Strange: Freshmen amplify Kiffin's message

  • BY MIKE STRANGE strangem@knoxnews.com
  • Posted September 10, 2009 at 8:52 p.m., updated September 11, 2009 at 9:51 a.m.

Hear more audio

Lane Kiffin talks the talk when the subject is playing freshmen. Unlike some of his colleagues, he walks the walk as well.

Kiffin's message, of course, is directed at recruits: Come to Tennessee and play now. Eleven true freshmen saw action in UT's opener.

Some of his comments this week sounded to me like they might have been for Marlon Brown's ears as well.

Brown was the star receiver prospect out of Memphis who chose Georgia over the Vols last signing day, the culmination of a heated recruiting battle.

At his Tuesday press conference, Kiffin's answer to a question didn't mention any names, but pointed out that prospects monitor which freshmen get to play at what schools and which don't:

"What's this great player who went to this school doing? Is he sitting on the bench the whole game not catching one ball? Or is he in the game being the team's leading receiver?''

For the record, Brown sat on the bench the whole game in Georgia's loss at Oklahoma State and didn't catch one ball. Marsalis Teague, who switched his commitment from Florida to Tennessee, started and was UT's leading receiver with six catches against Western Kentucky.

Another receiver prospect who de-committed from Tennessee, Je'Ron Stokes, debuted at Michigan on Saturday. I don't know if he sat on the bench the whole game, but he is third string on the depth chart and didn't catch one ball.

I don't think Bryce Brown would have sat on the bench anywhere opening day. That includes the Titans' or Steelers' bench Thursday night.

UT's freshman tailback gained 104 yards on 11 carries against Western Kentucky for a 9.5 yard-per-try average.

It was the best outing by a UT true freshman since Aaron Hayden gained 109 against Louisville in 1991, a game in which fellow freshman James Stewart rushed for 101. (Reggie Cobb rushed for 138 against Iowa in 1987, but after a redshirt season).

Kiffin isn't the only coach playing freshmen. Brown, in fact, ranked only fourth among true freshmen in the SEC on Saturday.

Auburn's Ontario McCalebb rushed for 148 yards. Vanderbilt got 133 from Zac Stacy and 105 from Warren Norman.

Auburn coach Gene Chizik stopped well short of saying McCalebb is the next Bo Jackson.

"We're not going to put a lot of stock in a guy rushing for a hundred yards one time,'' Chizik said. "If you do it six or seven times, you've got our attention.''

Speaking of prolific rushing, UT's Montario Hardesty ranks No. 3 nationally after his 160-yard day.

Four schools produced a tandem of 100-yard backs Saturday and three of them were in the SEC: UT, Vandy and Auburn (McCalebb and Ben Tate). The other was UConn.

Notable Stats: UT leads the nation in total offense (657 yards) and ranks third in total defense (83 yards). The 574-yard differential was a school record.

The Vols were the only school among 110 ranked in Football Bowl Subdivision that did not punt on opening day.

Smashing Hits: What do Eric Berry and John Belushi have in common? Check out UT's new musical video to promote Berry's Heisman campaign.

It ends with Berry getting up from the weight-room bench, snatching the guitar from the musician who has been playing throughout the video and smashing it into the barbells.

Much as Belushi did in "Animal House," the 1978 comedy classic. At least Berry's not on double-secret probation.

Game of the Week: South Carolina at Georgia. The Bulldogs are in danger of their first 0-2 start since 1996 unless quarterback Joe Cox and the offense can solve the Gamecocks' defense.

A couple of touchdowns and a field goal should be a winning formula. The victor in the series has scored more than 20 points only once in the past eight years. The winner's average score the past five years is 17 points.

Week One Winners: Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame quarterback. He ranks No. 1 nationally in pass-efficiency at a staggering 303.67 after a 15-of-18, four-touchdown day against Nevada. Michigan should bring that score down a bit.

Stephon Gilmore and Greg Reid. Two blue-chip secondary recruits the Vols pursued, had big-time debuts for South Carolina and Florida State, respectively.

Week One Losers: (Besides the obvious, LeGarrette Blount of Oregon.) David Cutcliffe. A Duke home crowd of 33,011 was the largest since 2001. But it watched Cutcliffe's second Blue Devil team lose to Richmond, 24-16.

