Smith, Jumper & Sapp in the mix for Vols' 3rd LB spot

[kamoshika]

...Tennessee knows it'll have to use more tradition three-linebacker sets in the future, and the Vols are trying to identify who they can rely on to be their strongside or "Sam" linebacker.

..."You want that guy to be a long, sleek body," Thigpen said this week. "That's like an Austin Smith, or it could be a Colton Jumper. It can be guys that are about 6-foot-3 and that are actually able to play over a tight end. You wouldn't want to put Shanon Reid over a tight end. You want to put a guy that's actually almost a nine-technique (defensive end), and that what's he does a lot when he plays 'backer for us.

"You want a bigger body, a bigger, athletic body, and that No. 11, 'Smitty,' Austin Smith, is the kind of body you're looking for. Jumper's kind of the body you're looking for. If you could double-train a (Daniel) Bituli to play it, you would, but you want him to be a Mike linebacker to be the voice on the defense with D.K. (Darrin Kirkland Jr.).
http://tennessee.247sports.com/Article/Three-Tennessee-Vols-in-the-mix-for-third-linebacker-spot-52318396

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

LBs better be DKjr at Will, Bituli at Mike, and Austin at Sam.

Anything else would be irresponsible.

 

[MSME Vol]

Cortez probably disagrees

 

[RollerVol]

whatever works...but, just never know how it will shake out...everybody is just grabbing at straws right now, so, I'll wait and see...

GO BIG ORANGE!

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

Cortez probably disagrees

Too slow. Not athletic enough. Needs to get in better shape.

Coaching staff can't continue to favor less talented upperclassmen and continue to be hired here.

Anything less than 10-2 and an SEC Championship game berth should result in Butch Jones getting fired. That is what our talent level dictates.

 

[volroadwarrior]

LBs better be DKjr at Will, Bituli at Mike, and Austin at Sam.

Anything else would be irresponsible.

So you have watched them practice, seen how they understand the system and with your vast football knowledge and wisdom make sure you pass this along to Thig since he is incapable of evaluating his players. :crazy::crazy:lol:lol:

 

[fade route]

The fact that Jumper is still being thought of as a significant player is worrisome on so many levels

 

[Biopsyman]

Sapp was coming on before his injury and is fast

 

[sameolvol]

So you have watched them practice, seen how they understand the system and with your vast football knowledge and wisdom make sure you pass this along to Thig since he is incapable of evaluating his players. :crazy::crazy:lol:lol:

Consider the source.

 

[VolFreakJosh]

The fact that Jumper is still being thought of as a significant player is worrisome on so many levels

He's played his heart out and has stuck it out despite not being the most talented player on the roster. Sure, DKJ, Smith, and Sapp are better linebackers who should probably be the ones playing but Jumper doesn't deserve negative criticism everytime he's mentioned on this board. The kid has heart and is a true VFL.

 

[goooooovols]

He's played his heart out and has stuck it out despite not being the most talented player on the roster. Sure, DKJ, Smith, and Sapp are better linebackers who should probably be the ones playing but Jumper doesn't deserve negative criticism everytime he's mentioned on this board. The kid has heart and is a true VFL.

I agree and not sure what everyone was watching last year but he became our best LB

 

[Enki_Amenra]

He's played his heart out and has stuck it out despite not being the most talented player on the roster. Sure, DKJ, Smith, and Sapp are better linebackers who should probably be the ones playing but Jumper doesn't deserve negative criticism everytime he's mentioned on this board. The kid has heart and is a true VFL.

Jumper laid some of the best hits of anyone on our defense last year. He also played well enough in pass coverage to be on the field. He had some mistakes, but so did every other player on that defense.

He may not be starting caliber, but he is definitely good depth and can be counted on in meaningful play.

 

[fade route]

He's played his heart out and has stuck it out despite not being the most talented player on the roster. Sure, DKJ, Smith, and Sapp are better linebackers who should probably be the ones playing but Jumper doesn't deserve negative criticism everytime he's mentioned on this board. The kid has heart and is a true VFL.

