Butch's Wednesday press conference (video)

[Mr. Tri Star]

is starting to wear thin--and there's no doubt why he ALWAYS talks about it, either. He puts it out there--early and often--in case we don't win games. That's the PR crutch. The thing is, even if we ARE young, a LOT of teams are young. MOST teams are young. Everybody is playing a lot of freshmen/young players; it is not something unique to UT. The truth is, we've got a LOT of guys back, too--most everybody on the OL, top RB, QB, most of our receivers, a number of DBs and LBs. Just go win.

cook it up however you want, I am sick of the young card being played. butch is relentless in expressing that any chance he gets. Like you said, just win some games for this bloodthirsty fan base.

 

[joevol33]

They finished pretty strong similar to UT.

Both are coming from silmilar starting points post 2012.

Excited to see where we stack up.

I agree.

 

[ReaderVol]

cook it up however you want, I am sick of the young card being played. butch is relentless in expressing that any chance he gets. Like you said, just win some games for this bloodthirsty fan base.

The wins will come. But I'm glad he handles pressers like he does. I'd much rather have him than a loud mouth like others have.

 

[KBVol]

22 frosh are expected to play Saturday. Few teams will play 22. Fact

Of course, but they'll play, not be relied on heavily. I could certainly look at the rosters of other SEC teams and make comparisons and while I doubt many, if any, will play as many as 22 true freshmen this weekend in some capacity, I bet there's a handful that won't miss it by much.

Consider....

Last year we relied primarily on freshmen Hurd at RB...this year we'll rely on Hurd, who's a year older and 3rd year collegiate player Kamara at RB....not younger there.

On the OL last year, we relied a lot on freshmen Robertson and Thomas....this year we'll rely on both of those guys who are a year older, along with RSSr Kerbyson, Junior Dylan Weisman and 3rd year collegiate player Kendrick....no freshmen as starters at this point. I didn't include RSSr Mac Crowder who willcertainly play as well.....not younger there.

At TightEnd last year, we counted on 2 true freshman and a RSJr....this year we'll count on Wolf, who's a year older and Ellis, who's a year older.....no freshmen....not younger there.

At WR true freshman Jennings has showed out and will start in the slot since Pig is suspended. PWill will also see some time, will get limited snaps. However, last year, true freshman Malone got a ton of playing time, played in all 13 games, started in 6....he returns as a year older player, as do seniors Pig, Johnson and Pearson, as do 3rd year collegiate players North and Josh Smith.....definitely not younger there.

Even at QB....last year we started Senior Worley, who began the season with 10 career starts. This year we start Junior QB Dobbs, who comes into 2015 having made 9 (essentially 10) career starts. Pretty much a wash there as well. If you want to say we're younger at QB this year I guess you can.

So that's just the offense. With the exception of middle linebacker and backup DT, the story is much the same on the defensive side of the ball. A bunch of upperclassmen in Maggitt, JRM, Williams, OBrien, Foreman ,Sutton and Randolph alongside guys who were freshmen last year (Barnett, Berry, Moseley, Kelly) and are a year older this year. Not younger on defense.

Do we have a lot of freshmen who are gonna play on special teams and in backup roles primarily? Yes. But is it correct to say we're gonna be a younger team this year than last?? I just don't believe that's the case...at all.

 

[BeecherVol]

Yeah. You ll probably see about a third of that number in the 2 deep most of the rest will probably be mop up.

 

[ReaderVol]

Of course, but they'll play, not be relied on heavily. I could certainly look at the rosters of other SEC teams and make comparisons and while I doubt many, if any, will play as many as 22 true freshmen this weekend in some capacity, I bet there's a handful that won't miss it by much.

Consider....

Last year we relied primarily on freshmen Hurd at RB...this year we'll rely on Hurd, who's a year older and 3rd year collegiate player Kamara at RB....not younger there.

On the OL last year, we relied a lot on freshmen Robertson and Thomas....this year we'll rely on both of those guys who are a year older, along with RSSr Kerbyson, Junior Dylan Weisman and 3rd year collegiate player Kendrick....no freshmen as starters at this point. I didn't include RSSr Mac Crowder who willcertainly play as well.....not younger there.

At TightEnd last year, we counted on 2 true freshman and a RSJr....this year we'll count on Wolf, who's a year older and Ellis, who's a year older.....no freshmen....not younger there.

At WR true freshman Jennings has showed out and will start in the slot since Pig is suspended. PWill will also see some time, will get limited snaps. However, last year, true freshman Malone got a ton of playing time, played in all 13 games, started in 6....he returns as a year older player, as do seniors Pig, Johnson and Pearson, as do 3rd year collegiate players North and Josh Smith.....definitely not younger there.