Ron Zook. Illinois looked awful in a 37-9 loss to Missouri. Welcome back to the hot seat.

Mike Strange may be reached at strangem@knoxnews.com or 865-342-6276.

Get Copyright Permissions © 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!

© 2009 govolsxtra.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • Discuss
  • Print

Also in Mike Strange

Comments » 24

gohawks1 writes:

in response to compact2:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Heh heh... nice!

the10sevol writes:

ya think Markeith didn't call that to Tyler's attention Saturday? Markeith was probably burning up his text line.
GBO

AllVol1 writes:

I am really glad that our freshmen contribute so much. It tells me that our new staff can do three things incredibly well. They can evaluate talent. They can recruit like nobody's business. They can coach-em-up quickly. This bodes well for all of their recruits getting early playing time over the next few years. However, there should come a time when our talent level is extremely high. At that point, it absolutely should be harder for freshmen to play. At that point, our recruiting pitch will be: come to Tennessee, we play the best players regardless of experience, we put players in the NFL, AND we win championships. By then we should see fewer freshmen on the field than we do now. Until then, I am loving the resurgance of the Big Orange. Go Vols!

whatcanbrowndoforyou writes:

Marlon it looks like grandmother doesn't always know best. You could of been living life in the fast lane but instead your stuck in the hedges. GO VOLS!!

give_him_6 writes:

in response to Witch_Doctor:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

I wonder if he's still talking to his granny after she "made" him go to UGA?? LMAO!!!!!!!! Ride that bench man!!!!!!

TDTN writes:

Just thinking out loud here. How long can we promise freshman playing time? The freshman players will be sophmores and should be starting next year and so on. If we improve our talent level it will get tougher for a freshman to crack the starting line up. But I guess that will be a good problem to have. It doesnt seem to have an impact on usc recruiting does it? We seem to be well on our way back up the ladder. We will really know what we have in a couple more weeks.
Go Vols!

rockyt writes:

Speaking of the music video played at the game last week - That horrible video alone could become the barrier that keeps Berry from winning the heisman if any voters were to see it. It was that bad, the only good part being when Berry smashes the guitar at the end leaving everyone in hopes that they will never have to watch or hear that song again. Anybody agree??

DennisVols writes:

in response to TDTN:

Just thinking out loud here. How long can we promise freshman playing time? The freshman players will be sophmores and should be starting next year and so on. If we improve our talent level it will get tougher for a freshman to crack the starting line up. But I guess that will be a good problem to have. It doesnt seem to have an impact on usc recruiting does it? We seem to be well on our way back up the ladder. We will really know what we have in a couple more weeks.
Go Vols!

Kiffin never promised any freshmen playing time. What he did promise them was an opportunity to compete for playing time. The freshmen who have played at this point earned that, it was not a given promise. Under Fulmer the chances of a freshmen getting the opportunity to play was based more on injuries to the upper class in front of them. Even Peyton was not going to play as a freshman at UT. He only got to play after the 2nd of the 2 QB's in front of him got injuried during the UF game.
Kiffin will continue to offer every player be it freshmen or any returning players the opportunity to earn their way onton the playing field.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!

CRFVols writes:

Putting the best players on the field no matter what their seniority? Even freshmen? Crazy concept huh.

ibvolman writes:

True freshman not only playing, but being impact players as well. It is about time we see that from the Vols. I cant believe how much talent I have seen year after year sit on the bench because they were "young, doesn't understand blocking schemes, not ready, not prepared." All that while other teams were running all over us with true freshmen. Times they are a changin. There is not one logical reason any recruit wouldn't at least give UT an honest look.

The game prediction....

UT 35
UCLA 2

Late in the 4th quarter UCLA has some success driving the ball the the Vols 40 against the UT cheerleaders and the water boy, but the drive stalls. UCLA punts pinning UT deep. JC takes a knee to end the game, but ends up doing so in his own endzone, his only mental error of the game.

ibvolman writes:

in response to TDTN:

Just thinking out loud here. How long can we promise freshman playing time? The freshman players will be sophmores and should be starting next year and so on. If we improve our talent level it will get tougher for a freshman to crack the starting line up. But I guess that will be a good problem to have. It doesnt seem to have an impact on usc recruiting does it? We seem to be well on our way back up the ladder. We will really know what we have in a couple more weeks.
Go Vols!

