With spring practice complete, here is a position-by-position breakdown of Tennessee's improvement in spring practice under first-year coach Lane Kiffin:
Quarterbacks C+
Kiffin tried to hand over the reins to Jonathan Crompton but the senior continued to be erratic. Still, he looks to be the likely starter in 2009. A sore wrist hampered Nick Stephens. B.J. Coleman needs to relax.
Running Backs A-
Montario Hardesty ran as well as ever. Tauren Poole proved to be a great fit for UT's new offensive system. Mid-termer Toney Williams emerged as a surprisingly fast power back. Lennon Creer quit the team.
Receivers B
Gerald Jones overcame a sore hand to have a solid spring. Quintin Hancock proved to be a great practice player once again. That needs to show up in the fall. Denarius Moore and Brandon Warren closed strong.
Offensive Line C
The Vols' veteran group ran the ball well but struggled in pass protection. Jarrod Shaw and Cody Pope fought for a starting spot but neither truly captured the moment. Cody Sullins is the big surprise.
Defensive Line A+
End Chris Walker is worth a letter grade. Then there's tackle Montori Hughes, who had a great spring. "Contain" isn't the name of the game any longer. Expect this defensive line to make explosive plays in the backfield in 2009.
Linebackers C
The Vols spent half of spring practice understandably lost as they learned a new defensive system. Valuable practice time was lost playing Rico McCoy at strongside linebacker before moving him back to weakside, where he's best suited.
Defensive Backs Inc.
The Vols lost safety Demetrice Morley (dismissed) and cornerback Brent Vinson (shoulder surgery) and never had a complete Eric Berry, who was recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Still, most young DBs improved, namely Stephaun Raines and Dennis Rogan.
Special Teams C
Punter Chad Cunningham seems more comfortable in UT's new/old fashioned, tight punt formation. Placekicker Daniel Lincoln needs to be more consistent.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 49
SEAL_9821 writes:
Not to bad. I'll take that considering it's a new scheme. What I saw yesterday was a football team that played for a purpose. They were fundamentally prepared and did the small things that have been missing for so long.
VolunteerMan writes:
Coaching?
Volumni writes:
How many slams can you get in that show bias and still call yourself a "journalist"
No Grade on Coaching?
Hack
govols1295 writes:
I think over all it was a good spring. Kind of worried about pass protection but besides that I think we will be fine. I would give a B overall.
Fryinpansvols writes:
I sure am excited about our boys this fall. Yesterday at the scrimmage game there was a lot of excitement in the stands. I would take a 7-5 or 8-4 season as long as we can beat one of the big 3. I hope Crompton is not starting Quarterback. Brandon Warren looked like a beast out there and I sure can't wait to see what the new recruiting class brings. Go Vols kick some butt in 09!
DennisVols writes:
As long as we are going forward, then we are not going backward.
Got out of spring without any major injuries which really shows how good the conditioning is coming along. CLK took off all protective jerseys and there was some hard hitting out there.
UF couldn't even play their first string players during their spring game due to all the injuries. GA continues to be plagued with injuries this spring.
Volumni writes:
Great point Dennis! One that I think can be directly tied to the strength and conditioning workouts that had everyone in shape.
Hope that trend carries over.
RoadTrip writes:
I disagree on the O-line grade. The guys practiced against a top tier SEC D-line and held their own for the most part. No stunts on defense yesterday while playing man up and our O-line did well enough that the offense racked up some big yards. They may get outsmarted by scheme in the real games, but as far as man on man they are pretty good and in much better condition. I had them at a B. Agree with everything else. The voluntary work-outs and August practices will seperate the men from the boys and build a true team spirit that has been lacking for years.
If it was me calling hte shots I would be getting BJ all of the snaps he could get. He has the most upside by far. We start with a cupcake to get our feet wet, so he would have time to get more comfortable before going to the swamp.
NelsonKent writes:
I saw a running game that may very well be top 7 nationally and a defense that might be ready tomorrow. Problem is , there is not a qb on this squad that can put the ball in their hands. Looks as though we will use the tight end often for quick passes that do not require very much timing, although Crompton had 1 good one Saturday.
That being said, If our defense plays as I expect and Berry is healthy we may win several games 10-7 and 14-10.
NelsonKent writes:
I also must add that CROMPTON still has not learned to look off a receiver. It appears that when he calls a number in the huddle once the ball is snapped he cannot take his eyes off of him. He might as well during the snap count call out the number of the man he is throwing to. BJ has much better mechanics but couldnt hit Kiffin Saturday if he turned around and threw to him! Bottom line we do not have a QB worthy of starting anywhere in the SEC and this scares me!
