It is all in the Numbers
(Who is THAT Freshman?)
In the Vegas vernacular, ‘7 come 11’ means your hoping for a winner. For the Orange Swarm faithful it means pulling for another set of winners, Nu‘Keese Richardson (7) and Bryce Brown (11). Two freshmen whose jersey numbers will no doubt become very familiar over the next few seasons. Their ability to payoff nicely however, is no lucky roll of the dice. By all accounts their work ethic is very much in line with the high standards of the new staff.
Speaking of the new staff, when Lane Kiffin brings his Vols into Neyland Stadium through the power T for the first time, he will be the 34 years old. And Herman Lathers (34) will be wearing that number to commemorate Kiffin’s youthful age… well, not really. But he will see playing time at outside linebacker.
Vol fans who witnessed the mid-nineties run that culminated in a national championship will never forget the hard-nosed, will you way to win play of number 27. Al Wilson (who started out as a running back) was the heart and soul of a defense that would not be denied. Interestingly, this season’s numerical counterpart is David Oku (27). The number one rated all purpose back has loads of potential and is another freshman who will contribute early.
When Marsalis Teague makes an acrobatic catch to help move the chains this season, he wont be looking around for the judges score. The number on the back of his jersey is an amble reminder. Teague (10) will be striving for that perfectly run route, that crisp block that’s springs one of his teammates downfield.
Janzen Jackson (15) is a safe bet to have much more than fifteen minutes of fame. In fact, under the tutelage of Monte Kiffin and company on the defensive side of the ball, Jackson has the tools to flourish early.
While it is said that hindsight is 20/20, Mike Edwards (20) has his eyes trained straight ahead. The Ohio native has made a nice impact in preseason and will vie for early playing time.
While theoretical physicist wrestle with string theory and the idea of eleven dimensions, Darrin Myles Jr. (3) is just fine working within the confines of 3 dimensions and using all of them to punish receivers and ball carriers.
On the periodic table of elements, Titanium is number 22. It is noted for its strength and resistance to breaking down. With inexperience at wide receiver and Gerald Jones out for several weeks, Rod Wilks (22) has been moved to the offensive side of the ball. Wilks looks to mimic the metal with some stellar play. (Some Vol fans believe if Wilks deemed it so, his name would replace Titanium on the table of elements).
In the movie The Number 23, Jim Carrey saw that number everywhere, even in his dreams. Prentiss Waggner (23) hopes to bring a similar visual for Tennessee opponents, seemingly everywhere. . . incapable of evading him.
Gold in its purest form is denoted as 24 carat. Freshman corner Eric Gordon (24) looks to becomes just as valuable for the Vols.
September may have 30 days but more importantly for Nyshier Oliver (30), September has four games to start off a promising career.
47 shows up as a prime number and Greg King (47) is a prime candidate to move into a starting role at linebacker at some point this season.
Before a Severe Thunderstorm Warning can be given, winds must reach a minimum of 58 mph. Marlon Walls (58) looks to bring his own severe storm, wreaking havoc along the defensive line. Walls, who needed clearing from the NCAA Clearinghouse was a welcome addition to preseason practice and will add quality depth at tackle.
When a person is kicked out or barred from an establishment, its often said they were 86’d. If Willie Bohannon (86) has his way, he will be prohibiting opponents backs from the defensive side of the ball all year long.
Nigel Mitchell-Thornton (37) looks to make a big impact similar to the one made by Peerless Price (37), this time on the other side of the ball.
If Montori Hughes (93) keeps improving the way he has this spring and preseason, well let’s just say 93 will BE Montori Hughes.
Which brings us to the number 77. While the Vols are well represented by Cody Pope (77), there will be another number 77 who no longer has any eligibility. A former 6’3, 235 tackle will do his part however, in helping the Orange land the biggest number of all. One thing is for sure, whether it is 7, 8, or 9 wins, the sum of the whole will be greater than any one number. Like Monte Kiffin (77) says, ‘…just because the hay is in the barn doesn’t mean the door is closed’. And luck? that’s just hard work in disguise.
1 response to “It is all in the Numbers”
are vols not loyal to old players any one noticed not many players not seniors get minutes except new freshmen. the one that stands out is tauren poole who clearly out right won the running back position but got put on 4th team and couldnt get in until final minutes of wku game. true fans should be loyal to him and the others and scream and shout to let kiffin know that he said the best player will play which was clearly poole and its not right what he did to him. He deserves playing time early or should be allowed to transfer to whatever team he likes because its not his fault kiffin didnt know he was a great running back and had already promised brown the job and oku playing time,this is a young mans life that did everything right and got shafted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!