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New coach Lane Kiffin said both of his scholarship quarterbacks will receive equal repetitions to prove themselves when Tennessee opens preseason camp on Aug. 3.
That, however, might not last long.
“I want to have one,” Kiffin said Tuesday during UT’s annual preseason press conference. “I don’t believe in rotating quarterbacks.
“The quarterback needs to be a leader of your offense. He needs to have a rhythm. Quarterbacks don’t operate well under pressure feeling they’re going to get pulled all the time … You worry about effort and loafs at other positions. That doesn’t happen at quarterback.”
Playing just one quarterback would be welcome news for those who saw senior Jonathan Crompton and junior Nick Stephens jockey for playing time throughout the 2008 season. It didn’t take a football savant to determine that all of the changes had an adverse effect on UT’s already struggling offense.
“Your team has to have a rhythm about them,” Kiffin said. “If you switch quarterbacks, the cadence is different, the huddle is different. You never create a real rhythm.”
Kiffin said the lack of consistency is evident in a typical practice.
“When you change quarterbacks in practice, there’s not a rhythm very much,” he said. “Also your team doesn’t play as fast. You can’t play really fast with two different cadences.”
In some ways, playing fast means cheating — but not getting caught.
“The great linemen — when they get good in this system — are moving actually before the ball is even snapped when you look at it in slow motion,” Kiffin said.
If done perfectly, officials are rarely aware of UT’s head start in zone blocking.
“They don’t call it because they can’t tell; it happens so fast,” Kiffin said. “When you have two different cadences, they never get used to it and you increase your (false start) penalties.”
Kiffin’s quarterbacks have had to overcome some bruises, both physical and emotional.
Stephens missed most of spring practice and a month of the off-season with a broken hand/wrist.
“I think you can improve a lot in the off-season,” Kiffin said. “I haven’t been able to watch these guys for two months. I guarantee you guys have passed guys up (on the depth chart) the way they have worked out this off-season.
Kiffin spent much of the off-season trying to build Crompton back up after a rough season in 2008.
“It’s like a bad relationship; He’s hurt,” Kiffin said. “You can tell when things go bad a little bit with him, that he kind of freezes up a little bit because he’s been beat up so long here.
“I’ve worked very hard getting him out of that … to understand we’re not worried about what happened before, just like with everybody else. We’re focused on the future. I think he’s getting a lot better with that.”
No matter who wins the starting job, Kiffin will be guarding either quarterback.
“They understand that I’m going to protect them,” Kiffin said. “Quarterback is different from everybody else. I’m going to protect them the way I call the game and the way I talk to the media. I got their back.
“They need to understand that. Bad things are going to happen. I’ll take the heat for it when it does happen.”
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Comments » 49
bluetick writes:
Whatever claudette. If one hop jon is our starting QB then people will have to deal with it. If I remember correctly it was the hating fans and Fulmer hate groups that was crying at Cromptons QB play. He didn't do a good job at all but if he is our QB then he will obviously be the best QB we have on the team and we should just deal with it. Just how it is. I can already see the comments coming this season from the fair weather fans. Who will be the first to call for Kiffins head? Hmmmm.
heyitsme writes:
Or is this a message that's being sent to the west coast? Jesse, are you listening?
vailvol writes:
i like kiffin. he seems crafty.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Hell, I just hope they DO get equal shots. That in and of itself is refreshing. At this point, UT fans need to realize that for all their b!tchin' and moanin', we've got a chance to get a lot better this season...and that's somethin' we wouldn't have expected comin' in with Fulmer.
For all he did for UT, you never had the confidence that we would be better than the year before, that things would gel. This year, it's all but a certainty, and I've got to believe that Coach truly will do what is best for the team, rather than his behind.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Hey everyone...just in case you don't have it..something to click on for a little pick up during the lull of summer
http://www.geocities.com/jerrybecker/...
basevol31#584179 writes:
its almost FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
GerryOP writes:
46 -- Fear The Kiffin...
voloffaith writes:
As a father I appreciate your classy way you speak of Mr. and Mrs. Crompton's son. Glad he's not yours. One-hop might be accurate about some of his wayward passes,but the childish name-calling of people needs to stop sooner than later.
As has been said many times b4 it is easy to hide behind a computer screen Claudette....
On topic I appreciate Coach Kiffin's attempt to recreate the qb that came highly touted out of NC.Goodnight gents....
GerryOP writes:
Is One-Hop-Jon your pet frog? You seem to speak fondly of him.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Good point. Good post.
tnvol981 writes:
Lets just pray that any potential recruit we have does not read the examples of ignorance displayed in these forums. Like i have said before I am and will always be a TN fan, but sometimes i am ashamed to root for the same team as some of these idiots.
