weallvol
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It helps when a teams best player embodies a fearless, selfless, team-first approach.
It helps more when that player is Derek Barnett; Tennessees most dominant defender whos carving a one-name reputation alongside modern stars such as Al and Leonard.
Even (a recent Tuesday) after practice, he pulled the group aside and talked about how, he said, I understand how good Texas A&Ms offense is, but were a good defense, too. Play with confidence. Have fun out there. Cmon we can do this, recalls Vols defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, surely wondering about all the missing talent and grandiose plans that must seem like another time and place. I just think those little things that he does are really kind of unique.
All Barnett does on a football field is unique while not always casting an imposing frame aside from the gridiron. He isnt flashy. He celebrates almost exclusively by hugging his teammates.
IN other news
Interesting to note that Peyton Manning and Phillip Fulmer both spent time in the office of Butch Jones last Friday on the eve of the Alabama game.
However, dont dare think the chats were merely about the pending Third Saturday in October contest. Plenty of folks suggest Manning is keenly observing the ongoing search for his alma maters next vice chancellor/director of athletics.
Fulmer, noble and perhaps even willing to step into an interim A.D. post if needed, no longer has interest in permanent filling that demanding chair. However, Fulmer loves UT like few around and no doubt, as noted before, would be welcomed back into the UT family perhaps in a role similar to the one created for Steve Spurrier in Florida by David Blackburn. Its simply another plus working Blackburns favor.
Simply put, Blackburn presents the absolutely best opportunity to unite Rocky Top and Vol Nation.
IN other news
Speaking of that search, it goes hand in hand with the one for a new chancellor to replace the outgoing Dr. Jimmy Cheek.
Indications remain that ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland has formally delivered news to the UT System that he is not interested in the position, as 247Sports first reported last month.
However, with the much-deserving Keith Carver elevation to chancellor at UT-Martin, things now can move full-speed ahead in Knoxville.
How full-speed? Well, Parker Executive Search is the committee of choice, and there are strong indications interviews are taking place within the next 48 hours.
The timetable remains a new chancellor in Knoxville by late-November, early-December and the replacement for the absurdly shoved-out Dave Hart by around New Years Day.
In other news
A brief additional injury note: Already on a clear redshirt plan, Austin Smith is sporting a new brace on his right arm/shoulder after practicing through most of August and September. Smith still is recovering from the shoulder injury stemming from spring camp, almost concurrent to the same injury to Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
On the recruiting front expect Vols offensive coordinator on the road Friday to see coveted quarterback target Justin Fields while it sounds like head coach Butch Jones is planning a trip to West Tennessee.
Views From The Top: Barnett's message; plus, Chancellor interviews and A.D. meetings?