When it comes to spring practice, Quintin Hancock has been a big-time player. By the time the leaves change colors, though, the senior wide receiver has been little more than a part-time contributor.
What does all that mean heading into Hancock’s final season with the Vols? For head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff, the answer is nothing at all.
“I’m not worried about that,” Kiffin said. “Whatever happened before was a different time. I know what he’s done since we’ve been here, and we’re really excited about him. We expect nothing except for him to continue to get better.”
Since spring practice started March 10, Hancock has been busy making the most of a wide open depth chart at receiver.
In UT’s 120-play scrimmage two weeks ago, he caught a pair of touchdowns in red zone drills. He’s also been much more physical. Last week, he pancaked defensive back Marsalous Johnson in one-on-one drills. In Saturday’s scrimmage, he even broke free on a reverse for 21 yards.
Hancock’s physical side, combined with his understanding of the offense, didn’t take long to get the attention of wide receivers coach Frank Wilson.
“He’s a smart kid, No. 1,” Wilson said. “He can play all three of the receiver positions. So he’s a very smart young man. The one thing we didn’t know was his physical toughness. We challenged him on that. Last Saturday, he was outstanding. He was the most physical player on the football field, and he’s been consistent with that the last two practices after that. He has it in him. We challenged him, and he came forth and we’re pleased with him.”
Quarterback Jonathan Crompton shares Wilson’s assessment.
“He’s done a tremendous job catching the ball, blocking, running after the catch,” Crompton said. “He’s giving 100 percent effort all the time. That’s all you can ask for. That’s one thing the coaches have commended him on — he’s going to give it all every play.”
For Hancock, each play is a chance to stand out.
“Coaches always talk about trying to get noticed,” he said. “I’m just trying to get noticed.”
That wasn’t a problem as a sophomore.
Hancock played in all 14 games as the Vols won the SEC East and finished with 16 catches for 165 yards – and three touchdowns. Two of those scores came against Kentucky, including a 40-yarder that proved the difference in a 52-50 overtime win that punched the Vols’ ticket to the SEC championship game.
At the time, Hancock hoped his performance against the Wildcats would be a springboard to bigger and better things as a junior.
“I did hope for that,” he said. “But that’s not how it turned out.”
Last fall, Hancock was all but invisible.
After another strong showing in spring practice, he finished without a catch in the fall as UT struggled on offense throughout a 5-7 season. But with a new coaching staff, the slate has been wiped clean.
“They don’t look at the past,” he said. “They look at what’s going on right now. That helps me.”
So does his size.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, Hancock is the closest thing on the roster to the big receivers that Kiffin covets for his offense. That shouldn’t change this fall, either. The Vols signed three wide receivers – James Green, Zach Rogers and Nu’Keese Richardson – but none of the three can match Hancock’s size.
“He can give us that big body we weren’t sure we had,” Wilson said.
The challenge, as always, remains translating spring practice success into production this fall. With one year of eligibility left, Hancock knows the clock is ticking.
And every one of those ticks is one step Hancock can take toward a productive season.
“Every day is an assessment,” Wilson said. “One time isn’t enough. He needs to continually do it, day after day. Our depth chart is etched in sand. It can change any day and every day if you’re not consistent. We keep pushing him, and he’s answering thus far.”
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 100
VolGraduate writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
VolGraduate writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
TommyJack writes:
For those that say CLK says all the wrong things, I say he says many of the right things....especially to, and about, players.
GreerVol22 writes:
TJ, Amen brother!
on another note;
...Quarterback Jonathan Crompton shares Wilson’s assessment.
“He’s done a tremendous job catching the ball, blocking, running after the catch,” Crompton said. “He’s giving 100 percent effort all the time. That’s all you can ask for."
