“I love where we are right now.’’
How long has it been since a quarterback uttered words of love about Tennessee’s offense?
You didn’t hear it often, if at all, during the misbegotten 2008 football season.
July is a time prone to optimism. Still, UT fans can take heart in senior Jonathan Crompton’s assessment Tuesday of the offseason development of the Vols’ new offensive scheme.
Coach Lane Kiffin and his staff installed the pro-style offense in spring practice. Since summer school began, the players are fine-tuning on their own in informal but meaningful sessions.
The idea is to reboot an offense that staggered to a near halt last year, averaging only 268.7 yards a game, UT’s leanest output in more than 40 years.
The Vols scored a mere 22 offensive touchdowns in a new scheme implemented by a new offensive coordinator, Dave Clawson. However, after a 5-7 season, Clawson, his cerebral offense and even head coach Phillip Fulmer are gone.
Enter Kiffin and the pro-style attack he directed as coordinator at Southern Cal.
“We can do a lot more things in it,’’ Crompton said. “I’m a lot more comfortable.’’
Crompton, who hopes to fend off Nick Stephens for the starting job when camp opens next month, is no stranger when it comes to acclimating to new tactics. Jim Chaney is his fourth offensive coordinator.
Compared to mastering the nuances of Clawson’s system, this latest learning curve is not so steep, several players said Tuesday during a media session.
“It’s hard to explain unless you’re in the film room and understand what we’re going through,’’ Crompton said, “but I really enjoy it.’’
So does senior center Josh McNeil. When asked if this July is going better than last July, McNeil had a quick answer:
“One hundred percent,’’ he said.
“I can’t even really put into words how much better, how much smoother, this offense is translating on the field than what it did last year.’’
Last July, McNeil said, it was a challenge for the players to be productive in their seven-on-seven drills, especially for an offensive line trying to learn complicated assignments.
“Not this year,’’ he said. “They show us a defense and we know what to run.
“We’re honing our skills instead of just out there trying to figure out what to do every play.’’
The goal is be able to execute flawlessly when the season opens Sept. 5 against Western Kentucky.
Crompton said the team’s players-only workouts are an endorsement of the new regime and the hope it brings for a fresh start.
“It’s voluntary, but everybody shows up,’’ he said. “That’s a good sign when you have 100 percent attendance.’’
After being a figurehead for the frustration of 2008, a renewed Crompton hopes to be at the forefront of the recovery.
Admitting it was “one of the worst years of my life,’’ Crompton said the ordeal only made him stronger — and more determined to write a happy ending.
“You never quit,’’ he said. “You never give up.’’
Crompton’s teammates say his leadership is helping the new offense take hold.
“Jon took last year kind of on himself,’’ said defensive end Chris Walker. “He doesn’t want that 5-7 feeling ever again and just seeing him work about that is really encouraging, even for us on defense.’’
“You could tell,’’ added McNeil, “that he’s been under fire. He’s been in some battles and he’s come through it.
“He’ll be a better leader when we come up in tough situations on the field.
“This time we’re gonna come through it and get it done.’’
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Comments » 71
smashmouth98 writes:
everything is great before you have played a game. Let's evaluate after WKY I hope JC is working on his accuracy!!
dvhill100 writes:
I hope JC plays lights out. Everyone struggled last year in the offense. For inspiration, look at Ainge in his Jr. and Sr. year with Coach Cut.
BigT_Chief writes:
I really want JC to do well and be able to lead and do a good job, but it's just very hard to get rid of the bad taste that last year left in your mouth.
y9since80 writes:
I agree with you Orange_A_Holic. I for one hope Jon has a great year. I think people will be shocked.
RJ_Vol writes:
Personally, I have always felt that Crompton was left on the bench to long. Leaving young, talented players on the bench is one criticism that Coach Fulmer truly deserved. Anyone remember how long Jamal Lewis sat on the bench? JC has been a victim of that - and being in the doghouse too long w/ Cutcliffe. Truth be told, I am sure JC deserved some of that treatment. He did not handle the press well last year. That is his job. However, he had pitiful blocking last year w/ very little help from the skill positions. I can think of one tailback that was horrid on third and short. That will make a QB look horrible. Let us not forget Nick Stephens. I believe he will be quite good w/ the coaches in place. Both QB's will play this year. It is virtually impossible to finish an SEC schedule w/ the same QB - due to injuries. I am particularly excited about the D-Line's potential and w/ the return facet of special teams. If both of those areas improve, this could be a very good year. I cannot wait to see the new offense. Let's just hope everyone is wearing the same wristbands. LOL.
Additionally, I am a little shocked that so many folks are big on UGA. They are starting a new QB. I guess we'll see.
bfowler1161#262198 writes:
JC's accuracy has never been great, even two years ago (look at the stats). A concern I have is we keep saying wait till WKU. We should be able to beat WKU running the single wing! If this has become the target they we really have fallen.
Jonboy writes:
i think JC will be alot better in the new offense. the clawfense was not the right system for him.
DennisVols writes:
The problems last year was a team effort.
That being said it was last year, last years coaching staff and last years schemes which we all know FAILED.
