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Why do I think Eric Berry will be more involved this weekend in Tennessee’s game against Alabama?
1. He wants the ball. Berry has made it clear on several occasions that he would like to play offense. He even went as far as to say he could learn the offense well enough to play quarterback– this year. Is there another player on this team that the coaches should want to appease more than Eric Berry? What Eric Berry wants, Eric Berry should get.
2. Even the coach is talking about it. Fulmer mentioned in his post-game press conference on Saturday that Tennessee put in a couple of plays for Berry that they had hoped to get in against the Bulldogs. My translation: With the game in hand we decided to save that for Alabama and not give them a chance to work on it. Fulmer also mentioned the possibility of getting the ball in Berry’s hands as a punt returner.
3. Reduced special teams reps. One of the biggest reasons that Berry has not been used on offense is that he is already getting such a high number of plays on defense and special teams. This past week (and I suspect it will carry forward) Berry’s reps on special teams were limited.
4. Gerald Jones injury. With Gerald Jones suffering a high ankle sprain against Mississippi State, now may be the perfect time for Berry to step in to the “G-gun” or “Wild Berry” package. We don’t know as of yet the full extent of Jones injury, but it appears if Tennessee wants to run a change of pace package against Alabama, Berry would be the obvious choice. Not to mention, if Jones is unable to play, there would be an opening at punt returner.
5. Alabama is #2 in the country. Tennessee is going to have to pull out all of the stops to stay in the game with Alabama — a game that could be critical to the future of Phillip Fulmer as Tennessee’s head coach. After watching Berry’s interception return for a touchdown, is there any doubt that he is our most dangerous playmaker? If an incomplete pass from Arian Foster brings the fans to their feet, imagine what could happen by adding a little more Berry. Getting the ball in Berry’s hands should evoke a huge ovation from the fans.
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