Guitar Shots to the Head: The Nekkid Truth

The most anticipated event since the hiring of Lane Kiffin finally came to pass. I’m not talking about the hiring of Ed Orgeron, the completion of the coaching staff, or even national signing day. Last Saturday UT fans finally got what they have been waiting on for over two month: The shirtless dance and the “Wild Boy” chant. Forget the “Watchmen”. The Tennessee fan base wanted to see some skin.

The late humorist and avid SEC football fan, Lewis Grizzard brilliantly explained the truth about the difference between being naked and nekkid. “When you’re naked it means you ain’t got no clothes on. When you are nekkid, it means you ain’t got no clothes on and you are up to something!”

UT’s half nekkid coaching staff was definitely up to something last junior day. They were putting the fun back into Volunteer recruiting, and distinguishing themselves from the rest of the circling sharks in the SEC.

Given the fact that this is a known trademark of Ed Orgeron, I don’t know why it consumed the sports news out of Atlanta for two days, but I’m sure glad that it did. Frankly, I’ve never seen a fan base so anxious to see their coaches shirtless, but ever since “Meat Market” quotes starting appearing on Tennessee Chat Boards, fans have been looking forward to the day that the “Wild Boys” made a visit to the UT campus. It was only a matter of time before Lane and crew delivered.

This isn’t the first promise that Lane has delivered on. He has stacked his staff with coaches that any team would envy just like he promised. Yet he is still maligned in some circles for being a mouth on a stick.

The truth that no other fans want to talk about is simple. Monte Kiffin remains as the jewel in Lane’s crown, and it is not because Lane is his offspring. It is because Monte Kiffin knows more about football than most head coaches in the NFL. In fact, earlier this week Monte was at USC, talking football with the most consistent program in the NCAA.

Fans around the SEC should not underestimate the power of Monte, and Tennessee fans that haven’t taken notice yet should realize what we have on our sideline now. He is a walking defensive encyclopedia. Recruits and coaching talent is drawn to him like a moth to a flame. In the end he will prove to be the difference maker that accelerates the ascension of this football team.

With the arrival of the Wild Boys, it finally feels like Lane and staff has put their stamp on this football team. Out with the old and boring, and in with open practices, and memorable recruiting visits. The staff is pulling out all the stops to make sure that the Vol’s are not out-recruited by the likes of Saban, Meyer and Garner, because they know with Monte Kiffin on the sidelines, the days of being out-coached are gone. That is the nekkid truth.

Until next time, Go Vols!