Tennessee defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said Wednesday he was pleased with starters Robert Ayers and Wes Brown in last Saturday's 30-6 loss to Florida.
Ayers made two tackles, one for a loss. Brown had five tackles.
Caldwell wasn't as pleased with backup sophomores Ben Martin and Chris Walker. Martin registered two tackles, Walker none.
"The two younger guys got knocked around a little bit," Caldwell said.
The Vols are last in the SEC with three sacks, having not recorded a sack by a defensive end this season.
Vanderbilt leads the SEC with 11 sacks.
Caldwell said junior transfer Gerald Williams may play Saturday against Auburn at defensive end, a little more than a week after moving to the new position from linebacker.
"Gerald is picking up quick," Caldwell said. "Hopefully we'll be able to play him a little more this week."
Caldwell said the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Williams has the "full package," referring to his size and speed.
Ayers agreed.
"He's real physically gifted," Ayers said. "He's strong. He's big. He's tall. He's athletic. He has the perfect build to be a defensive end. It's just all about learning the position."
Williams said he's accepted the move - for now.
"At first I was a little skeptical," Williams said. "But to help the team, that's why I made the move."
Williams said he still expects to get another shot at middle linebacker in spring practice.
"Right now," he said, "it's too early to determine if it was the best move for me."
Tough Secondary: It doesn't get any easier for UT's receivers this week.
"Auburn's probably - as a group - the most athletic secondary we've played all year," UT wide receivers coach Latrell Scott.
That's quite a statement considering Florida held UT's receivers to nine catches for 99 yards.
"We just weren't on the same page with the quarterbacks at all times," Scott said.
Scott said he was pleased with UT's separation against Florida's defensive backs and said that UT's receivers have regularly beat man coverage.
The problem was still adapting to a new offensive system.
"It takes time to synch those things up," Scott said. "We know we'll get it done."
Auburn ranks 34th in the nation in pass defense and sixth in the SEC.
With a deep receiving corps and UT's reliance on a two-receiver set, Scott faces more than just a challenging opponent each week. He also faces a challenging rotation.
Take, for instance, Austin Rogers. The junior receiver has one catch for 16 yards in three games this season. Last season, Rogers was second on the team with 56 catches for 624 yards.
"No frustration so far," Rogers said of his lack of playing time. "We haven't been spreading out a lot (with four and five receivers). I'm trying to get on the field however I can."
That includes special teams. Rogers said he's averaging between 20 and 25 snaps per game.
Practice Report: Coach Phillip Fulmer said he was pleased with practice.
"Practice was very good," Fulmer said. "I was very happy about what we did yesterday and I thought we built on that today."
Injury Report: Both cornerback DeAngelo Willingham and safety Demetrice Morley should be less encumbered by braces used on their injured fingers.
Willingham will only wear a wrap after suffering a compound dislocation of his left index finger last week in practice.
Morley had the cast that was protecting his right index and middle finger removed on Tuesday.
"It feels a little better," he said.
Offensive lineman Vladimir Richard has a sore knee and was limited in practice.
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Comments » 50
volwalk writes:
release the beast--you idiots--our D-line has sacked the QB 1 time all year. This is horrible--we use to put alot a pressure on the QB--yes even during this decade.
cdonsbach writes:
GO VOLS!
10ACVOL writes:
What? No more Brandon Warren at DE? Ben Martin needs more PT, dudes got it all.
sameolvolalum writes:
Attack of defense. Attack on offense. The play calling has been to avoid losing. Let it all hang out and leave it all on the field. At least you'll feel less guilty after getting your butts beat. I'm usually all rah! Rah! I'm just tired of watching the players take it on the chin because the coaches are afraid to turn them loose.
CoverOrange writes:
Does anybody think that if the SEC front office had been quicker deciding on GW's status he would have had a full summer practice and be starting?
If Rogers would stop eating buttered popcorn before the game he would have three catches already.