I don't think coach K is promising freshmen playing time, but rather the opportunity to compete for it. If a freshman is good enough to come in and do good enough in practice against the veterns of the team, then they get PT come game day.

That is much different than previous years where it took a season or 2 in order to "develop" their talent.

yodaorange (Inactive) writes:

"Even Peyton was not going to play as a freshman at UT. He only got to play after the 2nd of the 2 QB's in front of him got injuried during the UF game."

It is ironic that you bring up Peyton this week. His first appearance was at the Rosebowl when we played UCLA his freshman year. Todd Helton got injured and Peyton came in. We actualy had another freshman quarterback from Texas that outplayed Peyton that day. He left the team after the handwriting was on the wall.

tngeoff2 writes:

Dang. GREAT!

GeneralNeylandsReturn writes:

in response to DennisVols:

Kiffin never promised any freshmen playing time. What he did promise them was an opportunity to compete for playing time. The freshmen who have played at this point earned that, it was not a given promise. Under Fulmer the chances of a freshmen getting the opportunity to play was based more on injuries to the upper class in front of them. Even Peyton was not going to play as a freshman at UT. He only got to play after the 2nd of the 2 QB's in front of him got injuried during the UF game.
Kiffin will continue to offer every player be it freshmen or any returning players the opportunity to earn their way onton the playing field.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!

It was just a few years ago that Brent S started at QB out the gate, and Eric A was a dual starter as a freshman in reality.

As offensive coordinator, Fulmer started Hayden and Stewart with similar success, and that team was coming off 11-1 and 9-2-2 records.

Leonard Little started his first game on campus, as have many others over the years.

Kiffin is making it a selling point, which is great, but you all have a very selective memory and biased take on the last staff, a staff which saw a lot of success from about 1985 on...a staff which made it possible for us to take even a step further - majors multiple (4) sec championships (prior to a championship game); fulmer 2 sec championships (both championship games) and a BCS national championship - step it up, that is still a fine expectation, but beating down what got us the opportunity to step it up even further is just plain ole' studid.

GeneralNeylandsReturn writes:

in response to yodaorange:

"Even Peyton was not going to play as a freshman at UT. He only got to play after the 2nd of the 2 QB's in front of him got injuried during the UF game."

It is ironic that you bring up Peyton this week. His first appearance was at the Rosebowl when we played UCLA his freshman year. Todd Helton got injured and Peyton came in. We actualy had another freshman quarterback from Texas that outplayed Peyton that day. He left the team after the handwriting was on the wall.

Colquitt was more prepared to play that day than anyone. And part of that was because he was a 5th year senior, who had learned behind both Kelly and Shuler; but most of that is because he had talent, had prepared, was focused and was ready to lead.

Jeremy was going to be great. Had he not been hurt on that first series of the UCLA game, Peyton nor Brandon would never have beat him out that year.

They were not that good yet and Jeremy had not only a mastery of the offense, but tremendous athleticism - he had pushed Heath for playing time considerably in camp the year before; and Shuler ended up Heisman runner-up to Charlie Ward that year.

Even after Helton (remember him younglins?), a current darkhouse for baseball hall of fame recognition someday Todd Helton, went down and subsequently decided it was smarter to focus on baseball (not a bad decision on his part), it wasn't until near the end of the season that manning beat out stewart - who then as you say 'saw the writing on the wall' transfered and went on to win a big 12 championship that helped propell t martin (whom i would compare as a player to Colquitt in terms of both talent, preperation and focus; but not fortune or luck) and company solidly into the number one slot in th BCS in 1998.

Talent, effort, focus and preperation ruled no less with the old staff than it will with this staff; though this staff will be percieved differently - at least for a while - and this staff will (wisely) use it more strategically as a recruitment tool in the future.

GeneralNeylandsReturn writes:

in response to ibvolman:

I don't think coach K is promising freshmen playing time, but rather the opportunity to compete for it. If a freshman is good enough to come in and do good enough in practice against the veterns of the team, then they get PT come game day.

