govolsxtra.com Accounts

Let's all take a guess that the 'eightletters' are k-e-n-t-u-c-k-y.

Calipari's freshman were picked by sportwriters and about everyone else to finish at or near the top in the conference and nation, with his bevy of one and done freshmen and a few experienced players. Vandy (vs. Vols 1-1) and Florida (vs. Vols 0-2) were both top 25 teams. Counzo's Vols? Not within sniffing distance of any ranking. Yet, Counzo coached these guys to a 10-6 (a little better than a 'few' games above .500) and a legitimate shot at the NCAA.

If you switch teams and give Cal the team Coach Zo inherited in the same circumstances, I don't think they end up second in the conference. Counzo did a masterful job getting his team through tough times and to learn to play like he wanted them to. Coach Zo will be a force to be reckoned with in recruiting and on the court in the years to come. He should be SEC Coach of the Year.

If it's going so great, why change the name? Makes no sense.

Everyone in print news is looking for a buck. They're getting hammered by TV, internet, etc., etc.

I still subscribe to the KNS. I like reading the daily paper. But, I will not pay a monthly subscription for sports, even for my beloved Vols. Most every story will come out (for free) in a day or two. And, for recruiting, I can get a more experienced, informative site, likely for less.

I don't think the KNS cares about the subscriber any more. Maybe the numbers aren't there.

The 247 thing would have gone better if KNS offered it at a cheaper price to subscribers or as a 'combo' to get new subscribers. But, they just jumped straight to a stiff monthly fee for stuff that used to be free. The backlash was predictable.

And, Billy Donovan was young assistant at mid-major Marshall (I saw him coach there). Who knew he would be a big time winner and national champ at Florida? No one, until the Gators hired him. Zo has as good or better a background than Donovan when he went to Gainesville.

One thing I like is Coach Zo and every one of his staff were oustanding players (most were all conference, record setters) and team captains...LEADERS. I believe this staff will relate well to recruits and make our team better. There's no question they will be demanding.

I don't if these guys can coach at the SEC level and no one else does either. But, I am sure as heck going to cheer for them to be successful. That's better than sitting around running down the coaches and team.

GO VOLS!

Funny, some guy posted this idea (criticizing one and done players/programs) on John Adams Facebook page yesterday morning. Maybe Adams needs to give that guy a story credit.

My guess is Jones saw that Coach 'Zo dispatched Asst. Coach John Harris to see Ware in person and not Jones. So, Jones feels dissed. Harris was in Georgia to see a player in addition to Ware. He was in the area.

All the reports have said Coach Martin told Jones he needed to attend the Final Four (hard to put that off, it's only on one weekend).

Jones may be a baller, but we've seen more than one talented athlete waste that talent with bad choices and a bad attitude. My suggestion to Jones is take a deep breath, give Coach Martin a few days and realize everything doesn't revolve around you.

Mike Hamilton has now presided over two of the darkest days in UT sports. For one he bears much of the blame...Kiffin.

For months now Mike Hamilton said we stand by our coach. Apparently, that was not the truth. I'm a UT fan, orange through and through. But, I'm fed up. Fire Mike Hamilton.

Phillip Fulmer deserves a lot of credit for 'good' things at the University and in Knoxville. He's given millions to the athletic department. He's been part of dozens of charities, helping raise millions. I know. I've been there and seen him. And, he won a heck of a lot of football games.

As for the seniors, Fulmer did recruit them here and coaches them for 2-3 years. So, he should claim some credit.

From where I sit in TBA, I've seen Fulmer there on the sidelines, in his orange, cheering on the Vols.

I like Derek Dooley and am not saying I don't think a change might have been good. But, I'm a Tennessee fan. Since the day I graduated I've given money, now in the thousands, each year, to the athletic department. In short, I've been orange all my life. That's why I really like Phillip Fulmer and will always be grateful for all the 'good' he's brought to my life and community. This story is just another example.

See comments at Times Free Press site.

We're starting to see that the character-first, face to face talk methods of CDD are paying off with some great talent. Lots of kids are impressed by that straightforward, honest approach. Just look at their comments after they commit. CDD has also apparently learned how to sell Tennessee and Knoxville. GBO!

I guess the wild boys routine won't be as fun with only about a dozen kids in the room.

I don't care if they get the best plus a few walkons, only being able to sign 12-15 a year for 3 years will hurt...bad. Moreso 3-5 years down the road.

How do you sell a 18 year old star on not being able to play in any bowl games for 2 years of the 2 that kid thinks he's going to play before jumping to "the League".

