2008 Tennessee Volunteers football team: Difference between revisions
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===Coaching changes=== |
===Coaching changes=== |
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[[Image:John Chavis.jpg|thumb|90px|Chavis turned down an offer from the [[Atlanta Falcons]].]] |
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Tennessee lost 4 members of their offensive staff. Offensive Coordinator [[David Cutcliffe]] accepted the Head Coaching position at [[Duke University|Duke]]. Cutcliffe took along OL/TE coach Matt Luke, and RB coach Kurt Roper. Roper will join the Blue Devils' staff as Offensive Coordinator. WR coach Trooper Taylor also left the Vols for a coordinator position, accepting a job as Co-Offensive Coordinator at [[Oklahoma State University|Oklahoma State]].<ref name="Coaching Changes">{{cite web | |
Tennessee lost 4 members of their offensive staff. Offensive Coordinator [[David Cutcliffe]] accepted the Head Coaching position at [[Duke University|Duke]]. Cutcliffe took along OL/TE coach Matt Luke, and RB coach Kurt Roper. Roper will join the Blue Devils' staff as Offensive Coordinator. WR coach Trooper Taylor also left the Vols for a coordinator position, accepting a job as Co-Offensive Coordinator at [[Oklahoma State University|Oklahoma State]].<ref name="Coaching Changes">{{cite web | |
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author=AP |year=2008|title=Clawson leaves Richmond to be Vols offensive coordinator|format=HTML|work=[[ESPN.com]]|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3192212| accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref> |
author=AP |year=2008|title=Clawson leaves Richmond to be Vols offensive coordinator|format=HTML|work=[[ESPN.com]]|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3192212| accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref> |
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author=WBIR TV |year=2008|title=Jason Michael hired as Tennessee tight ends coach |format=HTML|work=WBIR.com|url=http://www.wbir.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=53650}}</ref> |
author=WBIR TV |year=2008|title=Jason Michael hired as Tennessee tight ends coach |format=HTML|work=WBIR.com|url=http://www.wbir.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=53650}}</ref> |
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Defensive coordinator Johnny Chavis interviewed with the [[Atlanta Falcons]] but chose to stay at Tennessee. <ref name="Chavis Stays">{{cite web | |
Defensive coordinator [[Johnny Chavis]] interviewed with the [[Atlanta Falcons]] but chose to stay at Tennessee. <ref name="Chavis Stays">{{cite web | |
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author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Chavis interviews with Falcons, staying with Vols|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/11/chavis-interviews-falcons-staying-vols/}}</ref> |
author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Chavis interviews with Falcons, staying with Vols|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/11/chavis-interviews-falcons-staying-vols/}}</ref> This decision followed a similar decision by defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell. In December of 2007 Caldwell chose to stay with Tennessee and turned down an offer to be the Defensive Coordinator at [[Arkansas Razorbacks football|Arkansas]].<ref name="Caldwell Stays">{{cite web | |
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author=Drew Edwards |year=2007|title=Caldwell passes on Arkansas|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/dec/23/caldwell-passes-arkansas/}}</ref> |
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{{-}} |
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===Player News=== |
===Player News=== |
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Another defensive back, Antonio Gaines, was awarded a sixth year of eligibility by the [[NCAA]] in February. Gaines had missed the majority of both the 2003 and 2007 seasons due to injuries.<ref name="Gaines Sixth Year">{{cite web | author=Associated Press |year=2008|title=NCAA grants Gaines a sixth year of eligibility|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/07/ncaa-grants-gaines-sixth-year-eligibility/}}</ref> |
Another defensive back, Antonio Gaines, was awarded a sixth year of eligibility by the [[NCAA]] in February. Gaines had missed the majority of both the 2003 and 2007 seasons due to injuries.<ref name="Gaines Sixth Year">{{cite web | author=Associated Press |year=2008|title=NCAA grants Gaines a sixth year of eligibility|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/07/ncaa-grants-gaines-sixth-year-eligibility/}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | The Volunteer football has also seen its share of off of the field issues since the close of the [[2007 Tennessee Volunteers football team|2007 season]]. The first incident of the offeseason occurred during a recruiting weekend. Wide receivers Gerald Jones and Ahmad Paige were cited for a [[misdemeanor]] possession of [[marijuana]] while hosting a recruit. Neither were suspended, but |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | author=News Sentinel Staff |year=2008|title=Vereen arrested after fight|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/vereen-arrested-after-fight/}}</ref> Vereen was required to perform community service and will be under a semester-long curfew. Fulmer also required the entire team to attend 6 A.M. running as punishment for the offense. <ref name="Vereen Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer disciplines Vereen, makes entire team run at 6 a.m.