KNOXVILLE -- If Janzen Jackson and Darren Myles Jr. hadn't been put under enough pressure to perform as Tennessee true freshmen, Eric Berry sealed it Wednesday afternoon.
Berry -- a unanimous All-American last season as sophomore who is on pace to smash several UT, Southeastern Conference and NCAA records -- said both freshmen safeties are more ready to play than he was his first year.
That would be a sight to see. Berry's first two collegiate seasons have featured 158 tackles and 12 interceptions returned for 487 yards -- 14 yards shy of former Florida State star Terrell Buckley's NCAA record.
"As soon as (Jackson and Myles) learn the playbook, I feel like they're going to be incredible," Berry said after Wednesday's three-hour practice. "Y'all look at me now and think of me as this guy, but they came in here with a lot more natural ability. Seeing how they get to the ball and some of the plays they make, it's pretty incredible."
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Comments » 30
GOBIGO72 writes:
Future is bright and it is Orange! Go Vols!
cloudodust writes:
'Hope for the best, expect the worst' was a Dave Clawson motto every time our offense took the field after the first half of the UCLA game '08. This is not 2008. Personally, I'm looking for 'Hope for the best, expect better'. I have a strong dislike for slinging accolades to any unit before snap 1. Prove it...
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Lawd, pls let Stephenson have at least a A- or B+ year.
If you don't mind.
Suffering Vol's fans.
writer#358485 writes:
I too am excited--can't hardly wait until Sept. 5. Despite John Adam's love affair with Florida, we'll go into every game, including Sept. 19, with a good chance to win. New era, new players, new attitude, new beginning. The past was good (with the exception of a couple of years) the future looks to be even better. Surprise everybody and win them all or most of them. Go Vols!
longball writes:
Thank you for wasting 20 seconds of my life that I could have spent thinking about Tennessee football.
volfan2002 writes:
Hopefully we can also get some good news at linebacker as this seems to be our weakest area on defense. We seem to be in excellent condition in the secondary.
pms151 writes:
The problem will be for the coaches. You do not want these kids watching EB on the field instead of watching their assignments.
The more experienced DB's should play with EB. SEC defenses will ignore him if they think they have a youngster to pick on.
If CLK is looking to the recruiting future by playing these kids early based on recruiting promises is not yet clear. Typically though, once the highly recruited kids, no matter what they were promised, get on campus they see how over rated they were and settle in with the talent pool.
EB is an exception to the rule. He is a true Vol from the family thing. PM was from a family that relished SEC coaching, but did not start early. It is a flip of the coin, but it's in educated hands not ours.
No such thing exists on this blog. Not in my mind or others. Why don't we all just trust and see what happens. We are now in serious double digits and counting down!!!!!! Let's come together!!!
Go Vols
Cldvols1 writes:
On defense the DB is def our strong point, the DL is coming along well, and not necessarily a need at LB but for someone to step up with McCoy. Offensively RB's pretty strong...and young, the OL I think will be fine, recruiting some nice targets at WR. At QB, well, hopefully a consistent leader will emerge bc it was hard to watch last year. Go Vols!!!
yardboy#538962 writes:
Whole season comes down to Florida game. Tennessee has a chance to win IF they can convince Florida of same. Take it from someone who lives down here..... We are going to need backs like never before. Lookin good and lookin forward to season ahead.
GerryOP writes:
30 -- Fear The Kiffin...
Volunatic writes:
Stephenson?
(I know, you meant "Stephens". I fully agree, though if Crompton does well, that would be okay with me also.)
99gator writes:
folks,
the good news is that tennessee's future looks brighter than its recent past.
the bad news is....it ain't in 2009. some of you all need to come off of the kool aid high.
1. this team is going to play a lot of freshman. rewards from that will be reaped at a later date, but, not in 2009.
2. the defensive line has a hard time putting out a first string, let alone finding backups. see the wes brown article. he will be playing out of position and with bad knees. that's a problem.
3. the offensive line has no depth and what is going to be on the field could not overpower wyoming or northern illinois. tennessee hasn't been able to punch someone in the mouth for a while.
4. the qb's. i don't even have to go into detail on this one.
these are just the glaring problems that have red lights flashing and sirens blaring. there are other problems as well.
the goal of this team should be to make and hopefully win a bowl game.
most every game is going to be a dogfight and i am talking about the games tennessee is "supposed to win".
it's a new year, new attitude, new coaches, but a lot of the same players. the new players are 18 year olds and you don't win on the road in the SEC with 18 year olds.
i know most of you already get this, but i get the feeling that some of you think this team will go 10-2 and that's only because florida and alabama are road games. that, and florida and alabama will both get lucky because CBS, ESPN, and the SEC will screw tennesssee out of a sure win.
this is a major rebuilding project. kiffin is trying to lay the foundation. there are a lot of steps to go through after laying the foundation before the building is complete. the foundation hasn't been finished yet.
