You don't have to watch much of Tennessee's offense to understand why freshman running backs Bryce Brown and David Oku signed with the Vols. But if you really study the offense, you appreciate the running back's role even more.
Take senior running back Montario Hardesty, for example. He liked this offense long before he practiced it.
"It's the same offense that I ran in high school," Hardesty said. "It's the same offense that the (Denver) Broncos ran when they had all those running backs run for a lot of yards."
It's also the offense that the Raiders ran when UT's Lane Kiffin was their head coach.
And, of course, it's the offense run by Southern California, where Kiffin once called plays.
Hardesty has watched video of all those teams - Broncos, Raiders and Trojans - as he prepares himself for his final college season. The more he studies, the faster he runs.
"I've done a lot of studying of the offense," he said. "That helps me play fast. I just know the offense real well."
His knowledge is apparent on the field. Rarely a practice goes by that he doesn't break into the secondary for a significant gain. He seemingly hits the appropriate hole faster than at any other time in his career.
"Our coaches want us to make one cut and go," he said. "They tell you to read what your eyes tell you."
The offense doesn't discriminate when it comes to running backs. Whether you rely on speed, power or cutting ability doesn't matter. Hardesty, Brown, Oku and Tauren Poole all have distinguished themselves at various times during training camp.
The more you see this offense, the less puzzling Brown's signing becomes. Pursued by college football's elite programs, he never considered UT when the old coaching staff was in place. Why would he? The Vols had just suffered through their second losing season in four years.
But this offense's appeal to a running back is apparent. And the more versatile the running back, the greater the appeal.
Brown has demonstrated reliable hands, just as UT's other running backs have. Their receiving skills won't be lost in this offense.
You saw that at USC when Kiffin was heavily involved in the offense, first as a passing game coordinator. That passing game included star running back Reggie Bush.
When USC's offense struggled in the season opener against Virginia Tech in 2004, the Trojans moved Bush from tailback to wide receiver, which immediately created match-up problems for the defense. He made two big catches in the 24-13 victory that had USC off and running for an unbeaten, national championship season.
UT has nowhere near USC's talent, but it does have a solid corps of running backs. So Kiffin likely will strive to create mismatches, though not necessarily of Bush-like proportions.
Also, you can expect to see two of those tailbacks line up in the same backfield at times, just as Bush and LenDale White did for USC. That gives you the option of shifting one of them out of the backfield into a receiver's role.
Running backs coach Eddie Gran also has experience with that. He was on coach Tommy Tuberville's Auburn staff in 2004 when the Tigers sometimes employed star runners Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams in the same backfield.
How and when Kiffin will use his running backs could be one of the more intriguing aspects of the offense. "Who and when" might be even more intriguing.
Based on Hardesty's experience and the way he has performed this camp, he should begin the season as the No. 1 tailback. But on any given day or play, you could make a case for the other running backs.
They have two more weeks to make a case for themselves before the season opener. In an offense as tailback-oriented as this one, that's plenty of time to make your move.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 65
Volstate writes:
Let's just hope Brown is cleared by the NCAA
BillsBrother writes:
It could be that any one of these tail backs will join the ranks of "great Tennessee running backs" in this offense.
smashmouth98 writes:
I hope they do slide the RB's out wide for several plays a game. it puts them in space & allows them to make PLAYS!!!
xvolx writes:
I'll be surprised if Hardesty makes it through the first game without an injury.
givehim6 writes:
I think teams like UF, UGA, Bama, and other SEC teams still expect UT to play like they have the past few years, and will be much surprised this season.
BillsBrother writes:
This is a bunch of drivel. Comparing 30's and 40's football to Fulmer's teams is foolish.
I still remember clearly coach Fulmer trying to "pound the rock" against Memphis when he had the most prolific passer in the history of Tennessee football under center. Look at the number of carries in these "facts". Much of Fulmer's "success" was from stubborn persistence.
I am looking forward to the new offense.
GR82BaTennesseeVOL writes:
Wow...way to be positive!
