rexvol
The Minister of Defense
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2006
- Messages
- 18,124
- Likes
- 54
1) The team is stronger and in much better condition. They just ran 52 110s and Maurice Couch just squated 500lbs and also nearly benched 500. (On a side note, at 43years old I just maxed my bench at 350). McCullers has abs, nuff said.
2) Butch is a leader, plain and simple. I am a devoted follower of leadership guru John Maxwell and he says, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." I 100% believe that. There is a reason this staff stays intact for the most part. They believe their leader can get them to where they want to go. It seems as though the players are buying into his leadership and speaks volumes considering the coaching carousel they've witnessed. It would be so simple for them to be jaded and cynical, but they have been the opposite of that.
3) Former players returning. Watching the 30 for 30 on The U, I was struck by the former players heavy involvement in the program. This is crucial to the heath of a major college program that puts players in the league. Lane Kiffin for all his issues embraced that, DD did not. Butch has worked tirelessly to rebuild that bridge. From the gatherings around the state with former Lettermen to reaching out to Phil, Johnny, Doug, and the like, Butch has hit a home run. I was most impressed by Arian Foster showing up to DJ practice. Butch knows how to build relationships, perhaps more importantly, he knows how to mend broken ones.
4) The ability to embrace the modern while celebrating tradition. It may be minor, but adding to our uniforms is usually met with a furor that is reminiscent of the LA riots. Butch has brought something new to the table and managed to clearly demonstrate his love for our hallowed rituals. The state outline is all about "I Will Give My All For Tennessee Today". The players get it. The word Tennessee on the front of the away jerseys is brilliant. It one fell swoop we become more modern and who can complain about the name Tennessee being there? Butch is reaching genius levels here in my humble opinion.
5) Recruiting. We all know that you need the X's and O's, but you it doesnt matter without the Jimmys and Joes. The recruiting has far exceed my expectations. It seems that Butch's message is being received loud and clear. All DD told us was why we couldnt, all Butch is telling is that there is no reason we cant. Players love the positivism and so does a beaten down fan base.
6) Football is cyclical, just look at Bama's years in the wilderness. The Vols are due. We have all the ingredients to rise back to the top and I believe it begins now.
2) Butch is a leader, plain and simple. I am a devoted follower of leadership guru John Maxwell and he says, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." I 100% believe that. There is a reason this staff stays intact for the most part. They believe their leader can get them to where they want to go. It seems as though the players are buying into his leadership and speaks volumes considering the coaching carousel they've witnessed. It would be so simple for them to be jaded and cynical, but they have been the opposite of that.
3) Former players returning. Watching the 30 for 30 on The U, I was struck by the former players heavy involvement in the program. This is crucial to the heath of a major college program that puts players in the league. Lane Kiffin for all his issues embraced that, DD did not. Butch has worked tirelessly to rebuild that bridge. From the gatherings around the state with former Lettermen to reaching out to Phil, Johnny, Doug, and the like, Butch has hit a home run. I was most impressed by Arian Foster showing up to DJ practice. Butch knows how to build relationships, perhaps more importantly, he knows how to mend broken ones.
4) The ability to embrace the modern while celebrating tradition. It may be minor, but adding to our uniforms is usually met with a furor that is reminiscent of the LA riots. Butch has brought something new to the table and managed to clearly demonstrate his love for our hallowed rituals. The state outline is all about "I Will Give My All For Tennessee Today". The players get it. The word Tennessee on the front of the away jerseys is brilliant. It one fell swoop we become more modern and who can complain about the name Tennessee being there? Butch is reaching genius levels here in my humble opinion.
5) Recruiting. We all know that you need the X's and O's, but you it doesnt matter without the Jimmys and Joes. The recruiting has far exceed my expectations. It seems that Butch's message is being received loud and clear. All DD told us was why we couldnt, all Butch is telling is that there is no reason we cant. Players love the positivism and so does a beaten down fan base.
6) Football is cyclical, just look at Bama's years in the wilderness. The Vols are due. We have all the ingredients to rise back to the top and I believe it begins now.
