMP_Vols writes:
Respect your opinion, but whole-heartedly disagree. He made a couple plays against LSU, mainly hitting Robert Meachum on a couple go routes where Robert just flat out ran past a couple LSU defenders. Man I miss him. JC played ok, wouldn't say he lit it up by any means though.
Fast forward a week later. He was completely baffled against Arkasas. Mediocre would have given us a chance in that game. He flat out stunk.
Brent Schaeffer showed flashes of brilliance too. But "flashes" don't get it done in this conference.
rblakeh writes:
@JMP
"But "flashes" don't get it done in this conference."
Agreed.
arkyvol writes:
i still say that crompton's the dumbest vol q.b. since dewey warren. but in fairness, warren was smart enough to know when he stunk.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
And on we go. You couldn't write this script for Sat Nite Live.
bluetick writes:
The one thing I wish they would do more of is to allow the other QBs more experience in game time situations. I understand they are going to put on the field the best QB in their eyes but giving the other one or two a shot at it for a play to 5 plays a game surely wouldn't hurt anything. If anything it would give them more game time experience.
I believe it was the backup LSU QB vs Auburn this past wkd. where they allowed him not only into the game but allowed him to 'wing' it down the field... and did a great job of it too. We are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too conservative. We need some fire and excitement coming from these guys, fewer mistakes and a special teams coach BADLY!
Ironcity writes:
As bad as JC has been he has not been as bad as Ainge in 2005. I think JC has skills he just seems to lack instinct and the ability to relax under pressure. Time can heal those issues so for his sake and all the fans sake, I hope it happens soon. I am not sure why fans want to bust on the guy. Its clear he is trying his best unfortunately its just not been very good.
JMP_Vols writes:
Excellent point on the horibble play call. Bizarre play altogether.
BSweet writes:
I was embarassed for Crompton on that hit by Haden, but in all fairness, if we are going to talk about great hits in UT/UF history, let's not forget the hit Eddie Moore laid on I believe Dallas Baker that had him waking up in the locker room. That was a hit!
SandySpringsVol writes:
This team has shown it is at best a middle-of-the-pack team, probably similar in caliber to Ole Miss. Losing to UCLA who in turn lost its last two games by a combined 90-10. Not even showing up for what used to be a rivalry game with the Gators.
The coaching staff knows what its going to get with the personnel they've started the first three games. It's time for a change, and I don't mean the punter or the guy who keeps the athletic tape in neat stacks.
Start Stephens, start Warren, start Creer and back him up with Poole -- shake up the whole starting lineup on offense. Make this a wake up call for those who think that starting is a right and not a privilege.
If things don't work out, you've still got those other guys on the bench, and maybe, just maybe, they'll be a little more motivated to play harder after sitting on the sidelines a while.
And if the changes do work out, you've just set yourself up for 3-4 years of success, because these guys are going to be around a while and the sooner they get real game experience, the better off they'll be.
I would rather lose knowing that the team is building a future than lose because they're afraid to try.
RockyTopVolFan writes:
We really looked "great" in the orange zone, could not even score from the two yard line. Handoffs and protecting the football should be automatic for a junior and senior, particularly near the goal line when you are trying (are they??) to make a comeback against a team like FL. It sure looked careless, awful, and lackadaisical.
FYI the definition of lackadaisical is:–adjective 1. without interest, vigor, or determination; listless; lethargic: a lackadaisical attempt.
This pretty well sums up Fulmer's latest offering to the fans, incrompetence abounds.
bigtimevol writes:
Enjoyed first two posts and went down hill from there. Plenty of fingers to point at Crompton, but penalties at extremely inopportune time, fumbles, coaching errors are just as great. Given a short rope (simple offensive plan), this team can win. Here's a game plan, and you don't even have to pay me millions: RUN THE BALL with our stud running backs, including by the way, CREER. Throw on occassion. Hold onto the football. Practice redzone. Win special teams. Don't fumble. Keep playing D.
BHAM_VOL writes:
Is Crompton still hurt? I hear you on decision making but some of his throws just don't make any sense...How could he get this far in the system (insert joke here) and just physically not perform with any consistency? Simplify (I know, I know) the offense and get Coach Cut or Peyton Manning some film....fast.Go Vols!
VOLKING writes:
Crompton is 1-4 as a starter. Granted, 3 of those losses were to teams ranked #11 or higher...but hasn't he had enough time to learn how to check-off receivers or hand off to running backs??? We learned this in Pop Warner football at the age of 12!!!!! Was he really a 5 star recruit? Ultimately, it is the coaches' fault for allowing someone who is NOT getting better to remain on the field. This is scary bad...bad coaches, bad team, bad performances. Like Barney Fife would say,"This whole day has been a nightmare!" Wake me up for basketball season.
west_tn_volfan writes:
He may not abandon the ship but he may have to walk the plank. He is not getting the job done and it is time for a change. We are not even a competitive team with the big boys anymore.
BillsBrother writes:
I agree that CPF may have a plank placed in front of him, but he is a life long Volunteer and has my respect. He gives his all for Tennessee, it's just that "his all" is not enough lately.
Mike Hamilton, however, is not a Volunteer. He is the Tennessee Athletic Director. There is a big difference. I look forward to him walking the plank, too.
cjraney writes:
Wow, we have real classy fans. A DONATION entitles you to a tax deduction, tickets, parking pass, and hopefully a good feeling for supporting our flagship state university. If you don't like the football results then talk to the administration or simply quit DONATING.
If you want better return on investment or need someone to show you some respect for the money you forked out then call your broker. Key word above is DONATE. Pathetic.
But, also, I wonder if 100,000 boos will affect a college kid's attitude?
Vol4life_J_Cham writes:
My top 3 choices to replace PF.
1. Steve Spurrier (he can get the talent, and then COACH them to win)
2. Jim Leavett, S Fl (built a program from stratch, knows how to win at Auburn)
3. The Appy St coach (3 or more NC's)
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