JC, you can't blame the wristbands this year. Think about what you just said and see if you can apply it to yourself.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Agreed TJ. It's also too bad that Hancock is a senior. We may actually find out that he's just as big a stud as the guys Kiff wants in the system.
bebecerveza writes:
If Hancock played last year we would've beat Wyoming!
iowavol writes:
I don't know about 10 this morning, but I read this article over the weekend. Regardless, I've been asking where's Hancock since he was a freshman. He looked like the most dynamic receiver 3 years ago and why on God's green earth we played Rogers over him is beyond me.
dvhill100 writes:
I have been hearing mixed reviews about the receivers. I am glad to see one of them doing the things they need to to get noticed and separate themselves from the pack.
DennisVols writes:
How many players will we see this year that last year did not get the opportunity to contribute?
We finished 5-7 and keep hearing about players such as Hancock that never got to see the field.
Colliervol writes:
Don't like posting b-ball news on a football article but I wasn't sure you guys would see it and thought you'd like to know.
The new Memphis basketball coach is........Drum Roll Please..........Josh Pastner. Good recruiter that Calipari brought from Arizona this past year. Thirty one years old. (I have underwear older than that.) Anybody with a pulse can win in Conference USeless. It remains to be seen if the kid can do anything else. He will get some decent players but probably not what Calipari did. Of course, good ole Worldwide Wes may have a pipeline to Pastner too. Stay tuned.
volnsc writes:
marc, this is truly sad news. Morley was very talented and, I believe, pro material. You have to wonder what goes in their heads.
volroadwarrior writes:
I really hate to see young men blow the chance of a lifetime. Even if they don't make it at the next level they have a chance to get a head start in their careers because or their recognition and connections as a Vol. I guess my view of the past is much clearer than a young man's view of his future. As the saying goes--"if I only knew then what I know now".
Colliervol writes:
Let's face it about Morley. He's a great talent but he certainly has had more than his share of chances. Sad if this info is true but fortunately we have plenty of depth in the secondary to cover for it.
VolMoment writes:
I said all last year, why don't they get the ball to Hancock, he is our best threat. Glad we got coaches that see the talent and can, very important, coach up.
TD_4_UT writes:
I am sorry to hear about morely, I thought with the new coaches he would change his attitude enough to contribute to the TEAM. That's right I said it. I guess he was under Fulmer's rules too long to change. Sad.
volsfannsc writes:
Sad about D. Morley. Thought he would be a bright spot this coming year and I know he had worked hard just to be at UT. Hopefully he will continue his education. Now on to the article.
Could we please just get one article about the team without a Crompton quote? Is his major in public relations? After the heartache of thrills and chills he gave us last year, wouldn't it be prudent of him to remain quiet and let his performance do the talking next year on the field? I read with anticipation these articles until I stumble on a Crompton quote and then the wheels come off and I dredge up all these awful memories of less than poor play last year. My advice would be to just keep quiet and walk the walk next September. I'll become a believer then and only then!
TD_4_UT writes:
I could not agree more, every time KNS talks to any player one on one there's always a comment by Crompton. It's almost like KNS media has an agenda for Crompton and to repair his image from last year.
dvhill100 writes:
Another 5 star athlete whose skillset stopped at his neck. What a waste.
CoverOrange writes:
Maybe it isn't Crompton at all! Look at the picture of him in the Vols Recent Videos. It looks like they stole a figure from the wax museum, propped it up in the tunnel and interviewed it.
As for D-Mo, we'll never know what is going on in his life to understand the decisions he's made but it is disappointing considering he won't even get the education given to him for free.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Don't forget clap-clap-clap.
Colliervol writes:
I'm not kidding fellas. It's not a joke. The guy looks like Peter Brady.
Voluvr writes:
Now you know that we can only play Seniors because lower classmen can't pick up blocking assignments. The reason is our old offense was so complicated.
Voluvr writes:
B'ham news just reported a new corporate sponsorship deal with the Reynolds Corporation for the completion of the new stadium in T'Town. "Considered a smart move by the AD considering all the aluminum foil that will be needed on the "rabbit ears" for the new jumbo trons."
gohawks1 writes:
Hate to hear it, especially after working his way back in the first time.
gohawks1 writes:
Here's a link with more information:
http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/...