VAvolfanRON writes:
I have to agree with Hooker's assessment.....then again, i only 'heard' the game....but, what the Vol posters are saying and the announcers.....seems about right
VAvolfanRON writes:
Now that is what scares me the most.......Crompton needs to at least look at the 3rd of 4th reciever first....then come back to the 1st or 2nd.....if not just for a bried second.
he does lock in!!
mattavius writes:
B.J. Will the man eventually , I don,t care what any of you think. That,s just it plan and simple......Crompton looks like a more athletic Joey Matthews..........Stephens is not much better.......Our Couching Staff is smart enough to know this..so write that down so you won,t forget.........Hey, He was the #1 pick by one of the recuiting services........HE NEED REPS!!!
VAvolfanRON writes:
you are back?......i still haven't seen you post that 'you are wrong'
can you do it?...are you capable?.....i just want to see you admit it......
VAvolfanRON writes:
for those of you who haven't read the article...go to the posts of "what they are saying about the o/w game"...if you want a comedy show....you have to read gatorz posts...
this guy is a character....oblivious
VAvolfanRON writes:
yea the part about calling vol fans stupid?...
and i reponded......you said earlier that you only post facts and that you do not resort to name calling.....so, which is it dumbarze?.....
do you ONLY post facts?....or do you NOT resort to name calling?
VAvolfanRON writes:
again....this is another post that i expect to read "i am wrong"....
see you can't say it...you don't have it in you.....
just admit it, i will respect you ALOT more
DennisVols writes:
Try to remember that the gator trolls on here have limited mental capibilities. They are so mentally challenged that they can't even find their own site.
That being said you can understand why every post from them is a weak attempt at putting the UT team down so they can try and feel better about themselves.
If they actually knew anything about football they would have the ability to think objectivly and not just post fact less rants that anyone with an IQ above 10 or is not a child can see is pointless.
So have pitty on them they have spent most of their lives with their heads under water.
DennisVols writes:
Watching the game on SS and they are at practice with the coaches mic'd up. Man what a difference in how this staff runs a practice with intensity, passion and competitive nature. CMK is a presence along with coach O and CLK.
txvolsfan writes:
Good thing Urban Cryer is warming up Brantley because he will need him once Walker, Walks all over TeBlow!!!
sidwalkvol writes:
I am not sure we all saw the same game. I saw the quarterbacks make several in-play adjustments and thread the needle more than once. One of the deep balls was on the money and dropped. Which is to say, thought the timing was pretty good. Crompton did sail one and threw one at a receiver's shoes, but I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable he and the others looked.
thebjd#424943 writes:
Crompton had two TD passes dropped, one by the tight end in the endzone and the second was a deep ball to Moore that was simply missed. I was impressed with the arm except for the pass thrown directly to Rico. Nick looked worse than the other two and BJ seemed a little wound up. He had a tight end or fullback slip out uncovered and missed him by 15 yards on what could have been a huge play, possibly six points. BJ looked really good though on a few drives. I really thought Poole looked strong at RB.
sameolvolalum writes:
Hey fellow Big Orange fans. Some of us are still responding to the mindless interloping trolls even though most of us agree that the only effective way to deal with them is to ignore them and communicate only within our own group. This "Oh, Yeah!" bubba attitude simply encourages those low-lifes and keeps their garbage coming. Personally, I get sick of weeding through their mindless wanderings, so would you please consider your Big Orange buddies and stop responding to them? Thanks and go Vols!!!
DennisVols writes:
I agree, I saw a lot of positive things watching the game tonight. Switching the QB's out through out the game it is hard to develop a rythem. The running backs were very impressive, especially Williams.
UT's D will make and get plenty of turnovers this year expect Berry to look even better(I know that is hard to imagine).
Ball control will be key in the big games and this team appears to have that ability using the backs and the play action passes.
NS will improve alot over the summer as he gets his strength back in that throwing hand. CLK will put the best QB on the field no matter who we think should be. We need to hit the delete button on what we saw last year from our QB's and if our opponet go into a game thinking about what they saw last year they will be surprised.
belayvol writes:
Did you see the photo spread of the O&W game? In every picture of the D on a tackle, it looks like they are trying to strip the ball.
DennisVols writes:
Yes I did. I really enjoyed the halftime video of parctice. The coaches where pumped up and it was clearly rubbing off on the team. Watching coaches piling on top of tackles made by the D, listening to CMK screaming at players telling them to pick it up, watching CLK running from drill to drill.
I saw an intensity level not seen in a long time, maybe since Gen. Neyland, on the practice field. This had to be quite the culture shock to many of the players compared to what they had prior to this year.
I liked what I saw and feel that this years team will be totally different from what we have seen before.
sameolvolalum writes:
I'm hoping Mike Rozier can do a Chris Weinke with the Vols this fall. BJ or Nick may rise to the top, but if Rozier can pull off a surprise for us, maybe we can open up the offense a bit. Otherwise, it looks like pounding the rock and creating turnovers with our D is going to do the most. I think 8 wins is realistic.
