There were hardly any assistants to be found.
If Tennessee could have stood for it, the head coach might not have showed up for practice either.
The Vols didn't shortchange the players already in the program during the first workout of a short week heading into their open date, but with so many missing faces on Tuesday and UT obviously short staffed, it's clear what coach Lane Kiffin hopes to accomplish with the bye.
"It's the lifeblood of our program - we have to recruit," Kiffin said. "So we're not going to take key guys off the road to be here for a two-hour practice as opposed to going to see great players, especially for us because we can't just drive down the road. We have to get guys on airplanes, we've got to go around the country to do this thing right, and that's invaluable.
"I almost thought about not coming back myself just because it's so valuable."
Instead Kiffin returned in time for afternoon meetings, giving the Vols a full complement of coordinators along with the coach to run a session that was missing as many familiar faces on the field as well as the sideline.
But even with fewer eyes on slightly fewer players as the team tries to get healthy for next week's game at No. 2 Alabama, the Vols were as physical as they've been all season and nobody seemed to have any problems staying focused - whether they were getting ready for fall break or to get back on the recruiting trail.
"It's actually kind of fun because individual is not that long, and that's the boring part of practice for me," Kiffin said. "We just get to do a bunch of team stuff. That's good though. Our guys are everywhere around the country, (seeing) some of the best players and the reception has been phenomenal, especially after our last game.
"There's not that much (negative impact at practice). We did a good job today, we handled the meetings, all three coordinators were here, (running backs coach) Eddie Gran and I flew back right before the meetings started, so when you have all the coordinators here, we were still able to get a lot done today and a lot of work."
UT is obviously doing plenty of that away from campus this week, and Kiffin was preparing to leave again shortly after practice ended.
The Vols had the maximum number of coaches on the road during the afternoon, and they'll likely continue to keep seven away on business for the rest of the week as they tag in and out to hit as many high school practices as possible. It won't hurt that Kiffin cancelled one of his own scheduled for Thursday, which is both a reward for the team after pounding Georgia on Saturday and a chance for UT to capitalize on the effort.
"We're going to max it out," Kiffin said. "I mean, I was on the road until noon today. And I'm leaving right after we're done here.
"(Defensive line coach) Ed (Orgeron) does a lot of the planning. He comes and meets with me with a plan, and we move people around based on who needs to see who and who needs to tag here and there. This is so important - it's invaluable."
That doesn't diminish the value of the players UT currently has in camp, and in some ways it's up to the Vols right now to make sure they're not letting their stock slide.
For instance, with his position coach heading the recruiting efforts and not leading his individual drills, it might have been easy for freshman defensive tackle Montori Hughes to get away with less than his best practice.
"It is (easier), but you know, if you want to be a good team, you can't take that way out," Hughes said. "You got to do what you've got to do and get the job done."
Right now, that applies both in town and out of it.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 56
OrangeBlur writes:
"GET FIRED UP!" Tommy Rich
MTSUVOL writes:
I know that DaMan is not a Vols fan, I'm not sure what fan he is (he is too chicken to say) but I get the feeling that he is starting to come around to liking the Vols. I can detect a little bit of Orange in his blood. DaMan, it will be just a matter of time before you bleed Orange and become a Vols fan. Let me be the first to congrautlate you.
Go Vols!!!
6MillionDollarPumpkin writes:
I can only pray that we can keep this staff together for a long time. Got to love the enthusiasm, go get some 5 star recruits, another QB, and some O-lineman.
Hobby writes:
This bunch of coaches are work aholics. LOVE IT
MarbleVol48 writes:
Man! This staff and team works hard everyday and they play hard to the final whistle on Saturdays! What a coaching staff!!!!!
MTSUVOL writes:
Thanks Four Horsemen. I knew there was something about him that I didn't like. You can't trust those yard lizards!!
WiseProfessor writes:
Vol recruits will soon learn they selected the wrong school when they play the Gators.
asleep#212036 writes:
Fulmer and company had a plan too and plenty of great recruiting years to prove it. But Kiffin and his staff are different. They do tend to run the program like the big business that it is. Unfortunately for guys like Fulmer, it's not just about coaching football any more. Kiffin has it right - the product on the field will be directly related to the people we can put on the field. Seasons and championships are made with 80% recruiting and 20% coaching. Upgrade the recruits and mix in the coaching we already have and you have a recipe for a return to the elite years of a decade ago! Go Vols!!!
bluetick writes:
Hughes will be in the NFL one day and have a feeling many others too. I just love to see low star players out of HS make it to the next level. Look how many have made it there over the years and how many of the high * athletes didn't. Can't wait to see him hit his full potential on the field.
Madkels writes:
Imagine a grown man hanging out on a rivals website. Must have no life or little self esteme.
volinlouisiana writes:
When did Bray become the #6 pro-style QB and a 4 star at that. I just saw that on Rivals. I thought he was a project and not highly regarded by the pundits.
beachvol1 writes:
I totally agree....this staff is all business, and have a goal to acheive...If Coach Kiffin can keep this staff in place for 3 yrs and no changes, look out...this team will be a factor in the SEC for sure....Not giving up on them yet...if ever...Bama has it going as far as defense and not a great but good offense...something tells me the Vols Defense is going to cause problems for Bama...not saying UT will win, but could get down to the 4th qtr....Offense has to carry their weight....
tennezz writes:
I doubt that, Some of gators recruits will be playing for the Vols!
tennezz writes:
DaMan why did you change your name?
