Tennessee quarterback Nick Stephens returned to practice Tuesday after missing Saturday’s scrimmage.
“I took Saturday off; I think that’s helped it a lot,” the junior said, referring to his healing wrist. “I felt better out here today. I can still feel it obviously, but it’s to the point now that I can tolerate the pain.
“I’m doing everything they ask me to. I’m not pulling myself out of anything. Whatever they ask me to do, I’m going to do it.”
UT’s coaches asked Stephens to take the day off on Saturday. A slightly hasty return to the practice field caused more pain than he should have had to bear for a practice in April.
“He probably could have gone if it was a game-type situation,” UT head coach Lane Kiffin said. “But to have these days of rest . . . was more important.”
Stephens suffered the injury just before spring practice during a workout drill. Since returning to practice on March 24, Stephens has had to deal with pain and weakness in his right, throwing arm and hand.
By giving him a day off on Saturday, UT’s coaches and Stephens hope the Texas native will be without limitations for the remainder of spring drills.
“I think it was a smart decision because it gives me a chance to get five more practices in and end up strong,” Stephens said.
Sophomore B.J. Coleman received more snaps in Stephens’ absence.
“I thought B.J. played really well, did a really good job, pushed Jonathan (Crompton) and played better than Jonathan in the scrimmage,” Kiffin said.
Kiffin said he was pleased with Coleman’s response to losing first-team snaps to Crompton earlier this spring.
“We challenged him, ‘How are you going to react to the adversity?’ ” Kiffin said of Coleman. “A lot of people could have thrown it in or pouted. He didn’t do that at all. He came out and really worked hard at these drills and it carried over to a great Saturday.”
Warren Report: Receiver Brandon Warren had No. 1 back on his practice jersey Tuesday. The junior had the number removed for disciplinary reasons.
“He went a number of weeks of doing things right,” Kiffin said. “It wasn’t anything on the field. It was off the field, doing things right in the classroom and around campus.
“He got his number back and he’ll have to continue that to keep it.”
Injury Report: Kiffin said senior defensive lineman Wes Brown (left knee) and junior tight end Luke Stocker (head) are day-to-day with their ailments.
Brown practiced for a very short portion Tuesday before removing his shoulder pads and pulling himself from drills. Stocker did not attempt to practice.
Visitors: Signee Darren Myles Jr. was on the sideline for Tuesday’s practice.
“Just can’t wait to get up here,” the defensive back from Carver High School in Atlanta said.
Fellow Atlanta standouts Da’Rick Rogers and Nash Nance also made the trip north. Both are prospects for the 2010 class.
Rogers, an athlete, has scholarship offers from several SEC and ACC schools. Nance, a quarterback, reportedly has offers from Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Central Florida, Chattanooga and Harvard.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee 60, Connecticut 57 men's…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
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Comments » 76
WPAINE writes:
First
CoverOrange writes:
Question: if Brandon played without his #1, did he have another number or a numberless jersey? Enquiring minds want to know!
VAvolfanRON writes:
Wow...what an article.......alot of information!!...love it......
Coleman, Stephens, Warren, Myles and recruits!!!......i love it
101st_AIRBORNE_VOL (Inactive) writes:
blank jersey
VAvolfanRON writes:
i need to go back the my days of experimenting before i can tolerate a question like that!!!!!!
VAvolfanRON writes:
ooops....i thought he was joking
VAvolfanRON writes:
Get in there Nick......competition makes everyone better!!....
RoadTrip writes:
We need you Nick. Need BJ to have some competition to make both of you better.
VAvolfanRON writes:
man do i agree with you.....but if you are over the age of ...say.....35....it's more like hindsight now.....@ 14-25 i was indestructable...nothing bad could happen.....and the more risk the better.....if we could just explain our mistakes to these young farts!!!!.....
VAvolfanRON writes:
this may be a time to post this.....it's a recruiting opinion.....
on the offensive side, here is a list of who i'd like to see come on board (IMO)
QB: Jake Heaps, Phillip Sims
WR: Robert Woods, Demarco Cobbs, DeJoshua Johnson, Christian Green
TE: Christian Thomas, Brian Vogler
OT: James Hurst, JaWuan James, James Stone (nashville), Matt James
OG: O.C. Brown (memphis) Zak Tait (k'ville) Eddie Turner (Memphis)
Others that are not on their list:
WR: Darius White, Kyle Prater, Trovon Reed
OT: Seantrel Henderson, Damien Robinson
OLB: Justin McCay, Jordon Hicks
DE: Jackson Jeffcoat
MLB: Jeff Luc
S: Alec Ogletree
I didn't say RBs because of our group.....
anyone have some to add?....
Defense later if you guys care to discuss
VAvolfanRON writes:
oops...i already posted defense on the list of the others that we aren't on their list...
belayvol writes:
Heaps is our best quarterback. Let's get him!
SignalMtnVol writes:
To be perfectly honest, he didn't look any better than Crompton last year. I would like to know how you came to your evaluation of Coleman, since we saw him attempt a grand total of 8 passes?