Think how (further) stupid Garrett looks for hiring a head coach and assistant (Ogre) who were there when all this phooey was going on. I mean the NCAA looks at all the violations...and there's the current head coach with Snoop, Will and the rest of the 'loose atmosphere'. You think those guys will ever get any second chance or leeway from the NCAA? Wouldn't think so.

And, Carroll can say all he wants, but he knew what was coming...and he got out of town...quick. Note, Carroll made a video blasting the NCAA. No press conference. No uncomfortable looks if caught off guard. None of those pesky questions. Maybe he's got a future career in politics!

Oh well, let's hope the penalties stick on appeal. I mean geez, they spent years to get to this result.

Kerbyson needs to go toe the school that is the best fit for him. I'm a Vol fan, so I want great players at Tennessee. I think the fans would love to see a hometown guy on the field. But, you have to think about a 17-18 year old kid. The chance to go play at another big time school, see other parts of the country and grow up as a young man...all that can be pretty attractive. Long term, I think players get a lot more loyalty and support when they stay close to home. But, it comes down to what's best for the kid. For reference, see Aaron Douglas.

What I'd like to know is what lies K and O told recruits last year...such as 'that NCAA ain't no big deal, no real punishment, come on and sign with us'. I read some comments from players who signed with the Trojans that K said essentially 'it wasn't nuthin'. Now that the (unofficial) results and punishment have been released, how many feel lied to? Other schools need to let recruits know...THESE GUYS LIE.

I'm not a big NFL fan, but I understand with the possible strike next year, teams are restructuring staff, particularly assistants and their contracts. Don't know if that played a part in Chuck not being with the Jets or if he was just a one-year or so 'specialist' who came in and did some work. Like a contract worker. And, there was some indication he thought he would be at Tennessee, so if he was choosing to sign another binding contract with the Jets or take a change on getting the Tennessee job, maybe he chose the latter. And, if it didn't (or doesn't) work out, he can land somewhere, helping some team or work independently like he did before.

Upside on Chuck is real-game experience at all levels. And, at very high levels. It also seems to me he would be a tremendous recruiter if he has the personal skills to call these kids 24-7. I think...think...he can be that kind of guy that recruits can develop a relationship with. If so, he ought to be able to haul 'em in. I can imagine him on in-home and at school visits. He would certainly stand out. A tag team of Chuck and Dooley would impress parents and high school coaches.

On the flip-side, he's not had much actual coaching experience. Some, not much. But, that lack of experience would seem to be far outweighed by the pros mentioned above.

In the end, it's a decision that must be made by Dooley and Wilcox. I mean, really, Dooley's job depends on these other guys being able to do theirs.

Side note, you think Wilcox is a little shocked today, flying around the state in a private jet, speaking to packed houses of Vol fans in Nashville and Memphis (after a packed house breakfast in Knoxville)? No offense to Boise, but this is a whole different world of college football, simply by virtue of budgets, facilities, fan support and media attention.

For you in Chattanooga, on Da'Rick Rogers twitter today, 'hey vol fans, come see your two newest signees, Chop House, Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga, TN, 7:30 - 9:30" Sounds like Da' Rick is wanting to feel some Volunteer love after getting bashed by those Dawg fans yesterday. Head on down and thank him for choosing Tennessee. Show him he and Nance made a good decision.

Damien Robinson to Miss State. I think we had a chance if we could get a visit. Weather killed that.

Wish Stone's live announcement on ESPNU would help us land a couple of surprises.

Overall, CDD and staff have done a fantastic job. Good building blocks.

Many of you posters are acting as if DD and LT never speak and DD is 'ignoring' or 'snubbing' LT. Geez folks, these guys have been working hand in hand since the day DD was hired. In no way do I think LT is being 'snubbed'. He might pick up a title of some sort after the staff is complete. We don't know what his salary will be, and we might need to see what the overall payroll is before that's decided. LT might be picking up a title and hefty raise.

I am confident LT's loyalty is not being ignored and will be rewarded. If not, then complain...loudly. Patience grasshoppers.

Looking over commitment list. You think O-lineman Zach Fulton from Illinois ever thought his position coach at Tennessee would be the Chicago Bears O-line coach??? Funny. Take note recruits, Coach Dooley's building something great in Knoxville. And, he's a coach with great character that you can learn from and depend on.

Refreshing to see a mature post. Loyal to your team, compliments to your opponent and not taking cheap shots. Thanks.

