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Nick Stephens comes from a small town in Texas. He's played football since the 7th grade. However, the sophomore that is a contender for the starting quarterback position at the University of Tennessee had only one year of varsity football in high school before coming to UT. Watch »
Tennessee's coaches aren't worried about upsetting their offensive rhythm by opening up a quarterback competition.
After all, that's the problem.
"It's not like we're in a rhythm now so it's not like you're disrupting something that's going really well," offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said during Tuesday's weekly press conference. "We need a disruption right now.
"We need a spark and we need to get things going."
Therefore the Vols will open up a quarterback competition between Jonathan Crompton and Nick Stephens this week as they prepare to play host to Northern Illinois on Saturday.
Clawson admitted that such a drastic practice change - which began on Tuesday - has its challenges.
Cadences vary. Receivers have to adjust to different passes. Tailbacks have to expect variations in how they're handed the ball.
Even junior center Josh McNeil knows that snapping the ball to two different sets of hands can be an issue.
"Quarterbacks put their hands under there different sometimes," McNeil said. "You've just got to make sure that ball security is the most important thing.
"You can't take that for granted."
Injury Report: Senior middle linebacker Ellix Wilson seemed optimistic he could play against Northern Illinois. Wilson suffered a dislocated right shoulder last week against Auburn.
"They just popped it right back in," Wilson said.
Saturday wasn't the first time Wilson suffered that type injury.
"It happened all the time in high school so it wasn't a big deal," said Wilson, who was limited in Tuesday's practice.
Former Farragut High School star Nick Reveiz has been UT's second-string middle linebacker throughout the season, although Wilson has taken the majority of snaps.
"Nick's done a great job," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "He's taken advantage of his opportunities.
"We've kind of rode Ellix as far as we can go, but I feel comfortable with Nick being in the game."
To provide more options, Chavis said sophomore reserve outside linebacker LaMarcus Thompson has been moved to the middle.
"LaMarcus is going to move in and get some work inside to create some more depth there," Chavis said. "That's going to be important for us.
"If we need to move Rico McCoy inside," Chavis said, "we've worked him some there."
If UT's coaches were forced to play McCoy inside, that could mean more playing time for backup sophomore Savion Frazier. Reserve Herman Lathers is another possibility.
"I fully expect Ellix to play this week," Chavis said. "I think he'll be fine to go, but we're going to have some answers in case he can't."
Assistant coach Steve Caldwell said he hasn't decided which sophomore defensive end will play on the left side if junior Wes Brown can't go. Brown left the Auburn game, his latest setback in a season-long battle with a sore right knee.
Caldwell said he'd either play Ben Martin or Chris Walker. Martin has typically played on the right side this season. Walker has manned most of his time at left end.
Junior tight end Jeff Cottam returned to practice Tuesday, his first action since undergoing back surgery in August. Cottam was wearing a green, non-contact jersey.
"Jeff's the pounder at the point of attack that can do some things in the passing game," tight ends coach Jason Michael said.
Junior offensive guard Vladimir Richard did not practice Tuesday. Richard has been hampered by a sore knee. He was limited throughout practice last week before playing at Auburn.
Sidelined?: Clawson said he's considered moving from the press box to the sidelines during games.
"When you're playing like we're playing, you think of everything," Clawson said. "I thought of coming down. But I'm going to hold off on that this week.
"I'm going to stay in the box. Being able to see things (from the press box) and communicate, that is important."
Completely Dominant: Chavis, who was sitting in for head coach Phillip Fulmer during Tuesday's weekly press conference, didn't mince words about his defense's dominant performance last Saturday.
"We were- really for the first time - complete in terms of our coverage and our pressure up front being in kilter," Chavis said.
Drew Edwards contributed to this report.
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Comments » 70
CoverOrange writes:
Why the heck not put GW back at Mike? What is up with that?
smashmouth98 writes:
dan williams had a great game. he was disrupting the whole game. we need him to continue that for the rest of the season.
DingoVol writes:
Lane Kiffin for Head Coach. I am starting the rally cry to bring him in. He is young, former OC at USC, and has a dad who is one of the best defensive coaches in the NFL. Let's roll out the red carpet and get him to the hill.