6MillionDollarPumpkin writes:
It was rumor that a Wise Florida Professor was the one who actually desinged the "T-bow" panties while Tim Tebow was modeling a prototype pair. You must be so proud of yourself.
the10sevol writes:
that you, mv? why the name change, get banned?
GBO
tennezz writes:
Right, Hughes was 2* and Donald was a 5*, Which one would you rather have?
the10sevol writes:
that's good news, thanks. a number of sources said tb's stock would rise as he played his senior season, if he played up to his potential. wonder if there's a Vol coach in his den with him and his folks even as we speak?
GBO
BillsBrother writes:
What an oxymoron - wise florida professor
volinlouisiana writes:
Yeah, the other thing I noticed was that there were no 5 star pro-stylers, so Bray had the same rating as Heaps, Bell, Scroggins, Simms, and all of the top guys.
gwbask writes:
Bray is having a great year so far. Only downside is the competion level is not the highest. Smart, reads the defenses good and has a strong arm.
gwbask writes:
I'm pretty sure he is sold on Tennessee. I know people who know his parents and they are planning on moving here. A little side note, he has a brother who is also a good QB. I believe he is a soph in HS.
the10sevol writes:
works for me. i'll help unload the moving van, lol.
GBO
SuckTheseVols98 writes:
haha ya...if we had a quarterback this year we would have beat your @$$! sorry without tebow your finished! we got tyler bray and scroggins will be on board soon enough, with our receiving crew that is unsurmountable...GO VOLS!
richvol writes:
Ever notice how people that call themselves wise are really morons?
TommyJack writes:
This guy probably herds shopping carts at Publix.
TLepage writes:
2 words... Mike Palardy.... already committed, 4 stars, and is the #1 kicker recruit on scout..... they say he kicks the ball out of the back of the end zone on a consistent basis.... also, he hasn't been kicking off a block since his sophmore year, he's been kicking off the ground to get ready for the next level.... i watched him play the other week against byrnes on espn..... he missed one field goal, but still has a hell of a leg..... by the way corey miller dominated that game of the edge.... he's going to be solid when he gets to ut....
MidwestVol writes:
I don't understand all the admiration for thedude. Why even talk about him?
PennVol writes:
I see 2 phases in our re-building. The first is going on now with getting our talent level on par with Fla, Bama, etc. But once we get there coaching will make the difference. I hope our coaches are "learning" about life in the SEC (never an off week) and continue to learn innovative ways to outsmart the Sabans and Meyers of the world. In all honestly, we'll probably never have MORE talent than some of the other schools but I believe we will have equal talent, and then the best coaches will win.
finn writes:
It is hard not to be impressed by the work ethic and systematic approach to team building. Just reading about their travel schedule and intensity wears me out. Back when CLK was hired, one of the positives mentioned about him was his 'business plan' for rebuilding the program. Based on the results so far, I'd think twice about labeling the guy as a moron whose in over his head. Give this staff 3 years and we will be a force to be reckoned with.
crappieking writes:
DaMan, Bone Smoker, PissProfessor = Dshbags. That is all.
JoeVols writes:
Forty-fourth!!!!!!!!!!!
carolinasmokey writes:
Your sentence structure is poor, your research is faulty, and your reasoning is non-existent. You must teach at U of F.
FearTheVols1252 writes:
Seeing the bond between Tebow and Cryer as witnessed in this photo somehow makes me doubt that…
http://dixieugadawg.files.wordpress.c...
coxo921 (Inactive) writes:
3 years????? Only if you mean not the REST of this season, and not NEXT....but the year AFTER NEXT.
Look, these coaches recruited a helluva class in 09', they will do EVEN better in Feb of 2010. Meaning you will see a TOTALLY different product on the field during the next years season. The Year after that 2011 should be Spectacular! These young kids are starting to get it and lead (look at Hughes comments in this article, those are words of a Junior) The dismissal of Warren, has sent more of a Message than any of us realise to the upper classmen. Get on Board or Miss your Chance, b/c the youngters are talented and comming on strong.
I don't really agree with that 80% recruiting and 20% coaching comment above either. You can see vast improvement in many players this year that were just buried in Mediocrity and the previous coaching staff's unwillingness to motivate / coach them up.
Case in point : Jarrod Shaw, Douglas, and the Sullins twins on the OL alone...Not too mention Scott coming into a sure fire NFL type OT.
The other examples are too many to list....but how this pays dividends will be huge with the new talent of this year (especially if we can get extra practices w/ a bowl game) and even more so with the 2010 talent that will be on campus this summer. BELIEVE IT !!!!
Just read and watch Tyler Bray Profile
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recrui...
