Tennessee freshmen have been seen but not heard since Aug. 9.
That has nothing to do with the new era of UT football. That's a carryover from the old regime.
Since the 2004 season, UT has made freshman football players off limits to the media, except for a few instances. And although this year's freshman class has been similarly sheltered since media day a couple of weeks ago, I would expect that to change when the regular season starts.
Head coach Lane Kiffin won't change the policy to accommodate the media. He will change it to accommodate recruiting.
Kiffin has been promoting freshmen since his first day on the job. He told veteran players and recruits alike that freshman players would be judged on their performance, not their class. And he promises to treat them all like professionals.
The preseason camp bears that out. True freshmen are scattered all over the depth chart. They're competing for starting jobs as well as playing time.
And if they're good enough to play, they should be good enough to interview.
For example, Eric Berry was good enough to start the first game of his freshman season at UT in 2007. He also demonstrated on media day that he might have been the best interview on the team.
Nonetheless, he was treated like every other freshman. He was treated like a second-class citizen.
Don't get the wrong idea. It's not as though freshmen are craving to meet the press. Neither are the veterans for that matter.
But learning to deal with the media is part of being a college athlete. It's even more a part of being a pro athlete.
UT sells its program, in part, on preparing players for a career in the NFL. Interviewing is preparation.
I can appreciate a program trying to lessen the load on a freshman student-athlete as he makes the transition from high school to college. But it's not as though a media horde will descend daily on freshmen.
You can limit the access to freshmen as you do to veterans. Just treat them the same.
If a freshman doesn't want to interview, that's different. Players shouldn't be forced to interact with the media.
But it's no big deal to most freshmen, many of whom were inundated with interviews during the recruiting process. I talked to four freshmen - Marsalis Teague, Nu'Keese Richardson, David Oku, and Janzen Jackson - on media day. All were above-average interviews.
By allowing them to interview, you're not just preparing them. You're promoting them.
You're also promoting your program, because - fair or not - a freshman who can interview as well as play will have a better shot at post-season honors.
That brings us back to recruiting. When you're trying to sell a high school senior on the opportunities he will have as a freshman, it helps to show what another freshman has done with that opportunity.
Another reason why Kiffin should allow freshmen to interview: Alabama coach Nick Saban doesn't.
Alabama isn't just one of the programs UT is chasing in the SEC. It's a program UT must recruit against, inside and outside the state.
So shouldn't UT seize any advantage it can? And shouldn't it want to tell a recruit, "They'll play you as a freshman at Alabama, but they won't let you get the pub?
"At Tennessee, we'll treat you like a professional. But not just on the field."
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 53
CoverOrange writes:
JA, will you ask Nu'keese what he dreamt last night?
Talk about self serving drivel.
stayingorange writes:
Who cares. I'd say freshman interviews would be low on the list of priorities for coaches, players, recruits and even fans - basically everybody but the media. Go to class and learn to play the game.
the10sevol writes:
it's about earning their chops with their peers, their teammates. once they prove themselves in battle (games), then they can be out front with the media. until then, pipe down, rook!
GBO
buzz29 writes:
Nice try with the simplistic angle John, but being good enough to play as a freshman does not equate to being "good" enough to interview. Stop worrying about promotion, being a second-class citizen, etc., and focus more on what each player contributes to the team on the field. Nothing like the media to feed the sickness called "individualism".
warriorman86#667191 writes:
So you guys don't want to hear what they have to say?
Hucklebuckle writes:
This is the same whinny cr*p that we hear from Griff everytime he is on the radio (I usually turn the station when he is on). If you don't like the rules find another job that will pay your to mooch off others. UT doesn't exist to make your life easier! ....I'm just tired of you newspaper boys crying
vw writes:
I agree with JA, lets interview them. Any advantage over other teams like the bama criminals should be utilized
SEAL_9821 writes:
I wouldn't let my dog interview with John Adams. From reading your columns John, it's most likely realistic that any coach along with the AD doesn't want players interviewing with you, much less than the other columnist. Learn to post some positive vibes on UT football and pull your head out of Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators @$$ and you may get that interview.
panties4tebow writes:
If you don't like the rules adams "family" then pack your bags and leave.......Don't let the door hit you in th behind leaving!!!!!!!!!
InertGas writes:
You know man, it's like you know freshman at UT should be like allowed to talk to the media. You know.
MrBamSeydu writes:
I agree with the first comment.... worthless column here, John. And I'm not an Adams basher; I almost always agree with you.
For starters, of course you're going to have this opinion... you ARE media. Secondly, not doing interviews as a freshmen won't affect someone from being a good interview in the NFL. They have anywhere from 2-3 season after that (4 if they were to redshirt at some point) to become a good interview. Freshmen are usually also given interview tips and plenty of practice behind closed doors. Just because the "media" can't use it to THEIR benefit doesn't mean they aren't already practicing doing interviews.
Lastly, the end of your column was the worst part. Lane Kiffin has said he doesn't negative recruit. Whether you believe that or not is up to you, but if true, we don't need to tell recruits that Alabama doesn't give them an opportunity. We only need tell them what opportunities we DO give them.
madmax22 writes:
UT should change the policy, but they should wait until the KNS actually hires competent journalist that are capable of conducting a professional interview.