SignalMtnVol writes:
I definately would like to see Markeith Ambles on the WR list. I also agree with you on Darius White. At 6'4, he's the "big" receiver Kiffin wants.
thevoice writes:
Nash Nance. We need this guy for publicity. He'd be an shoe-in for the all-name team.
VAvolfanRON writes:
Ok signalmtnvol and richrollins....this is fun for me....i just love it.......i have your picks written down..(btw rich, i havent posted defensed yet)....but James Carmon is on it....JC tho....i think he may be a tad too small!!!!!!lmao
the other guys yall posted ill look at...I just love this phooey
VAvolfanRON writes:
ok..for the defense
DT: Garrison Smith, James Carmon, Cassius Marsh
DE: Corey Lemonier, Ronald Powell
MLB: V.J. Fehoko
SLB: Ladarius Owens
WLB: Jim Poggi
S: Dietrich Riley, Tyrone Cornileus, Pat Swilling (who?)lol
CB: Johnavon Fulton, Jonathan Mincey
SignalMtnVol writes:
Jonathan Crompton 51.5% comp. 889yds 4td-5int 98.1 passer rating
Nick Stephens 48.5% comp 840yds 4td-3int 108.3 passer rating
I'd say that's 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. By proclaiming stephens to be the best QB, he's implicating Coleman, the only one we haven't seen a lot (any) of. He's also been the best QB statistics wise this spring.
VAvolfanRON writes:
yea....he's a stud....im not giving up on him with this staff.....unfortunately he's on UF's list
VAvolfanRON writes:
check out this guy that RichRollins pointed out.....James Carmon.....6'7 370!!!!.....now that's listed....so he may be 6'6 and 360!!!!!!lmao
TotalPackage1 writes:
Great POST! Tremendous Insight! Will you please provide us with more of the same...something like telling us what positions come after First...as a matter of fact, why don't you show us some REAL talent and see if you can be the 11th to post...that would take more talent that drooling over your keyboard waiting on a new story to post...as a question, what kind of feeling did you have when you actually were first? Did you email all your buddies to tell them of your accomplishment? PLEASE STOP!
VAvolfanRON writes:
I saw his name somewhere on rivals and/or scout...so he must be pretty good....but, the best all-name all american would have to be Jimmy Noonan....now that was a fun name to say!!!
BlakeyWakey writes:
I have talked to the players and they say that B.J coleman by far is the best QB
vol_chaz writes:
Nice comments from CLK regarding Coleman. It proves my theory that Crompton is a All-World in practice, but put some pressure on him without the green jersey in a scrimmage, and he falls apart. Stephens got hooked from games last year because of his terrible attitude, not due to his ability. He's got the big arm, but he's got to show he can lead.
jcherrie#219531 writes:
I hear the talk about Heaps and he's the one I'd like to see us get too.
But Crompton was a 5 star and Coleman was a 4 star. 3-star Stephens was ranked comparably to Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy.
I'll grant you that Tebow and Sanchez were 5-star boys -- but so was Ron Powlus and Brock Berlin.
Anyway - is it really possible with 3 highly recruited QBs already here that we can't find a starter?
old_number1 writes:
Too f...ing funny! LMAO!!!
VAvolfanRON writes:
I sure hope you don't think i've given up hope on our QBs!!...click on my name and read some of my posts...i'm confident that these coaches will mold one of them to the top....i was just thinking of the future....my wish list if you will
gnm53108 writes:
Doesnt suprise me.So far this spring it's just been between BJ and Johnathon.
We'll have to wait and see when Nick gets his feet wet.
Get well Nick.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Dupree said the jersey had a question mark on it.
He is seldom worng.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Crompton was a 5 star in a backyard division. BJ is going to be the man midway into the UCLA game if not sooner.
GreerVol22 writes:
“I thought B.J. played really well, did a really good job, pushed Jonathan (Crompton) and played better than Jonathan in the scrimmage,” Kiffin said.
guys, I have not seen any of them play this spring, but when the head coach makes a statement like the one above, it tends to stick. My guess is he is waiting to see if Stephens can catch up otherwise BJ just might be the man.
SignalMtVol was spot on with his comment.
TD_4_UT writes:
I know everybody has an opinion and mine is not that important but here goes. Crompton--No Stevens--Maybe Coleman--Hope So I saw what I saw last year. Plus I have to beleive in Coach Cut's evaluation of BJ. He has coached some great QB's. By the time fall rolls around I hope this coaching staff has what it takes to give him a chance to show himself.
JMP_Vols writes:
Interesting question - one that many Vol fans were probably asking themselves after last year ended.
I think it will come down to who looks better going into the season, Coleman or Stephens. I believe at some point Crompton will play his way out of the starters role. Not sure when, but it will happen.
So, number two on the depth chart will have an opportunity again this year, I'm just not sure at what point. Unfortunately, I don't think we see any good QB play until 2010.
My take is that B.J. Coleman is the best QB on the roster right now. He'll play at some point this year and enter 2010 as the starter.
