Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin emphatically defended quarterback Jonathan Crompton during Tuesday's media day.
"I'm not going to pull a Mike Gundy," Kiffin said referring to the Oklahoma State coach's vocal defense of a player during the 2007 season. "But the kid is in college. He's a college kid. He's going to school. He's a great student. I feel bad for him."
Crompton has received plenty of criticism after throwing three interceptions in Saturday's 19-15 loss to UCLA.
"There ain't a guy that's trying harder in the country than what's he's done, that has prepared harder or is doing more things to try to do things right," Kiffin said. "He's going to do well for us."
Kiffin reiterated that it's up to UT's coaches and players to perform better around Crompton, who is not available for media interviews this week as the Vols prepare for Florida on Saturday.
Kiffin didn't seem to have any issue with Crompton in the waning moments of the UCLA loss when the senior was demonstrative following an incomplete pass thrown to receiver Gerald Jones.
"That was an example," Kiffin said of UT's team not helping Crompton. "Quarterbacks get frustrated when guys aren't doing thing right around them. Especially his situation because he's taken so much heat here. It blows me away sometimes how much hatred there is towards him when you hear a radio show and people call in with comments."
Much of that frustration harkens back to UT's 5-7 season in 2008. Kiffin is more focused on 2009.
"He played one game that wasn't very good and played one almost perfect game," Kiffin said, referring to the UCLA loss and a 63-7 win over Western Kentucky, respectively. "We want him to play like the first game. One game will never define a player and never define us as a team."
Kiffin said he's dealt with a similar situation - although not to this extreme - when he coached Carson Palmer at Southern California in Pete Carroll's first season.
"Had a really, really poor season," Kiffin said. "He got beat up a lot because the expectations, like Jonathan, were so high on him. The difference was there's not so much attention at S.C., especially at that time with the football program like there is here. He didn't have to deal with it like Jonathan does on an hourly basis around here."
Kiffin said he feels good about Crompton's mental state following his disappointing outing. Kiffin is most confident that Crompton is OK when he's at UT's athletic complex with coaches and teammates.
"It's the time he's away from us I worry the most," Kiffin said.
Kiffin said he'll continue to evaluate all positions, including quarterback, but offered no hint that he will make a quarterback change.
"(Backup junior quarterback) Nick (Stephens) will always be ready but Crompton is our quarterback," Kiffin said. "We have a lot of faith in him."
Kiffin said he's confident the Vols are past the finger-pointing issue that plagued them following the UCLA loss.
"We're great," Kiffin said. "I think that was just a mentality for whatever reason they were used to. That's not what we're used to, so they needed to understand that. It was only a couple of guys. I don't think it's an issue at all."
Look Back: Kiffin said he was concerned about his players' confidence following the loss to the Bruins, until his team reviewed the tape. Kiffin said UT could have beaten UCLA by 14 to 17 points if it hadn't made so many mistakes.
"We saw very good effort on the film," Kiffin said. "It (the loss) was about assignments and not doing things right and being consistent. I think it was a result of having the first game almost like a preseason game."
Many of UT's starters only played approximately 25 plays against Western Kentucky. The UCLA game was much more demanding.
Kiffin said UT could have scored three more touchdowns if not for UCLA's standout defensive tackle.
"Brian Price dominated the game at times," Kiffin said.
Kiffin also took issue with an official's decision to blow a late play dead in which UCLA's tailback had fumbled.
"The ref blows the whistle when he shouldn't have so we don't go and dog pile and try to get the ball that's sitting right there because the whistle blows," Kiffin said.
Always Recruiting: Kiffin took a not-so-subtle swipe at Florida's spread-option attack, which is much different than NFL offenses.
"The only time I really see them lose kids," Kiffin said, referring to Florida's prospects, "is because kids want to play in a pro-style offense. That seems like the only time they lose kids. It's such a great place to play and they do such a good job of coaching. You see some kids that don't want to play in that system because a lot of times it hurts them going to the next level for their (NFL) draft status."
No Dog: Kiffin said he's never been a 28-point underdog, as the Vols are this week. Yet he doesn't believe in using the role to hype his team.
