KNOXVILLE -- Former Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge was on a Knoxville radio show a few weeks ago discussing what might be in store for UT sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray this season.
"You walk around campus before that first game," Ainge said, "and everybody tells you how great you are, how the offense is going to score 40 a night. Then you play Florida the second or third game of the year and they hit you in the face five or six times and you realize it's not going to be that easy."
Ainge understands Bray's upcoming season better than most. He started a good portion of his freshman year in 2004, helping the Volunteers to the SEC East crown before being injured in a home loss to Notre Dame. He also began the 2005 season as a starter before eventually losing that spot to senior Rick Clausen.
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Comments » 16
bearbull95#206250 writes:
Bray's going to be just fine. There may be a bit of sophomore slump, but given how he's gone about his business in the off season, I'd say he's ready to expand the playbook a bit and stretch those defenses.
Huttdawg100 writes:
I'm gonna keep my eye on Justin Hunter. I was watching film on Randy Moss on YouTube, and every play, Moss took 2 or three defenders with him. Hunter looks very similar to Moss in the brief moments we've seen him at UT. He can go up and get the ball over 2 or 3 defenders. He can contorted his body to make the catch. If Justin Hunter takes 2 defenders with him and Da'Rick Rogers is the 5 star monster we expect, Bray's job will be very easy.
I just thought about this: now that we've built some depth at corner, how about letting Teague return to wide receiver? He'd be perfect for slot receiver. I think he could probably go both ways if healthy...
Orange_Juiced writes:
I think Teague would add some maturity to a young WR corps if he played on the O-side. Might even garner a little more respect from the opposing D if he did slide into a slot position with JH and DR playing wide.
ZR and others can fill the same role, but Teague would definitely get attention...at least until Arnette and a few of the other young guys grow into their shoes...
CrankE writes:
My only thoughts on Bray is that he ought to drop the slash BS and move out of the Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LaLoosh phase. Don't act like a punk. Instead, be the man.
Tru138 writes:
Not much for responding to trolls but that last line was pretty good.
FearTheVols1252 writes:
I'm not even convinced there will be much of a slump. Granted, he will face much better teams than he did last year, but with a more established O-line, I think our running game will allow Bray to be more effective moving the ball through the air. Last year defenses kept stacking the line. Now that everyone can see he can throw deep, they will respect that passing game and it will allow us to chew up more yards on the ground.
BigVolFaninSC writes:
That beefed up, year older offensive line will still be the key! If they can give Bray time to throw and open holes in the run game, that will pay off big against the tough opponents we face! I love what I'm hearing about the new strength coach! His hiring could really pay off for the long run!...I don't know if I can wait another month!! GBO!
cooper65#432178 writes:
Nacho, we need a big win over the Lizards or Bamer on National TV to get back on the RADAR screen of big-time recruits. Even without the recruits, it would just make me feel real good.
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
I'm so looking forward to watching the offense because they are going to be fun to watch..Bray might have a soph.slump, but I still think he will have a good year..The WR is pretty stacked with Hunter, Rogers, Milton, Arnett(not sure how much he will play this year), and others..
The TE's will be a huge asset to the passing game with Rivera and Clear.
The running game will be much improved because the OLine is more experienced and deeper..I can see Poole getting 1500+ yards this year.
Smokey is still on the prowl for lots of TD's...
scvols writes:
Simms will be the starter by the end of the year, that sophomore year is a witch.
MusicCityVol writes:
Bray will be fine and do well. His ability to handle adversity will be tested. If he passes that test he'll be a great Vol.
Tennessee's Top Ten In-State Prospects
http://www.checkerboardchatter.com/20...
redbullet writes:
Like everyone said, if the OL can open some holes we will have a great season, we have weapons to run and throw. If you took an honest look at the team last year they could almost stay with anyone for the first half. I think we were just a couple of players away form winning the first half in most games last year. Now add some depth and we can hang with more than most think in the second half. So although our improvement will not be complete yet, considering how we did with nothing last year we should really fool some this year! Big surprise coming for some of the Hot Shot teams this year!! GO VOLS!
keviningeorgia writes:
Are you a queen? Because your writing makes you sound like you got sugar in yore britches. I couldn't care less what anybodies tats say unless they are attached to a female. My guess is most men see it the same way...
OrangeinCarolina2 writes:
There once were two fat guys
Their names were Willie and Weis
They went down to the swamp
Where their opponents did romp
And left them with tears in their eyes
GO VOLS!
OrangeinCarolina2 writes:
Hope the only thing Bray slashes this year is the opponents' defenses. Lookin' forward to Football Time in Tennessee! GO VOLS!
VolFanInTheBoro (Inactive) writes:
You really should get some help for your Vols obsession. You not only troll this site 24/7 but you also go to Rivals to fulfill your UT obsession.
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