Catfish writes:
Blow nit out your rear you self-centered bunghole. This is the same phooey that eventually led to an all out war on Fulmer and his staff.
newtonrail writes:
This was why JA was after Fulmer early and often. It hurt his feelings he couldn't talk to the Frosh. Some, like Berry, are ready to interview, but most aren't for awhile. There is no way I would have wanted to do a press interview as a freshman or later for that matter. Saban isn't the only one that restricts interviews. I know LSU still does, and pretty sure Ole Miss and Arkansas do. Not sure about the others.
murrayvol writes:
Agree w/Expat. Take the bibs off. Free the freshmen. It'll pay dividends over the long haul.
Good article John Boy!
BillVol writes:
Freshmen shouldn't be allowed to play varsity sports anyhow, much less be subjected to the questioning of the media. Good rule by UT. Adams, you are way off base on this one.
volfan1kingsport writes:
Agreed!
GBO!!!
Joevolsxtra writes:
Today's tough question: Who would you rather ride to an away game with: Chip Kain or John Adams?
KINGKONG writes:
another boring column boy JHon adams is the best in the business
BuckFama writes:
Hear, hear!
Bigger_Al writes:
KNS needs a fresh look at which trolls they let write for their paper.
Fire "Tuscaloosa John" Adams!
balloonman writes:
Jack Ars is a self centerd dweeb!
RockyTop_Tampa2 writes:
NS needs fresh writers
swclaw writes:
I don't think CLK is dumb enough to fall for this garbage. What's next?? Maybe Adams will profess the self-interest that if he is allowed to attend the coaches meetings and all recruiting trips that it would help our wonderful University that he CARES SO MUCH ABOUT!! Good Lord, what a ridiculous article.
tripper writes:
So you are saying no one would be interested in a Bryce Brown interview right about now?
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
Leave the gag order in place. Find something else to write about JA.
nmbr1vol writes:
Adams, when you're not tearing down the program that puts a payceck in your pocket, you're whining.
I never take the time to post on any other blog, but this one. I do so with the sincere hope that either you listen to the feedback of your constituents and change your approach or that the KNS recognizes the discontent and makes a change for you.
gnm53108 writes:
Interested? Yes.
But more concerned that he gets acclimated to college life as a student and a rb in the toughest conference if college football.
samjrr writes:
Talking to the media also needs coaching. Maybe they need a year or so to sit back and learn what not to say. Just watch how there coach does it. He seems to say all the right things.
jadarm writes:
Would you like some cheese with that whine?
The kids will learn their cliche's as they grow older. Perhaps you need to adjust to the rules at hand John and find another angle for today's story.
doggonevol writes:
boo hoo
Hacksaw57 writes:
Adams needs to spend more time in getting rid of the redundant articles on this site rather than worring about whether Freshmen should be interviewed or not. Just scroll down the page and you can find the same article at least three times.
As far as the Freshmen issue is concerned, when Coach Kiffin and UT decide to change the policy it won't be because of Adam's demands but what is in the best intrest of the player and the team as a whole.
Why dosen't he go interview Monte? Why - because he he wouldn't understand what the heck a genius was saying to him.
Go interview Pat Summitt. He won't do that because she would bite his head off and spit it out.
Go interview Raleigh and find out what the problem is with the Vols baseball program. He won't do that because it's not important and besides, baseball is a MINOR sport.
I guess we will all have to suffer for the inconveniences of Mr. Adams.
secsecsec writes:
This seems to be an interesting, well written article by Mr. Adams. But not very persuasive. The crux of the article seems to be that if Coach Kiffin allows freshmen to be interviewed- then it will help with recruiting. The odd thing is, of course, is that these are the very same recruits that were obtained with the policy in place- including signing the #1 player in America.
I think that the piece is rather self-serving, Mr. Adams- and not particularly effective. For example, you list Nick Saban's freshmen policy in your article as a reason to allow freshmen to be interviewed, because as you noted, Saban also doesn't allow them to be interviewed. But here's the thing- Saban has had the top recruiting class- as listed by either Rivals or Scout- for each of the past 2 years. The evidence doesn't seem to suggest that either school's recruiting is being damaged by the media ban on interviewing freshmen.
But I am curious- what questions do you want to ask the freshmen? Perhaps you could persuade me to your side of thinking if you could write another article indicating some of the questions that you would like to ask them. I am interested in learning more about the new guys as well- what do they think about the speed and physical nature of the practices? How is the food, etc...
If I were a reporter- I would be angry about the policy as well. But as a fan- I think that more harm than good can arise from allowing reporters access to the freshmen. The media has a way of "making a mountain out of a mole hill"- and the freshmen might be naive enough to perhaps think that the media is their friend. I think that a year of reading sports columnists' opinions should dissuade them of that idea.
rockytop4ever writes:
Sounds like Adams has some issues cause they wont let him in to interview some kid. Thats pretty low to write an article just to push your own agenda. Keep em coming I need a good laugh every now and then! Go Vols!