|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/fulmer-disciplines-vereen/}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Offensive lineman Anthony Parker was arrested and charged with [[disorderly conduct]] in [[January]]. Parker's punishment included morning runs, [[curfew]], [[community service]] and the police ride along program. Parker was charged after failing to obey the commands of a Knoxville [[police officer]] with whom he had previous run-ins. <ref name="Parker Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer announces Parker's punishment|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/30/fulmer-announces-parkers-punishment/}}</ref> This incident was followed by the arrest of incoming walk-on Vincent Faison for [[DUI]]. Faison was suspended for two games. <ref name="Faison Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Faison 'slumped behind wheel' when arrested|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/04/faison-slumped-behind-wheel-when-arrested/}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | In February, linebacker Dorian Davis and defensive back Antonio Wardlow were dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.<ref name="Davis, Wardlow Dismissed">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Davis, Wardlow dismissed for violation of team rules|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/13/davis-wardlow-dismissed-fulmer/}}</ref> The most recent incident of the offseason involved decorated [[punter]] Britton Colquitt. Colquitt was suspended for five games after being arrested and charge with both DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. Colquitt also had his scholarship revoked. <ref name="Colquitt Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Colquitt suspended for 5 games and loses scholarship after DUI charge|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/17/ut-punter-charged-dui-leaving-scene-accident/}}</ref> |
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====2008 Recruiting Class==== |
====2008 Recruiting Class==== |
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| ⚫ | The Volunteer football has also seen its share of off of the field issues since the close of the [[2007 Tennessee Volunteers football team|2007 season]]. The first incident of the offeseason occurred during a recruiting weekend. Wide receivers Gerald Jones and Ahmad Paige were cited for a [[misdemeanor]] possession of [[marijuana]] while hosting a recruit. Neither were suspended, but both were required to undertake more frequent drug testing and participate in a police ride along program.<ref name="Vereen Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer disciplines Vereen, makes entire team run at 6 a.m.|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/fulmer-disciplines-vereen/}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | author=News Sentinel Staff |year=2008|title=Vereen arrested after fight|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/vereen-arrested-after-fight/}}</ref> Vereen was required to perform community service and will be under a semester-long curfew. Fulmer also required the entire team to attend 6 A.M. running as punishment for the offense. <ref name="Vereen Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer disciplines Vereen, makes entire team run at 6 a.m.|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/fulmer-disciplines-vereen/}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Offensive lineman Anthony Parker was arrested and charged with [[disorderly conduct]] in [[January]]. Parker's punishment included morning runs, [[curfew]], [[community service]] and the police ride along program. Parker was charged after failing to obey the commands of a Knoxville [[police officer]] with whom he had previous run-ins. <ref name="Parker Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer announces Parker's punishment|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/30/fulmer-announces-parkers-punishment/}}</ref> This incident was followed by the arrest of incoming walk-on Vincent Faison for [[DUI]]. Faison was suspended for two games. <ref name="Faison Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Faison 'slumped behind wheel' when arrested|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/04/faison-slumped-behind-wheel-when-arrested/}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | In February, linebacker Dorian Davis and defensive back Antonio Wardlow were dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.<ref name="Davis, Wardlow Dismissed">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Davis, Wardlow dismissed for violation of team rules|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/13/davis-wardlow-dismissed-fulmer/}}</ref> The most recent incident of the offseason involved decorated [[punter]] Britton Colquitt. Colquitt was suspended for five games after being arrested and charge with both DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. Colquitt also had his scholarship revoked. <ref name="Colquitt Punishment">{{cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Colquitt suspended for 5 games and loses scholarship after DUI charge|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/17/ut-punter-charged-dui-leaving-scene-accident/}}</ref> |
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==Schedule== |
==Schedule== |
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Revision as of 16:29, 20 February 2008
| {{{year}}} [[{{{team}}} football]] |
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The 2008 Tennessee Volunteers football team (variously "Tennessee" or "UT" or the "Vols") will represent the University of Tennessee in the college football season of 2008–2009. The team will be coached by head football coach Phillip Fulmer, in his 16th season as head coach. The Vols play their home games in Neyland Stadium and compete in the Eastern Division of the SEC. This 2008 campaign comes on the heels of a 10-4 2007 season which saw the Vols win the Eastern Division of the conference and the Outback Bowl.
