Dooley wins over Vol players

  • BY PATRICK BROWN sports@knoxnews.com
  • Posted August 15, 2010 at 11 p.m.

Tennessee Football Media Day

Gerald Jones had reservations about Derek Dooley at first glance.

Tennessee's senior receiver thought that Dooley's law pedigree would mean Jones' new football coach would be overly uptight.

"I didn't know if I was going to like that guy," Jones said flashing a wide grin.

Ask Jones - or any UT player - what they think of Dooley now, and you'll get another answer.

"I got to know the guy, and let me tell you, he's a great guy," Jones said.

"He demands perfection, he's very competitive, but on the other side he's a comedian. He keeps us laughing, keeps football fun."

Denarius Moore had fewer reservations than Jones.

"I knew I was really going to like him," said the senior receiver. "He wanted to interact with players, and he also keeps it funny. He knows when to play around and joke with us and when to be serious."

Dooley knew the importance of his first impression on a group of players that had been through the turmoil and upheaval of two coaching changes within 14 months.

"I knew it was a real fragile football team," he said. "I knew I wasn't going to win 'em over on a great Knute Rockne speech, and so I didn't try to do that."

"He was very direct with us," said cornerback Marsalis Teague.

Dooley's impression quickly won over two of UT's senior leaders - defensive end Chris Walker and linebacker Nick Reveiz.

"When he came in, just the command in his voice was something that we needed," Walker said. "He wasn't going to ask us to trust him. He was really sympathetic of the situation we'd been in, and that's something that we were looking for."

"Once he came in and showed us that he wanted to be here for a while, I think that's when all my trust went into him."

Said Reveiz: "He had my respect when he said, 'Hey, I've got to earn your respect.' He realized that we were hurting at that time and we needed someone to comfort us, and that's what he did."

Now that the Vols have had time to get to know Dooley, they all share the same confidence in their new coach that he exudes.

"He has all the intangibles that we need to be successful," Teague said.

"I know he's going to make decisions," Walker said, "that are great for this program,"

Status Update: Janzen Jackson is set to return to practice today.

The sophomore safety missed practice all last week with a hamstring injury.

Patrick Brown is a freelance contributor.

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Comments » 29

Bigger_Al writes:

Meanwhile, yet another Gator has a problem with his first love:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/st...

apisonvolfan writes:

I thought we were going to know something on John Brown like a week ago. Anybody know anything?

nocleats writes:

in response to apisonvolfan:

I thought we were going to know something on John Brown like a week ago. Anybody know anything?

Dont know his status, but, I do know if he qualifies, he will not be allowed to have any contact until he has gone through 4 practices per NCAA rules, so I wouldnt look for any meaningful help till at least game 3

FWBVol writes:

in response to nocleats:

Dont know his status, but, I do know if he qualifies, he will not be allowed to have any contact until he has gone through 4 practices per NCAA rules, so I wouldnt look for any meaningful help till at least game 3

I have to respectfully disagree with you about the amount of time it would take Brown, or any interior defensive lineman to get ready to play.

It might be a few weeks until he can go a full four quarters, but from a football perspective defensive tackle is one of the easier positions to learn. If he's been watching film and talking with coach Chuck Smith, Brown could be up to speed by the opener with Martin if he is cleared within the next two or three days.

Even if you are right about it being week three, that's when we play Florida and would really need him badly.

apisonvolfan writes:

I think because of our lack of depth on the dline a guy like Brown could be the difference in 8-4 vs 7-5.

tovolny writes:

It's football time, and Dooley is fine.
He came in with a swagger but not a dagger,
and his bloodline???...sublime, but it doesn't really matter.

Winning is the goal, as we all know. Just look at the embers of burning coal, Tennessee orange is hotter than red. Blue is cool, and gray is dead. Vol orange is the best, other oranges are cooling down or warming up, the daisy orange is hotter than the rest.

We now have a player whose name is Touch Downs. A lineman whose name is Large Crowder. And, If we need to, we can turn up the Andrew Power. Another dude named Brian that is known to Randolph in the other direction enjoying the rude and crude interception. Another Guy,
who likes to Palardy with an extra point sailing the sky.

