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In the latter stages of Tennessee's second preseason football practice Wednesday, freshman tackle Montori Hughes, resting on one knee, bellowed to his defensive comrades, "Make a play."
I immediately made a note of his request for a couple of reasons. First, it's impressive that a couple of hours into an August practice, a 300-pound tackle has sufficient stamina to scream with that volume and conviction. Second, Hughes doesn't act or sound like a true freshman. That was evident in the spring, just a couple of months after he enrolled at UT, when he repeatedly made plays and noise.
I probably shouldn't venture any further without disclosing that my practice report is highly prejudiced and narrowly focused. I entered the gate with an agenda, not an open mind.
In a word, my agenda was "freshmen," which hardly requires an explanation. After a 5-7 season, this team needs a talent upgrade. That's where an acclaimed freshman recruiting class comes in.
And that's why every move of UT's freshman running backs and wide receivers is worthy of scrutiny.
I was disappointed in Bryce Brown, the nation's No. 1-ranked high school running back and the most significant signee of first-year coach Lane Kiffin's head-turning stretch run in recruiting. I was disappointed because I expected Brown to - if not fly - at least distance himself from mere mortal defenders in a single step.
That's what watching too many YouTube highlights will do for you. I was prepared to see a encore of Reggie Bush's game against Fresno State his junior season. All I saw was a running back with size, cutting ability and speed who looked surprisingly comfortable in a college offense and got better as the practice progressed after a comparatively slow start.
Brown's performance wasn't without an Arian Foster moment. A defensive back punched the ball out of Brown's arms as the running back broke into the open field.
Fellow freshman running back David Oku also arrived with considerable billing, though not of Brown's magnitude. Oku got everyone's attention right away with a long run, featuring a sudden cut and a burst of speed that carried him deep into the secondary.
Granted, these guys aren't even in pads yet. But UT's second practice, like its first, was anything but non-contact. Amidst all the jostling and hitting, you easily could forget the players were padless.
And sometimes, you forgot the freshmen were freshmen.
Freshman Marsalis Teague showed an aptitude for playmaking at wide receiver. Oku and Brown frequently showed their pass-catching ability, which Kiffin emphasized in his post-practice meeting with the media. He also pointed out how quickly those freshmen had picked up the offense.
The significance of that is two-fold: No one, other than opposing defenses, picked up UT's offense last season; this team can't afford a slow start.
You can write off Florida in Gainesville on Sept. 19, but the other four games to open the season are in Neyland Stadium, and all four are winnable.
An opener against Western Kentucky and a Sept. 26 game against Ohio University should provide the Vols with their easiest Saturdays. But UT also should be favored in home games against UCLA in week two and Auburn in week five.
Both the Bruins and Tigers won close games at home against UT last season. This time, the Vols will have the home-field advantage and maybe - if the preseason continues as it started - a freshman advantage as well.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Comments » 58
KJVol writes:
John, nice article. But we still remember that sack of hooey that you dished out last week.
bluetick writes:
"That's what watching too many YouTube highlights will do for you. I was prepared to see a encore of Reggie Bush's game against Fresno State his junior season. All I saw was a running back with size, cutting ability and speed who looked surprisingly comfortable in a college offense and got better as the practice progressed after a comparatively slow start."
That is your fault.
Hughes is for sure the sleeper of this class. I think that guy is going to be All American. I also won't be surprised of Oku beats out Brown even though Kiffins talk of Browns swagger has out done Oku's to this point. People seem to fight the hardest when they are backed up into a corner.
I'm not yet ready to count a loss in gainsville. Again, we do best with our backs against the wall. Anything can happen but it does seem a bit unlikely.
cloudodust writes:
I was at the 2007 SECCG. In the 4th quarter with the game still on the line, Tennessee had 4 Freshman playing pass coverage at the same time. Both safeties and corners. Without a doubt, Freshmen will play. After all, we're looking to the future...
Volition writes:
"An Arian Foster moment"?
come on, now John. you should be better than that. that's cheap.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
Florida is going to be an uphill battle, but seriously, quit writing it off before either team has teed up the first kickoff.
I just remember a top ranked gators team playing a first year UT coach, that coach came out to the students with the banner speech... "We're your team, I'm your coach, and we're gonna kick Florida's (butt)" and we did... with a bunch of guys who "weren't as good." Nothing wrong with believing you can do the improbable.