Offseason news
Coaching changes
Tennessee lost 4 members of their offensive staff. Offensive Coordinator David Cutcliffe accepted the Head Coaching position at Duke. Cutcliffe took along OL/TE coach Matt Luke, and RB coach Kurt Roper. Roper will join the Blue Devils' staff as Offensive Coordinator. WR coach Trooper Taylor also left the Vols for a coordinator position, accepting a job as Co-Offensive Coordinator at Oklahoma State.[1]
Cutcliffe was replaced by Dave Clawson, who comes to Tennessee from the University of Richmond where he was the head coach. Joining Clawson from Richmond is Latrell Scott, who will replace Taylor as the wide receivers coach. Stan Drayton, formerly the running backs coach at Florida, was hired to replace Roper as the running backs coach. Jason Michael, formerly on the staff for the New York Jets, was hired to coach the tight ends, replacing Matt Luke.[2]
Defensive coordinator Johnny Chavis interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons but chose to stay at Tennessee. [3] This decision followed a similar decision by defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell. In December of 2007 Caldwell chose to stay with Tennessee and turned down an offer to be the Defensive Coordinator at Arkansas.[4]
Player News
Tennessee was bolstered by the return of safety Demetrice Morley. Morley was a five star recruit out of Miami, Florida who played for the Vols in 2005 and 2006 before being dismissed[5] from the football team and leaving school for academic reasons. After sitting out the 2007 season, Morley was readmitted to the University in January of 2008 and will rejoin the team.[6] Morley told the media that he had been living in his car following his dismissal from the team, but that the birth of his son motivated him to return. [7]
Another defensive back, Antonio Gaines, was awarded a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in February. Gaines had missed the majority of both the 2003 and 2007 seasons due to injuries.[8]
2008 Recruiting Class
| US college sports recruiting information for 2008 recruits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | Commit date | |
| E.J. Abrams-Ward LB |
Thomasville, North Carolina | Thomasville High | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | Feb 6, 2008 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Carson Anderson G |
Florence, Alabama | Florence High | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 275 lb (125 kg) | Mar 31, 2007 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Preston Bailey T |
Nashville, Tennessee | Montgomery Bell Academy | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 315 lb (143 kg) | Aug 29, 2007 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Ben Bartholomew FB |
Nashville, Tennessee | Montgomery Bell Academy | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | Apr 22, 2007 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Willie Bohannon DE |
Prichard, Alabama | Mattie T. Blount High | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 230 lb (100 kg) | Jan 28, 2008 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Aaron Douglas TE |
Maryville, Tennessee | Maryville High | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 230 lb (100 kg) | Jul 31, 2006 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Steven Folkes DE |
College Park, Georgia | Banneker High | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | Aug 21, 2007 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Montori Hughes DT |
Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Siegel High | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 255 lb (116 kg) | Jan 28, 2008 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Austin Johnson LB/RB |
Hickory, North Carolina | Hickory High | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 240 lb (110 kg) | Sep 24, 2006 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Casey Kelly QB |
Sarasota, Florida | Sarasota High | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | Jan 30, 2008 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Herman Lathers LB |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Scotlandville Magnet High | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | Oct 19, 2007 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Tauren Poole RB |
Toccoa, Georgia | Stephens County High | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | Oct 26, 2006 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| StePhan Raines DB |
Coffeyville, Kansas | Coffeyville Community College | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | Jan 20, 2008 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Dallas Thomas T |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Scotlandville Magnet High | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 280 lb (130 kg) | Feb 6, 2008 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Prentis Waggner CB |
Clinton, Louisiana | Clinton High | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | Jan 28, 2008 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Marlon Walls LB |
Olive Branch, Mississippi | Olive Branch High | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | Jan 26, 2008 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Rodriguez Wilks WR |