Yes, Montario has had more than his fair share of injuries in the past, but c'mon, man...
utmichael20#546617 writes:
Vote for Neyland Stadium on USAToday.com for best stadium!!
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destin...
vol88 writes:
FREE BRYCE!
elainesguyisanidiot writes:
Make a deal with you.
I won't crown a coach who has not yet coached a game if you won't bury him for the same reason.
Fact is that although young coach Kiffin has not won a game yet, he hasn't lost one yet either.
dvhill100 writes:
The one position we seem to be loaded. I really expect great things from the RB's this year if the O line can be even average (SEC average, that is).
GreerVol22 writes:
I learned from last season not to over estimate the simplicity of a handoff....
volsfannsc writes:
Normally numbers don't lie- but numbers can be manipulated. If you look at coaching 'schemes' it appears you get the overall picture of what has happened. I remember when UT DID run the ball often with strong running backs, and we wore the opponent down to win a lot of games in the third and fourth quarter. Call that scheme 'attrition'. Of late, UT would score early and then change the game plan to protect that lead. Call that scheme 'foolish'. I never understood the philosophy of abandoning the things that got you there. While CLK has never coached a game at UT, I have confidence that he plans a more balanced attack. I have even more confidence that he wont go into 'Protect' the lead mode. I truly see UT's offense scoring more this season and the defense as well. The Tampa 2 was designed to bait the opposing offense creating opportunities for turnovers. Say what you will, this season stands to be interesting if nothing else. I foresee much needed improvement for the program but I don't expect a 10 win season either. We should have a respectable season ending in a bowl. Everyone needs to chill a bit and let Kiffin do his thing. It may take a couple of seasons but I really believe we'll get there.
crimsonviper writes:
Yes! Just let the kid play. It's almost time for football!
jsm67vol writes:
I don't really see where anyone is crowning Kiffin for anything in this article, but nice job with your fact finding to validate Phil. It seems to me the point of the article is that the running backs should be excited about playing in this offense. From the comments by Hardesty, he is enjoying running the ball in this scheme. Nowhere in this article does it slander Phil for the offense he used in his tenure. Phils record speaks for itself. I'm looking forward to seeing some new names added to your list. Go Vols!!!
RockyTop_Tampa2 writes:
Watching college football show yesterday saying "Vols had no offense last year and see no reason they'll be any better this year. If they have any chance for success the D will have to carry them". CLK along with these backs and rest of O gonna shock em all. I see minimum of 9 wins this year and if everyone can stay healthy maybe even more.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
a very good article. I hope all comes to fruition. at least the fans are excited again with UT football.
ethanfrome writes:
I certainly agree with you that CPF liked to run the ball, and that he was very successful at it (at least in his prime). I always wondered why people continued to call us, "Wide Receiver U" after CPF took the wheel. We were, "Running Back U" for a long, successful time. I hope that CLK brings that tradition back.
GBO writes:
DaMan-
Lane Kiffin never called a play @ USC??? Check your facts on that on jack@ss. You're not even worth my time..
GBO writes:
"Kiffin joined the University of Southern California (USC) staff in 2001 as a tight ends coach and became the wide receivers coach in 2002. In 2004, he added the duties of passing game coordinator and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2005. Kiffin also took the reins as recruiting coordinator that year, after offensive coordinator Norm Chow left USC for the same position with the NFL's Tennessee Titans. Along with these duties, Kiffin continued as the wide receivers coach.
During Kiffin’s tenure with USC, he was instrumental in the development of several wide receivers and tight ends in the program. While he was there, USC produced noted talents such as NFL draftees Mike Williams, Keary Colbert, Kareem Kelly, Alex Holmes and Dominique Byrd. In addition,Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett of the 2006 USC Trojans football team were both selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft by the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers, respectively. Patrick Turner, Fred Davis and several other young new recruits such as Vidal Hazelton, Travon Patterson and Jamere Holland seem likely to continue the trend of excellence at this position. Notably, Lane Kiffin also helped amass the number-one recruiting class in the nation, the past several years (as evaluated by organizations such as Scout.com and Rivals.com).
