Photo by Adam Brimer
Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley, right, looks on as quarterback Justin Worley (14) huddles with the White team during the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium Saturday, April 16, 2011. Worley graduated high school early so that he could enroll at Tennessee in January.
Before Tyler Bray's thumb injury, Justin Worley was on a smooth path to redshirting the 2011 season.
Now, the true freshman is one play away from lining up against the No. 1 team in the country.
Worley will serve as the Vols' backup quarterback to Matt Simms through the duration of Bray's injury, Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said Monday at his weekly press conference.
"You cruise when you're a three," Dooley said. "The favorite guy on every team is the third quarterback. Puts the hat on, he's got the clipboard, he knows he's not going in. We'll see."
Dooley said Worley's development isn't where Bray's was at this point last season, but that wasn't to be anticipated. At Northwestern High in Rock Hill, S.C., Worley, who broke nearly all of South Carolina's career passing records, ran the "Air Raid" offense, which was fast-paced and featured a heavy dose of short passes out of the shotgun.
"Tyler was the two. We had our foot up him from Day One," Dooley said. "When you're the two, you know as a coach it's one snap and he's in. There's that panic of getting him ready.
"When you're the three, you're just in that comfort zone. A guy makes a mistake and you go, 'Oh, come here, Justin, it's OK. Just do this next time.' Instead of, 'What are you doing?'
"There wasn't that anxiety level. There will be now. We've got to coach him a little bit."
Dooley said running back Tauren Poole is day to day with a hamstring injury.
Tight end Mychal Rivera, safety Prentiss Waggner and running back Devrin Young were named the Vols' players of the week for their respective performances Saturday against Georgia.
Andrew Gribble may be reached at 865-342-6327. Follow him at http://twitter.com/Andrew_Gribble and http://blogs.knoxnews.com/gribble
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Comments » 113
usnavyvolfan_still_getting_paid writes:
OK...stupid question.... can he still retain his redshirt status if he's merely named as a backup, but doesn't play a down?
jandjhome#228397 writes:
Over the years when Vandy gets where we are, they turn to basketball. Don't get excited because Bruce is gone and we have boring Conzo ball to look forward too.
Col26ca writes:
To question #1 - No Play & Keeps Shirt. And to this person. If you are that dismayed why don't just turn off the TV, shut down your puter', cancel the paper and become a Vandy fan. For me I'm a Kentuckian by birth and a VOL For Life and beyond if the Good Lord wills. GBO in good times and bad. We will be be in the stands Saturday rooting them on. As to boring Conzo ball, my grandson who is a senior at Missouri State would disagree with you big time.
lomas98 writes:
I can see where this could possibly end up. We lose the next 4 conference games and are sitting at 0-6 in conference. Simms gets hurt and Worley is forced to play. He has great stats against KY and Vandy and everyone wants him to be the starter. Then you have fans battling back and forth on Bray or Worley for the next 2 years. Similar to last year for Simms. He gets to play against the best defenses and fans will be screaming for Worley to come in. It would be nice for him to keep his redshirt. Shows how good Nance is.
John_10065 writes:
Yep, he technically isn't declared redshirted until the end of the year provided he doesn't play. One play of competition during the year negates it.
CantCompare writes:
I was thinking the same thing about Nance. I haven't heard a whisper from him since coming to TN. It's almost like it's a ,"Hey man, thanks for Da'Rick. Now here's a jersey and a clipboard. We will call you if we need you.." Hey, I'm not complaining...We got Da'Rick out of the mix..I would give up 3 schollies to get one of him again! Hunter too for that matter! GBO!
givehim6 writes:
Think this was not a good move by UT, sends out sign to Nash the school has little o no confidence in him unless he is that bad. In that case glad he is on the back up list. Hope he does not lose his redshirt becouse of this.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Please No Worley for games that we are expected to lose. This makes no sense. Put in a simple wild cat package with Young and Lane. I'm thinking Dooley is feeling the pressure if he uses up Worley's red shirt, This is not good.
volinuptonky writes:
I wondered the same thing so it would only be a stupid question if it was not asked.
VolzsFan writes:
It will be Daniel Hood running the Wild Catholic by the time Chavis and Bama get through with UT QBs.
mdvol writes:
Keep in mind this is essentially the same team that took LSU to the brink in Baton Rouge last year. No Janzen Jackson, but add Lane, Young and Arnett. Toss in we have improved significantly on defense. Even with only 11 on the field. :)
Never count out the VOLS.
