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Forgive Tauren Poole if he steps on some toes. That's not his intention.
However, he isn't willing to sit back and hear just how great Tennessee's top two tailbacks were last year.
Don't tell the rising sophomore that Montario Hardesty shocked the SEC with 1,413 rushing yards last season. And certainly don't mention that freshman Bryce Brown ran for 476 yards in a backup role.
One might also want to omit the fact that freshman David Oku's 94 rushing yards also bested Poole's 2009 output.
"I can do everything those guys can do," Poole said Saturday. "I just didn't get the opportunity. I wish I would have, but it's in the past. There's nothing I can do about it."
Delve further into Poole's frustration and it's obvious that he has no bone to pick with Hardesty being given the reigns for his senior season.
"I'm not going to take anything from Montario because … I'm glad he had a great season, but I feel like I should have been in the rotation," Poole said.
Many onlookers agreed. Poole was one of the most productive tailbacks in spring practice and early in preseason camp.
Then shortly after Brown emerged last August, it became clear that UT's former coaching staff was thinking of going in another direction, as Poole was often relegated to practicing with the second and third team.
Poole said that never affected his approach.
"On every day I brought the attitude that I can't change anything; I just have to worry about my attitude," Poole said. "That's the only thing I can control everyday.
"Regardless if they're looking at me or not, I could be that example that can endure through tough situations."
Poole said he never cared that Brown was the No. 1 high school prospect in the nation, but UT's coaches - especially former coach Lane Kiffin - did.
Poole believes the battle for playing time was determined by recruiting. Showing Brown off, Poole reasoned, made UT an easy choice for blue-chip prospects.
"Definitely," he said. "That's a big factor for a lot of young guys. They want to come in and play and come in and be successful. I think that was the biggest thing for Kiffin and his recruits. He wanted to get the guys in here. By playing them early he was going to get them in here. That's the way it was."
Poole, who carried the ball 10 times for 85 yards last season, got the last word before Kiffin's departure. The 5-foot-11, 211-pound tailback looked more than capable in the Chick-fil-A Bowl when he carried the ball three times for 15 yards against a stingy, physical Virginia Tech defense.
Poole was inserted into the game when a banged-up Hardesty had to be attended to on the sideline. When Hardesty returned, Poole's day - and his season - was done. Yet Poole had done enough to make some fans scratch their heads.
Credit his persistence. Poole maintains he never dropped his head last season.
"Not one time," he said. "I would never let any one man get me down."
Now, one man - new coach Derek Dooley - has uplifted Poole's spirits.
"I feel like I can trust people," Poole said. "Those guys said my chance was coming and it never did. With this staff I just feel like I have that shot whether Bryce was here or not."
Brown's return looks doubtful. His once promising future at UT looks destined to go the transfer route after telling Dooley he wouldn't be participating in spring practice on Thursday.
"It's a big chance," Poole said. "Better opportunity to show the whole state of Tennessee what I can do. They didn't really get to see that last year. My shot was minimized last year. That's OK because I'm going to show them this year."
It's easy to imagine Poole transferring had there not been a coaching change. Surprisingly, Poole said he'd likely still be a Vol even if Kiffin were still head coach.
"Probably so," he said.
Yet Poole admits he felt undervalued and disrespected last season. That's not been the case so far under Dooley.
Dooley said he hasn't tried to pump up Poole just because there is ample opportunity at tailback. Truth is there's ample opportunity at several positions.
"He's got a good look about him which is important," Dooley said of Poole. "He's focused. I watch him in the meetings. He's dialed in. That's a good start.
"He's working hard. He's doing a great job out here. But when you find out about a runner is about like anything, you put the pads on. They've got to take you to the ground. How elusive are you? How dependable are you? How durable are you?"
Dooley will find out on Tuesday.
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Comments » 45
Jediphysics writes:
Look forward to seeing you on the field next year. Didn't quite understand what Kiffin was thinking not playing you. Should've guessed it was all about recruiting...
CT_VOL writes:
Poole is better than Bryce and Oku! Hear me now and believe me later.
KJVol writes:
Tauren Poole deserves a lot more than opportunities than he's received around here so far. I'd be willing to bet that a LOT of folks will be saying Bryce Who? after this young man gets on the field.
kazoo writes:
Kiffin totally screwed Poole last year. He should never have played Brown as much as he did--the kid didn't deserve the PT. Shows how subjective and biased some coaching decisions can be--at every level. Here's hoping Poole has a big year.
rockytopvol writes:
Watched alot last year and always said poole was a stud,williams is too.In practice they both ran with a chip on their shoulder.UT will be fine at running back.
Kevinyaheard writes:
It gives me goosebumps to hear this young man speak so confidently and certainly about his ability. Intestinal fortitude and a "can't even spell quit" attitude will help Poole become a household name. I would rather have 1 Tauren Poole than 2 Bryce Browns. GO VOLS!!!!
