Breakdown of next year

[Cowanvolfan]

Anyone care to put there 2 cents in and evaluate each position next year as better, worse, or about the same. I'll Start I think with the emergence of Arian Foster at tailback the RB position will be better. During the Alabama game I felt better when Foster was in the backfield, rather than Riggs. Foster did great each game there after except for that costly fumble in the S. Carolina game. Just my 2 cents.

 

[BHAMVOLFAN]

I agree on the TB position. I also think FB will improve as I think Cutcliffe will work the details in all positions. QB will be a very key issue and I hope Cut fixes EA as I think it is very hard to start a freshman at QB in the SEC.

The OL will likely be very young and hopefully Atkins will git 'er dun early or else we may have some early season blocking issues that will hurt us.

DL will be strong again.

LBs have plenty of talent but will be young and semi-inexperienced.

DBs will be as good if not better than last year. This JUCO signee looks to be very good and will be able to help early.

Same kickers as last year. STs must get help.

 

[sonofajohn]

Our strength in 2006 will be our rushing game. For all the talk about Cutcliffe and QBs, as an offensive coordinator he could force the ball down other teams throats. With Ainge or Crompton, we will focus on the run, probably 40 to 50 runs per game with the load being shared by Foster and Coker.

Our WRs will be familiar faces, but again Cut never played more than 3 or 4 WRs in any given year. Hopefully that competition will result in more focus and more balls caught by the WRs who earn playing time. Either way, I do not see us throwing the ball a lot.

Our defense is taking a big hit. Harylson, Mahalona, Simon, and Allen are all gone. This is another reason our offense will be rushing more...control the clock and keep our defense off the field. The best way to boost the confidence and ability of a young defense is to keep them fresh.

I have a feeling that after the past two seasons of miserable return men, that will be the competition to watch in the spring. Our special teams don't have to be brilliant to make a difference, they just have to keep from turning the ball over so much.

 

[Lexvol]

Quite a few of the positions are in question. Before I evaluate I will be interested to see how soon last years stellar recruiting class will be ready to play. I expect Myers White, Morely, and Garrett, the juco safety to shore up the defensive backfield. Losing the front four will make that essential.

I expect the most improvement out of our offensive line when UT is rushing, and I expect a couple of the receivers to have break out years. Those are some of my expectations.

 

[dan4vols]

I think the offense will improve slightly, averaging 24 points a game. But that may have more to do with the o-line than anything. The o-line will be young, and those returning could definitely use some fundamentals training (intensive). As an o-lineman you have 2 basic functions that merge into 1 desireable goal. Pass block...no one can get past you, pretend your mom is QB if you have to, but no one gets past you. A good o-line coach will teach tactics and schemes to pick up stunts to put you in the proper position to get-er-done but it falls on the individual to be gritty and no one gets past you. Run blocking...you are 6' and change, and 300 and change...act the part. Your a bulldozer, expolde into your guy like a bomb, and similar to tackling you must run through the block not up to it...drive him into the sod, you gotta be a nasty foul tempered bull. The desired goal is to dominate the line of scrimmage, and without that you can have awesome skill position players and be as mediocre as beans and taters. This point needs to be drilled into all Volunteer o-linemen. This accomplished I think the Vols will improve and move the chains very well.

Recievers, they just need to run the routes they've been taught using the great speed they were scholarshipped for but heres the thing...look the ball into your hands, catch it tucking it away securely...that done, and only when thats done, get yards after. Being a smart reciever counts as much as being fast. Know when its best to stay in bounds, when its best to get out of bounds, when to get down to preserve possion rather than get 3 more yards and lose the ball...be smart.

Backs...run the ball like a juggernaut, no one tackler is gonna bring you down. When you see the hit is coming..deliver it don't take it. Punish the defenders for having the nerve to try and stop you, but at the same time balance that with the same smart play as recievers...a smart back is as dangerous as a fast one, or a powerful one.

