Justin Harrell will play

#102
#102
UTSports.com

Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer had a pretty good afternoon Wednesday at Haslam Field.
The Vols coach was greeted on the practice grounds by both players -- Inquoris Johnson and Justin Harrell -- injured in last weekend's win over Air Force. And as uplifting as it was to see Johnson released from the hospital, even more amazing was the picture of Harrell in full practice uniform.
Preparing for Saturday's visit from Florida.
"We had one of the most unique things happen Tuesday in that Justin Harrell came to us and said, `Coach, I feel like I can play,'" Fulmer said of his senior defensive tackle. "We conferred with the doctors and there is no chance for further injury to his arm if he's padded up well. He practiced today and did just about everything there was to do.
"I don't know whether he'll get five snaps or 50 snaps, but he's going to be able to play in this football game. And this is a one-game deal. He has to have the surgery because if it goes longer than a couple of weeks, the muscle starts to atrophy," or shrivel and shrink from disuse.
Head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh said late Wednesday that Harrell, who ruptured his biceps tendon in the third quarter against Air Force, is scheduled for surgery early next week.
McVeigh also reported that Johnson was released from UT Medical Center on Wednesday and is doing well.
The junior defensive back sustained a severe injury to his right upper extremity in Saturday's game. Johnson underwent surgery to repair blood vessels and McVeigh said the UT Sports Medicine Staff continues to monitor his progress.
"Inky came out to practice and that was a very emotional moment for all of us," Fulmer said. "He got them excited about the game. His spirits are really good. I told him we were all praying for him and he said, `Coach, I'm blessed.' He just had a lot of energy about himself.
"He's tired, he's been through a lot, but he's got a tremendous attitude. He's a tremendous young man. Whatever he does in life, he will be very successful."
And Fulmer said he's never seen anything in his coaching career like Harrell's return to practice.
"What a great statement to want to be out there with his teammates," Fulmer said. "The love and passion he has for his team is just unbelievable."
Add an early-practice appearance from the Pride of the Southland Marching Band -- a little extra hoopla surrounding this weekend's SEC opener -- and Tennessee's head coach had a pretty good afternoon. "It's Florida week. Whatever it takes."
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#108
#108
This is the kind of effort and character that speaks to a championship team. It may end up Harrell won't be much of a force at pass rush or run stopping because of the injured bicep tendons. Then again he may not only play well, but cause others around him to play better. He has a yard of guts, Im for him.:good!:
 
#110
#110
big ups. This is the kind of thing that makes the difference in a close one. But don't worry it won't be close. I'm calling atleast a two touchdown victory. I know what comes next. I'm crazy and looking through orange-tinted glasses. No no, it's confidence in what we got, and none in what the Gators have. Go Vols
 
#111
#111
OK, NOW I'm fired up. I actually got chills a couple of times reading through this thread.

If anyone wants to know true Vol spirit, just open your ears when Justin runs out onto Shields-Watkins Field for the last time Saturday night.
 
#113
#113
hohenfelsvol said:
He has heart and is hungry. With him on the field we have better chance of coming out on top.
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Listen, I think its great he wants to do this, but I have got to question how smart it is. I suppose you have to trust the trainers and outside medical professionals, just wonder if he can get hurt worse by doing this.
 
#115
#115
lawgator1 said:
Listen, I think its great he wants to do this, but I have got to question how smart it is. I suppose you have to trust the trainers and outside medical professionals, just wonder if he can get hurt worse by doing this.
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The word from the Doctors is that he can't do any further damage, it's just a matter of whether he can deal with any pain that might occur.
 
#116
#116
GAVol said:
The word from the Doctors is that he can't do any further damage, it's just a matter of whether he can deal with any pain that might occur.
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Oh, okay. Well, I hope he plays at full strength and has no problems. I'd rather lose to you at your best than beat you at your worst.
 
#119
#119
Can anyone say Willis Reid? This is crazy. I hope this deosn't hurt his future. Doctors dont know everything and they're not always right. I saw a guy rupture his bicep once lifting weights. His bicep actaully started to curl back up towards his shoulder underneath the skin. It was the most disgusting thing I've ever seen
 
#120
#120
The only thing they have to be careful of is to not hold the surgery off too long. From the sound of it, they're going to do the surgery early next week so he'll be fine. Even if Harrell is only going 60% strength out there, our defense will be made better for it. All it's going to take is one big play from Harrell to get the team and the crowd amped up. Makes me jealous of you lucky people who will be there to see it. It could be a very special game.
 
#121
#121
lawgator1 said:
Oh, okay. Well, I hope he plays at full strength and has no problems. I'd rather lose to you at your best than beat you at your worst.
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Don't worry lawgator... Harrell, even though he's not 100%, will blow up the Florida offensive line just as well. Tennessee will be at their best, so if UF wins... UT has no excuses.
 
#124
#124
What can I say? I was raised by wolves.

Now that you mention it, I remember the footage but did not know his name. I was trying my hardest to remember a Vol named Willis Reed.
 
#125
#125
vader said:
What can I say? I was raised by wolves.

Now that you mention it, I remember the footage but did not know his name. I was trying my hardest to remember a Vol named Willis Reed.
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:lol: That's pathetic. :p
 
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