USNVOL writes:
I really think that Poole and Williams will be great running backs,now that they will be given a chance.
volunteer_cowboy writes:
tennessee received first commit today. LB christian harris out of georgia
smokies_old_soul writes:
good news on top of this good news at running back - sounds like we have three solid tailbacks that are ready to go for next season - poole, oku & williams.
i wonder what dooley was referring to, though, when he said that bryce brown was dealing with issues related to the reasons he came to knoxville and the first six months that he was here. huh ??
BigBadVol writes:
Bryce saw the writing on the wall. He knew he was getting opportunities due to Kiffin not because he was ahead of Poole in ability. Poole outperformed him last year during practice. Bryce knew he wasn't going to be the man this year.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Dooley said Poole is "dialed in" in team meetings. Hope this young man (and others) have the same attitude and approach like MH did last year. We might see this team actually win more than 6 or 7 games if they do.
CoastGuardVol writes:
I am like the rest of ya'll, I am stoked about seeing Poole in the game. I wish that I could remember the article, it was from two seasons ago though I think, it compared Tauren to Cadillac Williams in the way that it was hard for him to be brought down. When I saw him run in the Chick-fil-A bowl, and the hearing his comment, "Not one time," he said. "I would never let any one man get me down." It reminded me of that article. I think that Tauren is going to be the man!! Go Vols!!
lincolncovol writes:
i was lucky enough to meet poole's mom & family two years ago before the o&w game. last year we ran into again, the young man has one he//uva family behind him great great people.it's not hard to see why this guy is what he is. i'm not afraid to say he will leave here as one of our best of all time &one ofmy all time favorites. he's already showed more heart & guts than b.b. just by staying last year & fighting for what he believes what is his. that alone tells me we're in better shape with poole than b.b.
wayoutwill writes:
I belive you now and we can both hear the roars on Saturdays!How's that!Scrwe Bryce Brown!He's noy the back that Poole is and Oku will make a nice showing and we got more power in the tailback dept, than that;it's our line that needs to be stepping it up!
VOL03_NC writes:
That is a winning attitude! Now we hear it from the inside why BB is on the outs.
DooleysOrangePants writes:
and only 11 months 'till NSD. when it counts.
pomp_and_circumstance writes:
Poole might very well have the right stuff. But be wary of Hooker. Sounds like he is serving notice to CDD how he wants the roster lined up, and if CDD doesn't comply the vengful Dave will blow CDD off the hill. Hooker's MO is as blatent as a fart in church.
imw8n4u writes:
I've been a Poole fan ever since he got here. This guy is going to give his all to show he should have been playing all along, just like he did with every opportunity he got last year.
Psychovol writes:
Brown is a quitter and a wussy; Poole is niether.
peyton4prez writes:
chaney said poole was the most impressive and consistant back we had last spring and now that the circus has left town poole is going to get his shot.
chadneen#231926 writes:
I always thought that Poole and Lennon Creer were the future. Too bad that Creer saw the writing on the wall.
Southland writes:
we took out the trash or actually USC took it off our hands. Now lets play with what we have That is some decent talent and a coach with some class and will surely know more about what he is doing tham the big mouth Kiffin. All talk and no brains. Kiffin didnt do one thing to help the long term status of UT football. Actually all that "press" he got us was negative and hurt us in the long run. This year is going to be a tough one. We aint gone as low as we will go just yet. Please be patient with Dooley and restore the pride. The hated Bama was able to overcome several dumb coaching moves and probation. We can over come some really bad years and a bad experience from last year. At least Kiffin left before he got us on probation or so we hope. All that junk he did and allowed is still floating around out there. May he inherit a USC program that finally is nailed for the pay Bush received while playing for them and may the cheating done by Oregoin in recruiting finally catch up to him at USC. Couldnt happen to a jerkier bunch
volfan2002 writes:
You have to admire a guy who stays on after he actually won a spot in the rotation in practice and was denied anyway. I see Poole Having a huge year and If Toney Williams is healthy we will have a productive running game.
CroKev writes:
That's why I go to a loud church...
tnsportsman writes:
Go Poole! You have a chip and attitude, that's always good for a hungry RB with focus!
GO VOLS!
CroKev writes:
In case anyone is interested, Poole was a Rivals 3-star kid (see http://rivals.yahoo.com/clemson/footb...). In HS he was listed as 5'10" 194 lbs. with 4.65 40 speed. He's now listed as 5'11" and 211 lbs. Depending on how our OL gels, he might not be physically big enough to take the pounding but then again Bama's Ingram is just 5'10"/215lbs.