StroVol writes:
As the play book grows, Coleman will seperate himself from Crompton. He'll adapt and improve, while Jon....well Jon will be Jon. Staring that quick slant down even during his cadence.
Docrok writes:
I think you are dead wrong! Kiffin said he is going to play the best players and I have no reason to doubt that! If he says Coleman was better than Crompton then expect to see Coleman! And Coach Cut recruited Coleman and that tells BJ has the tools and the ability if someone will just coach him up!
Docrok writes:
I trust that the coaches know who would be best for UT and have a plan to get him on board! And if Coleman is to be the man, he has 3 more yrs of eligibility and thus making signing a QB only minor need as opposed to an absolute necessity!
Docrok writes:
I agree with the Nick Stephens possibly giving us a W in those two games and I agree Stephens was better, however not head and shoulders out in front! The difference was marginal but in those two games marginal difference puts a W in place of L !
TommyJack writes:
Must agree with Fan4. Put another way, anybody but JC.
Docrok writes:
But that being said Stephens was as bad as Crompton in the Wyoming Game! No denying that!
jbc writes:
Stephens looked the best last season. He must have had some other issues when he got pulled out. You have to have at least some degree of particular character and personality traits to be the starting quarterback.
ColeTrickle writes:
last years stats from the God-forsaken "clawfense" are useless as far as who will be the better QB in coach Kiffin's system. that is really what it boils down to is who will rise up and play the best in HIS system and seperate himself from the rest. IMO I think BJ will be the man, I base that off my personal opinion of him, i think he has the better overall mechanics and composure... but the reality is we are only guessing... unless we watch them practice all spring and fall we are just shooting in the dark.
JMP_Vols writes:
I also feel Kiffin will play who he feels is best.
When did Kiffin say Coleman was better than Crompton? He said Coleman played well in the scrimmage, but I don't think the depth chart was changed based on Saturdays performance.
That might change this fall, but for now JC is top on pecking order.
Bottom line is however JC practices, he's not a gameday player. It may take a few games before the coaching staff realizes that and makes a change. So that's why its important who moves up to #2.
Stephens or Coleman will get a chance.
StroVol writes:
"Ahoy poloi!, We're you been? A Scotch Ad?
StroVol writes:
We beat UCLA, Auburn, and Wyoming. We are 8-4 and headed to a bowl game. I'll take the outcome of those losses and smile. Lane, Monte, O, Cheney. I feel good about those losses.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Stay after it Nick.
You'll get the call, soon.
JMP_Vols writes:
Actually have to stick up for Fulmer here.
Could you imagine the outcry if Fulmer trotted Stephens or Coleman out there ahead of Crompton?
This is where Rivals does us a disservice. Stephens/Coleman may both turn out to be good players, but lets get real, they aren't the second coming of Peyton Manning.
What if Stephens started and struggled for 3-4 games? How would the fans react knowing we have a former 5-star QB on the sideline. Total outrage probably.
Sometimes fans can't be pleased no matter what, but Fulmer didn't force him on us. You can't blame him for trying to get behind and develop Crompton. The system was new for all three QB's
I refuse to believe Stephens or Coleman was light years better than Crompton leading up to last year. Their performance doesn't suggest that at all.
rockytop#413695 writes:
Not buying the thought that if BJ becomes "the man", that will discourage us from recruiting a top QB for next year. Freshmen rarely start, at least not with much success. Even Manning didn't start until everyone else was hurt. How many freshman QBs come in as prepared as he was?
I think CLK will do just what he did at USC. He'll bring in a top notch QB and let him learn the system for a couple of years, then take over fully prepared when it's his turn, ie., Palmer, Leinart, Sanchez. We will really be in trouble if we have to rely on a true freshman QB next year, no matter how talented they are. Any smart QB prospect will know that and want to be at a place where he can learn the system and be there prepared when his time comes. Look at what happened to Clawson at ND! All the talent in the world and he was thrust in way before he was ready. I'm not hearing his name mentioned for the Heisman (Heistman).
I've always had hope for Crompton and hoped he would pull it together and become the man, but if it's BJ or Nick, then I think that would be even better. BJ would have three full years to develop and then Heap, Simms, or whoever could take over and keep the ball rolling.
swordandshield27#325334 writes:
Docrok I must agree...
It may be better for the program if BJ turns out to be our guy long term. That gives us more than just 1 year to bring in a QB that is a good fit. Looks as though the 2010 class only has 2 or 3 guys that would cut it in our new system anyway.
If you are looking at crisp throws/accuracy from the videos online I would rate the QB's Coleman/Stevens/Crompton. As I have stated before, I hope Crompton can pull through and be successful, however, it looks like he is playing himself out of the job. I think the next week and half will be very interesting and I cannot wait until the O/W game on the 18th.
SignalMtnVol writes:
I didn't say either one was better, I said they had comparable stats. I thought Stephens looked more comfortable, but they produced similar results. The numbers are indisputable.
VAvolfanRON writes:
yes, I know that movie all to well.....a classic...
But, Jimmy played defense in the late 70's/early 80's...
and yes, he was Noonan-ed to death for every one of his plays!!!
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