BubbaVol44 writes:
Warren should be playing Mike and they should move Wilson to Will in place of Myers-White. I wouldn't even try to play Wilson against NI this week--we ought to be able to beat them and rest both Brown and Wilson. Just another indication of how low we've sank--and whatever happened to Chris Donald?
Bigger_Al writes:
I'll leave it to Chavis, who has put virtually every starter he has had at LB in the NFL, and who regularly turns down offers to go to the NFL and coach LB's, to put our best LB's out there.
I wish we had gotten our 7th in a row 3-and-out to get our offense yet another chance to just get one 1st down to win the game...
MrBamSeydu writes:
I'm not a coach, so according to Fulmer and the players it's impossible that I know anything about football....
but I've gotta say I rarely ever agree fully with positional moves these coaches make. I think Chris Walker and Gerald Williams would make a better impact at LB. I think Nevin McKenzie at LB is basically like playing with a 5th DB on the field in the 4-3 because of his size. We're already undersized at LB with Rico McCoy. And I still swear to this day Jabari Davis would have made a killer MLB.
As far as playing the best players, I don't think they've done very well with that either. I understand giving people 2nd chances, but Crompton has had 6 chances (counting his PT against Arky and LSU a few years ago). It's time to cut our losses with him and give hope to the backups. I know if I'm a 3rd stringer and all of a sudden you tell me I have a serious shot at starting, I'm going to play lights out and run myself into the ground for you.... at least until I see you've lied to me.
cdonsbach writes:
What connections does he have in the South?
It's easy to recruit at USC because all the talent in the greater LA area. At Tennessee he'd have to recruit nationwide and most recruits wouldn't be too impressed with a former NFL coach that went 5-15 with the Raiders.
PreventUT writes:
Agree with those wanting Gerald Williams at LB. But we all know Chavis doesn't like big LB's. He likes small DE's. I saw that one coming a long, long time ago.
"Reserve Herman Lathers is another possibility" - WTF?
I sure hope Chris Donald is still alive!!!!
VOLINCALI writes:
Chavis knows a little about LB's, my geuss is he can not shed the center. Not quick enough(I said quick not fast).
VOLINCALI writes:
Maybe the dingo ate your baby.
Please stop the Kiffin posts. Is this guy your uncle? I live in the Bay Area and this guy is the last guy we need on the hill. Trust Peyton, Phil is the guy we need.
VOLINCALI writes:
You guys are ridiculous, defense is not the problem.
Grim1 writes:
"Even junior center Josh McNeil knows that snapping the ball to two different sets of hands can be an issue.
"Quarterbacks put their hands under there different sometimes," McNeil said. "You've just got to make sure that ball security is the most important thing."
now THAT is Funny
VOLKING writes:
Phil is the guy we need??!! Again, the best of luck in your attempts to defend that position on this site. Like telling the Goldman's to stick with OJ.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
yea, DingoVol, not DingoBat Vol, not the Dingo dog from down under. Can we get this guy for this weekend.? Should we just come over to your house and play poker with your wife and forget about the games on Saturday ?? Your a nice guy, thank you for the invitation. Just worry about voting correctly, we will let you know when we need you.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
I say lure Houston Nutt away from Ole Miss.
FLVol writes:
Jim Leavitt will not be leaving USF..your friend is incorrect. I live in Tampa and follow the program not going to happen. Besides, he is in his 60's and it doesn't make sense. We need a younger coach.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I getting a little tired of all of Mikey the H's comments on Tenn football.
Is he still under his desk?
invisiblekid writes:
He doesn't meet the 5'11, 220lb or less size requirements to play LB for Chief. No matter if it's his natural, prefered position or that he helped his JUCO win a national championship at the position.
Not knocking Wilson or any of our other previous LB's, but I can't recall in recent years them going with anyone much bigger than that at LB.
Striker writes:
You beat me to it! I cracked up when i saw that. I think we should let Josh decide who should start!
Just think of the title possibilities for that!!!
