Them Vols offseason thread

When a program has the moniker of being the only one in the country to carry a particular trait, that tends to be a good thing.

In this sense, it’s not.

“I think when you look at it, we are the only team in the country that has to replace both the starting offensive and defensive lines,”Tennessee*coach Butch Jones said at Thursday’s press conference on the eve of training camp. “So that is very unusual. Quite frankly that is the reality when you are rebuilding a program. It is something we all knew coming here. I think of it as a tremendous opportunity.”

Graduated following the 2013 season were defensive linemenMaurice Couch,Daniel Hood,Daniel McCullers,Corey Miller,Jacques Smithand*Marlon Walls. Also no longer with the program are*Malik Brown, Jason Carr andGreg Clark.

In what’s commonly known as a line-of-scrimmage league, that’s a tall task for a program attempting to climb out of the cellar of the Southeastern Conference. The Volunteers are owners of four consecutive seven-loss seasons and haven’t reached a bowl since former coach Derek Dooley’s first season in 2010 when the Big Orange fell in double overtime to North Carolina at the Music City Bowl.

Who’s going to step up? It’s a laundry list of possibilities and many expect redshirt juniorCurt Maggitt*to wreak havoc at defensive end when his hand is on the ground. However, the pick to click could very well be sophomore*Corey Vereen.

The work ethic of the 6-foot-2, 253-pounder out of Winter Garden, Fla., has drawn praise from the second he enrolled on Rocky Top in January 2013.

“There are a lot of good storylines of individuals that have worked exceptionally hard,” Jones said.

The D-end is a prime example of what could be for the 2014 Vols. His strength levels and raw athleticism are both more than ample enough to be productive. Yet, he doesn’t have a start to his name and a preseason injury caused him to miss the first three games last fall.

Vereen may well be a microcosm of where the program is. He could have an All-SEC type season as a front-line end but has played just nine college football games with 13 tackles and one sack.

That one sack came on third-and-six late in the third quarter with Tennessee trailing Georgia by a touchdown. It was a major play as the Vols tied the game less than 5 minutes later and nearly pulled off the upset of the then-No. 6 Bulldogs.

If Vereen can build off his experience as a true freshman, then he could be that edge rusher Tennessee’s pass defense greatly needs.
 
Tennessee*coach Butch Jones says he occasionally feels as though he's running an expansion team because the Volunteers have altered their roster so much since the end of last season.

He can only hope the Vols don't produce the usual results of an expansion team.

Tennessee opens training camp Friday with a roster that features a 32-man recruiting class ranked among the top five in the nation by multiple services. Many newcomers will have prominent roles as the Vols attempt to end a string of four straight losing seasons.

"I don't know if there's ever been a roster flipped like this in the history of college football," Jones said. "Sometimes I feel like we're an expansion team with some first- and second-round draft choices and some veterans. That's what makes it exciting."

All that youth could make it tough for Tennessee to end the program's recent slump this fall, but the Vols believe they can withstand their inexperience and take a major step forward. Tennessee went 5-7 last year in Jones' debut season.

"Youth is not an excuse, that we'll be able to say that's the reason we lost the game on Saturday," junior center*Mack Crowder*said. "We're just going to have to suck it up and have to play like vets."

Jones plans to make an Aug. 16 practice at Neyland Stadium open to the public in an attempt to accustom his young team to game-like situations. The Vols have plenty of questions to answer before their Aug. 31 season opener with Utah State.

Jones must select a starting quarterback. Senior*Justin Worley*made seven starts last season before undergoing season-ending thumb surgery. Sophomore*Joshua Dobbsstarted Tennessee's final four games and sophomore*Nathan Peterman*made one start.

Jones said he'd name a starter "as soon as one person steps up and takes control of the offense and takes command of the program."

Tennessee also needs to rebuild at the line of scrimmage The Vols don't have a single returning starter on the offensive or defensive lines. Tennessee exited spring practice with a former walk-on (Jacob Gilliam) as its first-team left tackle and a freshman (Coleman Thomas) as the No. 1 right tackle.

The Vols do appear to have more talent at the skill positions, thanks to that heralded freshman class. The Vols also believe they could have better teamwork this fall.

"I think our team chemistry, just the respect that everybody has for each other, is at an all-time high (since) I've been here," Worley said. "We've really bonded as a team, I feel like. It sounds cliché, but I think it's true. We've got a good group of seniors — not many of them — but we've got a good group. And I think we can take this program to another level."

To do that, Tennessee must overcome a difficult schedule. Even before it enters Southeastern Conference play, Tennessee has three straight games against teams that won bowls and went a combined 28-12 last season: Utah State, Arkansas State and Oklahoma.

