The evidence was presented with a thud and a pop Saturday afternoon at Neyland Stadium.
Now coach Lane Kiffin has retired the jury to study the tape and render a verdict on Tennessee's depth chart.
"People had to come out here and prove themselves and I think a lot of people did,'' defensive end Chris Walker said after the Vols' third preseason scrimmage.
Two weeks before the season-opener against Western Kentucky, Kiffin ran the squad through a game-like weekend, beginning with Friday's walk-through. There was even a Vol Walk walk-through Saturday morning.
He billed Saturday as the most important three hours of preseason camp as far as determining the depth chart.
So who won starting jobs?
"Everything is in the coaches' hands,'' said quarterback Jonathan Crompton. "We'll go from there.''
If Crompton got out of bed Saturday with an edge over Nick Stephens - as many perceive - it didn't appear from the stands that Stephens did enough to hurdle him.
Crompton was 17-of-31 passing for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He was intercepted once, by Art Evans.
Stephens was 9-of-17 for 90 yards and didn't direct a drive to the end zone. He emerged interception-free, although there was one close call. A couple of his incompletions were throw-aways.
"I thought they did well,'' Kiffin said. "Jonathan ended up with more plays, just because of how it worked out. It wasn't done on purpose.''
Kiffin is likely to name his season-opening starter by mid-week at the latest. He said it wouldn't be fair to the team to go into game week without a leader.
"I think I had a pretty good day,'' said Stephens. "And I had a pretty good week.
"It's their decision and whatever they choose, everybody has faith in them. Obviously, I want to be the guy.''
Crompton and center Cody Sullins worked with the No. 1 offensive line in the first half. Stephens and Josh McNeil did likewise in the second half.
"Before the (Friday) meetings, they told me I would start with the ones,'' Sullins said. "They didn't tell me why.''
It took until the fifth offensive possession before the defense allowed a touchdown. Crompton and Quintin Hancock connected on a 20-yard strike against the No. 2 defense.
Hancock did most of the work, taking the short pass, evading cornerback C.J. Fleming and dashing down the sideline.
It wasn't long before Crompton found fullback Kevin Cooper for a 45-yard completion. Three plays later freshman Bryce Brown scored on a 5-yard run, bouncing outside when he found the middle clogged.
Early in the second half, Crompton led a 65-yard drive. Brandon Warren got 34 of them on a catch-and-run, then got open for a 5-yard TD pass.
The defense won on the scoreboard, 37-30, scoring points for stopping drives and getting turnovers.
Daniel Lincoln chipped in nine offensive points, hitting all three field-goal tries, from 23, 40 and 47 yards.
As for other position battles, Montori Hughes started ahead of Dan Williams at noseguard with the No. 1 defense.
"We thought Montori had a good week and wanted to see him go against the ones,'' said line coach Ed Orgeron. "And I thought he had a pretty good day.
"The competition is tight right now.''
Tauren Poole opened at tailback but that was attributed to Montario Hardesty oversleeping and reporting late Saturday morning. Hardesty, however, did lose a fumble.
Dennis Rogan opened at cornerback with the No. 1 defense but soon reverted to safety, where he has spent most of camp.
"I really like him at safety,'' said defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. "I think he's got a lot of potential at safety.''
The Vols will hold another game simulation on Saturday, but without contact.
And while the depth chart might take shape this week, it won't be chiseled in granite. That even goes for the quarterbacks, said offensive coordinator Jim Chaney.
"In Lane's program, what we try to do is develop that competitive spirit all the way to the end,'' Chaney said.
"The hay is never in the barn in this program. We want to let those guys compete for the starting spot every day and that's what is going on.''
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 57
teampenny#658108 writes:
Started out being JC. It will be JC. Does not appear the two QB's started out equal. I believe Stephens will start some games this season. Go Vols
pdb73216#339474 writes:
I think a lot of people forget that our offense is playing against a pretty stout defense. I know that the qb's are not making all the right choices right now, but a lot of the credit should go to the D and to one of the best defensive minds in football.