FWBVol writes:
Hey John, if you can predict the future so well and are promising a Florida win, do you have some Powerball tips for us?
I think Tennessee has a better chance of beating the Gators in the Swamp than Appy State had of beating Michigan in Ann Arbor, but I will admit it's going to be an uphill battle for the Vols in Gainesville this year.
ArealVolFan writes:
You are so incredibly stupid its funny. UT will have 4 wins before the second week of October.
ArealVolFan writes:
Oh yeh, and by the way. We are better off with Kiffin. We would not win 10 games with Phil or had as good a recruiting class with him. Let go of the past. And for the record I'm not a Phil hater. I loved him and everything he did for my school, but a change was needed. Please, go be a fan of another team.
TnScooby writes:
Well now we are "dolts"...4-8? "Just Say No" because somebody is smokin' somethin' to post that....8-4 and a bowl is more likely, even with the Freshmen CLK will have to play....Such negativity....4-8? C'mon, gimme a break...Even Gator fans know better...
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Agreed. 2nd all-time leading rusher.
tennezz writes:
The buzzard is circling again!
ArealVolFan writes:
That is true, but we have had a dozen guys far better than him.
bearbull95#206250 writes:
You don't understand the mindset of the coaches and players right now. There are going to moments in several games where one or two plays will hinge on a 4-8 season. Last year, those plays went the other way and much of that was about the mindset and attitude of a team that was demoralized early and stayed that way as a result of knowing they had a lame duck coach. Yes, it's a physical game, but never forget that it's a team sport where the chemistry, discipline and the collective will to win in many instances make up for the atleticism of an individuals. This year, when those defining plays occur and the 4-8 season looks like it may occur, don't be so sure..you dolt
ArealVolFan writes:
Well, I think its one of those things the billing for Brown was so high you just kind of expect him to look like Reggie Bush on day one. People forget that things take time and Brown is learning a new system and is playing at a new level. He will be great but you have to crawl before you can run. Its all relative expectations, Brown was very good in practice but he made mistakes and looked like a Freshman. I wouldn't expect that to last long though.
Volition writes:
i'd like to see your list before agreeing with you. you know what would be tougher than writing that list, though? name one UT RB who's been a bigger scapegoat. he'd probably top the list for being the most unappreciated, too.
wrt Adams, i've seen this sort of drivel all over the boards, but i expect a little better from a professional journalist.
GahLee writes:
You guys should quit being so hard on Adams'...granted I am not for his apparent love of Florida and Tebow, but just cause he covers the Vols doesn't mean he is a Vol fan...he has to take an even-kieled approach...I can respect that...at the same time, comparing Bryce to Reggie is unfair...Reggie was a once in a generation type player.
As far as us going 4-8...well it's a possibility, just as much of one as UT beating Florida...all things are possible, just ask Garnett...when we they start popping pads?
GahLee writes:
Webb, Cobb, Garner, Graham, Stewart, Lewis, Stephans, Henry, Riggs, Houston, hell Hardesty is better...Arian was an average at best running back, could have been better had he not try to bounce runs to the outside so often...he also had more costly fumbles than any back that I can remember.
Scapegoat? I think not...Randy Sanders was a scapegoat, so was/is Crompton, also see Dave Clawson...Foster just choked in the clutch.
TSNSD4UT writes:
It's hard not to beat on Adams with his open backhand slaps at our Vols and unashamed love of anything UF or Teboyish..
KennyPowers_UTfan writes:
Adams, you rock! And I'm afraid your right about Florida beating our brains in on 9/19... but I hope we win the rest... Go Vols!
TSNSD4UT writes:
IMHO Sanders wans't a scapegoat just a poor playcaller before anybody say's 98 NC that was coach Cut's game plan.
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
Goes to show how much I disagree with Adams. The one team I'm most worried about is Ohio. Did he not notice them almost beat Ohio State last year? They're loaded this year, and it's a week after we play UF. It's the biggest trap game on the schedule, IMHO.
KennyPowers_UTfan writes:
Dude, put the koolaid down... we beat Ohio by 4 td's. Florida will beat us silly, silly! But we have a shot at the rest of em.
ArealVolFan writes:
Don't get me wrong. I appreciate most of what Foster did at UT. That being said, he did manage to cost us several games. At any rate I would say (in no particular order) these former running back were better than Foster
1.Travis Henry
2.Jamal Lewis
3.Charlie Garner
4.Travis Stephens
5.Reggie Cobb
6.Johnny Majors
7.Cedric Houston
These are about all I can think of that I would place ahead of Foster, so at best off the top of my head he ranks 8th. There could be other guys I'm forgetting too. Probably, some older backs from before my time. I just think these guys were better RBs than he was. Hopefully, by the times all the backs we have now are gone he will be farther down the list.