NCVOL03 writes:
Freshman come in the program to learn the game and the politics. Putting a high profile newcomer infront of the camera could make the prospect not appear as sharp as he maybe. They are being groomed to represent our school.
kjohnson008 writes:
You JA bashers have serious issues. Yet somehow you all continue to read and respond to his articles. I guess it's a love/hate thing.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Maybe a little preparation and practice now will cut down on a few of those "you knows" later. It cannot be doubted that interview skills help get an athlete favorable evaluations in competing for honors and even in getting drafted later. Good interview skills show effort in improving oneself off as well as on the field and definitely help an athlete get those lucrative endorsement deals as a pro. There is no downside to allowing freshmen to be interviewed, IMHO, as long as all involved show a little judgment and reasonable restraint.
gnm53108 writes:
"Judgment and reasonable restraint"
You do realise that you are talking about journalists.They dont have any concern for the student athlete or the university that they are representing.Their only concern is to sell newspapres and creating controversy is their favorate tactic.
A-FREAKIN-specially the one that wrote this article!
gnm53108 writes:
To any of yaw up toward k-town.
Nashville just got hit pretty good with a alot of rain and wind,didnt last too long but you probably dont want to be on the road when it hits.
Yeh,even you John.
VolunteerLifer writes:
Adams, you need to take a fresh look at the sewer that has become the vocation of journalism. Here you are advocating a change purely for 1) satisfying the curious interest of the fan or 2) just for the success of the program's recruiting efforts. In your zeal to get the scoop you've forgotten about the idea of the right thing to do for the young men themselves.
My first days as a freshman at UT, I was in a state of complete bewilderment. I was immature and poorly spoken, but didn't know that I was. I would likely have responded to a stranger's interviewing question if I had been a football player. If a celebrated freshman says something stupid to a reporter, the whole world knows it and he is embarrased and distracted from the difficulties at hand of getting oriented and off on the right foot at UT.
Think of the kids for a change Adams, and not how many papers you inky wretches are selling.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I see your point. However, if journalists, or at least certain journalists, don't or can't exercise those traits, then the UT SID can do it for them. No reason to silence the players and shut out all media just because some are lazy, lying hacks.
gtown_vol writes:
Yeah, that's all these kids need is Adams in their faces.
I think what needs to be revisited is Adam's employment status covering a team he can't stand.
Come on John, wouldn't you love to pack up and head out of town? You could cover Urban every day!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well, of course, no true fan wants to see young guys who may be shy or have trouble expressing themselves or might say stupid, provocative things hounded by reporters while they are trying to get accustomed to a challenging new environment. The thing is, in today's college sports media world, reporters are not allowed to just chase guys down willy-nilly and ambush them for interviews. It is my understanding that ALL requests for interviews must be made through the Sports Information Office, and no one says all such requests should or would be granted. The SID and coaching staffs should have a pretty good idea which freshmen are articulate and mature enough to be interviewed under what circumstances. Some, such as Eric Berry when he was a freshmen, or by all accounts Bryce Brown, might be available whenever they choose. Others might not be available at all. It is just possible that a single blanket policy of NO freshmen interviews except possibly on Media Day may not be the best one in the modern sports-media environment.
buxavol writes:
Let 'em all have a media-redshirt year, give them a chance to experience SEC football & mature for a year. Then, hopefully, they won't spout off something they might someday regret.
footballtime writes:
Adams...just please leave our state...I doubt many seniors will speak to you these days let alone some freshman who doesn't much about your slimeball antics...AHH why bother you are an idiot and a closet case everyone in Ktown knows it so just leave
SEC__Headgear writes:
Self-serving position taken by Adams. Freeing the freshmen might sound great until they all start talking.
Goomers like Adams would love the chance to get to them BECAUSE HE SELLS NEWS PAPERS.
True, the rare one comes along that is totally capable saying what should be said and knows what should not be said. The vast majority of college freshmen, whether they made a 35 ACT or can run a 4.3 forty or both just is not ready to represent an organization to the media.
That's probably more of a reflection on the media than the typical college freshman.
If the head coach opens it up he should be advised to organize a tutorial for all incoming freshmen and give them a proficiency review.
AFVol423 writes:
This is very self serving point of view. Of course you want access to the younger players. It's Your job. However, in the interest of the players and the school, I don't think the policy should be changed. These young men have enough pressure without dealing with off the wall questions like asking Tebow if he was a virgin. one bad apple spoils it for you all.
ronshelton#487850 writes:
Matt Patchan’s is a prime example of why we dont need to let freshman talk to media. Wasnt he a upper classman and he didnt have the common sense to not make a bad comment
98reax writes:
Let them talk. Make them accountable. Especially if they earn playing time, they earn face time. When (if) they get in trouble with the law, let them tell us why they think 'big boys' can run off the field and act like heathens in society. That's what I want to hear from freshmen. If you are a MAN on the field, be a MAN everywhere you go.
Orangeblood13 writes:
Dear John
You already dog Tenn football whenever possible, blast our coaches on what they should do, and now you want to them to open up our frosh for you and the sleez to rip them from day one.
great idea, are you kidding me
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