DennisVols writes:
The competitive spirit instilled in this years team will go along way in how this team performs during games.
The past few years I grew tired of seeing the players sitting one the bench with their heads down before the 1st half was even over. Talented players never getting the opportunity because of the grade status (freshmen, soph., etc) and not based on who was really the best.
It is great to hear that you have to earn your way into a position on this team.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
reidtownriverrat writes:
We dont really know how good the D is going to be. Flawduh will answer that question in about a month. We dont know about the OFF either but Flawduh will answer that too.
GoodOleRockyTop writes:
Witch_Doctor that is FUNNY!
HollySpringsVOL writes:
Methinks dem bones is right.
CincyVol15 writes:
It's Crompton's job to lose. Sorry Witch_Doctor, dem bones be wrong.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
how can your senior rb oversleep on the most important day of preseason? Just hope Crompton plays as well in the games as he practices this yr. It is fairly obvious he is the no. 1 guy.
volsare1 writes:
bones i love ur post but cant u stop with witch doctor bones stuff i mean just say what u gotta say come on now its getting old
KINGKONG writes:
on gators sports their blog put arkansas ahead of ut for the most improve team of the 09 season rank the vols NO.2 ut is in front of miss st ,auburn,vandy,kentucky people r not going 2 like ut but they will respect ut after this season.
chattownvol writes:
Long live the bones.
HollySpringsVOL writes:
Don't be messin' wit dem bones o de bones be messin' which you. Its baaaaad mojo to be messin' with de doc.
RockinTop writes:
I think it's great and love his consistency!
After what I saw today....I agree, Stephens should be the guy....his throws have more zip and his "presence" is better too. Even though Strange didnt mention it, several of the incompletions were also dropped passed that should have been caught!....and one was in the endzone...
But I will say....CLK is bluffing....it's gonna be Crompton....it's obvious by the number of reps and the amount of time CLK spends talking with with.
Regardless, GO BIG ORANGE!
Coach_Joe writes:
I second that motion!
Y'all that have a problem with the bones better watch it or the doctor might paint some lines around your house and tackle you for steppin' on his field.
Them bones never lie!
MONTE!!!
voltan writes:
Freshmen turned off Hardesty's alarm you think? I was hoping for more on the QB battle, like who managed the game better?, who made the best decisions?, etc. I seem to agree with Bones, I like Stephens, but also see that it appears JC is the man. I'll support whoever the coach says, even if it changes from time to time. I'm not a big fan of alternating QB's, but sometimes it is best for team. I enjoyed the info but believe there was a lack of effort on article unless you plan to expand on it later. Does anyone else have info on scrimage? I want to know more. Boy I'm looking forward to WK game, got the tickets, ready to go. Go Vols and Titans so says Voltan
iowavol writes:
Witch Doctor unique. Corn country say let witch doctor do his thang. Don't know about bones never lieing,nor about Stephens being the one, but witch doctor funny. Iowa is full of corn!
Joevolsxtra writes:
To each his own
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
I'll be interested in seeing if Crompton has improved the two big areas he needed to- looking off safeties, and keeping cool under pressure. I'll be honest, I've been more impressed with Stevens every time I've seen him out there
sleiii writes:
Witch_Doctor best thing to happen to these posts. No bones about it.
Seriouslyorange writes:
To the Witch Doctor: I get a mental picture of a guy with a grass type little skirt, loin cloth affair, huge earrings,bone thru the nose, and one of those plate-like things in your lower lip..........Is this close? Oh and many ,many tatoos. Regardless , I also love the posts. Keep on keeping on.