Smyrna, Tennessee | Smyrna High | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | Sep 19, 2007 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Gerald Williams DE/LB |
San Francisco, California | City College of San Francisco | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 245 lb (111 kg) | Dec 13, 2007 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
| ||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 35 Rivals: 36 | ||||||
Sources:
| ||||||
Discipline
The Volunteer football has also seen its share of off of the field issues since the close of the 2007 season. The first incident of the offeseason occurred during a recruiting weekend. Wide receivers Gerald Jones and Ahmad Paige were cited for a misdemeanor possession of marijuana while hosting a recruit. Neither were suspended, but both were required to undertake more frequent drug testing and participate in a police ride along program.[9]
Another incident involved redshirt freshman running back Daryl Vereen. Vereen was arrested and charged with public intoxication and underage consumption after an on campus fight. [10] Vereen was required to perform community service and will be under a semester-long curfew. Fulmer also required the entire team to attend 6 A.M. running as punishment for the offense. [9]
Offensive lineman Anthony Parker was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct in January. Parker's punishment included morning runs, curfew, community service and the police ride along program. Parker was charged after failing to obey the commands of a Knoxville police officer with whom he had previous run-ins. [11] This incident was followed by the arrest of incoming walk-on Vincent Faison for DUI. Faison was suspended for two games. [12]
In February, linebacker Dorian Davis and defensive back Antonio Wardlow were dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.[13] The most recent incident of the offseason involved decorated punter Britton Colquitt. Colquitt was suspended for five games after being arrested and charge with both DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. Colquitt also had his scholarship revoked. [14]
Schedule
September 6at UCLA*
- Neyland Stadium
- Knoxville, TN (Third Saturday in September)
- Neyland Stadium
- Knoxville, TN
- Neyland Stadium
- Knoxville, TN
- Neyland Stadium
- Knoxville, TN (Third Saturday in October)
- Neyland Stadium
- Knoxville, TN
- Neyland Stadium
- Knoxville, TN
Template:CFB Schedule End [15]
2007 Players
Projected starting lineups and coaches
Head Coach: Phillip Fulmer (16th year)
Offense
Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks: Dave Clawson
Offensive Scheme: Multiple
Wide Receivers: Latrell Scott
Offensive Line: Greg Atkins
Running Backs: Stan Drayton
Tight Ends: Jason Michael
Offensive outlook
Coaches
Head Coach Phillip Fulmer hired Dave Clawson, formerly the head coach at the University of Richmond, to replace David Cutcliffe as Offensive Coordinator. Greg Atkins (Offensive Line) is the only returning coach on the offensive staff. Joining him are new hired assistants Stan Drayton (Running Backs), Jason Michael, and Latrell Scott (Wide Receivers).
Quarterbacks
The Vols must replace graduate Erik Ainge, a likely selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. The leading candidates are Jonathan Crompton, who started one game as an injury replacement for Ainge in 2006, redshirt freshman BJ Coleman and redshirt sophomore Nick Stephens.
Runningbacks
Arian Foster saw the majority of time at tailback last season, with relief appearances by LaMarcus Coker, Montario Hardesty, and Lennon Creer. Coker was eventually dismissed from the team following the South Carolina game for a violation of team rules.[16] Foster finished the season with 1193 rushing yards.[17] Foster, Hardesty and Creer all return and look to see significant time in the backfield. Looking to work his way into the rotation will be Daryl Vereen, a highly touted redshirt freshman. The fullback position may also be used more under Clawson, allowing David Holbert to see more playing time. Holbert had been used as a reserve tight end under Cutcliffe's one back offense, but may return to the backfield. Holbert was highly recruited as a fullback out of high school and played that position for the Vols in 2005.
Receivers
The Wide Recievers were led by Lucas Taylor and Austin Rogers last season. Taylor had 73 receptions for 1000 yards while Rogers caught 56 passes for 624 yards. [17] Both return for their senior season in 2008. Joining them will be Senior Josh Briscoe, Sophomore Gerald Jones, who also sees time at Quarterback, Quintin Hancock, Ahmad Paige and others.
Offensive Line
The Offensive line returns the entire starting group from late in the 2007 season. The line was shuffled after an injury to Eric Young. Josh McNeil will anchor the line at center, with guards Anthony Parker and Jacques McClendon. Ramon Foster and Chris Scott will be the starters at tackle. [18]
Tight Ends
The Tight End position is up in the air following the losses of Chris Brown and Brad Cottam. Brad's brother Jeff Cottam and Luke Stocker are the leading candidates for the starting job.