That is much different than previous years where it took a season or 2 in order to "develop" their talent.

like hayden and stewart, little and lewis, sheaffer and ainge...like those guys?

DooleyNoted writes:

in response to TDTN:

Just thinking out loud here. How long can we promise freshman playing time? The freshman players will be sophmores and should be starting next year and so on. If we improve our talent level it will get tougher for a freshman to crack the starting line up. But I guess that will be a good problem to have. It doesnt seem to have an impact on usc recruiting does it? We seem to be well on our way back up the ladder. We will really know what we have in a couple more weeks.
Go Vols!

Ask Matt Barkley. GoVols!

DC_Vol writes:

in response to ibvolman:

True freshman not only playing, but being impact players as well. It is about time we see that from the Vols. I cant believe how much talent I have seen year after year sit on the bench because they were "young, doesn't understand blocking schemes, not ready, not prepared." All that while other teams were running all over us with true freshmen. Times they are a changin. There is not one logical reason any recruit wouldn't at least give UT an honest look.

The game prediction....

UT 35
UCLA 2

Late in the 4th quarter UCLA has some success driving the ball the the Vols 40 against the UT cheerleaders and the water boy, but the drive stalls. UCLA punts pinning UT deep. JC takes a knee to end the game, but ends up doing so in his own endzone, his only mental error of the game.

That was hiliarous!!! Great post!

Down_The_Field writes:

in response to Witch_Doctor:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

...and TEEEEG is alive. TEEEEG is da man. wasn't it he that said he decided to stay home to help his home state win a championship?

marlon and his grandma are free to play "go fish" on the UGlAy bench while TEEEEG is making plays in the largest stadium in the south.

GO VOLS!!!

blitzshoot writes:

If you want to play, come to UT. Right Scroggins? See you in three years.

txvolsfan writes:

in response to Witch_Doctor:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

You the man witchy
Love your facebook page
TXVOLSFAN

69vol08 writes:

in response to TDTN:

Just thinking out loud here. How long can we promise freshman playing time? The freshman players will be sophmores and should be starting next year and so on. If we improve our talent level it will get tougher for a freshman to crack the starting line up. But I guess that will be a good problem to have. It doesnt seem to have an impact on usc recruiting does it? We seem to be well on our way back up the ladder. We will really know what we have in a couple more weeks.
Go Vols!

We will continue to offer a "chance" to play as true freshmen. The philosophy is “open competition” with the best 11 on the field. That is all any athlete asks for...a chance to compete for the job. The players know who wins the job…they really do not have to wait for the coach to say. Also, we seem to be rotating to keep fresh legs and get back up players experience…so playing time will come IF you are good enough to play. So I certainly understand your point, but I really think it will work out. It is clear that some schools are not going to even give freshmen a chance…so I think that it is what differentiates Coach Kiffin and our staff.
Go Vols!

69vol08 writes:

in response to GeneralNeylandsReturn:

It was just a few years ago that Brent S started at QB out the gate, and Eric A was a dual starter as a freshman in reality.

As offensive coordinator, Fulmer started Hayden and Stewart with similar success, and that team was coming off 11-1 and 9-2-2 records.

Leonard Little started his first game on campus, as have many others over the years.

Kiffin is making it a selling point, which is great, but you all have a very selective memory and biased take on the last staff, a staff which saw a lot of success from about 1985 on...a staff which made it possible for us to take even a step further - majors multiple (4) sec championships (prior to a championship game); fulmer 2 sec championships (both championship games) and a BCS national championship - step it up, that is still a fine expectation, but beating down what got us the opportunity to step it up even further is just plain ole' studid.

With all due respect, how does a half dozen players over 20 + years compare to a dozen in one game? And all of the examples you gave involve, as “DennisVols” points out, opportunities based on injury or the “only” option (by default)…not due to open competition and equal opportunity (best players play).

I have nothing but respect for ALL that Fulmer and Majors did for Tennessee Football, but both had a philosophy of only playing freshmen if they “had” to! I believe that was the point being made and not an effort to bash the previous coaches.

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.

Comments can be shared on Facebook and Yahoo!. Add both options by connecting your profiles.

Features