CommodoreCapital writes:
Nash Nance must really suck. I hope Da'rick's little buddy was worth the extra scholarship.
orangeman1 writes:
The problem is that its NOT the same LSU team from last year. LSU is much improved. I say play Worley. Its not like he's going to sit behind Bray for the 3 years anyway. Surely he came to UT to play, not sit the bench. What message would it send if he wasnt named as backup. He might not stick around if Nance was named.
TommyJack writes:
What an utterly stupid thing to say.
2VolGrads writes:
Oh no! The Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? What will the Japanese say for Germany taking credit for that. Didn't anybody else notice this faux pas?
Orangeblood13 writes:
have to agree with you , having to live in Mo now, watched Mo state many times. Nothing boring about any part of the teams I saw over the past couple years. Optimistic at best though, SEC is alot tuffer.
TartanShuttle writes:
The question is, if LSU beats us 70-0 and Alabama beats us only 60-0 is that to be taken as a sign of progress under Coach Dooley.
The only good news is, that these obvious thumpings may conceal the miserable coaching we experienced against two mediocre and beatable teams in Florida and Georgia.
I like Coach Dooley as a man, but James Franklin in his 1st year of inheriting a perennial Vanderbilt mess may dispel the myth that we have an SEC caliber coach.
Again, that's not disloyalty. It's based on factual obsevation.
Exiled writes:
Don't worry, I got the Animal House reference.
CarolinaVol2281 writes:
Check out Animal House...
Jakevol writes:
My dad served in the South Pacific during WWII. Don't recall him talking about fighting Germans.
volfaninbuckeyeland writes:
Md, I do genuinely appreciate your positive spin on this situation. If I am not mistaken, didn't you insist last year that UT would take out either Fla or Bama? I do believe that I would prescribe a conversation with you for a depressed friend, but I might have to go elsewhere for a realistic outlook. As another poster pointed out, LSU is NOT the same and we both are at a different point of development in the season. UT has been emotionally gutted with the loss of potentially 3 offensive starters (TP being questionable at the moment) and this DOES begin to affect the mindset of other players, even though it opens the door for other players to step up. Not only that, but loss after loss, especially a really good woodshed whoopin', can begin to undermine a team's confidence level. When a team begins to think it can't win, it usually can't. My response to this article, however, is the same as I asked earlier in the day: is Nance really that bad or is he still a Vol? I can't believe that Worley has been the designated "three" all along. My main concern is that some offensive schemes be inserted to help minimize additional QB injuries. An unblocked Upshaw or Clowney or any # of tigers might be sending Simms to the ER. But that's football. I have 2 grandsons playing at Pigeon Forge, and out of concern for their physical well being, I tried to discourage both of them from playing. The glamour and allure of the young ladies' attention was just too great of an argument to overcome.
OrangePride writes:
Here's my question. Is Nash that bad that we need to risk Worley's redshirt on what would unquestionably be a losing cause? Nash isn't better than whoever MTSU has? or Kentucky (that QB is hopeless)? Vandy would be the only team where it might make a difference. If my memory serves, Nash was a pretty highly thought of recruit...so what's happened? If you have insight on this, I'm listening.
Mama_Also_Calls_Me_Precious writes:
Since Fulmer was unjustly canned, I really enjoy watching the Lady Vols basketball team play. You should look into them. Possible NC's this year
Vol4EVA writes:
Hey, can we please refrain from making these direct negative comments about these kids and using their names when doing so (ie: you folks making the negative observations about Nash Nance and saying he must suck based on unsubstainiated assumptions)? You don't know this young man and you have no clue where he falls in the mix and why or why not.
These are still impressionable young men and their role on the team, big or small, means the world to each one of them. I bet Nash Nance got out of bed and pratced his butt off this morning, working to get better and help this team, while you were sitting at your computer typing negative phooey. And you have to know they, their families, and friends come on here and read these comments. If you are a true Vol fan, leave the personal attacks out of these comments.
Go Matt Sims! Go Justin Worley! Go Nash Nance! Get well soon Tyler...Go Big Orange! Beat LSU!
I'll hang up and listen to your comments...
TartanShuttle writes:
I do believe it's Coach Dooley who first used a World War II reference in regard to this team (The D-Day Landing).
I will say, if the Allies had stormed Omaha Beach the way we rush the ball, and the way people refer Coach Dooley making progress, the French national drink would be lager and the national anthem Deutschland Uber Alles.
But we're making progress. Right?
OakRidgeBredNashvilleVol writes:
We're doomed. :|
Simply_Orange51 writes:
I thought the line from Animal House was very appropriate. Where's the bar...... I think we all need a drink of something. It's never as bad as we think it is and also never as good as we think either. This team will improve - all of you naysayers need to relax and give it more time - excellence isn't built overnight - it's all about kids growing into men. Way too many freshmen on this team as starters. Everybody's expectations are too high.