I tell you folks, it looks like destiny.
The STARS are lining up on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Whether they are 5's, 4's, or 3's...all they have to do is line up and deliver. It is the lining up that is the key.

HEY, Big Orange Nation, it's football time in TENNESSEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. WHEEEEeeeey.

CroKev writes:

in response to tovolny:

It's football time, and Dooley is fine.
He came in with a swagger but not a dagger,
and his bloodline???...sublime, but it doesn't really matter.

Winning is the goal, as we all know. Just look at the embers of burning coal, Tennessee orange is hotter than red. Blue is cool, and gray is dead. Vol orange is the best, other oranges are cooling down or warming up, the daisy orange is hotter than the rest.

We now have a player whose name is Touch Downs. A lineman whose name is Large Crowder. And, If we need to, we can turn up the Andrew Power. Another dude named Brian that is known to Randolph in the other direction enjoying the rude and crude interception. Another Guy,
who likes to Palardy with an extra point sailing the sky.

I tell you folks, it looks like destiny.
The STARS are lining up on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Whether they are 5's, 4's, or 3's...all they have to do is line up and deliver. It is the lining up that is the key.

HEY, Big Orange Nation, it's football time in TENNESSEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. WHEEEEeeeey.

Sir, slowly put the Mountain Dew down on the table and step away ...

always_vol (Inactive) writes:

Let's be honest, folks.

if UT goes and gets blown out, fans will be screaming and players will be griping. that is just how it is.

I'm saying this now, so it's in cyberspace: I WILL be patient, and hope all Vol fans will be.

We know we have the following questions:
-Simms cut it?
-Bray?
-Poole, Oku, Neal, williams: break runs??
-O-line: get the job done??
-DT's: HUGE question
-LB's: depth
-secondary: playmakers
-kicking game? Huh? will it be worth a darn??

Our strongest area seems to be at WR. Our starting LB's and DE's will be good.

Knowing this, if we can keep the season in perspective, it will help.

Hounddog writes:

in response to tovolny:

It's football time, and Dooley is fine.
He came in with a swagger but not a dagger,
and his bloodline???...sublime, but it doesn't really matter.

Winning is the goal, as we all know. Just look at the embers of burning coal, Tennessee orange is hotter than red. Blue is cool, and gray is dead. Vol orange is the best, other oranges are cooling down or warming up, the daisy orange is hotter than the rest.

We now have a player whose name is Touch Downs. A lineman whose name is Large Crowder. And, If we need to, we can turn up the Andrew Power. Another dude named Brian that is known to Randolph in the other direction enjoying the rude and crude interception. Another Guy,
who likes to Palardy with an extra point sailing the sky.

I tell you folks, it looks like destiny.
The STARS are lining up on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Whether they are 5's, 4's, or 3's...all they have to do is line up and deliver. It is the lining up that is the key.

HEY, Big Orange Nation, it's football time in TENNESSEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. WHEEEEeeeey.

I see the really good stuff is back? Hounddog

TommyJack writes:

tovolny: Don't quit your day job.

Huttdawg100 writes:

in response to apisonvolfan:

I thought we were going to know something on John Brown like a week ago. Anybody know anything?

Some guy posted on scout that JB didn't make it. They said he had a geology exam and a math exam last week, and those would determine eligibility. It's at tennessee.scout.com. Im not sure if you have a subscription, but look under forums.

secten#238516 writes:

in response to tovolny:

It's football time, and Dooley is fine.
He came in with a swagger but not a dagger,
and his bloodline???...sublime, but it doesn't really matter.

Winning is the goal, as we all know. Just look at the embers of burning coal, Tennessee orange is hotter than red. Blue is cool, and gray is dead. Vol orange is the best, other oranges are cooling down or warming up, the daisy orange is hotter than the rest.

We now have a player whose name is Touch Downs. A lineman whose name is Large Crowder. And, If we need to, we can turn up the Andrew Power. Another dude named Brian that is known to Randolph in the other direction enjoying the rude and crude interception. Another Guy,
who likes to Palardy with an extra point sailing the sky.