-"McNeil knows who puts their hands under there best"
-"Some Quarterbacks put their hands under there different, just Coleman does it best"
-"Im not always sure who put their hands under there, but i think it should be Nick"
-"It feels best to Run the G-gun under there"
LOL
Striker writes:
New Maxim:
-Ball, oskie, cover, Quarterbacks put their hands under there different sometimes, fumble, Loose, blame, cut and slice, pursue and boo... for this is the WINNING EDGE.
bigorangebolt writes:
Folks:
If coach Fulmer does not turn this season around quickly, we have to bring someone else in.Our program is in danger
of loosing everything-fans,recruitng and money!
I can't believe there is heistation in making changes at quarterback. We don't give a hoot about practice! We care about game results!
I like the Boise State head coach. I also like Coach Pickle at Missouri and I really like coach Cutcliffe.
What does everyone else think?
Go Vols!
Striker writes:
these are my choices:
1) Brian Kelly
2) Bobby Johnson
3) Trooper Taylor
4) Chris Peterson
Id love Spurrier, but his record as a recruiter is less than impressive. We must have a strong recruiter and good head coach
Ironcity writes:
Chavis mentioned 5 guys for MLB and he doesn't mention Williams? That in a nutshell is why I don't like Chavis. He avoids logic when making decisions about our Dee.
Striker writes:
NOT CHAVIS! We need new blood big time...........!!!! I feel if Chavis gets it we will loose fans big time. Stinks for Chavis, but fans need and desire some major changes. Hamilton will have to satisfy the masses. If not, they will not have accomplished anything in removing Fulmer
TommyJack writes:
No Kiffin, No Cutcliffe, No Gruden, No Spurrier. None make a lick of sense.
Striker writes:
Well then tell me what you think of my options? Feel free to rip away, and whom do you think could straiten us out. Just curious, not picking a fight
Volgrad777 writes:
I agree , i dont see Leavitt coming here. Hes built that program up from the ground up and i couldnt see him taking off. I certainly dont think UT would already be in agreement with someone at this point in the season. I also agree if we decide to make the change it will be with a younger , Will Muschamp type guy , who is going to bring in a huge fire and desire to recruit and make this their headliner Job. Only way i see Bobby Johnson coming is if we secretly have some sort of agreement with a current NFL QB who agrees to come back and coach when he retires and Bobby is only here for 5 to 6 years at max.
98reax writes:
What's a Mike?
Can Nick Stephens be a 'Tee Martin Anointed One?' Yes, why not? I want to say we take control early in this NI game. Move the ball down the field and dominate every series and finish with 7. QB2 throws a few TDs, runs like the wind, D is solid and stingy and we come out smelling like a team who can beat the dawgs&dogs, gamehens, tidybowls, commies & kats with a vengeance.
stranger things have happened
fedupvol writes:
Like the comment...still under his desk...but haven't heard anything that Mikey H had said about this mess....has he?? I figure he'd stay "under the desk" until the end of the season when he has to come out at some point to talk to the UT prez if nobody else..he's probably working on another extension for pf if he wins 2 more games! Let's see, that would be 3-9...what a turn around!
SouthDakotaBob writes:
Mike and Sam are linebacker positions denoting strongside and weakside. GOVOLS!!!!
Striker writes:
Remember when he came out firing on the talk shows last year. He was very close to the edge with the fans (guys that pay his salary). It is very interesting how he has been so quiet. He stood by Fulmer like a father to a son last year. But this is not just big business, it it HUGE business. When he starts starts to see the decline in profits that he has already started to witness, get MUCH worse this weekend, he will begin to slowly turn on Fulmer. He has no choice, and it will be very interesting how this all comes out.
Brass turn on one another like a pack of wild wolves when times get tough.
wildberry14 writes:
offensive rhythm? thats a chuckle
jasonn1970 writes:
I don't see Cutcliffe coming here for the same reason I don't see Chavis being promoted. The fans are very upset with the current state of things and Cutcliffe and Chavis are guilty by association in many fans' eyes.