Volunatic writes:
"fast-paced and featured a heavy dose of short passes out of the shotgun"
We would DEFINITELY need a different center to run anything like that.
I'm not sure James Stone will ever be a good center-- he hasn't improved his snaps at all this season, and it seems his shotgun snaps are actually getting worse. I would put him at LT which seems like a more natural position for him, put and Bullard at center with Mack Crowder backing him up. The next two games would be trial by fire for an OL shuffle like this. However, is that any worse than trying to go with the status quo against the two best defenses in the country?
mdvol writes:
Just some numbers from last year's game....
You know....the one the VOLS essentially won in Baton Rouge.....
D. Moore - zero catches
L. Stocker - 2 catches - 16 yards
G. Jones - 5 catches - 46 yards
I'm sure we would all take Rivera, Arnett and Rogers over last year's group.
LSU is the same Lee/Jefferson QB tandem. Stevan Ridley is long gone who essentially was the guy who beat us. They still have Randle at WR.
This one is in Knoxville. Every National Championship run has a scary tight game. If I'm LSU, I wouldn't look past UT.
Never count out the VOLS!
jobrando#216494 writes:
I think most folks now question with almost two years done that it is fact. I still think he gets one more 6-6 year. I'm like you I thought 6-6 is ok but improvement had to be shown. So far I just see regression. Many have dropped the improvement part of the equation and just want him to continue because he's a good guy and he is.
RockyMountainVol writes:
Careful there, big guy. You're losing your concerned analytical tone of a former letterman, and the bitingly sarcastic and negative tone you use when posting as CSS, PH, PPO et al seeps in.
If you're going to insist that the umpteen troll persona you have are actually different people, you're going to have to try on your end. Or else people will recognize you for the mental patient with multiple personality disorder that you are.
The_Real_Orange writes:
MildlyDelusionalVol, if you think the Vols actually match up well in this game, maybe you should hurry out to Vegas and take the Vols and the 14 points they will give you. Go ahead and use that money you made from your prediction the Vols would start the season 4-0. Just sayin'
Volunatic writes:
You have a very good point-- I think Worley shouldn't be used in "garbage time". I also agree with getting Devrin Young more involved in the offense-- I think he has big play ability that can really help the Vols.
On an unrelated note, I dig the Garcia reference. I don't dig the "work like heck" reference.
Volunatic writes:
You absolutely NEED to watch "Animal House" ASAP.
volfaninbuckeyeland writes:
Tartan, you shoot brutally, but honestly straight like I would want my doctor to do. I have felt the same way that you have articulated, but was reluctant to say it because I felt it might be a premature rush to judgment considering all of the extenuating circumstances. The performances against the cupcakes gave me cause for optimism, especially against Cinci., who, by the way, has only 1 loss so far. But even though I am not or ever have been a coach or analyst, I, as a fan, have observed continual lapses in player development and inability to correct fundamental breakdowns that have begun to shake my confidence. How many games did it take last year to correct the problem of having too many players on the field at any given time? And to draw a penaly right out of a timeout is just inexcusable. I certainly am in agreement that CDD is a step up from his predecessor and I am grateful that I don't have to read about some slanderous remark that our coach has made about someone else, but I can't seem to shake the feeling that he might be in over his head. With that being said, I painfully support giving the man at least another full season because he needs time to develop just as these players do. Ron Zook is an example of someone who is starting to come into his own at ILL. and it took a few years. I do believe, however, that if CPF had made a different choice in his OC or if Cutcliffe had never gone, all of this discussion would be moot. But that is a whole 'nother can of worms.
Artistspot writes:
Luke Stocker, LUKE STOCKER ...... R u kidding ... we got MYCHAL RIVERA stupid! Have you even watched a VOLS game?
tennrich1 writes:
I made an unusual mistake and starting reading your post....I actually thought something was wrong with me...I just couldnt follow your thought pattern...then I realized thats because...THERE IS NO THOUGHT PATTERN HERE..."Sally, put the laptop up and get back to your girls 5th grade class and if I see you with the laptop again....no more free juice and cookies"....hahahahahahh...woooooooooooo!
Volunatic writes:
Maybe you should worry about "your own" (scoff) team. Here's a site you might want to check out:
http://gatorzone.com
I have no idea if there is decent football-related conversation there, but it can't be more worthless than what you "add" here.
jobrando#216494 writes:
If KNS has posted this correctly I would guarantee Mr Hart is taking many calls from the big boosters to get this decison reversed. I future want be playing this year.
