State Of The State, State Of The Union Now

#1
OldVol

OldVol

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#1
This is my 2-deep (minimum) projection for the Vols this fall. Looking top to bottom:

OFFENSE:

QB-Erik Ainge/Rick Clausen/Bret Shaeffer/Jon Crompton
RB-Gerald Riggs/ LaMarcus Coker Fr./David Yancey
FB-Corey Anderson/David Holbert
WR- Jason Swain/Robert Meachum/
WR- Chris Hannon/Bret Smith/
WR- C.J. Fayton/Slick Shelly Fr.
TE-Chris Brown/Jeff Cottam. Fr.
LT-Arron Sears/Eric Young
LG-Rob Smith/David Ligon
C-Richy Gandy/Josh McNeil Fr.
RG-Chris Scott Fr./Stephen Jones
RT-Albert Toeaina/Wes Brown Fr.

I believe Ainge takes the starting not and keeps it all year. Crompton will take a red-shirt unless Shaeffer transfers after the spring. Clausen will revert to the clipboard, as badly as I hate to see it.

Riggs will be THE MAN with the ball. LaMarcus Coker will be his backup and will get considerable carries, especially in games where the outcome is not in question. Coker is our back of the future.

Corey Anderson is the pile-driver when we need a FB in the lineup. He’s got great speed for a big back and will probably get more carries this year as a result.

Wide Receiver is a pic’ ‘em. I have never seen this much depth on our team, and as a matter of fact, I’ve never seen this much depth at WR at any school. We’ve got a minimum of 6 guys who would be starting on anyone’s team. I think Shelley, if he doesn’t red-shirt, could be a contributor.

Jeff Cottam is the type of player that could come in and push Brown for the starting job. I like this kid. He’s big, 6-4, 255 and guess what, he can move. He runs a 4.65-40. Folks, that’s a lotta’ beef moving in a hurry.

Look for some shuffling on the Offensive Line. I think a good move might be Jones to Guard to provide some depth there. I do believe Chris Scott will earn a starting position and Josh McNeil will push someone for a lot of playing time. Albert Toeaina is just a beast waiting to have a break-out year.

DEFENSE:

SS- Corey Campbell/ Antwan Stewart/
FS-Demetrice Morely/ Fr./ Jarrod Parrish/
CB- Jonathan Hefney/ Adam Myers-White
CB- All-American Jason Allen/ Roshaun Fellows
WLB- Daniel Brooks, Kevin Simon(fingers crossed)/Rico McCoy Fr.
SLB- Omar Gaither/ James Turner
MLB-Jason Mitchell/Joe Poe/
RE-Raymond Henderson Fr./ Jason Hall
RT-Jesse Mahelona/Tony McDaniel
LT-Demonte Bolden Fr./Turk McBride/Justin Harrell
LE-Parys Haralson/Xavier Mitchell

The secondary was the weakest link in our team this year. Not so for 05. We've got some great talent returning for this year’s team. My biq question mark is at Strong Safety. Campbell and Stewart are both capable, but if they don’t become more consistent they’ll be pushed by one of the incoming freshmen. I see Morely and Myers-White in the same mold as Hefney, and we all know what a great year he had, considering the fact that he played as a true freshman. If both contribute to that level, we’ll shore up a secondary that was great at times, suspect at others. With the great Jason Allen returning to lead the group I am more confident than ever that the pieces will fall together to make a tremendous secondary that will aid in bringing along the young talent that we’ll have to depend on in the defensive line. I believe Morely will be a starter early in the season. He’s that good.

We’ll have the best linebacker corps in the SEC. With Simon/Brooks, Gaither, and Mitchell starting and Poe, and Turner returning, plus the added strength of freshmen like McCoy, the Middle of the field will be a stronghold for the Tennessee Defense. I predict this will be a break-out year for Brooks. He was so very highly rated when he came here, and I see this as his year to strut.

Looking at our Defensive Line we’ve got a lot to be excited about. Jesse Mahelona: Need I say more? This is your Outland Trophy Winner, go ahead and engrave it. Barring injury, no one in the country will compare to this monster.