Even at QB....last year we started Senior Worley, who began the season with 10 career starts. This year we start Junior QB Dobbs, who comes into 2015 having made 9 (essentially 10) career starts. Pretty much a wash there as well. If you want to say we're younger at QB this year I guess you can.

So that's just the offense. With the exception of middle linebacker and backup DT, the story is much the same on the defensive side of the ball. A bunch of upperclassmen in Maggitt, JRM, Williams, OBrien, Foreman ,Sutton and Randolph alongside guys who were freshmen last year (Barnett, Berry, Moseley, Kelly) and are a year older this year. Not younger on defense.

Do we have a lot of freshmen who are gonna play on special teams and in backup roles primarily? Yes. But is it correct to say we're gonna be a younger team this year than last?? I just don't believe that's the case...at all.

Quality backups are what separates good teams from great teams. And I stand by playing 22 frosh is a high number.

 

[SouthernSmoke]

Not sure why this is so hard for our fans to grasp. Just because it's a new year doesn't mean the travel roster is older. If the majority of players are newer, better recruits that took the place of upper levels who are getting beat out, then, yes, we are a younger team.....especially from a travel roster stand point - exactly as he said in the presser. 56 players on the travel roster have 1 year or less college experience and only 16 players on the travel roster played in 2013. That's a young team.

Quit criticizing facts, and just sit back and enjoy some damn football.

I doubt anyone would deny we are a young team. But younger than last year? Give me a break. Butch comes off like a defense attorney trying to get his client off on a technicality the way he phrases that. Consider this:

Below is the list of the top 20 teams and their returning number of starts as the season fast approaches.

1. Temple - 260
2. Boise State - 250
3. Ohio State - 246
4, UCLA - 239
5. Baylor - 234
6. Tennessee - 233

LINK

There is no denying UT is a young but experienced team who many are picking to win the East. Butch can try to temper expectations all he wants but his technique rings hollow.

 

[chargervol]

All over his coach speak at a standard presser.
It's almost funny.

 

[KBVol]

Quality backups are what separates good teams from great teams. And I stand by playing 22 frosh is a high number.

I'm not disagreeing with you at all about playing 22 freshman being a high number. It is. Just strongly disagreeing with Butch that team 119 is younger than team 118, as I believe my post pointed out.

 

[ReaderVol]

All over his coach speak at a standard presser.
It's almost funny.

After the last 2 goobers we had as head coaches and their pressers? I love it.
Also take into account how all the players do the same. What does that tell us class? It tells us that the entire program is singing from the same page of the hymnal. Very nice change of pace IMO.

 

[Orange_Crush]

ALL opinions should be welcome in an open discussion forum.

Says the guy who's complaining about what's said in a press conference.

 

[volnashun]

Year 1 "We're the youngest team in college football."
Year 2 "We're the youngest team in college football."
Year 3 "We're younger than we were last year."

But it's True. So we need to accept it and let's go win some games.

 

[chuck0303]

is starting to wear thin--and there's no doubt why he ALWAYS talks about it, either. He puts it out there--early and often--in case we don't win games. That's the PR crutch. The thing is, even if we ARE young, a LOT of teams are young. MOST teams are young. Everybody is playing a lot of freshmen/young players; it is not something unique to UT. The truth is, we've got a LOT of guys back, too--most everybody on the OL, top RB, QB, most of our receivers, a number of DBs and LBs. Just go win.

I agree. I understand the PR but it's not that we are desperate; coach-speak. We may have young players but we also have more talent. Iowa may have had a lot of meat & potatoes but our speed difference was embarrassing for them; almost made me feel sorry for those guys. Of course SEC speed kills, so to speak. We'll be okay. This game will also give some of our newbies some good game experience before going into the onslaught coming up. Also helps recruiting to show that young guys get their chance if they do the work & perform.

 

[omghulkhands]

We've gotten younger every year Butch has been coach if you listen to him tell it.

We are like the Benjamin Button of football teams.

 

[Skip E. Maddoo]

Why is the understanding of youth versus experience such a difficult concept to grasp? As it had been stated, we have a significant number of true sophomores with an inordinate amount of experience. 23 true freshman were on the travel roster to OU. This year we have 22 that will contribute. The experience is invaluable but it doesn't make them any older physically.

 

[FïreBall]

I thought this was a good quote from Coach Jones...

(On being surprise at the possibility of play this many freshmen)
“It’s still where we’re at in our football program. I mean, I’m not surprised, we’ve come a long way. We’ve rehauled (overhauled) the roster. We’ve changed our culture. We’ve changed the standard. We’ve changed the expectations, not only on the field but in the classroom. But it takes time, I spoke about it at SEC media days–we’re not just building a team we’re building a program. And those are two totally different things, and you see a lot of the growing pains good, bad or indifferent that goes into building a football program. And then you compile that in the great challenge of playing in the greatest football conference in the country. And now, where all of a sudden you start to develop your talent, and you may have an individual after their junior year leave early, that’s the nuances of building a football program in the SEC. That’s why it’s extremely challenging. You know, we were ill and we’re getting healthier each and every day. This is all part of the process.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

Of course, but they'll play, not be relied on heavily. I could certainly look at the rosters of other SEC teams and make comparisons and while I doubt many, if any, will play as many as 22 true freshmen this weekend in some capacity, I bet there's a handful that won't miss it by much.

