Marsalis Teague is coming to the defense of Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin.
Teague, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound athlete from Henry County High School in Paris, Tenn., will begin summer classes and workouts at UT today.
Teague said he's paid attention to the criticism Kiffin has received for his brash behavior and verbal jabs toward several SEC coaches.
Teague believes the criticism is unwarranted.
"Some people say he needs to watch it," Teague said, "but coming from a player's perspective, I think we actually like that when your head coach is ready to defend you or do whatever for you. I'm ready to get out there and try to help defend him."
So are Teague's future teammates. Teague said he's spoken to many of UT's 2009 signees about backing up Kiffin's confident talk.
"That's all we talk about," Teague said. " 'Let's go out there and let's get this national championship. Let's put Tennessee back on.'
"The confidence the coaches have just trickles down to us. If everybody gives the coach a bad rep we're going to be quick to try to defend him."
Teague has started working to earn playing time this fall. He will likely begin playing slot receiver but could factor in on defense if that's where he's needed.
Teague said he appreciates UT's coaching staff giving the newcomers an opportunity to earn early playing time.
"If you're thrown into the mix you can kind of see how long you can adjust or stay at the top versus having to start at the bottom and work your way up," he said.
One of Teague's chief competitors for early playing time on offense will be Nu'Keese Richardson, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound receiver from Pahokee (Fla.) High School.
Richardson, who also will begin classes at UT today, said he and Teague will make each other better.
"Every day you've got to be on top of your game," Richardson said. "Honestly, it feels good to know I have somebody else pushing me and making me better. I'm also pushing them."
UT's 2009 class hopes to help push Tennessee back to the top of the SEC.
Teague recalled the message he heard from Kiffin and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron during the recruiting process.
"They were talking about trying to start over and clean the slate and get Tennessee back up to where it needs to be," Teague said. "With us being their first recruiting class, we would kind of be the cornerstone."
Josh Ward is a freelance contributor.
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Comments » 206
vols4ever93 writes:
1st
mpm80#1357758 writes:
44th ?
ethanfrome writes:
"Let's put Tennessee back on."
I like that kind of talk! But Fulmer never let us slide...
vols4ever93 writes:
2nd darn
utvols007 writes:
Go Vols........this signing class is the first of a new era of Tennessee Football
UF and UGA have never had the tradition nor success that we have experienced
vols4ever93 writes:
well 1st vols fan
BasketVols writes:
What's more fun than making fun Gators?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/18...
appalachianvol writes:
Most important for the players to believe in their coach.
Go big orange
ROCKYTOP10ECVOL writes:
I like the swagger the new staff has brought, but talk doesn't win football games. Summer workouts begin tommorrow, lets get to work guys and earn the swagger!!!!!!
panties4tebow writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BIGEJ writes:
TarHeelsFool shows it's true side....maybe it should put a diaper on both ends to catch the "stuff" it produces.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
Anybody miss ol'Fulmer??
panties4tebow writes:
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ROCKYTOP10ECVOL writes:
NO WAY, I HOPE THAT WAS A JOKE FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!!!!!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
How many days, Ashley?
Pullingguard writes:
TarHeels is seeking attention, ignore him completely and he will go away.. Treat him as if he did not exsist...
Voluvr writes:
These are the two guys that both decided Tennessee was the school for them and put their trust in Coach Kiffin and his staff instead of Coach Meyer and his staff. Pretty smart young men.
Of course, there is no comparison when you tour the facilities at Tennessee, but it's about the school and the coaches.
This pick up represents big loss for florida in the future. Losing two is a gain of four. < 2 for them and
+ 2 for the competition. This is also what created the firestorm in florida. How dare someone come into Florida and even try to take two top recruits from the Champ. But, then again, that was last year.
easymoney writes:
what are you smokin'? Fulmer never let us slide? Are you kidding me?
beachvol1 writes:
Guys,
I have officiated Mr.Teague's high school games at Henry County High in Paris and let me tell you, the guy is the real deal...great attitude and very good academic student...give him the chance and he can do the job...