I saw a different JC in 2007 (LSU) when he had a OC that knew what he was doing in a system that JC was recruited to perform in.
CLK gave this whole team a clean slate when he took over and as a true Volunteer I chose to do the same. They will be better and I for one hope that JC has the kind of season that they write Volunteer stories about.
Hearing that attendance at volunteer player-only practice is 100% is an encouraging sign. There will be INT's and missed or dropped passes this year, ON EVERY TEAM THAT THROWS THE BALL MORE THAN TWICE IN A SEASON.
I am looking forward to this season. We in all likelyhood will not win the SEC division, but we will be better and competitive in every game including in the swamp.
Young talent will continue to sign come Feb giving CLK and Co another top 10 recruiting class which will bring us closer to what we expect.
It took a decade for UT to fall to the level we saw last year it will not change over night, but it will change.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!!
TommyJack writes:
Exactly. What I've been saying for 10 months.
DennisVols writes:
There were more sacks given up in the first 2 games last year than was given up in all of the 2007 season. And you want to lay the whole blame on JC or any of the other QBs?
The line with its complicated blocking schemes, and lets not forget they were flip flopped in and out of different positions created more holes than a slice of swiss chesse, and not for our RB's.
Change is here and it is time to change our attitudes as well.
Last year is history and try as we might like to it can not be changed but the future is ours to make the necessary changes.
Keeping it real
Go Vols!!!
txvolsfan writes:
JC was too busy thinking instead of playing ball last year. He is much better at dropping back and letting it fly!!!
txvolsfan writes:
Off the subject of this article.
I heard today that Rae Sykes has left FSU, he is home sick and they are leaving his place open on the team but if he is not back by two a days he won't be welcomed back!!!
Could be the next Brandon Warren, Stay tuned!!!
TXVOLSFAN
txvolsfan writes:
Last post was wrong, I had the wrong player that left FSU.
Rae Sykes is in Knoxville and a Vol
My Bad
TXVOLSFAN
teampenny#658108 writes:
JC and PF have this in common-they talked better than they performed the last couple of years. Wish him the best. Go Vols
TnScooby writes:
IMO Four offensive coordinators at UT that JC has had to adjust to speaks volumes for his inconsistency to a certain extent....that many new systems and that much new terminology make it almost impossible for ANY QB to be successful. Hopefully this system will allow JC to display the talent we have expected to see since he arrived at UT with such accolades...at least he thinks it will....I guess only time will tell.
Go Vols!!!
CHS52VOL writes:
Well spoken. I agree, especially with the comment about attitude adjustment.
rockytopman writes:
Good Ole' Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee!!!!!!!!
EB4Heisman writes:
Was it right for anyone?
belayvol writes:
TN. offers and SIGNS JC QB Nick Lamaison
http://athletics.mtsac.edu/
First baby!
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
Absolutely must have completion rates around 60% and not take any sacks, average less than an interception per game and 3 TD throws a game. Average around 350-400 yards a game and things will be good on Rocky Top.
chrisw2967 writes:
sounds like this kid will join the orange if kiffin will just make the offer.
the10sevol writes:
thanks, belay!
lamaison = sleeper?
GBO
mlsoft#228820 writes:
I keep wondering in the back of my mind (pretty dusty back there) if it might be possible that Coleman left because he knew that Crompton was the better QB, and that he would be second string behind him this year. He would also assume that CLK would recruit a top notch QB for the next year, and the two together is why he left.
mlsoft
teampenny#658108 writes:
Or like he and many others thought he should have got some reps with first string. But this is water under bridge. LK thought when he came in he has the players at QB to get it done this season with his system. One of the reasons why no QB signings in 09. We will start finding out in fifty days if he is right or not. Go Vols
dvols writes:
glug, glug, glug...
GerryOP writes:
Thanks b-vol. And this kid, unlike the "rock-solid-verbal-commitments" everyone else is getting, is signed, sealed, and delivered. AA at Mt. SAC is not quite the same as AA in the SEC, but this kid will help out.
51 -- Fear The Kiffin...
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
ROTFLMAO!!! What a crock. #8 said the same phooey this time last year and we all saw what happened. Give the ball to Stephens and skip the drama. We all know what will happen when #8 is behind center. Hint...worms beware!!!
chestnutglade writes:
I heard the same old story last year. The key is can the QB make the right movers on the field. He looked lost and made bad passes with no help from wide outs.
Volgrad777 writes:
I like the optimism fellas but dont get ahead of yourselves. I for one hope JC plays well and we really sneak up on some people but we have to be realistic. JC's accuracy and play making ability in 07 was not great by any means. He tossed a few hail marys that Meach went up and saved him in , thats it. I hope those coordinators were the reason for all that , i honestly do , but we wont know until its football time , lets hold off on giving him the heisman just yet bc if he strugggles the whole debacle will start all over again. As far as him staying on the bench , well , there was a better QB here , simple enough. There arent enough snaps for two of them. Hopefully the offense will be dummied down and simple enough for him to run and flourish in , im really crossing my fingers on that. My only concern is people drinking the kool aid believing JC is magically going to transform into some sort of all SEC performer. If he had that ability we would have seen flashes of it no matter what the offense was and in no way shape or form have we seen anything remotely close to that. Lets just hope he learns the offense well and Stephens does too and they can go out and limit their mistakes. Thats a more realistic approach to this , like it or not , most of you know its the truth.
hotrodvol writes:
Props B-Vol, see if you can dig up something on Scroggs. Rumor has it he is anouncing today.