VAvolfanRON writes:
was it you that posted a comment about 'walter' and jeff dunham?
belayvol writes:
Yep, that was me. Ol Bobby Douche reminds me of Walter. Gets up every morning with a case of crabs and a raging rhoid just to tell the birds singing to shut up.
Rockytop98 writes:
Any word on Oku, someone at the game told me he have grade issues? Can anyone confirm or deny? BTW, I give the team a solid B! GO VOLS!!
99gator writes:
how the heck do you give grades for the spring?
what are the grades based on? the running backs are an "A-", but the o-line is a "C". that makes sense.
it's a series of practices and scrimmages with unproven players who for the most part don't know what they are doing yet.
you can't grade that
CedarHillVol writes:
I think Hooker couldn't think of anything else to write about. Report cards seem to me to be that persons opinion. You would hope the sportswriters would be objective in their reporting. My hope is that the reporters see the vols enough to give us accurate grades.
OrangeCrush writes:
Mr Lincoln, don't look over your shoulder, but there's a walk on kicker breathing down your neck...
abnermc writes:
Was Rosier wearing # 9 jersey?
CalPoly_Vol_Fan writes:
Hey SEAL_9821 what bud/s class were you in?
Bloodrunzorange writes:
It was great to see CLK in the Offensive huddle until the very end. That was impressive. It was a world of difference from last year. This years spring game had a "game day" feel. Go Vols!
ColeTrickle writes:
Secondary-Furlow deserves some praises. I watched the O&W game on TV, so I wasnt there in person but from what I saw he laid a couple nice solid hits. If I recall he had a perfectly timed leap/toma hawk chop in G Jone's face and broke up a shoulda-been complete pass.
old_number1 writes:
There is alot of talent on the team that has never been utilized. With that and the incoming freshman, there are going to be many, many people in the nation surprised!
ColeTrickle writes:
i agree... I think we have lots of hidden talent, a few nice surprises and obviously some great players coming in the fall! I can not wait until Brown, Nu'keese and Oku suit up in June!!! I am sure Kiffin is anxious too!
ColeTrickle writes:
I give them an A. the lazy/problem players were weeded out along with all ties to the "old system". CONFIDENCE to a level seems to be restored. The QB situation and offensive line will take TIME. The biggest thing is the players seem to be EXCITED and seem to be having FUN! which IMO is the most important of all. That is what its all about enjoying the game you love and having FUN!!! The best palyers will shine when they are following intsruction that they can grasp and have FUN while doing it. I think this staff has done a great job in achieving that!! Go Vols!!!
ColeTrickle writes:
now if we can only get Coach Kiffin in the huddle and the backfield during game situations and keep the other team from running blitz packages I think we could win more than 10 games...if we were playing Florida and the ball got picked-off I honestly think Coach kiffin would clothes-line the ball carrier! Go Vols!
old_number1 writes:
You mean Monte, right!! LOL That would really be a you-tube highlight! Can you imagine the uproar! Every recruit in the nation would want to play for that coach!
snoopbob87 writes:
What I see in this Vol football team! There is a high level of intensity. Each play is being judged by the coaches and they want burst of speed, perfect technique, not missing a single opportunity to score on offense or defense.
These UT coaches rouse the spirit of players like happens at Bama, Florida, USC, Oklahoma, Texas.
However I do not see the speed of Gators or the size of Bama, yet. The Vols may yet slay one or the other in 09.
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
Stephens: will take the rein soon- faster release, been in the heat of battle against the best- with a horrible coaching staff upstairs (clawson)
Crompton: UT wideouts do not need anymore brusied shins
BJ: Too wound up, his release is too slow and mechanics are not there-will consider transferring soon
Rozier: A solid Scout Team QB
gnm53108 writes:
Agree with running the ball 60-70%.
The stable is full.Freakin use em!
gnm53108 writes:
Good post.
Still pullin for Nick,But BJ is looking better and better.
And I really need that delete button,for last years auwfense.I've been trying my own way but I'm killin my liver.
gnm53108 writes:
Horrible Coaching?
You are being too kind.
tnbanker_govols writes:
Quarterbacks are definitely the biggest weakness right now. I was at the game Saturday and Crompton pretty much looked like he did all last year. The "Crompton" experiment has about reached its end. The guy's had ample opportunity to step up....at moments he's looked sharp but those sharp moments are vastly overshadowed by his overall failure to execute during gametime. If he's the best we have right now, we better start developing an elaborate running game.
brokebackvol writes:
Well, at this point I'm going to settle for a winning season. The boys in orange are still quite skilled, and we will see improvement, but I'm worried about the QB position. Maybe one of the three will play well enough not to cause too many boo-boos that cost games. Turnovers will happen, but brighter days are ahead.
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