The young Vols eagerly await the challenge.

"Our patience will be tried," Jones said. "We all venture on a journey. The great thing is our great fan base, we get to raise this football team. It's like nurturing and having our kids grow up. We all get to be a part of that journey as (we) watch this football team mature week in and week out."
 
Presser Notes:

No academic casualties. The roster is a full-go_Open practice date set for Aug. 16. Free parking. Seeking game-like atmosphere.Rest, recovery, nutrition key for Vols during camp. It's a daily approach. Striving to be the best football team can possibly be.Culture and language in place for second season under this staff. Players do know what to expect. Had an organizational meeting recently."Much different" overall physical development with Team 118 than Team 117. Had no players that could squat over 600 pounds last season. Overall strength levels are "night and day different.""I don't know if there's ever been a roster flipped like this in the entire history of college football.""Adversity is the greatest teacher of life lessons...if it's so great how come no one wants to experience it." Must create game-speed situations. Team chemistry greatly involved.*Had "Orange Code" night on Thursday where players hold each other accountable and create a winning atmosphere, focus on the moment."The moment we start thinking down the road, we're going to lose that moment. And, we're not good enough to lose that moment."Calls Big Orange Country the best and most passionate fan base in the country. It's important for players to understand what they're representing on a daily level. Making Neyland Stadium a home-field advantage, starting out with Utah State "absolutely critical."Too quick to crown individuals when they have a long way to go.Three walk-ons placed on scholarship to give Vols 15 seniors for 2014 (12+3).Starting quarterback will be named once "someone steps up" and takes control of the offense. They all three bring a different dynamic.On wide receiver corps: "We want to be exceptional. We want to be the best in the country." Have taken strides. Supporting cast, notably tight end, should help. "Competition either brings out the best or worst in individuals."Everything is about installation. Every day is a new install. Incoming signees (17 enrolled in May, 1 in July) must keep up. Touches on how different players learn different ways kinetically, auditory, etc.Four elements go into being a college coach 1. Have to be able to scheme. 2. Have to teach fundamentals. 3. Have to recruit. 4. Must be a father figure.Dontavius Blair is "extremely motivated" and had a "great offseason" and made "tremendous strides." Must apply his offseason to on the field. "I like the direction he's going right now."On QBs: "You're always learning. The minute you stop, you need to quit and move on." Great quarterbacks made on the road, with team behind in 1-minute drill. Must embrace hostile environments when on the road versus Tennessee's schedule.On defensive line newcomers: "They have no choice; they're going to have to help." Know more when have to apply physicality to the thought process.Jordan Williams probably greatest illustration on offseason front of improvement..."had as good an offseason as anyone in our program." Williams put on weight needed to put on, done everything asked of him.Everyone wants to talk about offensive and defensive lines but "We have to replace our MVP." Michael Palardy leaves several roles vacant. "If you have to go a long field, you're not going to be successful.""Marquez North was an individual who quite simply was a high-school running back." Didn't understand the nuances of playing receiver. Instincts took over but overall fine details weren't there.The whole transition of Team 118 is they're working together. Evolved into a player-led football team.Cannot comment right now on if wide receiver and former Vols commit Kameel Jackson is joining the roster.
 
You have to look hard, but there may be a positive in the fact Tennessee lost its entire first-team offensive line from 2013: The second-team linemen basically have moved up en masse, and those guys have worked together a lot. They may lack starting experience but they have plenty of familiarity with one another. That provides a measure of camaraderie and cohesion.


“It absolutely does,” center Mack Crowder said. “Anytime you practice with the same guys next to you, you’re going to get used to how they play. The offensive line is all about that — knowing how each other plays.”


Crowder, guards Kyler Kerbyson and Marcus Jackson are all redshirt juniors who have been together since they signed in 2011. Left tackle Jacob Gilliam is a redshirt senior who arrived in 2010, so these guys have shared hundreds of practice reps. That has created a bond that could serve them well this fall.


“It’s five guys playing as one,” Crowder said. “Over three years playing together, we’ve become pretty good at that.”


Incredibly, 2014 will be the first time in the four years Crowder, Kerbyson and Jackson have been on campus that they’ll have the same offensive line coach two seasons in a row. Harry Hiestand held the job in 2011, Sam Pittman in 2012, then Don Mahoney in 2013. Mahoney is back for another tour of duty in 2014.


“That helps a lot,” Crowder said. “Learning new terms year after year gets hard. Having the same offensive line coach two years in a row definitely helps in terms of communication.”


