Scout Article: Crowder has a Gift

[volfan10735]

For offensive linemen, there’s a factor that can’t be measured by a bench press max, stat sheet numbers or sheer size.
And often times, it’s this factor that separates the good linemen from the great.

“You just can’t teach a nasty streak,” Tennessee offensive line coach Don Mahoney said. “As much as you try to, that’s just a gift.”

Playing with a chip on your shoulder, grinding to the whistle – and sometimes past it, finishing, straining – all are factors Mahoney says make up a “nasty streak.”

And all are factors Mahoney uses to describe the play of Mack Crowder, the Vols’ likely starting center next season.

**note: you need a paid membership to read it.**
here is the link. Scout.com: Crowder has 'a gift'

 

[3rd_and_Jancek]

That's really good to hear. I hope Mack trucks people next year.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

That's really good to hear. I hope Mack trucks people next year.

Truck em by the truck load.

 

[Rock33]

Seems like Mack is a 7th year Junior.... Anyone know if he can even play next year ?

 

[3rd_and_Jancek]

Seems like Mack is a 7th year Junior.... Anyone know if he can even play next year ?

He red shirted his freshman year. Yes he'll be there.

 

[BIGcrowd]

All of us Crowders have the gift!

 

[NashVOL93]

Good. That's one piece of the O-line puzzle we're going to need badly next year.

 

[LotteryPick]

I hope these new faces on the OL show out.

 

[jarnol32]

I hope these new faces on the OL show out.

Show out? Are they 5 years old. Smh..

 

[james_govols]

Show out? Are they 5 years old. Smh..

I'm smh at you right now.

 

[Spartacavolus]

Crowder played well last year and we will look strong up the middle with him. If we can replace LT, we will be fine. 2nd year under the same scheme and staff will help immensely. Kerbyson is a mauler as well. Last years line was sans mauler.

 

[VolFanNC09]

Our OL should be fine next year. The only concern is these guys haven't played together as much as our last one did. I think for instance the Fulton/James tandom were really solid.

I think Crowder, Blair, Jackson, Kerbyson will be really solid run blockers. In passing situations where I will be slightly worried until they play together more. Good side is our 14 line will be the same as 15. Shouldn't have anyone leaving.

 

[volnashun]

Very important piece of the puzzle next year.

 

[Vols4us]

Don't know about Blair, but this O-line will more than likely be starting several "maulers" next season. Crowder, Weisman, Kerbyson and perhaps Jackson.

It is a different style, but pound the rock will be back on the hill. The pass blocking will develop over time. When you have athletes like that bunch there is no doubt they will be fine.

 

[YorkVol]

So wait, we're not going to go into Spring training planning on taking a left handed guard and turning him into a right handed center? Crazy talk.

 

[volroadwarrior]

So wait, we're not going to go into Spring training planning on taking a left handed guard and turning him into a right handed center? Crazy talk.

Now----who in the world would do a thang like that?

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Young? No
Inexperienced? Yes

Hope these guys gel because imo they are the key to a solid season.

 

[jarnol32]

I'm smh at you right now.

Go show out.

 

[sjt18]

Someone...:whistling:.... continually questioned why Crowder wasn't getting more PT considering the starters' failure to finish their blocks so often.


I am probably more excited to see this guy play than any UT OL and years. Sometimes all it takes for a good OL to be great is one Conrad Dobler type of "leader" who makes everyone else "nasty".

 

[bristolbigorangef]

For offensive linemen, there’s a factor that can’t be measured by a bench press max, stat sheet numbers or sheer size.
And often times, it’s this factor that separates the good linemen from the great.

“You just can’t teach a nasty streak,” Tennessee offensive line coach Don Mahoney said. “As much as you try to, that’s just a gift.”

Playing with a chip on your shoulder, grinding to the whistle – and sometimes past it, finishing, straining – all are factors Mahoney says make up a “nasty streak.”

And all are factors Mahoney uses to describe the play of Mack Crowder, the Vols’ likely starting center next season.

**note: you need a paid membership to read it.**
here is the link. Scout.com: Crowder has 'a gift'

Crowder is a Bristol Boy and will bite your face....That was what was missing with the line last year.....We need the "Incognito" type less the mouth running....Last years line was not MEAN....All our lineman(both sides) need to open a can of "whoop ass" this next year...:clapping:

 

[Roustabout]

Maybe they should've played him more this year. Did Stone have that same nastiness?

 

[triadvolfan]

Maybe they should've played him more this year. Did Stone have that same nastiness?

I'm not sure how 'nasty' Stone was but it sure did seem like him and Bullard had a few games where they got pushed around a lot. Stone spent a lot of time in UT's backfield during the Oregon game. One of their DT's was giving him fits.

 

[Burger]

Someone...:whistling:.... continually questioned why Crowder wasn't getting more PT considering the starters' failure to finish their blocks so often.


I am probably more excited to see this guy play than any UT OL and years. Sometimes all it takes for a good OL to be great is one Conrad Dobler type of "leader" who makes everyone else "nasty".

I noticed towards the end that they put Stone at LG, and Crowder at C for a good amount. I really like Crowder, Kerbyson, and Weisman. Marcus Jackson will be a great LG for us as he was as good as Bullard last year.

 

[sjt18]

Maybe they should've played him more this year. Did Stone have that same nastiness?

No. But he didn't appear to be the softest of the bunch. I think I would have slid him over to OG in place of Bullard and put Crowder at C.

I have a suspicion that Jones kept those starters trying to help them to get to the NFL. That would be another selling point. They also made comments about back ups having different in-season S&C plans than starters.

The BEST argument I have been able to conjure for the poor performance this year is that the coaches were holding back some guys who maybe should have passed some upper classmen in order to develop them for next fall.

 

[VolFan4Life87]

Some people just have the nasty streak, whether born with it or acquired in hard times during life, and others just don't.