Of interest - Acc. to UTSports, Poole's HS coach in Taccoa, GA was also Jonathan Crompton's HS coach in NC.
civilianvol_formerly_marinevol writes:
Don't know who will start, but I can't imagine Oku not getting plenty of carries. Last year I thought the competition was pretty close between him and Brown, with Brown having a very slight edge over Oku, who, IMO, had a slight edge over Poole. It should be an interesting competition, but I think Oku will be the eventual winner on talent. Sounds like Poole might have a personality and attitude that could make up for any minimal difference in talent.
duncanvol writes:
Poole will start barring he gets hurt. I remember Fulmer talking about pooles leg strength and quick feet. Nothing against Bryce but I never seen the speed they talked about. he was fast but to here last coach talk he was a sprinter or something. I remember in one game he changed direction and had open field and was caught from behind. Hardesty would have scored and was thought to be the slower of the two. Oku will be our fastest back. neal claims he runs 4.38 40 but thats yet to be seen. speed doesnt hurt but I think we all know running hard and good vision is just as important and Poole has both.
Smokey_Told_Me writes:
This could turn out to be another story of a high school kid that had great potential making it big in college. In so many cases kids do not get their 4th and 5th recruiting stars due to poor development from poor high school coaching staffs. This is just my own general thought. I do not know who Poole's HS coach was or anything about him.
... Smokey knows where the bones are buried.
orangecountyvols writes:
Everyone's posts are right on.........enjoyed reading every one.
I had heard good things about Poole long ago and really wondered why he stood on the sideline.
Now we know. And Tony Williams........I have heard good things about him as well. Then add Neal coming in along with Oku, it sounds very promising. I kept looking for the dump off pass to Oku coming out of the backfield, and it never did materialize.
krheavol writes:
I agree. did not get to see enough of this guy. I was really impressed the few times I did see him run. I have been hoping he would stay and not leave. I think this guy will make a difference in our season this year. Go Poole.
volnbig11land writes:
I love this Vols' attitude. I'll be cheering you on come this fall! Go Vols!
HallowedHill writes:
Poole plays hungry, and we could use more of that around here. Can't wait to see the Orange & White game.
GO VOLS!
tnsportsman writes:
Poole reminds me of Johnnie Jones ALL SEC in 83 & 84 for the VOLS. Johnnie sat on the bench until his Junior Year. If it hadn't been for injuries the coaches would have never played him. He played with a chip and attitude to become the best RB in the SEC those 2 years!
Go Poole do your thing dude!
GO VOLS!
Carlitovol writes:
This guy will be a BEAST, mark it down! He is so much more explosive and physical than BB - it's not even funny.. That was obvious from just the few carries he got this past season... I can't wait to see him as a featured back.. Dig it!!!
Carlitovol writes:
p.s. thanx for the article Dave!
Huttdawg100 writes:
Frankly, I always felt that Kiffin played Bryce Brown to recruit his guys. Not to say Bryce didn't have talent, but anybody who followed UT football over the last few years knew that Phil had recruited some strong talent at RB. I was confused when Creer left the program, and baffled to see two true freshmen without college experience playing ahead of Poole. I felt something was funny. Maybe that's why Eddie Gran made a quick decision to go to FSU.
chrisw2967 writes:
I think what Tn had several years ago with cobb and webb we can have the same kind of duo with Williams and Poole.I for one thinks that BB left because he knew Poole and Williams are a better back and he will have to work like heck to see the field this season.
hueypilot writes:
This is all great. But it's tough to be a good running back when you're getting hit behind the line of scrimmage. Sure hope we recruit some OL studs and that some in the ones we have now emerge. Last year's bunch with two walkons were overachievers, I thought and this year's needs to be the same, if Dooley's hints of being run-oriented pan out.
finn writes:
Montario deserved a shot last year and he delivered with some great results. At the same time, I did feel that Poole got a raw deal. I liked BB and Oku but Poole should have received a lot more touches. The guy runs awful mean and I think he will turn in an impressive season in 2010.
jesusvol4 writes:
Good luck Tauren. I am one person that has noticed your ability, and questioned the judgement of the coaches. You are going to get the chance to prove yourself this year! Run for the checkerboards! Go VOLS!
hcris51553#638202 writes:
I expect Poole and Oku to be another winning UT Tandem...both looked great...There's one other pleasent surprise coming up for many of you and that is Dooley's mother...She is one of the smartest sought after speakers in Georgia. Hilarious too. I'm sure he's said, "Now Mom lay low..." And Vince is a gem. What I'm telling you is we got the best of the deal when Kiffin blew town. Glad he left before we got 10 years to life by the NCAA.Vince will be whispering in Coach's ear and the boy is loaded with brains, experience and genes. Kiffin had his old daddy for defense, but I'll take the swap there too...Great hire...Predict Dooley will be to UT what Dad was to Georgia. future Hall of Fame... And he won't run to Georgia...Dooleys are stayers. Thank you USC...look forward to kicking your butt in a few years. If there's a football program left after Kiffin time....
american_pitvol_terrier writes:
POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLE!!!
luvorange writes:
I like Poole alot. I won't say I am not disappointed that BB is leaving but I see tons of potential with Poole and Williams both. I remember Williams looking strong in the O & W game last year.
man_and_dog writes:
One thing for sure - Poole will have a much better season than Brown-Out. I also like the way he handled things when the so-called, DA head coach messed with him when he should have had more playing time. I look for him to have a better year than MH.
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