VolInsider
Sports Management Guru
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I was excited when an old friend from home that writes for our small paper called Friday night and needed a photographer for UT Football Media Day. (They actually got a pass this year)It was the first time I had been '97. I also had time to take some notes in-between taking around 300 pictures, so here we go...
Fulmer began by mentioning the teams' great work ethic since they arrived on campus and their desire to have a successful season. When asked about how it compared to last season when the team was so fired up for Cal, he replied "There is a very good carryover of that intensity. We are not assuming anything, and are crossing all the T's and dotting all the I's". He also added after a follow-up question that playing a team of Cal's caliber right out of the gate does change things, they have to work more on their key players and a little less on depth. Depth, he said, would ave to be developed during the season. He also added its not a burden because we have played quality opponents early before.
When asked about the incoming players and their impact, Coach really seemed to perk up. "From and athletic and speed standpoint", he said, "they are more football ready than our usual incoming classes". He added "They are not intimidated. They competed."
Coach then dropped what I thought to be a mini-bomshell when asked about athletic plays and special packages, mentioning that Lucas Taylor or Gerald Jones could see some snaps at QB, as could freshman Eric Berry. Fulmer reiterated Berry's athleticism, maturity, and skill; then stated "anything we can do to get his hands on the ball". Expect Eric Berry to make things happen this season.
When breaking down positions and strengths and concerns, Fulmer began with the defense, saying the LB corps were among the fastest and toughest we have ever had. We all know about Mayo, Karl, McCoy; but Fulmer highlighted some other LBs who he says have worked extremely hard and stood out in spring/summer/preseason workouts. According to him, Adam Myers-White has shown "great improvement" with both his football skills, and weightroom prowess. He has bulked up, sped up, and "really looked good" in early drills and the other coaches agreed he looked like "a new guy" on the field. Fulmer also added that Dorian Davis would see some playing time, especially if he showed some more maturity, and then gushed about the play and work of Nick Reviez, saying he has worked his way into the LB rotation, and would play on special teams.
He then moved to the D-Line, which he considered a strenght because of the work those players had put in. He said that Xavier Mitchell and Antonio Reynolds would be the likeley starters at DE, and they had pressed the issue of "Closing the Deal" (More Sacks), with all of the D-line. Fulmer then commented on "big steps" taken by Wes Brown and Robert Ayres, and added Ben Martin would be a "special young man", and commented on his speed off the edge.
One concern they have is at DT. While J.T. Mapu is 100% back in the shape he was before leaving on his mission, Demote Bolden "needs more consistancy", and apprently there is a pack competing for the 3-5 spots including Dan Williams, Walter Fisher, Donald Langley, and freshman William Brimfield.
In the secondary, where 3 starters were lost, Fulmer said they were "more optimistic" after seeing the workouts and practices. While Hefney is the anchor of the crew, Jarrod Parrish had a "fantastic spring and offseason". Sinclair Cannon and Tyler Maples have moved from WR to DB to provide added depth.
One odd quote from Fulmer was his lone description of Cornerbacks Antonio Gaines and Marsalous Johnson "Well, they haven't shown they can't do it".
While that comment is less than enthusiastic, apparently help is on the way from the newcomers. Fulmer said Nevin McKenzie and DeAngelo Willingham have "jumped in with both feet" and are among the leaders of the younger corps. He once again mentioned Eric Berry's unusual maturity and ability for such a young player, and commented on Dennis Rogan's amazing athletic ability and great attitude.
On offense, QB is solid with Ainge taking even more of a leadership role this season. Fulmer commented he has been wonderful in helping the development of the young WR's. Crompton has also made "considerable progress" this offseason.
RB is the big question, especially since all three are 100% healthy for the first time since arriving in Knoxville. Fulmer said Arian Foster is in the best shape of his career, and has matured greatly this offseason. He also sighted a renewed "playing with passion" in regards to Foster. not much was said about Hardesty and Coker, but Fulmer did make mention of Roy Olasimbo, a fomer practice squad senior who had worked his way into a David Yancey-type 4th tailback spot.
Fulmer said one of the strongest positions on the team is at tight end with the Cottam brothers, Chris Brown, and Luke Stocker. Expect to see some 2 TE sets this year.
Among the offensive concerns was the offensive line, where Fulmer said Parker, McNeil, and Young have locked-in starting spots, but the RG and RT positions were up for grabs. Among those battling for the position are Ramon Foster who had a "good spring"; Jacques McClendon, who Fulmer said is "greatly improved, especially in areas of movement and flexibility", and who's weight is down from last year; Chris Scott, who has gotten "bigger and stronger", and walk-on Cody Sullins.
At wide receiver, Coach stated they are "looking for dynamics", but said that early workouts looked good and "all of them can catch". Specifically, Kenny O'Neal has been doing very well, and has "shown why we signed him". Fulmer also had high praise for Casey Woods, saying he was like a coach on the field, and had relly stepped up as a team leader (Dane Bradshaw/glue guy?)
Fulmer said they had worked a lot on the kicking game, and stated the return game must improve from last year. As of now, Colquitt will handle all kicking duties, but Fulmer said Daniel Lincoln is getting a lot of work. Apparently, he even had a better kicking day during the first practice than Colquitt. As of now, the lineups for returns are Hefney and Austin Rodgers on Punt Returns, and Coker on Kickoff Returns.