OldSmokey writes:
Awesome post!!! You are DaMan!!!!
rich182x writes:
9-3 this season, with a win over florida, but a dismal loss against ohio.
rich182x writes:
And now that practice has started, no more recruiting news : (
volaholic45 writes:
Have to add Chuck Webb
vol88 writes:
Just as long as the team hasn't written off 9/19. Other than that, good column.
G8er_H8er writes:
good article John. You can't win for losing with this bunch.
secsecsec writes:
Great column. The expectations of us fans for the "stud" incoming freshmen like Bryce Brown are off the charts. Many fans do imagine him as the second coming of Reggie Bush- and maybe he will be. But it is better for him and for us to be reminded that each of the awaiting SEC teams also have their own stud players and new recruits- and everyone has speed and size. The running may be tough sledding in the SEC- some freshman adjust and grind it out- and some get down on themselves because they aren't getting the touches or getting 200 yards a game. Thanks for the practice report. I would have went there with an "agenda" on evaluating the incoming freshman as well. We need them to be able to step in and perform at an SEC level of play very quickly.
GAVol21 writes:
Why don't we just skip that game? You know forfeit? Everyone knows we are going to lose anyway. Who wants to call Urbie and ask if we can just have an off week that week and that we yield to the mighty Gators?
I agree VD. Let's make the trip knowing we have a shot. I do not think CLK is the second coming, but think the Vols have a great chance to win.
Look at last year. We had more total yards than they did, fumbled twice inside the 5, had an int and allowed a PR for a TD. We have a better D, they are without Harvin and our O is more improved than their O.
I'm not saying we will win and not calling a shot, but for God's sake, get your tail from between your legs.
GO VOLS!
GerryOP writes:
Right on MakerDew!
30 -- Fear The Kiffin...
footballtime writes:
Adams went to practice with an agenda...imagine that...Adams went practice with an angenda against Fulmer...now this former Jock washer was out playing up a freshman class that has yet to play a college game giving praise and some insults to running backs that dropped a ball...Adams you are fooling nobody we all know your slimeball style do the right thing and resign it is time our local paper got some real news worth reading
footballtime writes:
great comment Dan you are the man indeed...keep it up
GerryOP writes:
Not sure what article you guys read, but my reading is that Adams speaketh the truth. Cynical but true.
From "The Devil's Dictionary" by Ambrose Bierce:
"Cynic, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic's eyes to improve his vision."
footballtime writes:
Adams is a cheap shot artist not a man...he is punk that could never play at this level and he is jealous...I would not blame Hardesty or any other player that boycotts this puke...Adams is a bench rider pure and simple never forget that
footballtime writes:
expecting a freshman to run like reggie as ajunior wow Adams you have lost it haven't you? get on a plane and leave please resign
footballtime writes:
jesus I wrote Hardesty well atleast I do not payed to write unlike this clown and my mistake is just that a mistake no agenda except to see Adams leave Tennessee
BigOrangeVol writes:
Taking a shot at Arian is so totally classless yet so totally Adams!
Let’s understand that in his Freshman season Arian started out on the Scout Team. He didn’t get a shot until Riggs went down and promptly turned in five straight 100+ yard games where he averaged 148.4 ypg and 5.05 per carry. He ended the season with 879 yards and 5 TD’s as well as adding 148 receiving and 37 yards in KO Returns. He generated 1,064 all-purpose yards that year. More that 25 percent of his carries produced first downs and he was tabbed as a Freshman All-American second team. Did I mention that he played with a torn meniscus in his left knee and a shoulder injury that required surgery after the season? By the way, Arian didn’t go home to San Diego that summer, instead he stayed on campus and focus on rehabbing his two surgeries and getting himself into condition.
2006 was terrible for Arian because he was injured most of the season but still had the heart and desire to get on the field and help his team. He only got 4 starts all season, missed two games completely, had only 14 total carries in 5 other games, only averaged 13 touches in the other six and still ended the season with 570 yards. If he hadn’t tried to play the entire year with a busted ankle things would have been different.