He's got all the tools...The footwork, the quick release, and him enrolling in January make his stock look GREAT for contributing and doing well next year...Not too mention by 2011. So I say Huey to 3years...More like 2 and we will be contending!!!
btw the black kid w/ the headband standing behind tyler in most of those drills is Scroggins, and he looks pretty darn small! His footwork and arm are no where near Tyler's abilities....Folks we came way out ahead in this one. Patience is truely a virtue....well except win comes to winning in the SEC, right?
abnermc writes:
I'm convinced that Urbie would have kissed Timmy @ the LSU game had it not been for the helmet. Any one else notice?
BTW Urbie is busy this week also: Trying to call all recruits while Kif is with them.
bigorange101582 writes:
Don't get me wrong I am excited that the coaches are out and hot on the recruiting trail, but hope we are putting as much effort or more into preparing for Alabama. We can use all the time we can get.
gnm53108 writes:
Agree.
Recruiting is very important.Next years class dosent fill all our needs yet....yet.
But right now bama should merrit all of our attention.
Beat freakin bama!!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Many a brewski will be comsumed before we get to the mullets.
DC_Vol writes:
Excellent post! Bray will be a great one. Scroggins will be kicking himself in the behind next year when Bray is leading UT to victories and he is still sitting on the pine watching Matt Barkley lead USC to victories.
I believe this story will only worsen as the years go by. Every single year, Scroggins will recognize his mistake. When Barkly finally leaves after his senior year then Scroggins will finally have a chance to play.
Unfortunately, we know Pete Carroll will want to attract the next best four year starter at QB possible and Scroggins will end up the odd man out. This will be a very sad story.
Scroggins will end up like Aaron Corp who sat patiently by for four years (including a redshirt) only to lose his coveted position to a redshirt freshman. This should never happen, but it does when Carrol makes promises to highly touted QB recruits. No way a true freshmen is a better choice to start the season than a player who has practiced for four years in the USC system.
gnm53108 writes:
Well,it is brewski season.
Many times I have sacrificed myself for the betterment of.....
Glug glug
What was we talking about?
10volunteers98 writes:
HA HA HA HA-----WWOOOOOOO!!You`re a funny man,Professor!You will be calling yourself 'The Nutty Professor'in about another year or so.GO,VOLS!!!
tennesseebee writes:
You gotta love the work ethic here. If anyone hasn't read 'the Meat Market' about then head coach Ed Orgeron, it's worth your time. Look at Ole Miss. I won't take anything from Houston Dale, but Orgeron's recruiting is still being felt at Ole Miss. They may have been a bit overratted early on, but they're certainly not the kick-dog they were in the past. Great to have Coach O!!
jhnshft writes:
that's awesome - "Is someone talkin' 'bout some wildfire?!"
Fryinpansvols writes:
Can you say a top 5 recruiting class for next season?
kman29 writes:
Will never understand why fans try to hold on to hope of when (ONE) player leaves from a team they hate, the program is done. Fans said that about USC with Reggie Bush, Texas with Vince Young ect..Programs like that are so established that one guy does not cause the downfall of a program.
In your case your backing up how great UT is going to be next year by mentioning two highschool QBs who have never even put on a college uniform. And while UT is recruiting some nice talent, what do you think schools like alabama, LSU and Florida are doing? UT lines up a potential 4 star FRESHMAN QB next year while Alabama lines up (4 star Junior QB), LSU (4 star Junior QB, w/ a 5 star sophomore itching to get on the field) and Florida (5 star redshirt Junior QB, backed up by a 4 star QB). UT will get the talent, but in the end, it will be talent that is EQUAL to what the top SEC schools already have. Thats when the coaching will come into play. Will Kiffin be able to beat Saban and Meyer in stategy and game planning? Remember, Ron Zook could recruit too. Heck he even had games where his talent was good enough to surprise a 2003 LSU national title team on the road. But in the end, he couldn't led all that talent beyond 8 wins. Hopefully for UTs sake, Kiffin will be able to.
top talent= 7-8 wins
great coaching= 2 more wins
great leaders= Championships
tfortennessee writes:
"Will Kiffin be able to beat Saban and Meyer in stategy and game planning?"
YES
Slystone writes:
Good points all round.
timetofireclk writes:
I am not a UT fan by any means but anyone that thinks UF will be even close to what they are this year after Tebow leaves is just plain stupid. Tebow alone is worth 3 wins a year. Now please point out to me who is carrying this UF team this year? They were so sure of Brantley that they played Tebow when it could have ended his career instead of playing a LSU team with the backup QB. Just my opinion but UF will be an 8/9 win team next year while I can see UT being an 8/9 win team next year with a freshman QB. Bama, well, can they go a whole year without breaking the rules and getting the hammer? The NCAA already called them a "serial violator. Ole Miss will lose the rest of Ed's boys next year and it will be back to the basement for them. LSU, well, they do have 3rd and Chavis. UGA is in worse shape than UT. I would venture a guess they are under a new staff next year. It may be the same HC but it will be new OC and DC and both schemes will be different. Cox is not the answer and replacing Knoshon is harder than they thought. Auburn has improved but really all they have is a hurry up because they cant match up with team as far as talent.
timetofireclk writes:
AJ Johnson just committed to the VOLS for the class of 2011
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