Consider....

Last year we relied primarily on freshmen Hurd at RB...this year we'll rely on Hurd, who's a year older and 3rd year collegiate player Kamara at RB....not younger there.

On the OL last year, we relied a lot on freshmen Robertson and Thomas....this year we'll rely on both of those guys who are a year older, along with RSSr Kerbyson, Junior Dylan Weisman and 3rd year collegiate player Kendrick....no freshmen as starters at this point. I didn't include RSSr Mac Crowder who willcertainly play as well.....not younger there.

At TightEnd last year, we counted on 2 true freshman and a RSJr....this year we'll count on Wolf, who's a year older and Ellis, who's a year older.....no freshmen....not younger there.

At WR true freshman Jennings has showed out and will start in the slot since Pig is suspended. PWill will also see some time, will get limited snaps. However, last year, true freshman Malone got a ton of playing time, played in all 13 games, started in 6....he returns as a year older player, as do seniors Pig, Johnson and Pearson, as do 3rd year collegiate players North and Josh Smith.....definitely not younger there.

Even at QB....last year we started Senior Worley, who began the season with 10 career starts. This year we start Junior QB Dobbs, who comes into 2015 having made 9 (essentially 10) career starts. Pretty much a wash there as well. If you want to say we're younger at QB this year I guess you can.

So that's just the offense. With the exception of middle linebacker and backup DT, the story is much the same on the defensive side of the ball. A bunch of upperclassmen in Maggitt, JRM, Williams, OBrien, Foreman ,Sutton and Randolph alongside guys who were freshmen last year (Barnett, Berry, Moseley, Kelly) and are a year older this year. Not younger on defense.

Do we have a lot of freshmen who are gonna play on special teams and in backup roles primarily? Yes. But is it correct to say we're gonna be a younger team this year than last?? I just don't believe that's the case...at all.

What about the 2 deep man? What if one of the starters gets injured. It's like you all gloss over the fact that he is referring to the 2 deep. We have had attrition. Some of those freshmen last year left and we replaced them with freshmen. We have Hurd and Kamara, but have freshmen behind them. There are true freshmen in the 2 deep, and that is not how championship teams are constructed. I don't understand what you all are not getting.

 

[BeecherVol]

How many FR do we have in our 2 deep?

 

[VFL-82-JP]

How many FR do we have in our 2 deep?

Depends on how you define "two deep".

A two-deep normally has 22 positions listed (not counting special teams), for 44 players total. Add in an extra WR for 10/01 personnel formations, and an extra DB for nickel defenses, and you can get 24 positions-->48 players. Add special teams (up to 4 more, P, PK, H, LS), and you can get up to 28 positions-->56 players on the two-deep roster.

Or you can do what a lot of teams seem to be doing this year (Vols included), and have "co-starters." When you do that, you get depth charts that number even more.

Our current depth chart has 60 players named. 17 of them are freshmen (2 RS, 15 true).

On a true 2-deep, without co-starters, looks like we'd have one freshman starter (Jennings), and 11 as backups (Dormady at QB ... Hall, Jones & Mosley on OLine ... Williams at WR ... Tuttle & McKenzie at DT ... Kirkland at MLB ... Abernathy & Miller at DB ... Lovingood at LS).

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

Depends on how you define "two deep".

A two-deep normally has 22 positions listed (not counting special teams), for 44 players total. Add in an extra WR for 10/01 personnel formations, and an extra DB for nickel defenses, and you can get 24 positions-->48 players. Add special teams (up to 4 more, P, PK, H, LS), and you can get up to 28 positions-->56 players on the two-deep roster.

Or you can do what a lot of teams seem to be doing this year (Vols included), and have "co-starters." When you do that, you get depth charts that number even more.

Our current depth chart has 60 players named. 17 of them are freshmen (2 RS, 15 true).

On a true 2-deep, without co-starters, looks like we'd have one freshman starter (Jennings), and 10 as backups (Dormady at QB ... Hall, Jones, and Mosley on OLine ... Williams at WR ... Tuttle & McKenzie at DT ... Kirkland at MLB ... Abernathy and Miller at DB).

That is a big number...regardless of how you cut it. You would be hard pressed to find another team trotting out 17 or 10 freshmen in their 2 deep. However, the peanut gallery doesn't want to hear that kind of talk...just win.:crazy:

 

[Kristy*]

How many FR do we have in our 2 deep?