VOLFORLIFE writes:
lol! lol! lol!
You're such a dummy. On an earlier basketball article you brought up Coach Kiffin. Now on a football article you're talking about Coach Pearl.
lol! lol! lol!
You're such a dummy. Go get a life somewhere if that's possible.
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
volpreacher writes:
I didn't see anything that great. I saw Berry miss a tackle because he dove too low but not something Rainey did. If you look 90% of those runs were against teams like Citadel, Hawaii, and teams that were already beaten soundly in the fourth quarter. (tired teams mentally and physically) Don't get me wrong, Rainey is good, just not great. If you really want to see something funny, look at the highlight that shows Berry faking Tebow out of his jock strap after intercepting him as a FRESHMAN. Go Vols
gmoneyvol writes:
Please get a girlfriend or something. Or a Tebow blow-up doll.
govegetarian writes:
dude, you got chill bumps over SOFTBALL??? dude.
gmoneyvol writes:
You have too much free time. Social outcast?
BasketVols writes:
Awww, did Timmy just brush up against you gently?
12packvolfan writes:
nobody here cares about florida u jerk
pammyvol1000 writes:
I like Marsalis already.. He has a good attitude and I can't wait to cheer him on!!!
BasketVols writes:
Here you go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWij0B...
FLVol writes:
Hey Tarheel..your day is coming don't worry. I believe NC is on the schedule in a few years. It won't be long before the beatdown in Kenan!
BasketVols writes:
Billy Donovan sure would know we existed (although he'd prefer we didn't) because we own him every year. But he's lost interest in coaching at Florida, so I'm sure you guys will get a better coach soon...
Vol43 writes:
dc you owe me an answer
Vol43 writes:
dc
Vol43 writes:
dc give me an answer
Vol43 writes:
dcflorida come out come out wherever you are
Vol43 writes:
dcf
DennisVols writes:
What was funny was that stupid look and lil timmie face as Berry ran his pass back for a TD.
If you missed it then watch this years game it will be repeated.
chad_t31 writes:
Yeah maybe on a gator website. Why don't u go there and find out. While ur there, stay.
DennisVols writes:
Shows how much you really know dimwhit. UT had the 3rd toughest schedule in the country.
gatorzwearstebowpanties writes:
Here's another funny one of Eric Berry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWij0B...
Vol43 writes:
dcflorida
chad_t31 writes:
U obviously know we exist. Ur here constantly..yet not discussing women's sports. Please make a little more sense before posting next time.
chaos001 writes:
MISTER Marsalis Teague is the real deal. I've watched him for two years as a HCHS Patriot and has seen his ability to change a game...college will be no different for him. Watch him emerge as the leader of this team by the time he's a junior or senior. He can and will do whatever it takes to WIN and lead this team!
New Era.
oldvolsfan writes:
you little pre schooler do you even know pearl personally or are you just a stupid a-- kid with a big mouth
oldvolsfan writes:
thugs
chad_t31 writes:
no ma'am, u still don't get it. U said if it weren't for women's sports no one would know we existed. If that were the case, u would be on here talking about women's sports rather than football. Not bad for a rocket surgeon huh?! Moron.
Vol43 writes:
Orange, I have been tracking this man for a long time. I know about him. He has children, eleven year old son and eight year old daugther. If you log the time he spends on this site, you would see that he has no time for his kids. Obviously, this man has serious mental problems. He never takes them to church (just check his posts and you will see), he doesn't spend time with his wife or family. This man is a mental case. I continue to monitor his activity.
murrayvol writes:
And beaten by TarBaby too. Pretty weak. :)
murrayvol writes:
Butch does.
murrayvol writes:
I think Gerry posted 97 yesterday so today would be...let's see...subtract 1...96.
Vol43 writes:
what you said :)
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