Working on attaching pics too, but they are big files since it was a professional camera, have to photoshop them down a few notches.
Fulmer began by mentioning the teams' great work ethic since they arrived on campus and their desire to have a successful season. When asked about how it compared to last season when the team was so fired up for Cal, he replied "There is a very good carryover of that intensity. We are not assuming anything, and are crossing all the T's and dotting all the I's". He also added after a follow-up question that playing a team of Cal's caliber right out of the gate does change things, they have to work more on their key players and a little less on depth. Depth, he said, would ave to be developed during the season. He also added its not a burden because we have played quality opponents early before.
When asked about the incoming players and their impact, Coach really seemed to perk up. "From and athletic and speed standpoint", he said, "they are more football ready than our usual incoming classes". He added "They are not intimidated. They competed."
Coach then dropped what I thought to be a mini-bomshell when asked about athletic plays and special packages, mentioning that Lucas Taylor or Gerald Jones could see some snaps at QB, as could freshman Eric Berry. Fulmer reiterated Berry's athleticism, maturity, and skill; then stated "anything we can do to get his hands on the ball". Expect Eric Berry to make things happen this season.
When breaking down positions and strengths and concerns, Fulmer began with the defense, saying the LB corps were among the fastest and toughest we have ever had. We all know about Mayo, Karl, McCoy; but Fulmer highlighted some other LBs who he says have worked extremely hard and stood out in spring/summer/preseason workouts. According to him, Adam Myers-White has shown "great improvement" with both his football skills, and weightroom prowess. He has bulked up, sped up, and "really looked good" in early drills and the other coaches agreed he looked like "a new guy" on the field. Fulmer also added that Dorian Davis would see some playing time, especially if he showed some more maturity, and then gushed about the play and work of Nick Reviez, saying he has worked his way into the LB rotation, and would play on special teams.
He then moved to the D-Line, which he considered a strenght because of the work those players had put in. He said that Xavier Mitchell and Antonio Reynolds would be the likeley starters at DE, and they had pressed the issue of "Closing the Deal" (More Sacks), with all of the D-line. Fulmer then commented on "big steps" taken by Wes Brown and Robert Ayres, and added Ben Martin would be a "special young man", and commented on his speed off the edge.
One concern they have is at DT. While J.T. Mapu is 100% back in the shape he was before leaving on his mission, Demote Bolden "needs more consistancy", and apprently there is a pack competing for the 3-5 spots including Dan Williams, Walter Fisher, Donald Langley, and freshman William Brimfield.
In the secondary, where 3 starters were lost, Fulmer said they were "more optimistic" after seeing the workouts and practices. While Hefney is the anchor of the crew, Jarrod Parrish had a "fantastic spring and offseason". Sinclair Cannon and Tyler Maples have moved from WR to DB to provide added depth.
One odd quote from Fulmer was his lone description of Cornerbacks Antonio Gaines and Marsalous Johnson "Well, they haven't shown they can't do it".
While that comment is less than enthusiastic, apparently help is on the way from the newcomers. Fulmer said Nevin McKenzie and DeAngelo Willingham have "jumped in with both feet" and are among the leaders of the younger corps. He once again mentioned Eric Berry's unusual maturity and ability for such a young player, and commented on Dennis Rogan's amazing athletic ability and great attitude.
On offense, QB is solid with Ainge taking even more of a leadership role this season. Fulmer commented he has been wonderful in helping the development of the young WR's. Crompton has also made "considerable progress" this offseason.
RB is the big question, especially since all three are 100% healthy for the first time since arriving in Knoxville. Fulmer said Arian Foster is in the best shape of his career, and has matured greatly this offseason. He also sighted a renewed "playing with passion" in regards to Foster. not much was said about Hardesty and Coker, but Fulmer did make mention of Roy Olasimbo, a fomer practice squad senior who had worked his way into a David Yancey-type 4th tailback spot.
Fulmer said one of the strongest positions on the team is at tight end with the Cottam brothers, Chris Brown, and Luke Stocker. Expect to see some 2 TE sets this year.
Among the offensive concerns was the offensive line, where Fulmer said Parker, McNeil, and Young have locked-in starting spots, but the RG and RT positions were up for grabs. Among those battling for the position are Ramon Foster who had a "good spring"; Jacques McClendon, who Fulmer said is "greatly improved, especially in areas of movement and flexibility", and who's weight is down from last year; Chris Scott, who has gotten "bigger and stronger", and walk-on Cody Sullins.
At wide receiver, Coach stated they are "looking for dynamics", but said that early workouts looked good and "all of them can catch". Specifically, Kenny O'Neal has been doing very well, and has "shown why we signed him". Fulmer also had high praise for Casey Woods, saying he was like a coach on the field, and had relly stepped up as a team leader (Dane Bradshaw/glue guy?)
Fulmer said they had worked a lot on the kicking game, and stated the return game must improve from last year. As of now, Colquitt will handle all kicking duties, but Fulmer said Daniel Lincoln is getting a lot of work. Apparently, he even had a better kicking day during the first practice than Colquitt. As of now, the lineups for returns are Hefney and Austin Rodgers on Punt Returns, and Coker on Kickoff Returns.
Working on attaching pics too, but they are big files since it was a professional camera, have to photoshop them down a few notches.