"I don't really believe in the underdog role for motivation," Kiffin said. "If you're not motivated for this game, something's wrong with you. It's Tennessee versus Florida."
Kiffin believes the role could help his team prepare. Much of the pressure is off, he said, because UT lost to UCLA.
"It's kind of like screwing that game up Saturday has taken some of the pressure off this game, the buildup I guess," Kiffin said.
Kiffin said he also doesn't use media coverage as motivation - a staple of Florida coach Urban Meyer.
"I don't know that that really works," Kiffin said. "I think what works is when you recruit really good players and you coach really well, like they have."
Marrying Man: Kiffin and his wife, Layla Kiffin, will celebrate a memorable anniversary this weekend. Lane Kiffin proposed the day after Florida beat UT 23-21 in Sept. 1999. Layla Kiffin, a Florida graduate, took Lane to the game, which was the only time he had seen UT or Florida play until he became head coach of the Vols in December.
"At that time I was happy that Florida won because I was with her," Lane Kiffin said.
D'ed Up: Kiffin said his defensive players seem confident playing Florida after holding the Gators to 243 yards and 23 points last season.
"I think our defensive players, before we even gave them the game plan for this week, have some confidence because statistically the (2008) game was decent," Kiffin said. "They held them in check for a while. I think when you go back and look at it, part of that is the (Tennessee) offense was struggling so much at the time coming into that game. I think Florida was pretty conservative (offensively) compared to other games."
"I would not anticipate them doing that this Saturday."
Tough to Tackle: Linebacker Rico McCoy said he hears plenty of advice on how to handle Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.
"Everybody tells you 'Knock out Tebow." but it's like hitting a fullback," McCoy said. "He's a load. I'm not going to lie to you. He's a big boy. He's tough."
McCoy also didn't seem bothered by being a 28-point underdog.
"The game is still going to be played," he said. "It's just a number they threw up there before the game. We determine if that happens or not."
Practice Report: UT trio of banged up offensive linemen – center Cody Sullins (hand) guards Jacques McClendon (ankle) and Vladimir Richard (Achilles) – were at practice Tuesday afternoon.
UT struggled to field punts. Nu’Keese Richardson, Mike Edwards, David Oku and Gerald Jones all had a drop.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Comments » 186
murrayvol writes:
At least they're doing him a favor by not making him available for interviews.
TommyJack writes:
Hope you're right, CLK.
CRFVols writes:
There's not much else to say really, just let them go play the game. I'm not coaching, I can't decide who starts, so I support JC and hope he turns it around and at least plays half way decent. At least manage the game. If he only has one interception/turnover I will consider it a victory for him.
GO BIG ORANGE!
vol4gzus writes:
Saturday will come and go. They,not we,will play the game and win or lose move on. Crompton is the VOL qb as of now so do you spew venom or try and encourage? If he was your son would your answer be the same? Go with the one who brung ya to the dance. Is victory possible Saturday? Yes. Is it probable ? No. But as we say all the time that is why they play the game.
Go VOLS beat the gators!!!
tums writes:
"One game will never define a player and never define us as a team."
I like Kiffin, but he is wrong with this quote. Lane may not have been here last year, but Crompton was. This isn't one game we're pissed about, its all last season, plus this past Saturday that looked JUST LIKE IF NOT WORSE than last year.
dburgVol writes:
People can say whatever they want to about Crompton, but there were plenty of dropped balls, blown routes, and at times, bad pass protection. On the last series, the receiver ran the wrong route twice. Gerald Jones didnt even jump for a ball that went right over his head. All of the blame can't be placed on him. That being said, UCLA just had all of the luck on Sat. 6 fumbles and they only lost one? What are the odds? The fumble on the 1 yd line should've been UT ball. Unfortunate, but hopefully it comes together for Crompton and everybody else. At least the recruits keep coming.
Cldvols1 writes:
We shall see and Go Vols!!!