In 2005, USC head coach Pete Carroll selected Kiffin to replace Norm Chow as offensive coordinator. Despite being new to the role, Lane Kiffin helped guide USC to a 23-3 win-loss record during his tenure- an 88% win percentage. During the previous four years under Norm Chow’s play calling, the Trojans achieved 41 wins and 9 losses (82%). Under Kiffin in 2005 the USC offense produced school records in virtually every dimension, averaging 49.1 points and 579 yards per game. USC’s potent offense that season became the first in NCAA history to have a 3,000 yard passer (Matt Leinart), two 1,000 yard rushers (Reggie Bush & LenDale White), and a 1,000 yard receiver (Dwayne Jarrett). Steve Smith fell a few yards short of also surpassing 1,000 yards in receiving. With an all new offensive cast at the skill positions and in what was generally viewed as a rebuilding year for USC the offensive totals fell off to 30.5 point, and 391 yards per game, and 11 wins overall, he was promoted to offensive and recruiting coordinator while continuing as the wide receivers coach. In Kiffin’s three years as recruiting coordinator at USC, the Trojans had the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in college football every year. Under Kiffin leadership in 2006, the Trojans finished first in the Pac-10 in passing efficiency by averaging 142.8 yards per game, produced two, 1,000-yard receivers - Dwayne Jarrett (1,105) and Steve Smith (1,083) - and a 3,000-yard passer John David Booty, with 3,347 yards.
PS - Next time do some research before you open your mouth. Who's the simpleton now.
Vol_Fan_N_NC writes:
Wow DaMan, way to live in the past. I agree that there were some very successful running backs under Fulmer, but I think Kiffin will have similar success with this offense. I am grateful for what Fulmer did for UT, but I'm excited about what Kiffin will do. This is as excited that I've seen this fan base in years, and its especially impressive coming off of a 5-7 season.
utvolz#637682 writes:
I sure hope you're wrong! We need them all to stay healthy....
PennVol writes:
If we don't at least have an average passing game, we won't win games in the SEC by running. The defenses are too good and too fast. The USC example in the Virginia Tech game is a decent analogy, but USC always has a quarterback that can get the ball (throwing) to the RBs.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
As of 9:15 AM, Neyland had only 6% of the vote. The leaders were Nebraska's Memorial Stadium at 38% and Penn St's Beaver Stadium at 25%. I know we can do better than this! Neyland may not be the biggest anymore, but it is still the coolest. With its steep-pitched double deck and the matching press-box/luxury-box structures on each side, it makes other stadiums look like, well, big shallow bowls. Get the vote out, Vol fans!
Txvol57 writes:
I think you can strike Foster and Houston off that list regardless of how many yards they had. We all know that those two are not even close to the same type of running backs as the other ones. Are you really putting Arian Foster in the same category as Jamal Lewis and Reggie Cobb? REALLY? And when you take Foster and Houston out of the equation....How many of those running backs produced in the last 10 years?? 0!!!! Houston was a decent back..Foster was garbage...Its not the same when a running back who has been there for 4 years (Foster and Houston) has almost the same amount of yardage of running backs that where there for 3 years (Henry, Lewis, Stevens) Fulmer was terrible...just accept it
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Among fans who have actually watched UT games, most would say that WHEN HEALTHY, Hardesty has been an exceptional back. He has always had a good yards-per-carry average. He is almost never brought down by the first tackler. He doesn't dance in the hole but turns it upfield at the first opportunity. Just about the only knock anyone can put on Hardesty is that he has had a lot of injuries. He deserves to be the #1 back as long as he is healthy. If one of the others beats him out, then that means the guy is REALLY good, because a healthy Hardesty is worthy of All-SEC consideration.
VolFanNC writes:
If Hardesty stays healthy he will have much greater than 1200 yards. I assume that UCLA and FL will line 8-9 in the box until we show them we can pass, but that is ok. Gives Warren, Hancock, Jones and opportunity to make plays one on one.