Waldorf writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
utchris writes:
Scroggins has now moved his press conference from tomorrow to Thurs at 3 eastern
OrangeMagic writes:
Gosh darn,
What is the better choice, put down our team and players? If what vol4gus is doing is holier than thou, then we need a lot more of that. You calling him names doesn't make you look any brighter either.
OrangeMagic writes:
tnvol1981,
I couldn't agree more about some of the people who call themselves fans.
chad_t31 writes:
When tn fans start siding with the lopers on here, this place has really gone to hell. I've actually enjoyed reading some of our rivals' opinions but I would never sit idly by while they trash someone on our team.
As for the equal competition...it's a good way to start. CLK also has stated that all incoming freshmen move to the top of the depth charts...they either stay there or work their way out of a starting position. Kind of like that as well..committments know they are going to get a shot right from the beginning (should ring loud and clear all the way out in Cali).
TnScooby writes:
Very fair to open up the competition...JC has been the target of fans since he's been here and everybody is so quick to blame everything on him...I have been disappointed by his play and so have a lot of Vol fans...acting childish and giving him idiotic nicknames only displays immaturity, not support....would love for JC to come through with an excellent season and prove his ability on the field during games....4 different Offensive Coordinators since he's been here haven't made it easy to get familiar or be as successful as Vol fans would like but CLK has wiped the slate clean...maybe its time for Vol fans to accept that and support whoever he chooses as his starting QB....If it is Stephens then so be it but if it is Crompton, give him the support that any QB at UT deserves...I will support either choice gladly....Like it or not, CLK has the final decision and I'm sure he will choose the best fit for this offense...
bluetick writes:
Dill weed.
txvolsfan writes:
I agree OrangeMagic, Let's support our team and players 100%. These kids get a free education but they are not making millions of $$$ to do what they do!!!
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN
txvolsfan writes:
I had heard that yesterday also from a friend of mine. He read it on Volnation!!!
Any feeling Chris? I think USC, but you always have a good gut on these things.
panties4tebow writes:
Seems claudette has decided to one hop the name of gatorz and show his real character of claudette!
JBVol writes:
Whoever CLK picks as the starting QB will be just fine this year. IMO, we will be conservative on offense and stingy on defense. The QB will only have to throw a few passes to keep 7, 8, 9 out of the box on defense. With the studs we have for RB's I would like to see us get back to a ball control offense THIS YEAR. If we do, I think 8 wins are very possible, pull an upset or two, who knows. I'm just saying!
lomas98 writes:
I like the fact he says he doesn't believe in flip flopping QB's. The worst 2 seasons in the Fulmer era was when he couldn't decide on a QB in 2005 and then last year. Both seasons had multiple QB's playing the same game. I do think it is okay to bring in a change up QB for a few plays that can run, but please don't keep switching QB's that are the same style.
TommyJack writes:
The gender confusion was always apparent.
StroVol writes:
After watching the UCLA game again last night, I am convinced Clawson and Fulmer screwed that team up royally. UCLA,Wyoming,and Auburn could have easily been wins with a Vanderbilt type game plan of run, run and run. 8-4 minimum. The 5-7 record does not reflect the talent we have on this team. Whoever starts, Crompton or Stephens, I think this team is going to compete this year.
VolFanInAtl writes:
Dang... we need a quarterback
kevinlimbo#326134 writes:
Wow a Joe Tex reference.
OrangeMagic writes:
txvolsfan,
Where are you located, I'm in Carrollton.
lomas98 writes:
Why would you put yourself through the pain of watching that game again. I think that Fulmer screwed the team up royally. If you did watch that game again you probably noticed the different sets and motion the receivers and backs were in. They got open, the QB just couldn't hit them. After that game the offensive sets never resembled what they were and the offense never had a chance. You had an OC trying to run the HC offense. Not saying the Clawfense was great, but it never really had a chance. I think the possibilities were there if we had a QB that didn't have 2 different systems to play at the same time.
gotvols writes:
Crompton is going to surprise a lot of people this year. He has dealt with three different coordinators. The only good one he had to date is Coach Cut'. He showed so much potential under him. The came the downfall of last year. Obviously a result of confidence in the system. Even the coordinator from last year said it would take a couple to few years for the system to pick up. That shows total disrespect for the players in the system now. CLK is showing promise NOW. You will see big time improvement in the play this year. The overall attitude stunk last year. I am ready to see confidence in what they are doing, and knowing that the play they are about to run WILL WORK.