I believe 2 freshmen will get serious consideration in the line. I predict Henderson and Bolden to start before the mid-point of the season. I know that’s a stretch, but Bolden is not a true freshman, he was placed last year and is just bigger and stronger than he was in 04 when he was the state’s top defensive lineman. With the depth of McDaniel, McBride, Harrell, Mitchell to back up Haralson on the other side, we can look for great things in 05. There could be some shuffling of the veterans to shore things up early, but this will be our best Defensive Line since the 98 Season.

Our Motto For The Coming Year:

VOLS TO THRIVE IN ZERO FIVE

We are capable of running the table if everyone keeps their focus.
 
#3
#3
Originally posted by orangetd88@Feb 3, 2005 3:17 PM
I like your assessment, except I don't think Crompton will reshirt.
Click to expand...

I'm torn on that one too.

Let's examine it though.

If Ainge gets the nod early, we all saw what a great player he is destined to be if he stays healthy, I can't see any freshman displacing him. This isn't Leak we're talking about. Ainge has great field vision, is very elusive in the pocket and has a great release and quick delivery.

If you're Jon, sure, you want to compete, but you also want to be THE MAN for as long as you can.

If Ainge hangs on and wins the job, it's his for then next 3 years. If Jon redshirts, that'll put him as the backup (providing Shaeffer transfers) by his redshirt sophomore freshman season. After that, he would have 2 years to be the starter, provided all works out for him. If he doesn't redshirt, he stands the chance of only having one year as THE MAN.

Now, if he comes in and busts down some doors, he might win the job if none of the other 3 lock it up.

Darn, isn't this a marvelous problem.
 
#4
#4
my only thing i see wrong is myers white to me is a straight up safety i could be wrong but we recruited him as a safety correct? i cant see him playing corner
 
#6
#6
I have lost track of time. Is Mapu back in 2005 or 2006?
 
#7
#7
OldVol, I simply state that not because of our situation, but for the simple fact that CPF hardly ever redshirts, especially when it comes to the qb position.
 
#8
#8
Originally posted by TNFanBornandRaised@Feb 3, 2005 3:43 PM
my only thing i see wrong is myers white to me is a straight up safety i could be wrong but we recruited him as a safety correct? i cant see him playing corner
Click to expand...

I think we need help at the corner. I think he's the best pure athlete of the group to stand up and play. He may end up at safety, but Campbell and Stewart will need to step it up a lot to keep a guy like him out.
 
#9
#9
Originally posted by orangetd88@Feb 3, 2005 3:17 PM
I like your assessment, except I don't think Crompton will reshirt.
Click to expand...

Crompton wants to red-shirt. He's only 16 years old right now. He'll be 17 in the fall. He's a young guy. BUt either way, Rick will be ahead of him on the depth chart. Rick is the best 3rd string QB in the country.
 
#10
#10
Originally posted by orangetd88@Feb 3, 2005 4:22 PM
OldVol, I simply state that not because of our situation, but for the simple fact that CPF hardly ever redshirts, especially when it comes to the qb position.
Click to expand...

I agree, but I think this could be a very unique situation, especially if Shaeffer doesn't transfer. If he does, that would change my thinking.
 
#11
#11
Simon's dad says KS will play MLB. Jason Mitchell and Omar Gaither as the OLBs. Simon will be at spring practice but will not do any contact. Should be at 90-95% by fall and barring further injuries is expected to be at 100% by end of September.

Also I believe that you are giving Bolden and the other frosh DL too much credit. Hall, McBride (if he comes back), Hostetter and the other kids in last years' rotation will be hard to beat out with their experience and knowlege of the defense. Also, seems like everyone is overlooking W Brown.
 
#13
#13
w. brown will be good...i view him as a overstreet player but a little bigger....i see him playing tackle.....i think we got more athletic ends but he's got a frame that can weight 280-300 pounds and not slow him down much......if he keeps his 4.85 when he gains 20 more pounds with some more strength the kid would be the man
 
#14
#14
Lexvol, Mapu will be back in 2006 (hopefully).
 
#15
#15
Originally posted by OldVol+Feb 3, 2005 4:27 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (OldVol @ Feb 3, 2005 4:27 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-orangetd88@Feb 3, 2005 4:22 PM
OldVol, I simply state that not because of our situation, but for the simple fact that CPF hardly ever redshirts, especially when it comes to the qb position.
Click to expand...

I agree, but I think this could be a very unique situation, especially if Shaeffer doesn&#39;t transfer. If he does, that would change my thinking. [/quote]
True. It would not surprise me either way, honestly.