I tell you folks, it looks like destiny.
The STARS are lining up on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Whether they are 5's, 4's, or 3's...all they have to do is line up and deliver. It is the lining up that is the key.

HEY, Big Orange Nation, it's football time in TENNESSEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. WHEEEEeeeey.

is that you renaldo woolridge?

EMBuckles writes:

And as Witch Doctor says..."bones no lie!" ;>

ps11824 writes:

CroKev, can you do one better? I think not. Some folks just yak. Some create. Rhyme's got flava...

SCIENCETCHR writes:

IMO, Darrell Dooley Exudes CLASS; something his predecessor Lame Kiffin apparently never heard of! It's Very Early in the season, and I'm preparing for the worst, but anticipating the best.
I won't make any predictions other than to say that Win or Lose, we'll do so with Dignity; another quality that has been sorely absent in BOC for quite some time!

gnm53108 writes:

in response to tovolny:

It's football time, and Dooley is fine.
He came in with a swagger but not a dagger,
and his bloodline???...sublime, but it doesn't really matter.

Winning is the goal, as we all know. Just look at the embers of burning coal, Tennessee orange is hotter than red. Blue is cool, and gray is dead. Vol orange is the best, other oranges are cooling down or warming up, the daisy orange is hotter than the rest.

We now have a player whose name is Touch Downs. A lineman whose name is Large Crowder. And, If we need to, we can turn up the Andrew Power. Another dude named Brian that is known to Randolph in the other direction enjoying the rude and crude interception. Another Guy,
who likes to Palardy with an extra point sailing the sky.

I tell you folks, it looks like destiny.
The STARS are lining up on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Whether they are 5's, 4's, or 3's...all they have to do is line up and deliver. It is the lining up that is the key.

HEY, Big Orange Nation, it's football time in TENNESSEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. WHEEEEeeeey.

Hehe

Like the attitude.

Go VOLS!

orangeman1 writes:

in response to BolivarBob:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

I admire your confidence or fortune telling ability, but I'm just not sold till I see the product on game days. Didnt all the players love Kiffin's style too? And for that matter, I think I remember them loving Fulmer too. HMMM

DingoVol writes:

in response to SCIENCETCHR:

IMO, Darrell Dooley Exudes CLASS; something his predecessor Lame Kiffin apparently never heard of! It's Very Early in the season, and I'm preparing for the worst, but anticipating the best.
I won't make any predictions other than to say that Win or Lose, we'll do so with Dignity; another quality that has been sorely absent in BOC for quite some time!

Get ready for the pile ons. Know the coaches name before you post. Ready, set, go!

murrayvol writes:

in response to tovolny:

It's football time, and Dooley is fine.
He came in with a swagger but not a dagger,
and his bloodline???...sublime, but it doesn't really matter.

Winning is the goal, as we all know. Just look at the embers of burning coal, Tennessee orange is hotter than red. Blue is cool, and gray is dead. Vol orange is the best, other oranges are cooling down or warming up, the daisy orange is hotter than the rest.

We now have a player whose name is Touch Downs. A lineman whose name is Large Crowder. And, If we need to, we can turn up the Andrew Power. Another dude named Brian that is known to Randolph in the other direction enjoying the rude and crude interception. Another Guy,
who likes to Palardy with an extra point sailing the sky.

I tell you folks, it looks like destiny.
The STARS are lining up on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Whether they are 5's, 4's, or 3's...all they have to do is line up and deliver. It is the lining up that is the key.

HEY, Big Orange Nation, it's football time in TENNESSEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. WHEEEEeeeey.

You need to go to decaf and get some rest. It's gonna be a long season.

murrayvol writes:

in response to EMBuckles:

And as Witch Doctor says..."bones no lie!" ;>

Actually he says "bones never lie".

VolGrad writes:

Watched the video at the top left of this story. Reminded these are just kids..., some great, young kids proud to be wearing the orange and white. They believe they are going to have a special season this year. They are excited and ready to get the season rolling.

Go Vols!!!