Tennessee was known as Wide Receiver U in the past, and Marquez North is hoping to help the school earn that designation again.


“I’m a real prideful person,” he said. “I’m trying to be one of the greats one day. Coach Z (receivers coach Zach Azzanni) is always pushing more than anyone ever will know individually.”


North’s status as Tennessee’s go-to receiver is being challenged by two mid-term enrollees — JUCO transfer Von Pearson and freshman Josh Malone, who was the top in-state prospect in the 2014 class. He relishes the competition.


“We really compete,” North said. “I tell them they can’t beat me. They can’t … but we always compete, though.”


Redshirt junior Curt Maggitt is moving from linebacker to end in hopes of better exploiting his pass-rush abilities. Asked what makes him so good at running down quarterbacks, he replied: “I’m relentless. I’m going to go fast every play I’m out there. I try to get the offensive linemen tired and be quick.”


Asked if he’s a better pass rusher as a stand-up linebacker or a down end, Maggitt paused thoughtfully before replying: “I never really thought about that. I guess we’ll see. But I prefer my hand down. I feel more explosive coming out.”


Brian Randolph at safety and Cameron Sutton at cornerback look like the only two secure spots with the first-team group in the secondary. The battles at other spots figures to be heightened by the five summer newcomers on top of the addition of Emmanuel Moseley (now up to 178 pounds) and D’Andre Payne in January. Sources note the “multiple” characteristics for both Elliot and Evan Berry. It’s worth adding that there’s four players in that group of six that capped their prep days on the gridiron with state championships.


The quarterback competition at training camp will be something we monitor as often as allowed and all opinions will be expressed in content like Insider Reports and on VolChat. Senior Justin Worley is the early favorite to start versus Utah State but the sophomores aren’t expected to sit idly by. When IT spoke with former Tennessee commit and current New York Jets quarterback Tajh Boyd in early July, the former Heisman Trophy candidate asked IT about one Vol in particular…Joshua Dobbs.


First-team punt returner could be the last job assigned as Jones has said on record that it’s one of the toughest tasks in the sport as the player is attempting to catch a football that can sometimes hang in the air for 5 seconds and arrive at varying trajectories with 10 opponents screaming at the returner. Alton “Pig” Howard, Vic Wharton and Devrin Young are the early top candidates.


With 2013 team MVP Michael Palardy gone, a number of specialists roles are up for grabs. Fifth-year senior Matt Darr appears to be taking firm control of the punting duties over freshman walk-on Troy Waites. Darr received pointers this summer from specialists coaches and the tips appear to be paying off as he’s reportedly booming punts in the 60-yard range on a consistent basis. Darr enters his final season on The Hill with an average of 38.4 yards per punt in just 17 games played.


Freshman placekicker Aaron Medley is said to have a slight edge over George Bullock in handling that aspect of teams work. The competition could last through much of camp but Medley brought his golden leg with him from Lewisburg. Some that watched Medley at Marshall County High School say he can lay a lick in coverage duties as well.


His dad spent 15 years as a safety/special teams standout with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, so Vol freshman Dillon Bates got his indoctrination to football at a very early age. That should help him adapt faster than most newcomers when preseason camp begins.


“Growing up and being around football all the time, I don’t remember a time that I didn’t know football,” he said. “Talking to my dad every day really helped me understanding the game and the different coverages I’ll have to know.”


Final touches dressing up the Anderson Training Center are underway. Numerous graphics illustrating the tradition of Tennessee football grace the new facility halls and walls. Window clings are going up for the assistant coaches’ offices that will give the aides more privacy while still allowing them to see out over Robert E. White Indoor Field.
 
The greatest infusion of new talent forTennessee’s football team, without question, is in the secondary. Five freshman defensive backs practiced for the first time Friday night, and odds are all five will be playing this fall.

How are they doing? InsideTennessee posed that question to redshirt junior safety*Brian Randolph, who provided an inside look at the five newcomers.

Evan Berry*(5-feet-11, 199 pounds) is listed at cornerback but could show up just about anywhere.

"He's definitely a dual threat,” Randolph said. “He can play any position in the secondary. He's fast, and he's also got size to him."

Twin brotherElliot Berry*(6-feet, 208) has such good size that many observers project him to wind up playing outside linebacker someday.

"He's a little bit bigger,” Randolph said. “Right now, they've got him rotating at nickel and at safety. He's definitely shown us some things out there."

Nickel back has been an ongoing problem spot, with walk-ons filling the role in 2013.RaShaan Gaulden*(6-feet-1, 173) could be part of the solution in 2014.

"He's doing well,” Randolph said. “Right now they've got him at nickel, so he's getting some reps out there. He's very fast and has good ball skills."