TennVolAlum writes:
We are obviously all impressed with Eric Berry's on-field play.
I am doubly impressed with how Eric Berry is speaking with the media off the field. He's respectable, humble, and always courteous. While he was on the sideline during the Orange & White game, I asked for a photo with him during the last ticks of the game. He said, wait till it's over. Upon completion, he came over took a pic with me and my daughter, signed an autograph for me and others, then joined up with the rest of the team heading to the locker room. I hope for nothing but success for this young man.
1974Vol writes:
Thanks for the buzz kill 99! I agree somewhat but when I look around the SEC I don't see any juggernauts other than Gators and you guys are one (Tebow getting hurt) play from being 10-2, 9-3 yourselves. Bama, and Georgia have no proven QB’s and LSU has to prove it can play as well with Miles recruits as Sabans. There are some teams that could be dark horses in this league – Arkansas, & the Vols come to mind. You saw what Saban was able to do with an infusion of Frosh talent and a new attitude at Bama. Granted that was year 2, but I don’t think the Vols are as down as Bama was when Saban took over. I know its woulda, coulda, shoula, but TN was only 3 plays away from being 8-4 last year – Foster fumbles in UCLA & Auburn games and OL int by Wyoming. UCLA game should tell a lot. But hey its August everyone is still undefeated.
carolinahurricanevol writes:
COME AND GET SOME URBAN!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MA2jy...
gnm53108 writes:
I like your insight and opinions,just dont agree here.
The cupboard was not left empty.
And about our defensive line...the same thing was said about last years squad,but our D was very much on par with yaw's,Al's,heck anybody's.
Hopefully our awfensive woe's went to bowling green.Just two years ago our offense and especially our OL were just fine.
Let us drink our kool-aid.Our hopes and dreams are high again on Rocky-top.
99gator writes:
i guess the best way to illustrate what i mean would be to mention south carolina.
now, i get the feeling that most people on this board consider south carolina to be a joke, an easy win, and not on the same level of tennessee. (i'm talking about right now, not historically).
the fact is over the last four years, tennessee is 2-2 against south carolina.
one of the wins was in overtime (due to a fortunate bounce of an arian foster fumble) and the other was by 7 points.
everyone is ready to jump up and take a bite out of the big boys and i completely understand that.
but, everyone better pay attention to the ucla's, south carolina's, auburn's of the world and not be totally surprised if tennessee falls short against this kind of opponent. because those fan bases think they can very easily pick up a win against tennessee and they aren't exactly pulling that from out of thin air either.
chargervol writes:
Everybody had better be ready to slug it out every game or anybody could get surprised. That is what makes college football so great, it doesn't matter how you start, its how you finish. There is a long way to the finish line for every program in the country, bar none. I can't wait to see what happens throughout the year. 99, you are the most civil of the gator posters on here. We might not see eye to eye on everything, but, at least you try to stay at eye level. GO VOLS!!!
cloudodust writes:
You are right, and you are wrong. Starting and finishing may not be equally important in the polls (except Sagarin) but we gotta come out of the box smacking them in the mouth. Somewhere down the 2009 line, CLK will get his signature win against a SEC opponent. It's gotta happen before Vanderbilt and/or Kentucky. On some UGA boards, they've spoken of our D being weak, of a weak secondary, too (exception being #14)...I want them to keep thinking it....and let's give credit where credit is due. If not for the pass rush and secondary/linebacker pass coverages, Berry would be a bit further away from breaking any record.
UTANDNOBAMA writes:
Hey whats the deal with the Funky stripes on the jerseys...? Anybody know if this is a permanent fashion statement?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Geezer moment.
Didn't see enuf of him last year to remember his moniker.
1974Vol writes:
I agree in theory but what years did SC beat us? 2005 & 2008 when we had losing records. Outside of WKU and Ohio the Vols don't have any "Locks". But I think we beat Vandy, KY, Memphis, Ohio & WKU. UCLA, Auburn, SC, Ol'Miss, and GA at home are swing games. I think we win 3 of 5. Then you have Gators & Bama everyone is writing off as loses. Low end we go 7-5, high end 9-3. Either way its way better than last year. Most Vol fans would be happy with 8-4 a win in a bowl to get us to 9-4 and be in every game until 4th qtr. Hardly call that pie in the sky.
PoochPuntOn3rdDown writes:
99gator,
Just a few things about your posts that have been sticking in my craw recently.
1. Please use Capital Letters. I don't know if that's your "thing", but it's annoying.
2. I know a few on here have a man-crush on you and your "insight", but I personally would rather ignore a post by PerdedorVol than suffer through one of your condescending downers everyday.
3. Having a Devil's Advocate is great, it keeps things in perspective. But, it is much better when it is solicited and is someone on your side that you trust, not one of the enemy.
4. You are preachy and you make the same point about our QB's day after day after day. You have no idea how they are going to perform this year. I don't either. I personally think that your QB will suffer an injury after two years of wear, but I don't go on your board everyday and throw that in your face.