VOLliven2it writes:

Pile on for SCIENCETCHR: Who in the heck is Darrell Dooley? What science book did he write? (Joking)I agree with you and yes even if it is a tough year we can be sure we will not be on probation because of Darrell(Derek). It will be because of the former soft cake Head Coach Twinky. That's all I can say about him. We are now heading in the right direction even if it is but baby steps, we will walk and then run the right way!
Strap it in now Vols fans, and let's get ready to rumble in Neyland. The day is a'drawin' near! GO VOLS!

illinoisvolfan writes:

in response to SCIENCETCHR:

IMO, Darrell Dooley Exudes CLASS; something his predecessor Lame Kiffin apparently never heard of! It's Very Early in the season, and I'm preparing for the worst, but anticipating the best.
I won't make any predictions other than to say that Win or Lose, we'll do so with Dignity; another quality that has been sorely absent in BOC for quite some time!

Exactly who is Darrell Dooley? Does he have another brother named Darrell too?

Jokes aside, Derek Dooley is the right man to lead the Vols. Sometimes to get a man like CDD, a program has to have someone like Fast Lane preceed him. Hopefully in a few years, the Kiffin Period (it was hardly an Era) will be more like a bad dream instead of a recurring nightmare.

Digital5000 writes:

We'll see what happens on Saturday.

I like Dooley and whats hes doing so far, but lets wait until we form an opinion.

As of now hes great; but go 4-8 and and ask me again.

I do believe he'll be a fine coach if he can get some bigger recruits. Hopefully he'll be able to stay around for the next 15+ yrs.

Enjoy Yourselves-

ACWLY writes:

Lets face it, players know more than we ever will and this article was just what the true fans needed to hear. THANKS to each player and coach for making Tennessee a team we can be proud of AGAIN.

SCIENCETCHR writes:

OKAY! OKAY! I GOOFED........I had a rough week-end, and for the most part, I have my Other Brother DARRELL to blame. Sorry about that, Derek (Or is it Dereck or Derreck or Deryck?? You get the idea????) Hang me to a White Oak Tree, just like TOM DOOLEY!!! HMMMMM....was HE Coach Dooley's great grandfather, perhaps?

Colliervol writes:

in response to always_vol:

Let's be honest, folks.

if UT goes and gets blown out, fans will be screaming and players will be griping. that is just how it is.

I'm saying this now, so it's in cyberspace: I WILL be patient, and hope all Vol fans will be.

We know we have the following questions:
-Simms cut it?
-Bray?
-Poole, Oku, Neal, williams: break runs??
-O-line: get the job done??
-DT's: HUGE question
-LB's: depth
-secondary: playmakers
-kicking game? Huh? will it be worth a darn??

Our strongest area seems to be at WR. Our starting LB's and DE's will be good.

Knowing this, if we can keep the season in perspective, it will help.

I will join you in being patient. The impatient ones don't have a clue about what it takes to build a football team so we don't have to pay attention to them anyway.

RandRams writes:

Tennessee has something very special in HC Derek Dooley.

It is premature and pure conjecture at this point BUT IMHO I truly believe (although this would contradict the current climate of (HC) change & turnover) CDD could lead AND represent this proud, tradition rich program in similar fashion as did his father Vince Dooley (UGA) or Bobby Bowden (FSU) and as does Frank Beamer (VT) OR Joe-pa Paterno (PSU).

Pat Summitt 1974-
Bruce Pearl 2005-
Derek Dooley 2010-

We (the Vol Nation) ALL need to be patient and give this coach and his staff the latitude needed to accomplish their objectives.

TitanandVolfan4life writes:

The FACTS are finally in folks.

The ONLY people that really know how CDD will do are our players that are with him most everyday and have been evaluating him and the staff that he's put together for several months now.

What you or I or anyone else may think just doesn't matter because only the players that really know what's going on and their opinions really matter.

Our Vols football players say that CDD is the right man for the job now and the right man to rebuild the Tennessee football program back up to our National top 10 rankings consistently over the next several years.

This is exactly what I've been waiting to hear from our players because they are the only real experts on how well CDD can do to rebuild our football program.

If our players weren't so positive minded and confident then I would really be worried but now I feel better than ever that our Diesel Dooley is the right man and has us back on the right road back up the mountain to greatness in a few years.

GO BIG ORANGE!!!

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