Todd Kelly Jr. (6-feet, 203) may have the best chance to start among the rookie DBs. He seems to have all of the physical and mental tools to make immediate impact.

"He's very driven,” Randolph said. “He's a driven individual. You can tell he wants to play and be the best he can be. He's always in here trying to watch film and do the extra things."

Cortez McDowell*(6-feet-1, 215) looks like a linebacker compared to the other newbies. He brings a physical presence at safety that has impressed his mentor.

"That's one of my guys right there,” Randolph said, flashing a big grin. “He's pretty much the same as TK (Todd Kelly). He's always watching film, always asking (secondary) coach (Willie Martinez) questions, always trying to come in early and look at film and stuff like that."

In addition to the five freshmen who practiced for the first time Friday night, Tennessee has one freshman DB who enrolled at mid-term and participated in spring practice.*Emmanuel Moseley*(5-feet-11, 178 pounds) weighed just 165 when he showed up last December. He has grown considerably – physically and mentally – since then.

"You can tell he's one of the veterans,” Randolph said. “You ain't got to watch him as much as the other ones. He's always making calls out there. You can tell he's been here."

Tennessee’s secondary play has been mediocre in recent years, partly due to lack of speed. From all accounts that won’t be a problem when the 2014 freshmen are on the field.

"They are definitely fast," Randolph said. "They probably upgrade (team speed) a good amount. They're swarming around out there. You can tell they're quick on their feet. They definitely bring juice to the secondary."

The rookie defensive backs clearly have the talent to contribute immediately. Their position is so demanding mentally, however, that a huge key is whether they can be knowledgeable enough by Aug. 30 to play in the opener. The early signs are encouraging.

"They come in extra; they're very diligent," Randolph said. "They come in after hours. They come in before practice and meet up with the coaches to get some extra drills in."

That’s a plus for Tennessee because no area of the team more desperately needs help from the new arrivals than the secondary.
 
Prospect:*Austin Kendall
Hometown:*Waxhaw, N.C.
High School:*Cuthbertson
Class:*2016
Position:*QB
Size:*6-2/200
Video Highlights:*Watch Here
Ranking on Scout:**|*No. 17 QB*|*No. 7 in N.C.*|*No. 233 Overall
Recruiting:*Tennessee*has been high on Kendall’s list for some time and he committed to the Vols August 3. He spent time in Knoxville once more over the weekend and that was all he needed. He had plenty of offers to choose from.

Scouting Report:*Had close to 2,000 total yards as a sophomore and he did not finish many of the games due to his team’s success. He is a leader on the field and he plays the game at a good speed.

Some of his strengths are toughness, his touch on the football, and his ability to move in the pocket. He is more mobile than some expect and he can use his legs when he has to. He throws strikes on the move and that is a real positive. When he sets his feet, squares his shoulders, and gets set in the pocket, he can make just about any throw a quarterback is asked to make. His arm strength is above average and he can throw the deep ball.

Areas he can improve are consistency and his delivery. The ball comes out of his hands fairly quickly and it is a pretty smooth motion, but the ball dips below his shoulder and his release is definitely on the lower side. That can be, and needs to be corrected. Making the proper reads, not forcing the ball, and letting plays develop falls under the consistency heading. He can get into a rhythm as a passer at times, but he just needs to stay patient in the pocket and give receivers more time to get open.

Overall, Kendall is a quarterback with poise and savvy you like to see. When I saw him live a year ago, his team was dropping out of the games with cramps at a quick rate, but Kendall played through it. He made plays with his legs on third downs, he put the team on his shoulders somewhat, and showed the toughness he brings. He is a kid that may not have the ideal height, but he is tall enough, and he is very smart. He is good now, but will improve, and become much better in the future.
 
Wu, not to be the old guy who spoils all the fun, but the same copyright laws apply over here bud. I don't wait to get sued here or there. lol. Sorry man. I know I probably come across as a buzz kill.
 
freak said:
Wu, not to be the old guy who spoils all the fun, but the same copyright laws apply over here bud. I don't wait to get sued here or there. lol. Sorry man. I know I probably come across as a buzz kill.
Click to expand...

Ha yes sir. I figured it was cool here cuz no one knows about this place. Oh well, no biggie. Thanks man
 
TBreazy said:
And it's a beautiful thing

Hardwork!
Grit!
Achieving dreams!!
Click to expand...

Yep, that's it, no chance whatsoever that our star LT JUCO recruit is just a bust. Not one chance at all that's the case.

[here's where I'd insert the whistling smilie over on the mothership]
 
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