DenverVol writes:
That poll and article are nearly a year old. It's from October of last year. Just thought I'd throw that out there. 15 days!! Go VOLS!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Can't say that I noticed that. I didn't check the date but it seemed the poll was still active and applied to this year. If not, in the immortal words of Emily Latella (SNL), "Oh, that's very different...never mind."(;-P)
VolPatrick writes:
Um, you do realize that this poll is almost a year old?
johnlg00#206211 writes:
PS: Thanks to the excellent article by Wes Rucker on Hardesty, I now know that Hardesty's career yards-per-carry is a fairly modest 3.8. However, as the article also pointed out, he was rarely 100% physically even when he was playing. I stand by my statement that, when healthy, Hardesty is a quality, SEC-caliber RB and we are lucky to have him for another year, especially if (gasp!) we lose Bryce Brown.
txvolsfan writes:
DaIdiot, You do realize that Neyland coached defense and field position right???
Most of his games were single digit scores!!!
It is a nice article, John merely pointed out past success wherever this offense is used. You do have to have the talent to run it and we do have the backs if the line can zone block we will move the ball. Guaranteed!!!
TXVOLSFAN
senracjr writes:
I guess now everyone knows what the (DA) means in Da man!
swordandshield27#325334 writes:
Phil may have "known" something...but he certainly had forgotten it somewhere in the last 9 years.
hewwheel writes:
That is precisely why it is great to have 4 backs. Look at the best running team sin the NFL last year, they all use 2 or more backs. Titans, Vikings, Ravens, Steelers...
GerryOP writes:
Good link!
15 -- Fear The Kiffin...
cloudodust writes:
It all starts with the OL. With this run game, the RB needs to have his eyes on a pivot and go full bore ahead at the LOS...
AllVol1 writes:
I have a suggestion for you guys. "Thank you Phil Fulmer for your dedication and for all the many achievements the Vols realized during your career at Tennessee. Welcome, Coach Lane Kiffin. You have our support in leading this program now. Let's achieve greatness again! Go Vols!"
Really, is that so hard? The simple fact is: CPF has moved on professionally and Lane Kiffin is the head coach of the Vols.
"I learned a long time ago that being bitter is just poison." Phil Fulmer, December 2008
TunnelHillVol writes:
Excellent post. I know we're all anxious but we need to wait and see what happens.One big difference in the running game this year is we will actually throw the ball to the running backs, something sorely missing from PF's offense.
gnm53108 writes:
Clap clap clap...Aplause.
ChrisM30TN writes:
Da Man must be Fulmer's user name because he's only a legend in his own mind. Fulmer was and never will be a good enough coach to build a program, he's just barely good enough to maintain one. I'd take Spurrier any day of the week over Fulmer and you see how much harder he's had it trying to build a program at SC, Fulmer could never do that. Did Tennessee ever really get that much better once he took over? If the SEC had 2 divisions in the 80's how many East or Confrence titles would Majors have won? Fulmer lucked into a win against Arkansas to win a National Chamionship. Did our talent really improve under Fulmer? I'd take Carl Pickens, Alvin Harper, or Willie Gault any day of the week over any receiver during the Fulmer Era. As far as the tail backs no one will ever convince me that had Chuck Webb not had his injury he would not have been the greatest back in the history of Tennessee football(thus far). If you wanna go to the defensive side, I'd take Dale Carter over any DB we have had till EB, Reggie White and Keith Delong ring any bells? Tennessee has always pulled talent so don't give me the Fulmer is a great recruiter BS, either. A few years back even Adams said that Florida always seemed beat UT with less talent, that comes down to coaching. I am not gonna throw a parade for CLK already, but I think anyone would be an improvement over CPF. I am also looking forward to a defense that once we have a lead does not run that "not a prevent defense" prevent defense that Chavis always used to go to. As for FLA, Monte's defense will keep it a lot closer than the FLA fans would like. I do not expect it yet, but I would not be shocked to see a 10 or 11 win season this year. And Da Man, you wanna know my credentials? I played both college football and beyond, how far did you make it?
