Starting center

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austin_vol

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#1
With all signs pointing to Robertson becoming the starting center, what happens to Coleman Thomas? Does he just become a backup?
 
#5
#5
I guess he just adds depth. If a guard goes down than he can take over Center while Jashon slides over. He could always play right tackle if Tatum,Kendrick, Niehaus go down.

Do you think T. Smith could swap to RT if injuries mount up?
 
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#7
#7
He will likely end up being a backup for any position on the line. Jack of all trades, master of none.

Prime example of what can happen when a kid is needed right off the bat regardless of whether or not he's ready to play.

He's never had the opportunity to hone in on one position for more than a season at a time before injuries or depth-issues have forced him to another spot on the O Line.

He never quit, though. You can say a lot of things but he never walked away from his team.
 
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#9
#9
In all likelihood, he is the #6 OL and will get plenty of snaps per game and a lot more should the injury bug strike again.
 
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#10
#10
IndianapolisVol said:
He will likely end up being a backup for any position on the line. Jack of all trades, master of none.

Prime example of what can happen when a kid is needed right off the bat regardless of whether or not he's ready to play.

He's never had the opportunity to hone in on one position for more than a season at a time before injuries or depth-issues have forced him to another spot on the O Line.

He never quit, though. You can say a lot of things but he never walked away from his team.
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Coleman Thomas played with both ankles black and blue and gave his all for the Vols, regardless of his talent ceiling, he's got game:clapping:
 
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#12
#12
Two years ago I was blown away by Coleman Thomas pulling from center to spring open big plays. Crazy for a center. On the other hand, last year he was getting blown off the ball up front. Good move by Butch.
 
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#15
#15
ATLVols said:
Two years ago I was blown away by Coleman Thomas pulling from center to spring open big plays. Crazy for a center. On the other hand, last year he was getting blown off the ball up front. Good move by Butch.
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This says it all. I honestly can't understand how the same player who can make those amazing "pulling center" plays is the same person getting absolutely manhandled by Appy State DTs.

I support our coach pretty highly. But watching the mauling he took vs ASU and VT as a starter, bewilders me to this day. If he was injured, then it was a travesty to have him out there. If he was not injured and that performance was what our coaches saw in fall camp 16' and chose him to start ... then I'm downright scared.
 
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#16
#16
If Robertson gets the start at C, you've gotta think they try to redshirt Thomas. I wouldn't count on seeing him unless injuries force him out there. If we see them work him in rotationally as a 6th man up/backup/occasional 6th OL in short yardage situations, then it's probably pretty clear the coaching staff is ready to move on from him and feels confident about their C situation in 2018.
 
#17
#17
ATLVols said:
Two years ago I was blown away by Coleman Thomas pulling from center to spring open big plays. Crazy for a center. On the other hand, last year he was getting blown off the ball up front. Good move by Butch.
Click to expand...

Thomas had a pretty bad ankle at the first of last year. Bothered him to some degree all season.
 
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#18
#18
austin_vol said:
With all signs pointing to Robertson becoming the starting center, what happens to Coleman Thomas? Does he just become a backup?
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Good stuff. At center he was put on his butt on most plays last year. Under performer . Nice size however. Lack of Desire is what I saw. Hope I'm wrong.
 
#20
#20
Don't get all the hate for Coleman. As a center he does a real good job of pulling in front for run plays. He's athletic and fast for his size.

Yes he's had bad games and maybe even years but mostly do to playing while injured.

Give the guy a break.
 
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#21
#21
IndianaVolunteer said:
Don't get all the hate for Coleman. As a center he does a real good job of pulling in front for run plays. He's athletic and fast for his size.

Yes he's had bad games and maybe even years but mostly do to playing while injured.

Give the guy a break.
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Makes me wonder if it's a lingering issue and maybe they're giving him some respite. It seems a bit strange to switch Coleman at this stage.
 
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#22
#22
IndianaVolunteer said:
Don't get all the hate for Coleman. As a center he does a real good job of pulling in front for run plays. He's athletic and fast for his size.

Yes he's had bad games and maybe even years but mostly do to playing while injured.

Give the guy a break.
Click to expand...

He's looked good blocking in space at times, but he's always struggled to get much of a push between the tackles in the run game or to hold his ground well in pass pro.

I think he still has the upside to be a good center. I'd like to see him get a redshirt and another year in the weight room.
 
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#24
#24
IndianaVolunteer said:
Don't get all the hate for Coleman. As a center he does a real good job of pulling in front for run plays. He's athletic and fast for his size.

Yes he's had bad games and maybe even years but mostly do to playing while injured.

Give the guy a break.
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Don't dislike Thomas, just like Tennessee football more. Thomas plays too soft, isn't strong enough, is an athletic, finesse guy that looks good pulling and hitting a DE's or LB's knees, but he's subpar getting a push in the trenches. I don't know if Robertson is the answer at center, I have my doubts since he's been the common denominator along with Thomas on the OL the last 3 years....but I'm glad they're shaking things up and sitting CT.
 
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#25
#25
IndianaVolunteer said:
Don't get all the hate for Coleman. As a center he does a real good job of pulling in front for run plays. He's athletic and fast for his size.

Yes he's had bad games and maybe even years but mostly do to playing while injured.

Give the guy a break.
Click to expand...
He does ok pulling. He gets his ass handed to him taking on a NT straight ahead.
 
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