Smokey91 writes:
Had to laugh when I read that McNeil mentioned how QBs throw the ball differently. How do the recievers know how Crompton throws. Most of his are uncatchable anyway. He misses his target more than 50 per cent of the time. If Stephens can get it within a five yard area on a semi-consistent basis, that would be a huge improvement. If McNeil is really worried about handoffs and ball security, he should be leading the charge for a change at QB. To be honest, I would rather lose with Stephens and get him some experience then continue on with JC. Crompton is a liability back there.
tnvol737 writes:
I like Kippy Brown and Cutcliff as options....We need to go with people who have some play-calling experience.
I think it has to be someone with ties to the state, as TN football is really big....I also would like to see some former players brought in as a position coach (Al Wilson is available now).
TommyJack writes:
Sorry, I think Kippy Brown and Cutliffe are yesterday's news. Ties to TN are irrelevant. Just because Al Wilson is a TN legend, does, in no way, qualify him to be a coach. Just promotes the good old boy network that has been a bane to this program. JMO.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Abbreviations for LB positions: Sam=strong-side LB; Mike=middle LB; Will=weak-side LB.
mmhartz writes:
"Clawson admitted that such a drastic practice change - which began on Tuesday - has its challenges.
Cadences vary. Receivers have to adjust to different passes. Tailbacks have to expect variations in how they're handed the ball."
Receivers have to adjust to different passes--like ones that actually hit them in the numbers while in stride and not at their feet, over their heads, behind them, etc.
Tailbacks have to expect variations in how they're handed the ball--like what to do when it is actually put in the basket instead of on your hip, at your knees, tossed at you from the side, etc.
Great insight, coach!
Volumni writes:
We don't have a vacancy yet, or even a new QB for that matter. Northern Illinois is coming, and Georgia, Bama, and the Ball Coach are laughing at us. I don't want to see us do 5-6 again, because that makes people feel sorry for Fulmer. He plays the "World is against Me" better than Bill Clinton!
It's obvious that we're going to see Pumpkin rolling up the sidewalks, trying to shorten games, and play everything close from here on, in a desperate attempt to "Not Lose", i.e Boring Games. I think we'll be informed of an inspirational turnaround in Crompton, and the best we can hope for is split time. Fulmer coaches not to lose, and he has obviously beaten any creative strategy out of Clawson.
Why isn't Hamilton's job on the line here too? He hired Pearl, which was great, but what else does he hang the hat on? Summitt? No. Is our baseball program top 50? No. Tennis, Golf, Swimming, Track? All mediocre.
Get somebody in here who isn't Fulmer's Buffet buddy.
nomadvol writes:
Why not Kiffin.
He was apart of a USC program that has been dominant.
He was head of recruiting at USC for a while and offensive coordinator (I think). I would love to have him. I even heard them joking about on espn radio. I'll take him over Fulmer anyday.
TNMadman writes:
Colin Calheard, just through out Tennessee as a school that might be interested in Kiffin. I know he was totally just trying to start the rumor but I have to admit, I like it.
PreventUT writes:
Who's Coach Pickle?
Oh, you must mean Gary Pinkel.
PreventUT writes:
Do some research on him and then tell me if you still feel that way when you're done.
spvol writes:
Now we know why they don't let Tebow work "under center" very much.
Orange4life writes:
rumor has it hes lazy and gets the plays mixed up. Hell of a player but little under the knowledge of the schemes
Orange4life writes:
why not Chow?
He's never got a shot at head coach, if we would have waited 2 more weeks, he might have beeen our OC anyway. He can definantly handle play calling and coaching offence. makes sense to me
Hunter writes:
Lane Kiffin is the answer. Period.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Fiery discipline orientated coach.
Watch Paul Johnson at GT taking over a program in shambles at GT. It is his way or the highway. Man won at Navy!
Don't think Grobe at Wake would be interested.
hewwheel writes:
You are the first person who said that Phil should stay in about 2 weeks. Have you been hiding under a rock or do you not get to see Tennessee games out there.
hewwheel writes:
Close, but Mike is middle, Will is weakside, and Sam is strongside.
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