UrbanCryer writes:
fulmer has no clue where to put this guy. he will try to put 50 lbs on him and make him a tackle.
threesdown#452226 writes:
GW is a monster. I like him as a 3-4 guy attacking on blitzes...Wait, we don't blitz. If we do they always have a safety valve guy...I guess we don't disguise it well.
rblakeh writes:
Why do people take false information and repeat it as truth?! Brandon Warren was never moved to DE. The only move for Warren was taking some snaps at fullback.
VOLINCALI writes:
6'4" 240#
The kid is out of position at MLB.
Perfect size for DE
junder13 writes:
rblakeh, as usual, you are wrong here. philip foolmer was quoted on this very site as saying GW may possibly see time at DE.
the real tragedy here is GW was never given game time at MLB. from everything i heard, he was an unstoppable beast on the field in preseason, running from sideline to sideline. he apparently has the speed to be MLB and def the size. i know he led the team w. 8 tackles in one of the first scrimmages he played in. now they move him to DE where he's undersized?!? he didnt even get a shot at MLB and he worked so hard to get here everyone kept saying.
truly sad. no talented LB should come to UT b/c we cant recruit D-linemen so we move the LBs there (LB Chris Walker to DE where he's ineffective and JUCO All-America DE Walter Fisher to DT, where he's ineffective). its sad. the coaching staff cant develop the talent partly cuz they dont give it the proper shot, diminishing the motivation needed for players to improve in the all-important early stages of their college career.
junder13 writes:
rblakeh, i meant foolmer said brandon warren may get time at DE. i am not going to look for the article but it was right after the elgibility decision was announced if you want to find it. it was def said by foolmer, and the TE coach was said to have cringed at the thought, or something similar. so although he hasnt seen snaps at DE, the idea was thrown around publicly by the staff.
besides, warren was recruited as much to play DE as TE out of alcoa.
VOLINCALI writes:
junder, Charles Haley 6'5" 265#
junder, Demarcus Ware 6'4" 270#
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
are you nuts??? look at how many vol lb's and d linemen have made it to the pros.
female dog about the game planning, sure. but player development?? ut is one of the top programs in the country at putting players in the pros.
rblakeh writes:
"What? No more Brandon Warren at DE?"
"Why do people take false information and repeat it as truth?! Brandon Warren was never moved to DE. The only move for Warren was taking some snaps at fullback."
"rblakeh, as usual, you are wrong here. philip foolmer was quoted on this very site as saying [BW] may possibly see time at DE."
Read again what that guy said, and then read again what I said. When you can point out where I was 'wrong as usual,' do let me know.
Phowell23 writes:
We are saving our best players for Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Until then, they won't get much playing time.
junder13 writes:
yeah, ok guys. you got me. thanks rblakeh for the slam. UT develops its talent better than anyone in the country. sure. UT hasnt put nearly as many players in the pros over the past 5 yrs as they did at any pt in the 90s, and they've put a lot less this decade when compared to so cal, texas, florida, lsu, etc so your pt is moot, mparker. its no surprise to me UT's highest drafted player last yr, jerod mayo, was a LB out of high school. al wilson was a definite exception, but TN has been moving its safeties to LB, LBs to DE, and DEs to DT quite consistently the past few years with little success. instead of getting the recruits who play that position naturally they shuffle these poor players after they arrive.
it's a shame they're doing this to GW w/o giving him game time at MLB considering how he was playing preseason for that short period of time he got to play. also, i stand by my statement that they have not been developing talent to the extent that they recruit it (although recruiting classes are less impressive as a whole this decade than in the previous decade). the talent is there, however, just not the execution, as evidenced by our SEC record this decade. numbers don't lie. look at first day draft picks this decade compared to other schools and look at something as simple as conference record and record vs. top 25 teams (top 10 is esp bad) the past 5-yrs.
where are your facts and numbers?
orangesox writes:
Rewatch the fourth quarter of the UAB game, and you'll see Brandon Warren playing defensive end.