99gator writes:
all i will say coach is quit while your ahead.
defend the kid as a college kid doing his best and leave it at that.
don't try to say you experienced the same thing with carson palmer.
also, go ahead and believe that the finger pointing is over and done with. see how long there is harmony after another huge mistake.
by the way, the last play to gerald jones......jones went the wrong way, right. i suppose it's asking too much for crompton to look for a secondary receiver who might have run the proper route. or is that not allowed or something.
Cldvols1 writes:
Amen brother!
rockytothetop writes:
I'm with you Coach, good luck this week and I support Crompton 100%. Crompton tried to rally the troops like a real leader would, he gave his best effort.
VolunteerLifer writes:
Well, CLK told Crompton he has his back, and it looks like he really means it. Just like he said he'd play freshman, and he did. Looks like he's a man of his word.
I agree its not time to go all wobbly on Crompton. He had a bad game, but what QB wouldn't have had a bad game with the lousy O line play he got. Stick with him until and unless he PROVES he can't handle the job. It's not like the backup has proven himself to be better, either.
He is giving Crompton as much cover as he can possibly give him. Hopefully, Crompton will thrive under that cover and produce in the QB position. If he doesn't, and Kiffin decides to remove him at some point in the future, then neither Crompton nor anyone else can say he wasn't given every chance.
Kiffin is playing this correctly.
Denvervol4life writes:
Kiffin sees the same thing we do, but he isn't going to kill his confidence anymore than it is. Crompton is a poor excuse for a qb no one can even argue that. Like t.o. says "the proof is in the pudding". Crompton going to stink it up this weekend and we be right back where we are again. Urban going to blitz crompton and make him think and we all know what happens when #8 has too think.
davethevol writes:
Crompton didn't win the game. Neither did the running backs or the offensive line. Look at the Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme: he threw 5 interceptions this past weekend. It happens.
BerryFan_14 writes:
Im not sure how good Crompton can be but if he can keep from throwing interceptions UT will always have a chance to win because of Monte's D. EB is the most versitile player in the country.
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!
wayneman writes:
It's kind of like screwing that game up Saturday has taken some of the pressure off this game, the buildup I guess," Kiffin said.
I don't think the pressure is ever off when you play Florida. Plus, they shouldn't lose to anyone!!!!
the10sevol writes:
chew a couple of your namesake products, and post again in the morning. (witch doctor left his prescription pad on the desk, so if you need something stronger...).
GBO
RollTideJoe writes:
Kiffin knows the kid isn't qualified. He simply has no other choices at this time. Yes, he's also trying to put a pretty face on things so as not damage recruiting which is his hope for the next couple of years. But, everyone knows that Crompton can't handle pressure. His arm is satisfactory, his judgment during games and reaction time isn't.
jandrew5 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Volsrbest writes:
That would have been the same secondary receiver that was open on a post pattern for a TD!
jandrew5 writes:
thats funny i typed b*tching in that post and it automatically switched it to female doging..hahah..i love censorship so we can't say how we really feel..
Laydbakvol writes:
Go Vols! Make us proud J.C.
SmokeyHound writes:
i think berry is overrated. i want him to make interceptions, not tackles. he cant score off a tackle. he wont get as much attention if all he does is get tackles. but you say, Oh, he got 10 tackles vs UCLA. well UCLA sucks. and we lost to them. so we suck. he should have gotten 15 tackles. by this time last year he already had 2 interceptions. the only reason why he was in the race for the jim thorpe award was because he got interceptions. he is a "linebacker" now. i do not like this stupid shceme.
tennrich1 writes:
Stay with me here....Jones WAS the secondary receiver.....
notoriousBIGorange writes:
When you're right, you're right...
BlakeyWakey writes:
after last year you cant help but to hate! Tennessee isn't used to losing!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chomp writes:
So Kiffin is blaming the coaches and other players for not playing harder to support Crompton. It's everyone's fault except Crompton...of Kiffin.
Strategically this is a brilliant move. Crompton (Kiffin hopes) will feel indebted to Kiffin and give the performance of his life this Saturday. By doing this it makes Crompton feel like a complete failure if he let's his coach down.
It may be the smartest thing Kiffin has done or said since he arrived in town!
