KNOXVILLE -- The University of Tennessee football program replaced seven assistant coaches this offseason.
Oddly enough, though, the coaching post that underwent more change than any other the past five seasons remained unchanged.
The Volunteers, who report for preseason training camp Thursday, spent the summer under the watchful eye of Ron McKeefery, the program's fifth strength and conditioning coach since the 2008 season began, for the second consecutive season.
Continue reading at the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
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Comments » 18
bbmon13#478091 writes:
This is one of the most important positions on the staff. Of the article, all well and good, lotsa good cliches in there.
The key element concerning whether or not this football team is improved in the strength and conditioning area will be seen when it is 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 2 and we need a first down running the football.
Last fall, we could not push MTSU, Montana, or Buffalo off the ball and run successfully.
So, past the feel goodisms in the article, the only measuring stick will be when it is on the line, can our guys get it done.
We'll see.
laraccoon writes:
i agree with above post, running game will be crucial as usual , ll keep my fingers crossed but its been missing so long i ll belive it when i see it . i do hope we are bigger , stronger and meaner this year .
Docrok writes:
You do know the guy in the orange vest is Derek Dooley Right???????????
gc_scvol writes:
Human performance coordinator for an Army Special Forceds Unit, huh? I would imagine our Vols are in pretty good hands as far as conditioning goes. All of you who think this guy isn't tough are welcome to tell HIM that.
BigBadVol writes:
I like what I am hearing from the team. I pray it translates into victories this season. Now, don't let someone hire McKeefery away from us.
Orange_Juiced writes:
I agree this guy's a keeper. Like the whole focus on team chemistry because even the best 5 star won't be able to perform without his supporting cast. Anyone see "The Replacements?"
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Conditioning is so important and it should be a big factor this season.
A bit off topic I know, but just got through watching the Florida O T game in 1998 on U Tube. I was there as were most of you, but I almost forgot the monster job Al Wilson did that night. Also, quickest job on a goal post I've ever seen after the field goal kicker for Florida hooked it off to the left.
The looks on Spurrier's face were priceless.
That's the football we are waiting to see again.
Navaloranges writes:
Yep. If you've been selected to prepare elite soldiers for combat, you know something a lot of others do not about conditioning. I hope he's here for the long haul.
govolsn3 writes:
Good article but I don't see BRAY as a leader. He is too "self" for me. A good leader would be on campus wth the guys helping out with them and keeping an eye on what they are doing and not doing. Lather's is like AL WILSON to me and he should carry the whole team all year. GO VOLS VFL
MilitaryBrat writes:
I like the picture of Coach Mac in the Chattanooga article. If you ever been around a Drill Instructor in the military, you would instantly recognize his stare and stance.
I am sure he can be pretty intense.
10seVol85_Part_Deux writes:
I think it's exciting to find out that it was Lathers who organized that climb up Mount LeConte and not the coaches. When that story came out, everybody assumed it was something Dooley did as an attempt at team-building. Since it was the players, that's a really good sign of how they're getting along as a team.
lomas98 writes:
Oh my!!!
TheVolSnake writes:
Good article Thanks
tnoutlaw2001#228008 writes:
How to spot a non UT fan, look above at comments about people confused who is Dooley and who is the strength coach. I don't know if I'm being trolled, so LOL to both the trolls and the non UT fans posting, good one!
jobrando#216494 writes:
Endurance was the top priority for my military training. Strength was a by product but not the goal. Not sure this guy is teaching bulk and strength. Endurance I would think is important in football but not the number 1 goal. We will see.
watchdog writes:
What Jobrando said. Strength is great but what I'd love to see is what Tom Osborne's teams did those last five years he was at Nebraska going 60 and 3. Those teams did something ridiculous like run for 400 yards a game, and half of it came in the 4th quarter when they always had more in the tank than their opponent did and the wheels just came off the game.
tnfanincali writes:
I was in the student bleacher section for that game. pretty much the closest seats you could get to the goal post. When I stormed the field after FL's kicker missed that kick, the goal post was already down by the time I got to it. Crazy!
VolGrad writes:
Very good story.
This is Big Orange Country! Go Vols!!!
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