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
I'm not a coach, but I really liked NN's HS video. There was a moment when I thought I was watching Tebow, who wasn't too shabby on the field. I've always said that he would have warmed pine at Tennessee.
FearTheVols1252 writes:
I think at this point it's easy to have a 'sky is falling' mentality. And while I know it sounds like an excuse, I still believe it's important to remember that not only are we young, but we're THIN in a lot of areas as well. Granted, there are a couple of spots we've just been plain inept (which is distrubing), but still... need to keep things in perspective.
And not only are we young and thin, but since August we've lost our biggest playmakers on both sides of the ball... JJ, Lathers, Hunter, and now Bray. We went from feeling as though an upset was going to happen this month, to just being upset.
I'm not going to lie, the next 2 weeks are going to make me want to vomit in my shoes. It's going to be ugly, and we just need to accept that (as painful as that is for me to say). Year 2 I'm willing to take some lashings. Year 3 there BETTER be some significant improvement. By year 4, if we're not competing for the SEC title, THEN it's time to re-evaluate.
My two cents... just trying to be realistic.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Never count out the Vols? When was the last time we beat someone as an underdog? This one will not be close, we won't score against the best defense in the country.
LSU 48
UT 0 (may luck into 3)
BigOrangeSmoker writes:
Worley or Nash would be better than Sims,he aint worth a chit and as long as he's on the field we wont win a game even against MTSU or Vandy or fetpetesake KU,he cant pass,look how he over threw Rodgers Saturday night
lyafarre writes:
How in the heck can so called "fans" be labeling Dooley a poor coach and beginning to call for his ouster?! Take a look at our roster; talented, but pretty darned young and inexperienced at many key positions. That's the result of coaching turnover the last few years and the lack of recruiting continuity that comes with that turnover.
I think CDD knows exactly what he's doing. He replaced UNC with Buffalo on the schedule because he knew it was important for us to reach a bowl this season for a number of reasons, but that the team's youth would make it very difficult without easing our ridiculously tough schedule.
Everything I've seen so far shows that CDD understands how to and is focused on building a long-term successful program. He wasn't lying when he said the first couple of years would be rough. Look ahead to next year, though, and I think this team will have the pieces in place to be something really special.
But criticizing a coach for not having immediate success in year two when he had to practically rebuild the entire program? Come on.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! I've wanted to say the same thing so many times, and I'm sorry I haven't. But I guarantee I couldn't have said it better than you. It's just too easy for some to sit behind a keyboard and spew their vitriol about someone they don't know or know anything about. We complain about the trolls, but sometimes what the trolls say isn't as degrading or demeaning as what some of the Vol "fans" say. Again, thank you for speaking up!
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
TartanShuttle writes:
Regardless of this teams percieved disadvantages, I would merely offer:
Any person who argues that this team has made progress, when they haven't gained a single yard rushing the football against two mediocre and very beatable SEC opponents, is either delusional or simply doesn't care about our team.
I can't find any other way to view the situation with Coach Dooley.
jcherrie#219531 writes:
I'm pretty good at history and I'm pretty sure that's NOT how it happened.
The Germans dressed up like the Japanese and dumped the tea into the harbor.
lyafarre writes:
Position battles play out in practice throughout the spring and fall, so I doubt Nash is surprised at his place on the depth chart. He knew in switching to TN that he would be facing much tougher competition in trying to break into the rotation, but he switched anyway.
Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug....
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
It was about this same time last season when Bray was introduced into the reality of playing the game for real and not being put on the shelf to wait another year. It may not happen........Worley playing, but who knows?
You know, the best game plan for a Vol fan after a loss is to not come to this site. No Tennessee fan is happy with a loss but there are those who actually expect us to be 12-0, shutting out the opposition, first downs on every play......etc.
As the game wore on, to me at least, I could recognize Georgia is better than some of you believe they are.......and yes, losing key players for the Vols has hurt.
Suppose Murray was lost for 6-8 weeks, or a few others they counted on.........same for some other SEC teams? It happens.
We don't like things like Stone snapping wildly to the QB.......but there's nothing we can do about it. Hopefully, someone with more to offer than we.........can get some of this stuff straightened out.
If not, it continues to be whining fodder for a lot of people. Heck, admittedly I've done that too, but will still not write the team off, and will try to get down there for a couple more games.
HooRay_Vol writes:
Sims needs to be given a chance. His stats were a little better than Bray in O&W games, but we all knew Bray was the future. We really need to RS Worley. Play Nash if Sims is hurt. Not that Nash is that bad, but rather of how good Worley is. It would be horrible to waste Worley's RS year as he would only have 1 year as starting QB after Tyler graduates. Big mistake by playing Worley this year.
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