Defensive linemen and linebackers...don't hold the line of scrimmage...attack it. Defensive penetration is the #1 weapon in my mind the D has. You disrupt the play and it loses its punch. You have to explode into the backfield pressuring the opposition to act before its ready to. Fundamental tackling is key, making contact drive the ball carrier through an invisible wall. Yards after contact, arm tackles , not only give up yards they quietly whisper to the offense the defense is weak and undisciplined and a confident offense will shred you.


defensive backs....the front 7 be definition should handle the vast majority of tacking on runs but when they dont you are the last option. You may be lighter but speed at the point of contact with very good fundamental tackling skills equals a pancake. Similar to baseball batspeed counts as much as power. On pass plays staying with your man in close coverage looks good on film and impresses scouts. But what gets you wins is after the ball is in the air...forget the receiver and go for the ball...3 takaways in a football game is a proven barometer to win a game. You have to be aggressive in the deep patterns as well as the short ones.

special teams...the Vols weak spot. They physical play here is not really that bad , its the players being ignorant of knowing what to do. The Vols need a competant ST coach to intensively coach every aspect. I can't remember the last time I saw a kick return at any level that did'nt have a flag, discipline in blocking...and execution hurt the Vols so bad last season.

Finally I'd encourage CPF to think about getting with the Psych dept and getting an individual who is trained in the fine art of instilling confidence in every individual player. They need as players to know they cant do it, give themselves permission to be champions, and play like it. :twocents:

 

[Lexvol]

Finally I'd encourage CPF to think about getting with the Psych dept and getting an individual who is trained in the fine art of instilling confidence in every individual player. They need as players to know they cant do it, give themselves permission to be champions, and play like it. :twocents:

Either get some counseling or coach some details...... maybe a little of both. I like it.

 

[therickbol]

Quite a few of the positions are in question. Before I evaluate I will be interested to see how soon last years stellar recruiting class will be ready to play. I expect Myers White, Morely, and Garrett, the juco safety to shore up the defensive backfield. Losing the front four will make that essential.

I expect the most improvement out of our offensive line when UT is rushing, and I expect a couple of the receivers to have break out years. Those are some of my expectations.

We are not losing our front four. Harrell is back. And, whoever wins the spot opposite of him will have tons of experience. Either Mapu, or the two backups that both played alot this season. I don't see our DL and being a weakness of next years team.

 

[Lexvol]

We are not losing our front four. Harrell is back. And, whoever wins the spot opposite of him will have tons of experience. Either Mapu, or the two backups that both played alot this season. I don't see our DL and being a weakness of next years team.

Good point, but don't you think that we will lose depth, and put more pressure on the front four?

 

[Cowanvolfan]

Yeah, securing the defensive backfield is critical. Loosing a lot on the front 7, but the best coach we have is Chief. I think he could make Kentucky's D good. With the lose of Smith on the O-line, we need some serious help there. We really need Sears to stay. WR can only get better, it can't get much worse, but coach Cut will not put up with petty dropped balls.

 

[vols kick balls]

Our strength in 2006 will be our rushing game. For all the talk about Cutcliffe and QBs, as an offensive coordinator he could force the ball down other teams throats. With Ainge or Crompton, we will focus on the run, probably 40 to 50 runs per game with the load being shared by Foster and Coker.

dont forget about montario hardesty he had a pretty good year until his injury

 

[rwemyss]

Good point, but don't you think that we will lose depth, and put more pressure on the front four?

Depth may come into play, at least more than last year, but if the O can hold onto the ball by running as well as we expect, that will relieve that issue of depth. Honestly, can you remember a time when coach Chavis hasn't fielded an exceptional D-line?

 

[Lexvol]

Depth may come into play, at least more than last year, but if the O can hold onto the ball by running as well as we expect, that will relieve that issue of depth. Honestly, can you remember a time when coach Chavis hasn't fielded an exceptional D-line?