Orangeblood13 writes:
“You can tell when things go bad a little bit with him, that he kind of freezes up a little bit because he’s been beat up so long here.
gota fix that for sure
GerryOP writes:
Jon or Nick? Don't care. If Coach Kiffin says we can win with these two guys, that's all we need to know ... this year.
45 -- Fear The Kiffin...
Volunatic writes:
That's the spirit. Some good blocking schemes should help him considerably, I'd imagine.
gnm53108 writes:
Agree.
And like the gun-slinger.Describes Nick pretty well.
gnm53108 writes:
Good attitude.
I'll have two of whatever you're drinkin.
Gate21 writes:
Agreed 100%. CLK has said from the beginning, Eric Berry not withstanding, that every position was up for grabs and the best player would start after earning the starting position. Perhaps it's ignorance on my part but I don't read anything into this other than CLK reaffirming this by announcing that both of our QB's are starting Fall practice on equal footing, getting equal reps and that from the competition a starter will be named prior to 9/5. Go Vols!
Mr_Brownstone writes:
Spurrier take note from Kiffin; this is why you haven't been able to sign an elite qb at So. Carolina.
Quarterbacks don’t operate well under pressure feeling they’re going to get pulled all the time …
1manningfan writes:
Guys i figured it out, lol. Scroggins is announcing today to become a Volunteer because SEC media day starts today.
Therefore, it gives coach Kiffin another big splash in front of the media, and it's letting all the other recruits to stop on by, lol.
I know what ya'll are thinking, im crazy. But im just wishful thinking and being positive about his descion to be a Volunteer.
Go Vols!
QB_10 (Inactive) writes:
I hear alot about the what if's. A few notes on JC, probably a good kid, but he is not a leader, has issues readign defenses, cannot make a power sweep correctly and crumbles under pressure. On the reverse, i like players with moxie. With that said i like Stephens, he is a very very competitive player and gives this program a nice 2 year buffer. Do you really want a freshman coming in and playing- No. You want him to learn the system, get comfortable and then go and play for 2-3 years..that is how CLK and USC Trogans were successful. Jon aka One-Hopper will get some early playing time, but wait, he will make mistakes, ones that put the pressure on a defense. Stephens in my humble opinion is the one i want..but they both know that CLK is not goign to hand the job over like Fulmer did to Crompton..that is reason Loeffler did not come to UT, he loved Stephens at Michigan...hey that is why they play the game
jwright13#576991 writes:
you're a dick
StroVol writes:
I bet Spurrier is the missing vote for Tebow. He knew the Media would blame Kiffin. That bast.rd can't help himself. Also, if CLK really wants one quarterback, then I'm hoping it's Stephens. At least we know without a doubt that he'll be able to hand it off to Hardesty, Poole, Brown and Oku. I love that we are building the horsestable again. Let em loose!
RJ_Vol writes:
The article was a bit surprising given the seeming nod towards Crompton all summer. Something has changed in Kiffin's thinking. An opinion...
Equal reps = Nick Stephens(long run)
RJ_Vol writes:
Also, w/ no big name QB coming in it appears...it would seem time to hitch the wagon to Nick Stephens for the next two years. Let's hope our RB's are as billed.
RJ_Vol writes:
Three things...
1. Fumble inside the five absolutely took the air out of our team - for the game and the year. If I have the wrong game please tell me. There were so many turnovers at unfortunate times that it all runs together.
2. Play calling was horrendous...especially in the second half.
3. The better players were sitting on the bench. Some should have been benched.
SWAVol writes:
OrangeMagic,
I am also in TX. Addison.
volatil writes:
Two Q.B's equal no Q.B's
OakyVol09 writes:
When he says it is 50/50, that really means 60/40 for Crompton. Crompton is the senior so if they are even or even if Stephens is a little better, I think Crompton gets the nod. Personally I think Stephens may be a better fit because he has a short memory and that is what a QB needs. If he makes a bad play, that does not affect his next play. Similar to what CLK is saying in this article, JC seems to get worse if a couple of things go bad. He has to be able to shake it off and go on. Both of these guys have tons of physical talent, I just hope one emerges as more accurate and composed than what we saw last year. Go Vols!!!
tdtnsee writes:
On jesse's Myspace page it said he's moving his announcment to 3pm eastern time thursday. I just wonder if he gave us a little hint? Why would he say 3pm eastern time instead of his time which is 12pm pacific time. Maybe wishful thinking. GO VOLS!!!!
tnvoice#278189 writes:
Thanks for the link. I'm sure I'm going to be referring to the countdown to kickoff many times over the next 44 days.
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