He was All SEC second team in 2007 despite playing through a knee injury that required surgery after the season. He still piled up 1,193 yards on 245 chances with 12 touchdowns. His 1,650 all-purpose yards rank second on the school single-season record list. After that stellar season he had the opportunity to go into the NFL Draft as one of the highest Running Back picks but elected to come back to UT and remain with the Vols.
His Senior season was ruined because of a idiot Offensive Coordinator that cost him millions of dollars and his slow recovery from the knee surgery. He had one game that he couldn’t play in and three more that he shouldn’t have even attempted to play in where he only got 3,6 & 8 carries. Regardless of all the injuries, all the surgeries and all the drama that he had to deal with he still ended up as UT’s second all-time rusher in school history. With no QB, no passing threat, no O-Line, no Offensive scheme or continuity and every opponent stacking 10 in the box what he accomplished in 2008 was remarkable!
To tab him as fumble-prone is ridiculous! He had his hands on the ball in over 740 plays and fumbled 7 times! Two of those were botched handoffs that were the QB’s fault. You find any back that has had 740 touches and I guarantee he’ll have over 5 fumbles that were his fault. Arian finished his career with 3,880 all purpose yards, 25 TD’s and 4 surgeries…HE GAVE HIS ALL FOR TENNESSEE!!!
What has Adams ever accomplished or given UT with his pitiful, worthless, jock-sniffing and petty little existence? NOTHING. Screw you Adams!!!
GAVol21 writes:
I agree. Get off Foster's back. He was great his whole career. He couldn't pick his OC or QB. Hopefully, he will continue to represent US in the NFL.
Go Vols!
GAVol21 writes:
I agree. Most reports from the media have written TN out of this game completely. The most frustrating part of that is a lot of those reports and articles have been written by (supposedly) TN media.
Even if I believed we don't stand a chance (I know we do), I wouldn't say it the way it was written in this article. Don't lie and say we're going to beat them 60-0, but be optimistically realistic. Don't provide locker room motivation for your team. Let FL and AL do that.
Go Vols!
TNVolsFan writes:
It looks like you are the one with the agenda. Adams tells it like it is. Get over it.
gatorhator5033 writes:
I say play them. play them now....No more waiting until they learn some blocking protection phooey..
LET'S GET IT ON!!!!!!!
givehim6 writes:
OK, 4-8, well sence you are so full of, { he he} predictions tell us what 8 teams will UT loses too? Last year was UT's worst year and we got 5 wins.
Volition writes:
again, this may all be true. but you've gotten away from my original point.
there's no need to say "An Arian Foster moment". just say a fumble. it's much more professional, and the writer wouldn't come off like a jerk with a grudge.
for the record, i never said he was the best RB, or the second best or the tenth best, just the biggest scapegoat and the least appreciated RB i can remember.
also, everyone on that list has fumbled, and without looking at the numbers, i would be willing to bet several on that list had a higher fumble to TD and fumble to total yards ratio.
classless move, Adams. classless.
OrangeMaelstrom writes:
I'm not disagreeing with all that you say about CPF and some questionable decisions he made over the years, especially with some of his coaching hires on the offensive side. I was personally sad for CPF last year but his overall plan at UT wasn't working anymore. But you're dead wrong about John Chavis. Ask any HC and/or DC on the college level and they will tell you Chavis is one of the best. In most years, his defenses ranked in the top 10-20 in most statistical categories. Arguably his best job was done last season- scoring defense was near the top of the SEC. Recall that there were several INTs and punts taken back for TDs last year- not Chavis' problem! His defenses kept UT in many more games than I care to remember. The last and most important point- how many days past before John Chavis had an interview for DC at a major program? 1 or 2? He TURNED DOWN f*&^ing Clemson to be DC at LSU! Yeah, he sucks...too bad we'll be facing that attacking championship Bayou Bengal defense in the future...
SLOBBER_knocker_U writes:
Heaven forbid that somebody steps up to Florida! I'm tired of everyone saying that we are going to get slammed by Florida. We are still Tennessee! Everyone in the nation might be scared of Florida and on their balls right now,but We aren't! I predict that Tebow will throw at least 2 int's and the game will be closer than everyone thinks. SCREW ALL THE TENNESSEE HATERS!
txvolsfan writes:
IDIOT!!!
rockytopatl writes:
I"d also add, at the very least, James "Little Man" Stewart, Jay Graham, and from a much earlier era, Curt Watson.
deadheadvol writes:
hey duh-man, roll one out of your bag.
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