GOBIGO72 writes:
I think you are correct. JC's our QB -Kiffen's our coach and we're fans. Come Monday win or lose those things won't change, so might as well just enjoy the ride instead of getting all worked up about it.
I have decided just to chill - let the recruits come and look forward to better days.
Crompton's been a UT fan all his life, like coach says - no one wants it more than him. We as fans have been able to enjoy many great moments, but unfortunately JC's time hasn't worked out like he has dreamed his entire life. I believe Jon's still going to get a piece of that dream and have his time in the sun. It hasn't happened yet, so it must be just around the corner. Can't wait until it happens and IT WILL happen - you just have to believe. Go Vols.
tino2009 writes:
Jonathan....this will be the biggest offset ever in Tennessee history. You won't play perfect, but you will persevere and will pull it off.
In Monte and his boys I trust to back you up....just play it without looking back.
GC23Vol writes:
"It's the time he's away from us I worry the most," Kiffin said.
Maybe Crompton should just move in with Lane...We all know he could use the extra practice.
orangepridenation writes:
i'm a vols fan through thick and thin. but i have lost nearly all faith in crompton, if he goes out this weekend and playes like an sec quarterback, even if we don't win, but still keep the game close, and HE actually has a hand in helping us do so. then kiffin will have my blessing as keeping him at starter, but if it's another game where we have absolutely no chance, simply because of quarterback play. and kiffin still refuses to switch qb's, then thats the last straw for me, i'll still pull for the vols, but i won't be watching any more games this year. i know nobody cares, but it's not worth 3 hours of my time to sit and nearly have my eyes bleed because of such ugly offense.
Chomp writes:
I hope everyone observes what a lack of anger management can do to a person. Poor Indianavol has been out of state so long that he suffers from emotional fatique and lashes out at anything and everything. It's apparent to me that he has no class at all by virtue of the manner in which he lieterally screams.
What a pity that he has no self control. Was he abused as a child? Perhaps he was left standing at the bus stop after school because his family left and gave no fowarding address. From that day on he took the short bus to school.
Now, now Indianvol....we understand. You just go right ahead and vent all those mean old feelings. It'll do you good.
ivyvol writes:
I admire Kiffin's courage and his loyalty but worry that he might be taking it too far if he doesn't react to another poor performance by Crompton this Saturday. If it happens again, Kiffin should sit him down immediately before the day turns into a total disaster. He has a responsibility to the team to put them in the best position to win. If Crompton has another bad outing and Kiffin doesn't immediately sit him, Kiffin runs the very real risk of losing this team and, in the long run, maybe even more. It will be interesting to watch but maybe Crompton will be able to perform reasonably well and this will become a moot point. Let's hope so.
Chomp writes:
And that concludes today's "fairytales from Knoxville" hosted by Walkman.
Be sure to return next week when Walkman explains that he mistakenly inverted the numbers and offers 1001 reasons Tennessee should have won.
JACK8254 writes:
kiffin is really getting on my nerves. Just cause his made a possibly fatal error picking this idiot as #1QB dosent mean that the rest of us are going are going to live in this make-believe world where JC is a gallant skilled player who is being hobbled by bad support. Bullsh. He is a 5th year player who cant clap his hands under pressure. I doubt that even Cutcliff could help this jerk. He is worse than pathetic . There is no better punishment for JC or LK than a 3 hr beatdown of EPIC size in the swamp this week. JC will be lucky to live thru the ordeal.
Chomp writes:
I agree, he has balls. This is the same young man that lashed out at the fans last year calling them idiots. That took balls and guts.
Kiffin is setting him up for failure. He continues to praise Crompton, but at some point he will have to drop the hammer.
JACK8254 writes:
JC and Lane Kiffin are both losers and morons. If you dont belive me check the stats. Maybe , just maybe its was not a good idea to let Coleman & Boyd go elsewhere. We are a 30 freaking pt dog this week !!!!!! Even at that , most people would ( and are) betting on the Gators to cover.
jobrando#216494 writes:
I'm with Kif. I had already prepared myself for no better than 6-6. I still think that is in reach. We are racking up recruits and one QB away from the VOLS I once new. I just want this defense to dig deep inside and play smash mouth for all 4 quarters. While the whole country is blasting Kif (including Mr Fulmer) I think the VOLS will live up to the highest traditions of a stingy Tennessee defense.
