How many are starting by default?

#1
orangegrass

orangegrass

Don't Walk on the Grass!
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#1
Dooley made an interesting comment yesterday in the press conference: "Sometimes, we think because they are starting they are good players. I'm not talking about Brent here, but sometimes I tell guys, `The only reason you are starting is by default. It's because we haven't signed somebody better than you.' I'm not talking about Brent, but there is this illusion sometimes that when you're a starter at Tennessee, you're a good player. Brent is still our safety. I think he probably had a little higher expectation, which is what happens to most guys. They get a high expectation of who they are and he is in year one-and-a-half."

I think it is another point as to the lack of depth in this program. It is unrealistic for us, as fans, to think that Dooley can turn this thing around in a short amount of time. Question is, how long will it realistically take? Many have been upset because he 'pulled the red shirt' off of Worley. At least he is trying to do something to generate a win with a team that has lost 4 key starters and genuinely has little depth.
 
#2
#2
It'd be easier to look at this team and ask which ones aren't starting by default.

That's not a knock on the team. It's just a reality that we'd rather be starting a bunch of juniors and seniors with talent. The talent level is improving, but the experience level is still quite low across the board. That only changes with time.
 
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#3
#3
orangegrass said:
Dooley made an interesting comment yesterday in the press conference: "Sometimes, we think because they are starting they are good players. I'm not talking about Brent here, but sometimes I tell guys, `The only reason you are starting is by default. It's because we haven't signed somebody better than you.' I'm not talking about Brent, but there is this illusion sometimes that when you're a starter at Tennessee, you're a good player. Brent is still our safety. I think he probably had a little higher expectation, which is what happens to most guys. They get a high expectation of who they are and he is in year one-and-a-half."

I think it is another point as to the lack of depth in this program. It is unrealistic for us, as fans, to think that Dooley can turn this thing around in a short amount of time. Question is, how long will it realistically take? Many have been upset because he 'pulled the red shirt' off of Worley. At least he is trying to do something to generate a win with a team that has lost 4 key starters and genuinely has little depth.
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Couldn't agree with you more.
 
#5
#5
Go back before the season started who on here saw A.J and Curt starting not only starting but #1 and #3 in tackles.

Dooley plays the better player he thinks Worley is the better qb. Message being sent: we`re recuriting better players get better or get benched. I like it.
 
#7
#7
I'll play (Starters):

Rogers, D.
Johnson, AJ (?)
Jackson, M
James, J
Fulton, Z
Waggner, P
Palardy, M (as of last week)
Maggitt, C (?)

I hope that isn't too harsh, but in the past, could you really see anyone else on the team cracking the starting lineup? The two with (?), though incredibly gifted, are still freshmen. Just food for thought.
 
#8
#8
Austin Johnson
Ben Bartholemew
Dallas Thomas
Zach Rogers (default + injury)
Tauren Poole
Marlon Walls
Daniel Hood
some argue Waggner, but I like him

This only includes players who have been at Tennessee for at least three years. A lot of the younger players shouldn't be starting either, but it's not because they're not talented, it's just because they're inexperienced. Brewer, Jacques Smith, Lanier, and the whole O-line fit into this category.
 
#10
#10
beavbullvol said:
I'll play (Starters):

Rogers, D.
Johnson, AJ (?)
Jackson, M
James, J
Fulton, Z
Waggner, P
Palardy, M (as of last week)
Maggitt, C (?)

I hope that isn't too harsh, but in the past, could you really see anyone else on the team cracking the starting lineup? The two with (?), though incredibly gifted, are still freshmen. Just food for thought.
Click to expand...

Wrong. I know you have a ? by them, but they are ballers. Would they be starting on some of our past great teams? As true freshman? Probably not. Halfway through their So year/or as a junior? Definately.
 
#11
#11
Gator H8R said:
Wrong. I know you have a ? by them, but they are ballers. Would they be starting on some of our past great teams? As true freshman? Probably not. Halfway through their So year/or as a junior? Definately.
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unless you are an absolute stud, starting as a freshman is by default, i agree about the lbs
 
#12
#12
beavbullvol said:
I'll play (Starters):

Rogers, D.
Johnson, AJ (?)
Jackson, M
James, J
Fulton, Z
Waggner, P
Palardy, M (as of last week)
Maggitt, C (?)

I hope that isn't too harsh, but in the past, could you really see anyone else on the team cracking the starting lineup? The two with (?), though incredibly gifted, are still freshmen. Just food for thought.
Click to expand...

I really hope you meant to put Zach Rogers and not Da'Rick.
 
#17
#17
Sloppy work on my part if that many people were confused. I hoped the quality of the players listed would kinda jump off the page. The fact they didn't only further illustrates Dooley's point.
 
#18
#18
beavbullvol said:
Sloppy work on my part if that many people were confused. I hoped the quality of the players listed would kinda jump off the page. The fact they didn't only further illustrates Dooley's point.
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I think you were undone by people thinking you meant "Z Rogers" instead of "D Rogers" and "M(arcus) Jackson" instead of "M(alik) Jackson."
 
#19
#19
Not starting by default:

Offense:

Bartholemew (he won the position from a guy that most expected to be very solid for us this year)
D. Rogers (easily one of the 8 best receivers in the league)
Rivera (has been surprisingly good all season)
Fulton
Juwan James

Defense:

Malik Jackson
JacQues Smith (arguably)
Pwaggs

Special Teams:

Palardy
Nick Guess
 
#20
#20
I'm sure this makes the current players feel great. "Yeah, you are all we have, and you have to start, but we are actively trying to get someone better than you so you can't start............but we want you at Tennessee to sit the bench and give us some depth!"

Heck of a gamble, but it might work.
 
#21
#21
The Waco Kid said:
I'm sure this makes the current players feel great. "Yeah, you are all we have, and you have to start, but we are actively trying to get someone better than you so you can't start............but we want you at Tennessee to sit the bench and give us some depth!"

Heck of a gamble, but it might work.
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Thats how football works. They are getting a free education regardless so they can STFU.
 
#23
#23
The Waco Kid said:
I tend to lean on that side too...........but every kid that goes to school for football wants to play.
Click to expand...

In this situation, these kids are already enrolled in the university. The ones coming in see that they have an easy route to playing time in some key positions at UT.

No real damage anyway you look at the comment. Could possibily help.
 
#24
#24
I think the message was also to say, "work your butt off or the next guy in the door is taking your spot." It was part motivational and not really meant to say, "you suck."
 
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