Projected starters (Note: Does not include incoming freshmen)
| Position | Number | Name | Height | Weight | Class | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | 8 | * Jonathan Crompton | 6'4" | 230 lbs. | RS-Jr. | Waynesville, North Carolina |
| TB | 27 | * Arian Foster | 6'1" | 225 lbs. | RS-Sr. | San Diego, California |
| TE | 80 | Jeff Cottam | 6'8" | 260 lbs. | Jr. | Germantown, Tennessee |
| WR | 12 | Lucas Taylor | 6'0" | 185 lbs. | Sr. | Carencro, Louisiana |
| WR | 21 | Austin Rogers | 6'2" | 185 lbs. | RS-Jr. | Nashville, Tennessee |
| WR | 81 | Josh Briscoe | 6'3" | 183 lbs. | Sr. | Lawndale, North Carolina |
| LT | 78 | * Ramon Foster | 6'6" | 325 lbs. | Sr. | Henning, Tennessee |
| LG | 75 | * Anthony Parker | 6'3" | 305 lbs. | RS-Sr. | Jonesboro, Georgia |
| C | 50 | * Josh McNeil | 6'4" | 280 lbs. | RS-Jr. | Collins, Mississippi |
| RG | 65 | * Jacques McClendon | 6'3" | 330 lbs. | RS-Jr. | Cleveland, Tennessee |
| RT | 79 | * Chris Scott | 6'5" | 325 lbs. | So. | Lovejoy, Georgia |
- * - Denotes returning starter.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers / Associate Head Coach: Johnny Chavis (20th year)
Base Defense: Multiple (4-3 and 3-2-6 "Mustang")
Defensive Line: Dan Brooks
Defensive Ends: Steve Caldwell
Defensive Backs: Larry Slade
Position Outlook
Coaches
2008 will be the 14th season as Defensive Coordinator for Johnny Chavis. The Defensive staff had been together and unchanged since the 1999 Season, with Dan Brooks, Steve Caldwell and Larry Slade.
Defensive Line
On the Defensive Line, the Vols must replace two starters at end. Senior Robert Ayers and Junior Wes Brown are the leading candidates at those two spots. Tackles Dan Williams and DeMonte Bolden return after starting for the majority of the 2007 season. Providing depth will be tackles Walter Fisher, Chase Nelson, Donald Langley and Victor Thomas along with ends Ben Martin, Andre Mathis, and Chris Walker.
Linebackers
The Vols replace two starters in the linebacker corps. Junior Rico McCoy returns to man one of the outside spots. Ellix Wilson, who started the 2008 Outback Bowl at the middle linebacker looks to earn that job for the 2008 season. The other outside spot is up in the air, with Nevin McKenzie seeing the most time there the previous year.
Defensive Backs
The Defensive Backfield saw a slew of injuries and changes in 2007, but looks to be much more stable and seasoned in 2008. The Vols must replace departing safety Jonathan Hefney. Sophomores Eric Berry (SS), Brent Vinson and Dennis Rogan (Cornerbacks) should return to their spots. SS Demetrice Morley was reinstated in school after academic trouble caused him to miss the 2007 season. He is the leading candidate at the vacant free safety spot. Senior DeAngelo Willingham should also see significant time.
Projected starters (Note: Does not include incoming Freshmen).
| Position | Number | Name | Height | Weight | Class | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE | 91 | Robert Ayers | 6'3" | 260 lbs. | RS-Sr. | Clio, South Carolina |
| LT | 77 | * Dan Williams | 6'2" | 310 lbs. | RS-Jr. | Memphis, Tennessee |
| RT | 98 | * Demonté Bolden | 6'6" | 290 lbs. | Sr. | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| RE | 94 | Wes Brown | 6'3" | 270 lbs. | RS-Jr. | Athens, Alabama |
| SLB | 20 | Nevin McKenzie | 6'2" | 210 lbs. | Sr. | San Antonio, Texas |
| MLB | 35 | Ellix Wilson | 5'10" | 225 lbs. | RS-Jr. | Memphis, Tennessee |
| WLB | 5 | * Rico McCoy | 6'1" | 215 lbs. | Jr. | Washington, D.C. |
| RCB | 41 | * Dennis Rogan | 5'10" | 182 lbs. | So. | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| LCB | 13 | * Brent Vinson | 6'2" | 180 lbs. | So. | Hampton, Virginia |
| FS | 7 | Demetrice Morley | 6'2" | 195 lbs. | RS-Jr. | Miami, Florida |
| SS | 14 | * Eric Berry | 5'11" | 195 lbs. | So. | Fairburn, Georgia |
- * - Denotes returning starter
Special Teams
Position Outlook
Sophomore Daniel Lincoln replaced departing Senior James Wilhoit in 2007 and earned All American Honors.[21] Britton Colquitt returns as punter and will handle kickoffs. Sophomores Dennis Rogan emerged as the main kick and punt returner last, with Lennon Creer joining him as kick returner. Both players return.