Kinda funny, but one part of the article was taken from Pastner's bio, and it goes on and on about what the tigers have accomplished over the past three years, and then states that Pastner has only been at Memphis 1 year.
Voluvr writes:
In an unrelated story, B'hams News reported that state capitol building burned down in Montgomery today. The fire marshal said, " ...before we could put her out it had burned all the way down to the wheels!"
StroVol writes:
What the hell is he thinking. Call Kiffin tonight and make today the day to fix it. This kid had pro size and speed. What a waste.
murrayvol writes:
Players actually getting better. Can that happen?
murrayvol writes:
How many? Hopefully a lot.
jsmithnga#207674 writes:
Glad to see some talent back on the field; don't know what he did to get in the doghouse. Hate to see Morley with all his talent mess up again (he was 1 of Trooper's recruits). For all of you moping about the inconsistent play of our qbs; AJC writes about Cox (the next pheenom at UGA) 1 day he is great and the next he is awful per CMR. Anyway I still keep the faith that CLK & crew know what they are doing.
RJ_Vol writes:
I agree. I was commenting today that it was nice to hear about the "toughness" coming out of spring practice. Word is getting around that this UT team is going to be extremely physical w/ time. And yes, his comments about his players are well constructed and measured. Good point, TJ.
murrayvol writes:
I believed you the first time. I'm sure he'll be just fine.
murrayvol writes:
I think Kiffin and Co. have a default rule in the blocking scheme that says "when in doubt, hit somebody......as hard as you can."
jsmithnga#207674 writes:
Also if I remember correctly, Morley's academics were suspect coming out of high school; there was some finagling(sp) to get him enrolled.
murrayvol writes:
And just who should make that call?
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Mixed emotions about this, if true. Maybe I'm too forgiving, but I'd have liked Kiffin to try longer than this, assuming it's classes while he's got a kid being born at home. Just a thought.
murrayvol writes:
Time was I thought 60 was too old. Not anymore.
Tape your ankles and puke.
TD_4_UT writes:
I agree UTfan this is a horrific loss not only for UT but for Morley. But in the beginning CLK had certain rules and expectations for the player's, unlike before no one is above the law.
murrayvol writes:
Don't know any details but it's got to be more than that. KNS will be all over it.
bluetick writes:
No chit! I wish they would stop asking Cromptons opinion, and doing interviews with him. Ask EB or somebody that actually knows something.
StroVol writes:
Damn it! your right, I'll do it. We need him.
StroVol writes:
I think I know what you're saying, but wow that had me thinking for a sec. LOL
Hounddog writes:
Why are the pussycats who normally envade this website on here trying to "get in our face" about this hire? Uhhh, maybe they are getting ready for the CUSA football?
I went to a friend's house for dinner Sat. night. He is a diehard Memphis fan...I thought a nice dinner,and the Final Four!
He would not allow the TV to be turned on. Happy days are here again in Shelby County.
abnermc writes:
Morley= J. Banks
teampenny#658108 writes:
He does say the right things to players and fans. I do believe we will pay a price for the things he says about others. We right now can not back up the talk. It will be fun when can though. Until then what doesn't kill us will only make us stronger. GO Vols
gohawks1 writes:
Memphis AD R.C. Johnson declared he would make a "wow" hire. Just didn't realize he meant "Wow, why won't anybody take this job?"
StroVol writes:
This new crew will know the law from day one. Mike Edwards, Eric Gordon, Janzen Jackson, Darren Myles, Marsalis Teague. Come to work prepared!! UT puts folks in the NFL and there is no better day than Saturday at Neyland.
Greer_Vol_22 writes:
Rich, your right. I read where he had a 1.64 GPA in HS and then slams out a 22 on his ACT.....thats BS. Tooooo many eyes watching in college for the same thing to happen.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
WOW!! Isn't that what this hire was supposed to be, a "wow" hire? WOW!!
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
ncvol17 writes:
I would guess Morley can enter this years NFL draft and certainly sign a free agent contract if not drafted. His work ethic will impact the NFL scoouts thoughts about a kid
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