byobbio writes:
The thing that bothers me is the statement that UT has nowhere near USC's talent. "Nowhere near", i mean, come on, we had "nowhere near" Miami's talent in the 85 sugar bowl and they couldn't stay on the same field as TN. Our talent is not that big of a dropoff of what USC had then and has now. Man, John Adams is just trying to make up something to sell newspapers, i guess. Adams, You suck.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well said! Someone once said that being angry and bitter is like taking poison and hoping someone else dies. "The King is dead; long live the King!" GO VOLS!!! I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!
gtown_vol writes:
You have to understand that John A_____ (fill in the blank) is always going to call out Fulmer. Adams couldn't carry Fulmer's jockstrap. And he knows it. He did like how Fulmer always took the high road or wouldn't let him interview freshmen. Counting the days until Adams retires or just leaves.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Was always a big fan of tubervilles 2 back formation..Certainly worked well against UT back then..You never knew who would get the ball and it set up some nice bootleg stuff too..We got the horses to make it work..Looks like it will be running back by comittee as the vols are loaded with talented backs..No way you can keep the 4 of them on the bench..Iam hyped big time to see our backs running free in the secondary!!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Personally I think Travis Stephens might have been the best of all; followed closely by Ground Chuck ((250 yards against Arkansas)) I'll never forget Stephens taking it 80 yards for the go ahead touchdown late in the game against GA. Unfortunately Fulmer pooched the kick off setting GA at the 40 yard line to start the game winning drive((Bonehead call of the decade))
smokey_vols writes:
If Fulmer's record against Top 25 teams is better than 50-50 that would be objective evidence that he's a good game coach; if below 50-50 -- objective evidence that he's not a good game coach. We did some research and couldn't find anyone who had tabulated this information. So, we did.
Below is a chart that gives us Phil Fulmer's career won-loss record versus Top-25 teams (current through 2008 season). The chart is further broken down by his record against Top 20; Top 15; Top 10; and Top 5 teams.
Wins
Losses
Win %
Top 25
33
40
.452
Top 20
25
35
.417
Top 15
21
33
.389
Top 10
14
24
.368
Top 5
6
14
.300
You can see that Fulmer has a losing record vs Top 25 teams in his career. That's not good. And, naturally, his record gets worse and worse as the teams he coaches against get better.
But, that's only part of the story.
The real issue with Phil Fulmer is the decline in the performance of his teams as his career has gone on.
In the 10 seasons since the Vols won the National Championship in 1998 (so 1999 - present), Tennessee is 15-31 (.326) against teams that ended the season ranked in the Top 25.
In the past 5 seasons, the Vols are 8-18 (.308) against Top 25 teams.
Anything else you need to see?
mcever writes:
In 2005, USC head coach Pete Carroll selected Kiffin to replace Norm Chow as offensive coordinator. Despite being new to the role, Lane Kiffin helped guide USC to a 23-3 win-loss record during his tenure- an 88% win percentage. During the previous four years under Norm Chow’s play calling, the Trojans achieved 41 wins and 9 losses (82%). Under Kiffin in 2005 the USC offense produced school records in virtually every dimension, averaging 49.1 points and 579 yards per game. USC’s potent offense that season became the first in NCAA history to have a 3,000 yard passer (Matt Leinart), two 1,000 yard rushers (Reggie Bush & LenDale White), and a 1,000 yard receiver (Dwayne Jarrett). Steve Smith fell a few yards short of also surpassing 1,000 yards in receiving.
AlpharettaVol writes:
A little off subject but Mark Bradley, columnist for Atlanta Journal-Constitution, came out with his SEC pre-season predictions today. He has the Vols finishing last in the East with a 4-8 record. Bradley is a Kentucky native and always has been an apologist for the Wildcats.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Guess every town needs an idiot and Bradley is Atlanta's(;-P)! I wonder if he would like to put a little wager on that prediction. If so, he could surely get a LOT of takers around here. GO VOLS!!! I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!
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