Seriouslyorange writes:
Yep, that would be me! You can keep the xanax...........I'm more into vitamin 'V'......but not for four hours or call the doctor hopefully..... LOL I'm outta here. U da man!
doggonevol writes:
Da dog understands about them bones. Keep up the good work Witch DR, but I think the sun is going to set on Crompton, rightfully so,
BigTorangefan writes:
I went to the scrimmage today. The reason Stephens did not have as many pass attempts as Crompton is because Stephens' offensive unit did not move the ball. The scrimmage consisted of the first and second team offenses rotating after each drive ended. Honestly, if coach Kiffin is basing most of his decision off of today's scrimmage, Crompton clearly won. I only stayed through the first half, but JC showed a lot of ability today both mentally and physically. There were two plays in particular where he was able to evade a heavy pass rush and complete the pass on the run. Honestly, most of his incompletions during the first half were due to receivers dropping the ball. No offense to Stephens, but Crompton is clearly the best QB we have.
VolsR4real writes:
I was there for the first half and here's my take. Crompton will be QB#1 in 2 weeks. He does lock in on his primary receiver as soon as the ball is snapped but seems to check down when necessary. Still makes me nervous though. He made some plays on the move and also had some balls dropped by the receivers. Stephens had fewer attempts but also missed some wide open receivers. One to Teague and he never saw Bartholomew wide open down the middle (would have been 6). Running backs look great. I'm even more excited to see Brown during the season. He is very quick to the hole and always falls forward. Poole looked good also. The D is gonna be tough-there's a shocker. They seemed to do a lot of shifting before the snap to disguise what they were doing. Honestly though, the bottom line is that just like in the NFL the preseason doesn't mean anything. Bring on the foes! I'm ready for FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!! Sorry the post is kinda long. GBO!
ThurmondEppy writes:
dude. you said "bone."
chrisw2967 writes:
I just wonder if crompton has a bad half against wku, will kiffin keep him in there?I wouldnt waste to much time waiting for him to get it together.I hope he comes out and just manages the off. and pass when he has to.
14 days to go.
hotrodvol writes:
Witch Doctor put up a link with his pictures a few months ago. Yeah he's the real deal. P.S. don't cross dem bones.LOL
ChattaVegasVol writes:
Yea! Who does not love to see someone beat a dead horse over and over and over. . .and over.
the10sevol writes:
hey witchie, can't you conjur up a spell or make a potion to give crompton the bobble-head effect when he drops back, that would mess with the defense...
if you take jc's numbers today and x12, how's this for season stats:
204 of 372 (55%), 3180 yards, 24 td, 12 int
i think i could live with that this year.
GBO
flytnn writes:
All I know is that Jonathan Crompton made a statement for the #1 starting position today. Other than one, IMO, lazy pass, he was on. He definitely had command of the offense and there was no doubt in what he was doing. Am I saying he is unbelievable and just going to be amazing this year? No, but I am seeing a completely different QB out there in charge of a pretty good looking offense despite all of the injuries.
Now Nick on the other hand...not so good. Here is our biggest problem this year I think. Fairly good and can definitely can compete with anyone 1st string offense. Too much gap to the 2nd string guys. The 2nd string is just a whole level away from the 1st. Just cross your fingers and hope that we don't have too many injuries.
Know this is all my opinion. All I know is that there is a new sheriff in town and I am excited about this season. 8-10 wins??? Definitely 8 with some upsets somewhere along the line. They are solid. Defense looks great as usual.
flytnn writes:
Sorry witch doctor, not after watching scrimmage today. Stephens looked like he wasn't even close to Crompton. Don't let these articles fool you on here. Every time Crompton was QB our offense got points on the board. Every time Stephens was QB, not one stinking point.
He is just not as sharp out there. Trust me, I am scared to death of a Crompton meltdown, but he has certainly proved himself in the scrimmages.
Points never lie.
Voluvr writes:
We can't look past Western Kentucky. Their Offensive Coor. Walter Wells has been touted as a young Steve Spurrier. I'm sure he'll give us some wrinkles.
rjrich#235198 writes:
There sure are a lot of you agonizing over Jonathan Crompton as a QB, and I admit he didn't really "wow" anyone last year. But I think the kid has talent, and in this offense we aren't going to ask him to be a rocket scientist - just toss the ball to a playmaker and watch the yards come. Let's hope he can, and cheer him when he does.