WYLOVER writes:
Auburn 10 Vols 0
BSweet writes:
No knock on Ellix Wilson, but I can't help but wonder if this is another case of Fulmer playing a senior he likes over a more talented player? I've not been to practice so I have no idea if this is the case, but I do wonder.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Cant say it is the recruited talent..Vandy leads in DE sacks
CoverOrange writes:
From a story by Drew Edwards on August 19:
"Despite having a little less than three weeks of meeting and practices with coaches, Michael said Warren is progressing well.
His impact could perhaps even extend to the defense.
"Coach Clawson kind of cringes when I say this, but we may even look at him a little bit as a pass rusher on third down," Fulmer said. "His plate's very full right now to learn the offense and get where he needs to get to... It's a really good player that's added to the (offensive) system."
richvol writes:
The NFL has lots of MLB's at 240lbs or higher. If you've got a stopper that size who can run then it's idiotic not to use him...oh wait, I forgot.
Ironcity writes:
Wilson has been our best LB by far this year. Thats why Williams can't get on the field. Its unfortunate that Willisams plays the same position. I wouldn't mind seeing Myers White sitting more and Wilson playing on the outside a little but I would never take Wilson off the field. I do agree with one poster that talks about players switching positions and never developing (Fisher and Walker). I have no problem with switching players from defense to offense but when you tell a natural athlete to add 40 to 50 pounds, you never know what your going to get.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Last in the SEC in sacks! With makeshift line-ups.
Who knew?
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Wow, this football talk is DEPRESSING! I have never seen such negativity around the football team; though I have only been on this site for a couple of years, I have been a Vol fan for over 50 years. I can't say the negativity has no basis. The decline in the program seems so painfully obvious to everyone, it seems, except the administration and the coaches. I can't blame the coaches for feeling, or at least saying, they can get it done, since they are fighting for their jobs, but I REALLY feel sorry for the players, since this is surely not what they thought they were signing up for. The steady backing away of our verbal commitments, especially Nunes, who was famously calling recruits all over the country to join him and us, will continue to increase. Who wants to come to a program that looks so bad on the field, with dwindling, booing crowds and an obviously angry fan base. As for the administration, they sound like drunks drinking themselves into an early grave while denying they have a problem. Those of you who have read my posts over the years know that I have always been a supporter of Fulmer and a die-hard Vol fan. It pains me to say that while I still have great respect for Fulmer as a man and a true son of Tennessee, and I will always bleed orange, I no longer have faith in him as the man to lead the program forward. As of now, I just want football season OVER so we can get to basketball season. It will be, I'm afraid, a long, painful process to get this football program back where it belongs, but I for one am ready to start anew as soon as this season limps to what seems will inevitably be a sad end.
Volgrad777 writes:
Pleased with the seperation???? geese thats the craziest thing ive heard in a while
kevin151 writes:
Wes Brown stinks!! Why are he and Luke Stocker on the punt team as well? Does Fulmer think they can really make an open field tacle?? Cant Gerald Williams get on the field on pints?? None of it makes sense to me
TommyJack writes:
I think Foster leads our team in sacks.
GoVol writes:
Fulmer is a washed-up idiot when it comes to coaching!
law_vol writes:
Completely off topic, but I just noticed that TN is in the "Bottom 10" on ESPN. Wow.
rblakeh writes:
Really? I didn't see that. I'll check it out. If so, I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing that out.
vols1314 writes:
Yes Brandon Warren played DE in the UAB game cause i was there and saw him. So brandon did play there.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
How about moving Ellix to outside LB and bring GW into the Middle? Williams needs to be on the field.
But so does Creer @ RB and all he managed to get is 1 freakin' carry against UF. That's a slap in the face.
TommyJack writes:
Sooooo, IF Warren played some DE against UAB, how is it that the coaches say Williams needs time to learn the position? What's worng with this picture?
30233vol writes:
That is not suprising law_vol! Fulmer is simply out coached week in and week out. If he is not gone soon we will feel the ripple effects from his mediocre coaching for years to come!
Read what this reporter's take on Fulmer is!
http://www.theleafchronicle.com/apps/...