While I agree that I am not terribly concerned, I expect the defensive line to be like the 2004 team. They had a few injuries, and by the end of the regular season were struggling, and the linebackers and corners were forced to give more run support than usual. I expect that the defense will be ok, but the lack of depth will be an issue, especially if the starting four experience injuries.

 

[RealVol]

As has been the case for several years. UT Has everything in place. Talent, speed, facilities, size, fans, resources, tv exposure, etc. The answer again will be solely how well the COACHES prepares & develops our talent. Same as in 05!!!!!!!

Beware, of how well UF's talent is stacking up, as well as UGA, and USCar. is doing pretty decently. We all have seen them do more with less...except in coaching ability. My friends it is in the hands of the coaches, plain & simple!

Hopefully the difference will be as obvious as Coach Pearl & his Staff have made w the bb squad.

 

[volfan2024]

dont forget about montario hardesty he had a pretty good year until his injury

Agreed. Coker is still waiting to get his shot as well.I hope all three play in the first game at least.

 

[rockydoc]

Depth may come into play, at least more than last year, but if the O can hold onto the ball by running as well as we expect, that will relieve that issue of depth. Honestly, can you remember a time when coach Chavis hasn't fielded an exceptional D-line?

The JUCO Fisher will make an immediate impact at DE. I also think Wes Brown from Athens Ala. after a year in the weight room will help. Expect Turk McBride to be all conference.

 

[orangewizard98]

Defense:

Defensive Tackle: The Vols will once again be very strong in the middle. Justin Harrell is All-SEC. Turk McBride has All-SEC ability, and Tony MCDaniel has that type of talent as well. Then you have Mapu who is a very good DT, just depends on how long it takes to get back in football shape. Then you have guys like Vlad Richard and Demonte Bolden. Both are young but very talented. Then you can throw in Matt McGothlin. We will be strong and deep once again next year. With the loss of Mahelona, I would have to rate the DT position slightly weaker, but it may turn out to be just as good.

DE: I'm telling you right now, if Robert Ayers stays healthy, he will be a first round pick in the NFL. The guy is extremely talented. Tons of speed off the edge and is very physical against the run. Can be a terific player. With some more experience, he will be better than Haralson or Hall. I truly believe that. Robert Ayers, Xavier Mitchell, Antonio Reynolds, and Walter Fisher will make up a VERY good group of DEs. Then you have young guys like Raymond Henderson, Gerald Williams(bada** in the making), and Wes Brown. By the end of the year, I think DE will be even stronger than last year.

LB: Weaker: I think Jerod Mayo is an upgrade over Jason Mitchell. He is gonna be a heck of a player at Tennessee. Marvin Mitchell can be a solid starter at MLB, but he is not Kevin Simon. Ryan Karl will take over for All-SEC Omar Gaither, but I think he can do a good job. Rico McCoy is gonna be a special player and will be hard to keep out of the starting lineup as the year goes on. I'm hearing good things about Andre Mathis and he will be a good backup to Mitchell this year. I'm anxious to see Myers-White now that he is at LB.

Secondary: Should be better than last year. Everyone returns(seeing that we played without Allen the last half of the year anyway). Inky is gonna be a good CB. Was a very inexperienced sophmore last year. I think Hefney moves back to CB and starts opposite of Inky. Hef is gonna be a very solid CB. Stewart will be another year off of his injury and more experienced at the safety position. He will be better. Morely will be a starter with Hef moving back to CB and he is gonna be a player. Fellows and Wade will both be a year older and a year better. wade just needs to be more consistent. He has a lot of ability. Hopefully the JUCO safety can help immediately.

Offense:
Offensive line: Losing Rob Smith is a blow and losing Sears would be really hurt. I think he's coming back. If not, its hard for me to see us being better up front. If he is back, I'm gonna say we will be better, even with the losses of Toeina, Gandy, and Smith. Sears is All-SEC at one tackle spot. I think Eric Young has a chance to be a fine football player, better than Toeina. We're thin. We need young guys like Chris Scott and company to be ready. Ligon can play guard. Foster can be a good guard. I'm anxious to see McNeil at center. Darius Myers coming from Hargeave can help immediately. The guy with a ton of ability and the one people need to watch out for, in my opinion, is Dan Williams. Williams is extremely mobile and athletic for a guy his size and has all the tools to be a terrific guard prospect. I just think Coach Adkins and Coach Cutcliffe are gonna bring somewhat of a fresh start to the Tennessee offense and get these guys playing at a higher level.