One way to look at it. Approximately 80% of our travel team has played 1 year or less in our program. We are 20% veteran, 80% youth. Some of our youth has a good deal of experience (in their limited time), but there is no way an argument can be made that we aren't young.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

That is a big number...regardless of how you cut it. You would be hard pressed to find another team trotting out 17 or 10 freshmen in their 2 deep. However, the peanut gallery doesn't want to hear that kind of talk...just win.:crazy:

Yeah, there's no doubt that we're still taking advantage of youth. Having said that, the message is more mixed than some think.

For instance, QB and OLine are about dire need: we need Dormady to be ready, there is no more experienced alternative ... we need Jones, Hall and Mosley to be ready, there are no better alternatives should the starters get injured. Those are positions where you can see the lack of depth Butch frequently talks about.

DT is kind of the same: Williams & O'Brien are studs, but can't play a whole game alone...so we need KMac and Shy to come along quickly, provide depth (along with Vickers) so the position group stays fresh all game long.

On the other hand, there are places where we have plenty of depth, we're fine with the upperclassmen, but the freshmen are just so darn good that they're rising through talent to the top. Jennings and Williams at WR fit that mold. So does Kirkland at MLB. And though our depth at DB has taken a bit of a hit in the last couple of weeks, you could argue the same is true of Miller and Abernathy.

So only about half of our two-deep freshmen are truly reflections of our youth. The other half are more accurately a reflection of our incoming sheer talent.

Go Vols!

 

[BeecherVol]

So only about half of our two-deep freshmen are truly reflections of our youth. The other half are more accurately a reflection of our incoming sheer talent.

Go Vols!

Good point as well. The elite HS players are coming in more prepared to play now than they ever have been for various reasons. EE being a big one. And more of them are finding their way into the 2 deep because of that, even on the elite teams in the country.

 

[KBVol]

What about the 2 deep man? What if one of the starters gets injured. It's like you all gloss over the fact that he is referring to the 2 deep. We have had attrition. Some of those freshmen last year left and we replaced them with freshmen. We have Hurd and Kamara, but have freshmen behind them. There are true freshmen in the 2 deep, and that is not how championship teams are constructed. I don't understand what you all are not getting.

So, did you read the full post you just responded to? Which examples that I gave do you disagree with?

What I'm getting at is that we ARE NOT a younger team this year than we were last year. My last post catalogued it pretty well I thought.

Take your example at running back. Last year we had a Senior runningback in Marlin Lane who was very quickly supplanted, pretty much from game 1 vs Utah State, by true freshman running back Jalen Hurd..... And that was it. By game 2 or 3 Jalen was the man and Lane got snaps just to give Jalen a rest. This year we have Jalen in his SECOND year, with Kamara who's 3 years out of highschool, 5th year senior transfer RDV4 and then a freshman or 2? Are you gonna argue that we're "younger" this year than last there? Surely not, because we're not. Not only are we older at Runningback, we're also much deeper and much more talented at that position. Butch should be commended for making that happen so quickly....but he can't turn around and then complain that the group is younger than last year, can't have it both ways.

I followed that same process with virtually every position on the team. I'm not sure what's hard to understand about that.

You think I'm glossing to over something regarding the 2 deep. Ok, I see 3 position groups where we're younger this year than last when you factor in depth.....QB, middle linebacker and maybe DT.

At QB last year we started at senior, backed up by a RS Soph and a true soph...this year we start a junior backed up by 2 true freshmen.

At MLB last we started at Senior that we replaced with a true freshman and eventually a RS Soph once he was suspended. This year we start a sophomore, with a true freshman and a RSJr behind him.

At DT last year started a Senior backed up by a freshman and a RSSoph backed up by a RSJr. This year we start a RSSr backed up by a freshman and a RSJr backed up by a RSSoph. Virtually no difference, in the 2 deep, but we all know that the 2 big freshmen will surely play a bigger role as the season progresses so I'll concede this position, although it's pretty close.

The only other position group that can be somewhat argued, though not successfully, is the OL.

So, I don't understand what you all aren't getting. We simply are not a younger team this year than last year. If you think we are, then provide some evidence that proves it.

 

[KBVol]

What about the 2 deep man? What if one of the starters gets injured. It's like you all gloss over the fact that he is referring to the 2 deep. We have had attrition. Some of those freshmen last year left and we replaced them with freshmen. We have Hurd and Kamara, but have freshmen behind them. There are true freshmen in the 2 deep, and that is not how championship teams are constructed. I don't understand what you all are not getting.

Btw, I went back and read my post to which you responded....I addressed the 2 deep at virtually every position....talked about RB, OL, TE, WR, et al. What else did you want?