When I was a UT student, we had this "Parade Type" QB who got a lot of criticism because he was too flashy...didn't stay within the offense...didn't read defenses, etc - and the "fans" clamored for his backup (Randy Wallace) to play. That QB was Condredge Holloway, and even though he had his off days, he played as hard and well as he could every week. And he turned out ok.
Whether it's Jon or Nick, let's cheer them on. If they get the ball to our playmakers, we'll do ok and go "bowling" again this winter.
GO VOLS!!!
tonyvick#213307 writes:
Doesn't the saying go that if you have 2 QB's then you really don't have one?
WaltGoVols writes:
They could all suck and competetion still be tight.
Of course I hope that is not the case.
Walt
UT '81
VOLinAthensGA writes:
That's what I am saying!
TommyJack writes:
Nice...
halloffamebowler writes:
Consider this.Upsets go both ways.Ask Wyoming about that.I do believe 7 or 8 wins are obtainable this year.If there are upsets,I hope the Vols are the ones doing the upsetting.
chestnutglade writes:
He is seeing the field so good now. LOL Another int . Sounds like last year.Did the int got for a TD?
madcountyvol writes:
I still think JC is going step up this year and prove himself! Only time will tell, and about WK they might score one touchdown on us.
OrangePride writes:
A very, very interesting day. From where I was sitting, Oku and Brown had some excellent bursts and looked very hard to keep off the field. At QB, sorry witch doctor, I have to think that Crompton looked a little more capable of moving the offense. One of the main reasons he had more reps was the fact that he sustained 3 drives. Stephans seemed to always be hampered by some kind of penalty that led to 3rd and long situations. Overall.....a very encouraging day. GO VOLS!
VolDaddy writes:
Win, loose or draw this year, I'm proud of our time for several things.
Discipine is much improved, both on and off the field. Yes, football is big business, but in the end our school, coaches and staff are moulding and shaping men who will always carry the name of a Tennessee Volunteer. They should do us proud both on and off the field.
The GPA of the team has risen. While no one expects these guys to be Rhodes scholars, UT is a school and schools teach knowledge and how to apply that knowledge in the world in which we live.
Lastly, I'm proud of these guys, these survivors of last year's fiasco, for enduring, adapting and over coming what was for everyone a disasterous year.
GO VOLS!
PaulTheVol writes:
Talk to any player from Southern Cal who has played under Pete Carroll and they describe the same atmosphere as in this article. Players are forever competing for their jobs (e.g., "competition Tuesdays") and no one is safe regardless of seniority. This is such a refreshing change from Fulmer who usually rewarded loyalty and seniority over raw ability and competitiveness. The attitude of this team and its approach is 180 degrees different than last year and that is why we will be successful once again.
99PairsOfJortsOnTheWall writes:
I love Urbie Meyer & Timmie Tebow
I love the 2008 Clawfense
I love the NCAA Investigation Committee
And I love the BCS
That's right
I love the BCS!
doubledown writes:
Concerning to hear the 1st team offense couldn't score on the 1st D. (4 drives halted in a row) Only when the 2nd team defense get it, did the scoreboard start lighting up. Nice to hear of NO_Turnovers by fumbling, center-to-qb exchanges. Sometimes an occasional long interception is as good as a punt, particularly with Cunningham punting.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Another good piece from Wes Rucker. BTW, what was up with those helmet covers the guys were wearing in one of the accompanying photos? That's certainly a, er, different look! My guess is that they were intended to keep the sun from heating up the helmets too much, but what do I know?
TommyJack writes:
zz is lurking. recognizable even with bad Groucho nose and glasses.
blitzshoot writes:
I agree. Seems like a whole new approach with better results. I doubt if we see people laughing on the sidelines.
ryland writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
TonyGeist writes:
Dude, are you serious?
No one cares about your little girl playing basketball on a FOOTBALL board.
Cut it out.
If you're going to say the scrimmage looked great and add a YouTube link, it d*mn well better be about the scrimmage and not some 12-year old hitting a layup.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.