QB: Has to be better for us to be successful. And I'm gonna say that it is better, as I don't see how Ainge can get much worse and Crompton has a lot ability. I can't wait to see those two battle it out under new coach David Cutcliffe.

RB: I'm a big fan of Arian Foster. He isn't as quick as or as fast as Riggs, but he is a better RB. He sees the field better, and just has a knack for making guys miss and breaking tackles. It seems like he just doesn't go down upon first contact. Hardest is big-time talented and should be ready for fall. Will miss spring practice. Coker will miss spring practice as well. Need to build some depth so those two missing the spring hurts. I think the RB position will be better than last year.

WR: Can't get any worse. New coach brings new life and a fresh start. Coach Cut has already demanded that a few of our WRs drop a little weight. I think the new WR coach(which could be Trooper Taylor) and Coach Cut will have them playing at a much higher level.

FB: Anderson had a poor year and I expect him and Holbert to give us better play from that position.

TE: I think it will be better utilized under Coach Cutcliffe so I think this position will be improved as well.

There you go....Just my thoughts.

 

[orangewizard98]

I'm telling you guys right ow that are worrying about the Dline, there is NO need to be worrying about that area.

Justin Harrell
Turk McBride(All-SEC ability...I promise)
Tony McDaniel...Very talented and poised for his breakout year.
Vlad Richard...Very good-looking young prospect/adds solid depth
Demonte Bolden....Very good-looking young prospect/adds solid depth
JT Mapu....Will be rusty early on, but lots of ability
Matt McGothlin....not a bad football player

That is seven guys at DT. They will be good and deep once again

DE:
Robert Ayers is an extremely gifted football player. In my opinion, will one day be a first round draft pick. Xavier Mitchell and Antonio Reynolds are both very solid DEs and wil fill in very well. I saw Walter Fisher play in highschool and I have never seen a defensive player dominate the way he did. he is two years removed from HS and will be ready to make a big, immediate impact. Then you have young guys who have yet to prove themselves, buts that cae for every team, every year. You lose people, others that you recruited step in and pick up where you left off. Raymond Henderson, Gerald Williams(gonna be bad), Wes Brown etc.

We will once again have one of the very best front 4s in the SEC again next, if not THE best.

 

[Dagreek1998]

Offense:
Offensive line: Losing Rob Smith is a blow and losing Sears would be really hurt. I think he's coming back. If not, its hard for me to see us being better up front. If he is back, I'm gonna say we will be better, even with the losses of Toeina, Gandy, and Smith. Sears is All-SEC at one tackle spot. I think Eric Young has a chance to be a fine football player, better than Toeina. We're thin. We need young guys like Chris Scott and company to be ready. Ligon can play guard. Foster can be a good guard. I'm anxious to see McNeil at center. Darius Myers coming from Hargeave can help immediately. The guy with a ton of ability and the one people need to watch out for, in my opinion, is Dan Williams. Williams is extremely mobile and athletic for a guy his size and has all the tools to be a terrific guard prospect. I just think Coach Adkins and Coach Cutcliffe are gonna bring somewhat of a fresh start to the Tennessee offense and get these guys playing at a higher level.


I don't care if we lose all of them, I think they are babies. How can you be that darn big and not have a rushing game. The problem is that they care more about the size of the player than the ability or what he brings. Look at Toeina, he was not a factor and look at his size. Everyone keeps talking about these prospects and projected depth charts. I laugh, the man problem is swagger. They don't have a swagger that we are Tennessee and your lunch. Until that returns, people can talk till there blue in the face. One other thing, when cut was there last time along with Peyton, how many championships did they play for. What makes any of you think this will be any different? Times change but not this time. Take a note from WVU, heart is more important that stars on recruiting day.