It's not personal against Jumper. He does play his heart out, but he is limited in his athletic ability and a liability on passing downs. The staff has failed tremendously in evaluating, recruiting, and developing players at that position if he is still in the mix.

 

[gunner]

...Tennessee knows it'll have to use more tradition three-linebacker sets in the future, and the Vols are trying to identify who they can rely on to be their strongside or "Sam" linebacker.

..."You want that guy to be a long, sleek body," Thigpen said this week. "That's like an Austin Smith, or it could be a Colton Jumper. It can be guys that are about 6-foot-3 and that are actually able to play over a tight end. You wouldn't want to put Shanon Reid over a tight end. You want to put a guy that's actually almost a nine-technique (defensive end), and that what's he does a lot when he plays 'backer for us.

"You want a bigger body, a bigger, athletic body, and that No. 11, 'Smitty,' Austin Smith, is the kind of body you're looking for. Jumper's kind of the body you're looking for. If you could double-train a (Daniel) Bituli to play it, you would, but you want him to be a Mike linebacker to be the voice on the defense with D.K. (Darrin Kirkland Jr.).
http://tennessee.247sports.com/Article/Three-Tennessee-Vols-in-the-mix-for-third-linebacker-spot-52318396

That sounds perfect for D. Bates, it's time that he man up and win a starting job and be the player that everyone thought he was going to be when he signed with the Vols.

 

[terrypedigo]

The fact that Jumper is still being thought of as a significant player is worrisome on so many levels

A big factor in the victory over the Gators came a long way in 2 years.

 

[terrypedigo]

He's played his heart out and has stuck it out despite not being the most talented player on the roster. Sure, DKJ, Smith, and Sapp are better linebackers who should probably be the ones playing but Jumper doesn't deserve negative criticism everytime he's mentioned on this board. The kid has heart and is a true VFL.

Colton is a very good SEC LB now 2 years ago he wasn't ready this past season very good LB we could do a lot worse at LB than him if he doesn't start good to know he is ready if we have a LINEBACKER get hurt.:good!:

 

[The Dog]

It's not personal against Jumper. He does play his heart out, but he is limited in his athletic ability and a liability on passing downs. The staff has failed tremendously in evaluating, recruiting, and developing players at that position if he is still in the mix.

He did have a huge PBU against Florida, of course, it hit him in the back of the arm/hand, because he never turned around, but our DBs never turned around neither. Imo, Jumper is a competent back-up LB. One thing, he does do, is gives his all for Tennessee and I give him mad respect for that. But, I would prefer, that he would be the 1st or 2nd LB off the bench and a special teams contributer and not a starter.

 

[Vol til' I Fall]

Austin played at Buford with my cousin, he is going to be a star!

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

The fact that Jumper is still being thought of as a significant player is worrisome on so many levels

He was one of our better LBs last year. Hes came a long way.

 

[UTK]

He was one of our better LBs last year. Hes came a long way.

Jumper was really good in the UF game and was solid in other games. The team respects him. He's certainly improved since that 2015 OU game. That said, I would like to think we have a better option.

 

[volinbama256]

Sapp will play. We have not seen his best yet because of his injuries.

 

[Sarms58]

Sapp was coming on before his injury and is fast

I like Sapp but like Tuttle, he has suffered season ending injuries in both his first two seasons...maybe as a redshirt sophomore he can have a healthy year...and hopefully he will still have his same speed as before the ACL...he has great football instincts...

 

[Sarms58]

Jumper was really good in the UF game and was solid in other games. The team respects him. He's certainly improved since that 2015 OU game. That said, I would like to think we have a better option.

I love guys like Jumper - huge heart and all in...but it's hard for heart to overcome talent for a full season...love him as the backup and as a leader for the younger players...

 

[Boca Vol]

The fact that Jumper is still being thought of as a significant player is worrisome on so many levels

I'd take the Jumper we saw in the 2nd half of the UF game any day of the week. Kid was making plays all over the field.

 

[CoaxialOrange]

Jumper is limited not sure why people get mad when the obvious gets pointed out. He makes some good plays but that shouldn't be our first option at that spot. Goes back to recruiting and development.