Projected starters (Note: Does not include incoming Freshmen).
| Position | Number | Name | Height | Weight | Class | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 47 | * Britton Colquitt | 6'3" | 205 lbs. | RS-Sr. | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| PR | 41 | * Dennis Rogan | 5'10" | 175 lbs. | So. | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| KO | 26 | * Daniel Lincoln | 6'0" | 204 lbs. | So. | Ocala, Florida |
| KR | 41 | * Dennis Rogan | 5'10" | 175 lbs. | So. | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| KR | 3 | * Lennon Creer | 6'1" | 202 lbs. | So. | Tatum, Texas |
| PK | 26 | * Daniel Lincoln | 6'0" | 204 lbs. | So. | Ocala, Florida |
- * - Denotes returning starter
Rankings
| Poll | Pre | Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 | Wk 7 | Wk 8 | Wk 9 | Wk 10 | Wk 11 | Wk 12 | Wk 13 | Wk 14 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP | ||||||||||||||||
| Coaches | ||||||||||||||||
| Harris | Not released | |||||||||||||||
| BCS | Not released | |||||||||||||||
See also
References
- ^ AP (2008). "Clawson leaves Richmond to be Vols offensive coordinator" (HTML). ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-01-16.
- ^ WBIR TV (2008). "Jason Michael hired as Tennessee tight ends coach" (HTML). WBIR.com.
- ^ Drew Edwards (2008). "Chavis interviews with Falcons, staying with Vols" (HTML). Knoxville New Sentinel.
- ^ Drew Edwards (2007). "Caldwell passes on Arkansas" (HTML). Knoxville News Sentinel.
- ^ Michael Casasanta (2007). "Demetrice Morley dismissed from football team" (HTML). University of Tennessee Journalism.
- ^ Drew Edwards (2008). "Fulmer says Morley will return to Tennessee" (HTML). Knoxville New Sentinel.
- ^ Drew Edwards (2008). "Birth of son spurred Morley to return to UT" (HTML). Knoxville New Sentinel.
- ^ Associated Press (2008). "NCAA grants Gaines a sixth year of eligibility" (HTML). Knoxville New Sentinel.
- ^ a b Drew Edwards (2008). "Fulmer disciplines Vereen, makes entire team run at 6 a.m." (HTML). Knoxville New Sentinel.
- ^ News Sentinel Staff (2008). "Vereen arrested after fight" (HTML). Knoxville New Sentinel.
- ^ Drew Edwards (2008). "Fulmer announces Parker's punishment" (HTML). Knoxville New Sentinel.
- ^ Drew Edwards (2008). "Faison 'slumped behind wheel' when arrested" (HTML). Knoxville New Sentinel.
- ^ Drew Edwards (2008). "Davis, Wardlow dismissed for violation of team rules" (HTML). Knoxville News Sentinel.
- ^ Drew Edwards (2008). "Colquitt suspended for 5 games and loses scholarship after DUI charge" (HTML). Knoxville News Sentinel.
- ^ UT Sports Information (16 January 2008). "Future Schedules". UTSports.com. Retrieved 2008-01-16.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Benjamin Dishong (03 November 2007). "Coker dismissed from team". Tennessee Journalist.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Check date values in:|date=(help); Text "http://tnjn.com/2007/nov/03/coker-dismissed-from-team/" ignored (help) - ^ a b UT Sports Information (02 January 2008). "Tennessee - Cumulative Season Statistics". UTSports.com.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Check date values in:|date=(help); Text "http://livestats.epiccycle.com/tennessee/boxscores/07-08/football/TEAMCUME.HTM#TEAM.IND" ignored (help) - ^ Drew Edwards (28 October 2007). "Injury bug takes a bite". Knoxville News Sentinel.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Check date values in:|date=(help); Text "http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/oct/28/injury-bug-takes-bite/" ignored (help) - ^ UT Sports Information (21 January 2008). "2007/2008 Rosters". UTSports.com. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b UT Sports Information (21 January 2008). "2007/2008 Rosters". UTSports.com. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ WVLT (10 December 2007). "Daniel Lincoln Named Football Writers All-American". MVLT.com.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Check date values in:|date=(help); Text "http://www.volunteertv.com/sports/headlines/12324036.html" ignored (help)
- 2007 University of Tennessee Football Media Guide
- UTSports.com Football Page