Obviously, the goal of this team should be to make a bowl. Anyone with any sense came to that conclusion the day we hired Kiffin. He, however, has elevated first year expectations with his obvious recruiting ability, and his staff's indomitable energy. We expect more, and are glad that you and yours underestimate us. There's a team in Mississippi that knows the value of lowered expectations.
Just because you are a Florida fan does not make you an expert on college football. I went to a private college that had a great criminal justice department, but that doesn't make me a CIA agent...
PPO3D
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Pooch, are you trying to say Tolstoy was his great uncle, 12 times removed?
LOL
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
I continue to be baffled as why the gators insist on opening the season with the biggest cream puff teams they can find..Considering your the defending nat. champs; opening your season with charleston southern is an embarrasment to the program and the SEC; what happened??? Wasn't North Texas available that week?? How great would it be to see the Gators play Notre Dame or Oregon on week 2. In state FIU; I kind of understand that; but USF would have been a more exciting game..The AD needs to wake up and smell the coffee!!! At this point the gators should fear NO TEAM!! Heck even Bama and Georgia added top 25 teams to their season openers.. Your AD needs to grow some b*lls because the Gators are national champs and should act like it!!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Good story line and comments from Eric.. I knew these guys were good but the talk of natural ability is a great suprise..I sure got tired of seeing our DB's get beat inside the 20 yard line last year more times than I could count.. I sure won't miss seeing Morley shaking his head with his hands on his hips after a touchdown because he reacted late or was out of position
give_him_6 writes:
You are one of the only Gator boys one here that actually knows what he is talking about, so I'm gonna go easy. You are partly right in what you say. There has been some Kool-Aid drank and some unreasonable heights aspired to. BUT...when things turn around, as they are now, you can't keep expecting Fulmer and the same old team to run out of the tunnel when we tee it up for real. The fact of the matter is, IT IS NOT BUISNESS AS USUAL ON ROCKY TOP. And all the other "fans" had better get used to it. 10-2 is the fokls are not drinking Kool-Aid but Jack Daniels!! 9-3 is a REAL lucky season. 8-4 is where I'm thinking we will fall this year. WE will probably win one we shouldn't as well as lose one we shouldn't. But that's what makes them fun. You do forget that we had the #3 Defense in the COUNTRY last year with mostly the smae guys we have now playing significant snaps. You add to the fact that most of the incoming freshmen are on the D-side of the ball. All the experts revel in the fact that Florida gets all these freshmen who are ready to play in the SEC. Well, take off your rose-blue-and orange colored glasses and understand that Kiffin is recruiting game breakers and that Phil is at the local Krispy Kreme. The worm had turned and you won't be able to just phone in a win when you play the Vols as you have the past few years. You must look at your own situation...THE GATORS are just a QB injury away from being very basic on offense. You have NO proven backup for Teabow if he gets hurt because Meyer leaves him in to pad the Heisman stats. You are also looking at replacing Harvin. No small feat. If the guys there behind him were that good, they would have gotten more time in. Your D is great and that's about the best thing you have going for you. You just don't see a team bring back that kind of talent and still recruit it . Good Job!! All in all, Tennessee is coming up and the rest of the SEC will to look out!! Just not this year. But as the old saying goes, if you going to get us...get us this year cause it may be a while after that!!
Go Vols
calvol writes:
99 gator:
Get off of our cloud. The orange kool aid hasn't tasted this good in a while. August is the time for optimism and hopes for a great season from all fans. Don't be such a buzz kill. Uno Mas kool aid por favor!
TnScooby writes:
Never been able to get high on Kool Aid but DO have high hopes for this season....IMO 8-4 is VERY realistic and with a LOT of good fortune, 9-3....Attitude alone may carry the day in a couple of games...while I tip my hat to the teams who are at the top of the league, SC and Auburn are not, and coaching has been the difference in those 2 series recently.. There is much to be said for "mindset" "gameplanning" and just pure "confidence". The feeling in Big Orange Country is more upbeat now than any time in recent memory...CLK has notched up the rhetoric for sure, but sense of urgency and preparedness make a huge difference in tight ballgames which UT came up short in last season....That being said,IMO this staff will make sure teams like Wyoming or Northern Illinois will be just what they SHOULD be, UT wins and nothing more....Zone blocking is a difference in philosophy that CLK has brought to the OL and one that few folks have made mention of.....I feel like this will create so many oppotunities for success in the running game AND pass protection...OL depth is a concern right now but if the recruiting pattern continues, OL could become the strength of future CLK teams...I don't think playmakers will be a problem..I just think depth on both sides of the line will take a little more time...I say "Be Patient", 8-4 would have gotten CPF a raise and extension according to his last contract-nothing more ...But 8-4 for CLK will get him off on the right foot...And I think ALL Vol fans can appreciate that...JMO
give_him_6 writes:
Get lost you troll!!
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