MOOREVOLS writes:
Warren was put in at DE in the 4th quarter against UAB to rush the passer only. He was in there on passing downs. All he had to do was line up and rush the passer. Of course, Gerald Williams could do that too.
murrayvol writes:
You're sure not giving Bubba much credit.
b_neas writes:
poor kid, I really hope they start playing Gerald somwhere. With all he has endured he deserves it.
invisiblekid writes:
Chief doesn't believe in LB's over 225 lbs so it's DE for Williams. I hope he makes the most of it. Averaging under 2 sacks a game for the past 2 years and 3 games is not UT football.
invisiblekid writes:
You're suggesting Williams punt? If so, I like your thinking, taking "getting your best players on special teams" to a whole new level LOL.
tripsavol3#650322 writes:
CBS 3:30pm saturday
RockyTop1998 writes:
If Austin Rogers wants to know why he isnt playing its because he couldnt catch the ball if someone handed it to him.
OrangeAndWhite4Life writes:
I didn't like it when we moved Leonard Little from DE to MLB (back in the day).
Not so sure I like moving Gerald Williams to DE from LB, but I do like us getting him onto the field.
Ohio State was shocked with Ben Martin chose the Vols. They had plans on him being a LB and we are trying to make him a DE.
I know that desparate times call for desparate measures, but seems to me like we need to recruit for positions a little more and just on athleticism a little less.
Just my 2 cents worth...Go Vols !!
BIGORANGEdawgHATER writes:
I totally agree!!!!Its gunna suck taken it on the chin the rest of the year, but this is what its gonna take to get the much wanted changes!!
rockytop47 writes:
Wrong UT is currently third with players in the pros. Which obviously means Fulmer is a genius at evaulating talent and then putting it in the proper position. Nothing any of you say can dispute that. You just sound foolish and ignorant. But then again waht do you expect form a bunch stupid fans. Can't even support their team and boo players giving their all. Scare away the recruits and then complain we don't get any. Go ahead bite you nose off to spite your face. Bunch of damn idiots!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
104.5 the Zone this afternoon had some sports writer type on from Chattanooga. Said Fulmer and Clawson were both stunned by Crompton's ineptness.
Guy said how could they have missed this with Fulmer being around him for 3 years. Said Stephens had much better arm, but had to wait due to caste system.
Dunno, kinda miss the doldrums now.
Urban_Weiner writes:
OOOKK, so if we are dissapointed in our DE play then play the freakin BEAST G. WILLIAMS!!
I WATCHED THIS KID IN THE SCRIMMAGE AND I DONT CARE HOW HE LOOKS IN PRACTICE, HE IS A GAME TIME PLAYER WHO MAKES BIG PLAYS AND NEEDS TO BE IN THE GAME!!!
junder13 writes:
moving him to DE when he's played so well at MLB is a mistake. i agree that moving Leonard Little to MLB from DE was not good. he was the best DE i ever saw in college. that just weakened two positions, imo. i also saw some fool posted UT is #3 in terms of players currently on NFL rosters and called us foolmer bashers "damn fools". well i ask him quite simply, how many first day picks have we had the past 5 years compared to the rest of the SEC? that's all i ask. no one will read this at this pt so i'm sure it won't get answered but i stand by my earlier post.
junder13 writes:
also, i watched USC lose tonight and realized the best LB in the nation (arguably) was 6'2 260 lbs (mualana or whatever his name is). whoever argued with my pt earlier, doesnt know college football. they're too used to chavis defense. i said that Gerald Williams was the perfect size for a MLB at 6'4 240 but was undersized for a DE (like walker who was a LB in high school but now cant make plays at DE). most colleges have LBs in the 230-250 range, and possibly the best is 260! consider the pros and my point is even more valid.
i hope GW gets to show his ability at MLB and at 240. he will be much less effective at DE, despite our need. i have little doubt that he will be in the league as a LB one day. i hope foolmer will get his 2 yrs worth (but i doubt he will)....
beef4davols writes:
While we are moving everybody around...why not put Arian Foster at DE. Not only does he have the size (215 lbs. yeah right..try 240) and speed for DE (not TB), but he is tied for the team lead in sacks...with one!!
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