JACK8254 writes:
Do you really think that it will make any difference. If JC couldnt handle the pressure (mental and physical) vrs UCLA- how is he going to hold up in the swamp with 11 future NFL guys trying to tear his head off?
volinlouisiana writes:
It appeared the last play was a timing pattern. Crompton threw the ball and the receiver was not where he was supposed to be. Have you never heard of a timing pattern before?
arkyvol writes:
amen.
ivyvol writes:
Why is it that "balls" is acceptable on this site but I was bounced when I used a Spanish word "c-j-n-s" which means the same thing?
ozoney#235138 writes:
Agree with witch doctor here...you have to show some loyalty to your QB whom you said you would stand behind or your word means nothing to prospects. All the crompton stuff aside...what's the deal with not being able to catch a punt...LOCK IN NUKE.
JACK8254 writes:
Here are 3 things more likely to happen than a Vol win Sat. 1. I am able to empty the Pacific ocean with a teaspoon . 2. Obama becomes the grand-wizard of the KLan. 3. Osama Bin Laden converts to Christianity and joins the Israeli Army.
bustervols writes:
For what it's worth; It would be considered cruel and inhumane to put anyone else in Cromptons shoes for the swamp-stomp affair Saturday. Besides, I think the team has a chance for an amazing upset. I have witnessed countless times the Vols have faced insurmountable odds, only to rise to victory. One should not dismiss the heart and charactor of a group of young men putting it on the line for the team, for the fans, but more importantly, for themselves. I'm going out on a limb here and betting an upset. Go Big Orange!
volsgirl writes:
Amen.......Go Vols
Grantham_Vol writes:
Does anyone remember 2006? LSU came to town and Ainge was hurt. One series and they yanked him and put Crompton in. I guess we forget the two 40+ yard tuchdown passes he threw to Meachem. Crompton did enogh to win that game. Our defense didn't stand tall on that last drive (much like the 06 Florida game) and LSU drove it down the field. Cromptons got all the physical tools. He's proven he can do it. As far as last year Clawson was a horrible hire. No one including Crompton was comfortable in that offense. Fulmer deserved being fired for that. As far as the UCLA game busted routes, bad protection, and dropped passes dont help. If we spent as much time pulling for Crompton instead of bashing him he might have a shred of confidence. All i'm saying is if you're a real Vol fan these are your Vols. Take em how they are. Route em on and hope for the best. We've got another top ten recruting class in the making including a top teir QB and a bunch of stud recievers. Be patient. Our time is coming.
doubledown writes:
The next time we have a Home game, I sure would appreciate it if we didn't BOO our own team, especially on National TV.. How embarrassing not just for Crompton, but our fans.. you guys..
SEAL_9821 writes:
I agree with your statement. However, I do think Kiffin is right in saying this because I think his intentions right now is to keep Cromptons head up and show him the coach's still believe in him. If he comes out Sat against Florida and has a decent/good game by throwing and managing the offense, then Kiffin will keep him in. On the other hand, Kiffin and this staff is not dumb. They will not let this go on to the point that it ruins the teams chemistry and loses the support of the fans. Either way we have nothing to lose because we are such big underdogs. And i think most can agree that Stephens will not make much of a difference this week anyway.
JACK8254 writes:
Fellas it makes me ill to say this- but the reality is that I only see one more sure win on the slate:Ohio. I see 4 sure losses-Fla,MIss,Ala,GA. The rest :SC,Vandy, Auburn, Ky, Memphis are at the best even, and if Crompton continues his current bad play, the Vols are probable underdogs in all games cept Memphis. I like our guys on defense , but they will get beat-up and worn down from too much time on the field. Our offense is not horrible, except at QB. Not good, but not horrible. How did we sink this far?
RockyTop10nessee writes:
You my friend have problems...every post sounds like you have anger and personal issues. cool it. Maybe step outside and get some fresh air
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