 

[OrangeFrenzy]

"we are Tennessee and your lunch"

I'm sorry, that was just too funny.

"We are Tennessee and YOU ARE lunch" sounds better than "We are Tennessee and you will eat us". LOL Just proves that LIO is right to be such a stickler for spelling. Subtle differences make all the diference.

 

[smokeyman15]

Secondary: Should be better than last year. Everyone returns(seeing that we played without Allen the last half of the year anyway). Inky is gonna be a good CB. Was a very inexperienced sophmore last year. I think Hefney moves back to CB and starts opposite of Inky. Hef is gonna be a very solid CB. Stewart will be another year off of his injury and more experienced at the safety position. He will be better. Morely will be a starter with Hef moving back to CB and he is gonna be a player. Fellows and Wade will both be a year older and a year better. wade just needs to be more consistent. He has a lot of ability. Hopefully the JUCO safety can help immediately.

i wouldnt forget about jonathan wade. he'll be senior next year and i think he showed some promise w/ the interceptions. hes also got some killer speed

 

[orangewizard98]

I mentioned Wade. I said he has a lot of ability, he just isn't very consistent.

Corey Campbell has made some interceptions, but unless he really improves, I don't want to see him on the field. He has been in the right place at the right time or made some plays, or however you want to word it. But, he consistently gives up big plays as well. He takes WAY too many bad angles in both pass coverage and when coming up to help stop the run.

I feel the same way about Wade. Has the ability to be a really good CB, but until he gets to where he is more consistent and the coaches can trust him, he will probably not be a starter, IF Hefney moves back to corner, which I hear is a very real possibilty.

Dagreek, I'm not sure what your point is about Peyton and Coach Cut. I realize we didn't win the NC when Peyton was here. We did win the SECC. What does that have to do with anything? We did win the NC while Cutcliffe was OC and Tee was here. I agree that heart and passion are important. So is QB play, so is oline play, so is execution, etc. Hopefully Coach Cut and company can improve our guys in ALL of those areas.

Again, I have no clue why you brought Peyton Manning up. He is no longer here and is not a factor at all next year in regards to the performance of the Tennessee football program. His success or lack of success, either wya you choose to look at it, has nothing to do with the future of our football team and the offense under Coach Cutcliffe.

 

[jakez4ut]

how about the TE postion? i think this will be a much better, and more impact role, than we've had in a while. at least i hope.

 

[OrangePappy]

When will the first depth chart be out and where will Demonte be on the chart?

 

[orangewizard98]

I'm not sure when you will see a depth chart. I'm sure there will be one sometime after spring practice. Demonte will be the 4th or 5th man in the DT rotation behind Justin Harrell, Turk McBride, and Tony McDaniel. Bolden and Vlad Richard are the two young DTs that will be battling for that 4th spot in the rotation. Both have a lot of ability and should provide the Vols with good depth in the middle behind the three veterans. JT Mapu will figue somwhere in the mix. His family says he is in very good shape, but that remains to be seen. And unfortunately, he won't be in Knoxville for spring practice.

I expect the Vols to once again be VERY strong along the defensive line.

 

[OrangePappy]

I'm not sure when you will see a depth chart. I'm sure there will be one sometime after spring practice. Demonte will be the 4th or 5th man in the DT rotation behind Justin Harrell, Turk McBride, and Tony McDaniel. Bolden and Vlad Richard are the two young DTs that will be battling for that 4th spot in the rotation. Both have a lot of ability and should provide the Vols with good depth in the middle behind the three veterans. JT Mapu will figue somwhere in the mix. His family says he is in very good shape, but that remains to be seen. And unfortunately, he won't be in Knoxville for spring practice.

I expect the Vols to once again be VERY strong along the defensive line.

Wasn't Mapu playing DT because we needed him to, don't you think his size might be better suited for DE or was he a little slow?