Arthur Jeffery Jr.
KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee has experimented with several converted defensive ends and offensive linemen in preseason camp to find defensive tackle help.
The Volunteers do have one true tackle possibility to line up alongside sophomore Montori Hughes, but redshirt freshman Arthur Jeffery hasn’t played in a game since September 2008.
“It feels like longer than that,” the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Jeffery said after Tuesday’s morning practice. “It feels like forever.”
Jeffery was on the verge of mega-prospect status entering his senior season at Booker High School in Sarasota, Fla. He was named all-state as a junior and was a Florida Football Magazine Reebok Florida Phenom heading into his final season. He claimed that colleges all over the country — including Florida’s big three of Florida, Florida State and Miami — had already offered him scholarships.
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Comments » 15
Ironcity writes:
I was hoping he would come on strong and I guess he still might. Its not fair to expect a freshman to come in at Defensive Tackle and contribute. Unfortunately we are going to need our underclassmen to step up big time at the most physical position on the field. Good luck Arthur.
eldr5#344719 writes:
From the entire article it sounds like the coaches don't think he is anywhere near good enough to play right now. I guess desperate situations call for desperate measures. We will probably be fine with the starters on both the OL and DL but even one more injury may screw us over big time.
martintnvol writes:
O line and D line, so thin so scary, cant stand ANY injuries.
VolOG writes:
I have a friend that coached against this guy before his injury and he said he was a beast. I think if he can get his strnegth back and learn the technique and skills he needs from Big C he will be a very solid contributor.
Mobbdeep4life writes:
Unfortunate circumstances mean this young man has to come in and play immediately. Hopefully he'll pick up on the nuances of the game quickly and contribute. At worst spell the other players for a few reps per game.
Anyone have news on any DT's interested in UT? I would love to get Redden from Memphis. He's got the size and he's a good kid.
smifrat writes:
Come on big boy! We need you to get better and produce this year!
Mobbdeep4life writes:
Let's try this again. At "worse" spell the other players for a few reps per game.
nocleats writes:
The step between HS and College is big.. The step for lineman is like a triple jump! It takes time!
nocleats writes:
NCAA is all over this.... Just sit back and watch!
CoverOrange writes:
You're right, it is unfair. The NCAA will be along shortly to straighten everything out.
LiveFaith writes:
Seems like a decade ago when we recruited him. If he comes in and gets some experience this year, then he could be a beast one day.
Good luck young man.
tdvol1989 writes:
I tore my ACL last year (or should I say some dude out of control did) while playing basketball and I really don't see how guys like Nick and Savion are ready to play. I realize that I did not get super athlete rehab, but that was 10 months ago and I cannot run without a severe limp yet.
I am amazed that a 300lb guy could come back from that and not surprised at all that he is not back to form yet.
Also, consider the Kiffin factor. If you were not Kiffin's boy, you were on the outside looking in. So maybe there was a motivation or encouragement problem as well.
VolGrad writes:
Whenever I hear about these players suffering all these injuries and battling back, it reminds me of Rocky Bleier's story. I'm probably dating myself with that story, but it proves the role that one's heart and determination plays in the recovery process.
keepitreal4vols writes:
Trying to completely heal an ACL on a 300-pound lineman is never an easy proposition. “It’s usually a two-year process (to return to full strength),” Vols defensive line coach Chuck Smith said
OK, if I read between the lines, our 2 DT that went down with ACL injuries will be out until 2012? Start applying for that 6th year fellas.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Walls and Martin, the latter a DE, both went out with ruptured Achilles tendons, a FAR worse injury than a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Full recovery from a torn ACL is both more common and usually quicker--with due regard to a host of individual differences--than recovery from an Achilles rupture. It will be a marvel, though perhaps less than a miracle, if Walls and Martin ever play at a high level again.
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