 
#16
#16
Originally posted by checkerboard_charly@Feb 3, 2005 4:33 PM
just wanted to add that jomo fagan and robert boulware have quit the team.
Click to expand...

Yep, read that; that&#39;s why I left them off.

Also, on the linebackers, I wasn&#39;t aware that anyone had been slotted in, I was just thinking outloud. That&#39;s a lineup I believe we could be successful with.

I just hope Simon is granted the 6th year. He deserves it with all the injuries he&#39;s fought through.
 
#17
#17
Originally posted by OldVol+Feb 3, 2005 5:24 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (OldVol @ Feb 3, 2005 5:24 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-checkerboard_charly@Feb 3, 2005 4:33 PM
just wanted to add that jomo fagan and robert boulware have quit the team.
Click to expand...

Yep, read that; that&#39;s why I left them off.

Also, on the linebackers, I wasn&#39;t aware that anyone had been slotted in, I was just thinking outloud. That&#39;s a lineup I believe we could be successful with.

I just hope Simon is granted the 6th year. He deserves it with all the injuries he&#39;s fought through. [/quote]
Ellix Wilson will likely move to LB and Robert Ayers will move to DE.
 
#20
#20
Originally posted by revolver@Feb 3, 2005 5:57 PM
Where is Cody Douglass, and Arian Foster? :dunno:
Click to expand...

You&#39;re right, Cody will probably be in the RG spot, at least at the beginning of the season. That was an oversight.

Now, as to Foster, I really like the young man, but I don&#39;t think he&#39;ll get a lot of carries. I may be wrong. I was once, back in 1972 (my first wife, but that&#39;s a long story). ;)
 
#21
#21
Arian Foster has been dynamite in scrimmages and practice, don&#39;t forget him. He may be better than Riggs right now. There is going to be a log jam of talent there soon with Hardesty, Coker, Foster, Riggs and Ja&#39;kouri Williams. Who gets upset and leaves first? :dunno:
 
#22
#22
Originally posted by OldVol+Feb 3, 2005 6:28 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (OldVol @ Feb 3, 2005 6:28 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-revolver@Feb 3, 2005 5:57 PM
Where is Cody Douglass, and Arian Foster? :dunno:
Click to expand...

You&#39;re right, Cody will probably be in the RG spot, at least at the beginning of the season. That was an oversight.

Now, as to Foster, I really like the young man, but I don&#39;t think he&#39;ll get a lot of carries. I may be wrong. I was once, back in 1972 (my first wife, but that&#39;s a long story). ;) [/quote]
OldVol, I hear ya. I too was wrong once in 1973, but I&#39;ve forgotten what I was wrong about. BTW I love your picture. Is that Sports Illustrated of Albert Dorsey vs. the Tide? What did he have in that game 4 or 5 interceptions. That was in the good old days before internet, and before we knew how many players the Tide bought&#33;&#33; :)
 
#23
#23
ummm back to the DL what about JHall he played great off the bench this year and last. I like Henderson but JHall has earned his spot this year. Just my opinion :question:
 
#24
#24
and you put Demetrice Morley in front of fellows an all sec if im not mistaken morley good but he is only a freshmen i just dont see him starting at the start of the season
 
#25
#25
Originally posted by revolver+Feb 3, 2005 8:26 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (revolver @ Feb 3, 2005 8:26 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
Originally posted by OldVol@Feb 3, 2005 6:28 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-revolver
Click to expand...
@Feb 3, 2005 5:57 PM
Where is Cody Douglass, and Arian Foster? :dunno:
Click to expand...

You&#39;re right, Cody will probably be in the RG spot, at least at the beginning of the season. That was an oversight.

Now, as to Foster, I really like the young man, but I don&#39;t think he&#39;ll get a lot of carries. I may be wrong. I was once, back in 1972 (my first wife, but that&#39;s a long story). ;)
Click to expand...

OldVol, I hear ya. I too was wrong once in 1973, but I&#39;ve forgotten what I was wrong about. BTW I love your picture. Is that Sports Illustrated of Albert Dorsey vs. the Tide? What did he have in that game 4 or 5 interceptions. That was in the good old days before internet, and before we knew how many players the Tide bought&#33;&#33; :) [/quote]
I believe that&#39;s Tim Priest breaking one up.
 
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