AllVol1 writes:
Lamaison may indeed be a sleeper. No doubt, community college cannot compare to SEC, but look at his numbers from last season; the guy is obviously a competitor. Here's to hoping that his skills do translate to the SEC and to our pro-style offense specifically, that a year in the CC ranks has given him a perspective of gratitude for this opportunity and an unstoppable work ethic, and that he will come in and ignite our QB play by taking the starting role or by pushing the starter to be even better. If nothing else, we have some quality depth--how high that quality is, we shall see. SWARM!!
TennVolAlum writes:
Take this story with a grain of salt Vol fans....
I swear to god that this same story came out around this time last year regarding Flawson's offense.
Moreover, what coach/writer is going to present a piece on how bad things are?
belayvol writes:
Thanks hotrod. The dang Scroggins mess is going to turn my hair gray. oh wait, that happened 20 years ago. The current, right this 5 minute rumor is he is going to wait until the 25th. I have never seen such a mess on a recruit about when he is announcing, who he is leaning towards. It changes hourly. All i can say is somewhere there is a woman directing this drama and laughing her butt off over all the men she has in a panic. That's my only experience with something that changes hourly.
belayvol writes:
Was this for the kiss they shared on the sideline? Truly, a heartfelt moment in college football.
lildhoss76ut#638162 writes:
thats nothing compared to what happened in the locker room later
GerryOP writes:
Interesting but a bit off topic.
hotrodvol writes:
Good one, hey check out this story on Urby it tells why he was in Memphis. Be sure and click on the link from the Gainsville paper.
http://tonybasilio.com/index.php?page...
By the way save this site as a favorite, Basilio brings good info every morning.
belayvol writes:
Speaking of off topic, Urban not leaving Florida? The why was he seen eating dinner in Memphis with Allen Graff Fed Ex honcho and a huge ND Booster last Tuesday which is the same day he came out with the latest story that he was not leaving? He wasn't in Memphis for recruiting. HMMMMM.
http://www.tonybasilio.com/
belayvol writes:
Wow! A Goocher hotrod. Great minds think alike.
hotrodvol writes:
Dang B-Vol you are fast. You must be a speed reader.
belayvol writes:
Yes. I 2 wuz a gradulate of the Evelyn Woodhead Sped Reding Coarse. I kin now read almost az fast az 2 gators kiss.
1974Vol writes:
Agree on the 60% completion rate but 3 TD's & 300-400 passing yards a game? Even Peyton didn't average that. Here's all our QB's have to do to win 7-8 games.
Manage the game –
•Get the team in and out of the huddle on time – no unnecessary TO’s no DOG penalties
•Get the team lined up correctly and in the right play for the defense they face – no more TB goes left and lead block goes right
•No unforced errors -Handle snaps and hand offs without issues – No more Auburn type fumbles
•Keep cool under pressure – don’t throw an Ainge – 2005 LSU type int
•Don’t take sacks – throw it away – way away
•Be on the same page with receivers – see the same coverages they do – don’t throw a corner fade as they run a skinny post
•Play within yourself - Don’t force throws unless in a must make situation - Remember that with our “D” punting is not a bad thing
•When the play is there make the throw – on time and in rhythm – put the play makers in a position to make a play - don’t throw behind the TB on a swing pass
•Come to the line of scrimmage on 3rd down like you know you’re going to move the chains – not like you can already taste the gatoraide
•Find a way to win – not lose – don’t turn it over twice inside the gator 5 – punch the dang thing in and keep the pressure on the other team to make plays!
hotrodvol writes:
1974 that sounds like pre-game coach speak. Is this you Coach Majors, lol. Hey check out this story it's a good one.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20...
Orangeblood13 writes:
thats 4 but im with ya
99gator writes:
i think urban meyer must have done some sort of demonic possession of the tennessee players and coaches last season.
he used them to lie about the tennessee offense.
TSNSD4UT writes:
Fat boy's Fat boy's whatcha goin ah do,when the coaches they come to the buffet-line ah lookin for you ....good story here http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/20...
TSNSD4UT writes:
Evelyn Woodhead now thats old school Cheech &Chong there dude..LMAO.
1974Vol writes:
Attack! Attack! Attack! dang gonnit!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Good on Rocky Top?!? That would be good enough to mount a Heisman campaign for! I would love to see it, but I would be sure I had died and gone to heaven if I were to see Crompton do that for an entire season! I agree that the 60% completion rate is a laudable and reachable goal, and I would like to see such a TD-to-INT rate for the whole season, but I would settle for HALF the per-game yardage and TD production you mentioned.
1974Vol writes:
Wooooo gator, Urbie has even one uped the visor thrower - he can possess the souls of opponents. Heavy - so he made CLK say those things about him in a diabolical scheme to fire his players up! Thanks for revealing the gator's evil master plan.
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