Some of you posters could take a lesson. There is no one more Orange than me. I support Tennessee with my heart, soul and wallet, and have for decades. But, I also know Bama (and UGA and Auburn and ....) fans feel like I do about their school. Good for them. I like visiting other campuses (I have to confess an exception is Gainesville due to the rude/obnoxious behavior and downright filthy language). I have friends at other schools and they are great hosts when we visit their campus. One played for Bama in the 70's. I was cheering with him in spirit in the Nat. Champ. game. I want that trophy at Tennessee, but if it's between 'us' and some other conference, I'll take 'us'. The tradition of the SEC is something to be proud of. They don't have it like we have it in any other conference.

Back on topic, it seems since the Steele hire, backfire in the media, Coach Dooley seems to be keeping things close to the vest. Good for him. Note, the O-line hire mentions 'being on campus, around Coach Dooley and the staff'. He's been around, just no nosey reporter knew about it to report it.

I like the character hires. I think Coach Dooley is putting his stamp on his staff. His people, his way. All the feedback from in-home visits shows his character and excitement about Tennessee is coming through loud and clear to recruits. That's what I like to hear. Let's hope these two hires and a couple of re-commits/commits gives us some momentum heading into NSD. Go Vols!

No news on brother in law Reaves, who wasn't even told that the Lane train was leaving the station, headed west. Wonder how the lovely Layla feels about her brother getting the shaft? But, likely not the first time she's had to put up with Lane's bad behavior.

I confess to watching TMZ last night. One of their reporters is wearing a Tennessee power "T" hat on the show. Funny.

When has Kippy Brown shown any commitment to the college game, to prove he can recruit? The answer is never. If Kippy wanted to be a college coach so bad, he could have lobbied to stay here, work in the college game and pursue a head coaching job and work his way up. No, accordiing to this writer, it doesn't work that way. We're supposed to hand the reins over to a top 20 program to someone who's never been a head coach and coached as a college assistant for a few years...all because he coached those few years at Tennessee and is black.

Compare the two resumes. It's NOT a black-white issue. But, someone, somewhere has to lower us all to that level as opposed to simply addressing qualifications.

Check out the Rams site with bio and photo http://www.stlouisrams.com/Team/Coach.... Looks like this guy has a ton of experience to sell to recruits. 32 years as a coach, including a number of hall of famers.

He's from Fayetteville, NC and has spent a lot of time in both college and NFL. Maybe he's ready to move back closer to home. You think Chaney has already texted this guy's info to every receiver recruit?

Welcome Coach Baggett!

How about we leave these decisions to the coach we just hired and not some newspaper writer and ad salesman (uh, radio host) who's barely a few years from being a college student?

I suggest Coach Dooley meet with each player, evaluate their commitment and decide if it's better to ask them to honor their commitment or release them. From what I've read, how many of the 8 really want to bolt, 1,2? Who?

One other thing, remember Tyler Smith. Pearl refused to release him, choosing instead to force him to transfer. I don't recall any KNS writers demanding Pearl release Tyler. And, skip the comments about Tyler's recent trouble. I'm just saying coaching changes have been an issue before, here and elsewhere. Let the coach decide. That's why we hired him.

No offense to Kippy, I wish him well. But, if we offered to keep him as receivers coach, he got exactly what he was promised back in Dec.

That being said, Kippy has never shown a commitment to the college game. He's an NFL guy. He was out of work when we hired him and didn't get the Memphis head coaching job when Tommy West was let go. So, somehow, and I know he has a history here, he's supposed to get the receivers coach job, then head coach when Kiffy bolts? That doesn't add up.

Plus, he could have waited a couple of weeks to help out, even if it was just on campus. But, see above re: the reason he shouldn't be disappointed in not getting the HC job and why he's never shown that he's really interested in the college game, at Tennessee or anywhere else.

Here's hoping CDD is able to put a good staff together. I mean geez, the amount we paid Monte along would hire a 2-3 big time assistants.

Hamilton said mid-termers enrolled as of 12:01 this morning (Wed.) were in school, i.e. it's not 'going to class' that's the determining factor. He also said Tennessee was not considering granting any waiver to any commitment in school.

Did I hear this right? So, all of the mid-termers are on the team and would have to transfer and sit out a year? Hamilton said he met with the mid-termers at 10:00 this morning. I'm guessing this was to encourage them and explain the rules.

If we're going to have a 'ring of fame', Johnny belongs there as much as anyone in Tennessee history. I'd love seeing his name up in the stadium. We should honor our tradition and no one is more part of that than John Majors.

And, at some point in the future, Phillip Fulmer belongs up there too. Player, coach, SEC and national championships. I'd like to see (another) Phillip Fulmer day down the road.

CBT