GhenghisVol
August 17th, 2009, 07:33 PM
Hmmmn?
The 2009 Pre-season Hot Board
Jonathan Crompton
Quarterback
6-foot-4, 228 pounds
Senior
Outlook: Starter, but needs to continue progress he's shown in camp
Setting the Stage: Putting together back to back scrimmages with no interceptions is a big and loud statement for the senior, especially after Lane Kiffin made it a point to declare the QB job more of an open competition than he seemed to indicate in the spring. Crompton gaining confidence in his game and this offense, but more importantly his offensive teammates seem to have a growing confidence in him. The next challenge is for Crompton to do it on his own in terms of managing the huddle, the play calls, making the right checks and protection calls. Clearly after a slow start the first week of camp, Crompton has been much better the last 8 or 9 practices. With less than three weeks till the season opener will that continue or does Crompton take a step back as more is placed on him.
Gerald Williams
Defensive End
6-foot-4, 248 pounds
Junior
Outlook: First team for now, appears attached to it
Setting the Stage: It's hard for many to believe that Williams' story isn't just too good to be true. After struggling since 2005 to get eligible and enrolled when he finally arrived last fall, the season turned out to be a personal and a team disappointment. In the spring, Williams was resistant (as he had always been) in moving from linebacker to defensive end and really, until just over a week ago Williams had not shown up much at all. Then he makes a couple of plays and gets a chance with the first team. And in a matter of 6 practices, Williams has been called a starter at defensive end. He certainly shows no signs of giving up his spot, and was one of the most disruptive players on the defense on Saturday. Williams is still learning the position, but now that he finally has embraced it his career seems to have some promise once again.
Mike Edwards
Defensive Back
5-foot-10, 180 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Two weeks in he may find himself in the two-deep at corner
Setting the StageO ne of the last signees to get cleared by the Clearinghouse t Edwards is acting like he was here in the spring. The Cleveland native continues to make plays and continues to get singled out for his efforts by Kiffin on a regular basis. He continues to impress his coaches and he continues to get chances. After starting last Monday on the sidelines running till he threw up for disciplinary reasons, Edwards had an excellent week. Good enough to earn him some first team reps, including on Saturday in the scrimmage. Does Edwards continue to get the opportunities and does he continue to take advantage of them? With Art Evans still banged up, Edwards will get more chances this week. From what we've seen so far, would think that Edwards is going to be a factor of some kind this fall.
Bryce Brown
Running Back
6-foot-0, 215 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Fighting for the No. 2 Tailback job
Setting the Stage: In order for Brown to live up to every bit of the hype surrounding him in the eyes of some he'd have to top 2,000 yards and make people forget a young Herschel Walker this season. That's probably expecting too much, but it's probably safe to assume that Brown is going to have a role in this offense. He's gotten visibly better as camp has worn, doesn't appear overmatched from a mental standpoint and is quite clearly up to the challenge from a physical standpoint. Brown appears to be locked in a battle for the back-up tailback job with Tauren Poole heading into Week 3 of camp. In addition to sheer running ability he's als has drawn high-marks from the coaches for details such as picking up pass-blocking nuances, his competitive attitude to the way he goes about preparing off the field in meetings and film study.
Montario Hardesty
Running Back
6-foot-0, 215 pounds
Senior
Outlook: Starting TB and early favorite as Vols' offensive MVP for 2009
Setting The Stage: If anyone deserves to go out in style as a senior it's Hardesty. The hard-working tailback has been plagued by injury almost since the moment he arrived on campus. The payoff could finally be coming from him though if the first two weeks of camp are any indication. Hardesty has been the offensive MVP of the first two weeks without question. He's showing more quickness and explosion than anyone can recall seeing him display, and the demand for the backs to 'make one cut and go' in this offense seems to suit his style immensely. All the talk in the offseason was about the Vols' incoming freshmen backs, but since the pads started popping, all the talk has been about Hardesty, and that's not because any of the newcomers has been a disappointment. Rather, it's because the 'old man' of the group is playing the best football of his career.
Montori Hughes
Defensive Tackle
6-foot-4, 312 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Solidly in the mix at DT, will be leaned on as much as any frosh
Setting the Stage: Hughes sudden and unexpected emergence at a position of extreme need in the spring was a pleasant surprise for the defensive staff. The freshman has had a solid camp to this point but hasn't been the same kind of force he was in the spring. With Wes Brown (knees) frequently being rested in camp it's been obvious to everyone including Hughes that he's going to play a huge role in the fall. Having playing time virtually assured for a young player isn't exactly ideal from a coaching standpoint. As a result the staff seemed to take some measures last week to perhaps 'light a fire' under the talented Hughes, such as giving some of his first-team reps to Victor Thomas. With no college action under his belt Hughes is an unknown. His talent is legit, but he's going to be carrying a large load for a freshman.
Marsalis Teague
Wide Receiver
5-foot-10, 180 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Seems destined to play. Taking advantage at injuries at WR and looks to be in the rotation
Setting the Stage: Teague was one of those last-minute recruiting coups that the staff pulled off in February. He started slower than some of his peers but over the last week he's made as much noise as any of the newcomers. Starting out at receiver is a learning experience for him, but he's clearly been getting more comfortable over the last few days and has frequently been showing up in the Vols' secondary, making things happen after the catch. An extremely smart young man, Teague is picking things up quickly in the offense and earning himself more reps all the time. Could be on pace to play more than anyone envisioned this fall. Debate about whether corner or wideout was a better fit for Teague followed him as a prospect, receiver fits like a glove for now.
Nu'Keese Richardson
Wide Receiver
5-foot-10, 165 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Will play early and could get touches in a variety of different ways on offense and special teams
Setting The Stage: The diminutive Richardson became an instant fan-favorite the moment he spurned Florida for Tennessee in one of the biggest recruiting surprises of 2009. He also appears to be one of Kiffin's favorite potential weapons on offense. Richardson will be among the smallest players in the SEC this fall, but also among the fastest. It seems a cinch that Richardson will be on the field early and often this fall. In addition to getting healthy reps at receiver, Richardson has also taken snaps from the shotgun at quarterback in the Vols' 'Pahokee Package', has gotten touches on reverses and even has taken a handoff out of the tailback position. Richardson also looks like a natural as a punt returner and the bet here is that he makes an impact in that area.
Aaron Douglas
Offensive Tackle
6-foot-6, 282 pounds
Freshman (RS)
Outlook: Will definitely play, fighting for starting RT job
Setting the Stage: When Douglas was moved to tackle from tight end shortly after Lane Kiffin's arrival, most thought the move meant that the redshirt freshman would 'disappear' for a year while working to learn position. That assessment was off by about 12 months. Douglas is still a work in progress, but the 'unfinished' product has shown enough already that he's gotten himself into a battle for the starting right tackle job with [db]Jarrod Shaw. Coaches are quick to point out that his technique needs work, but the athletic ability that made him a nationally regarded prospect as a tight end is also serving him well in the trenches. He seems to be making a stronger push to win the job in the last week. Even if doesn't win the job outright leaving camp Douglas has definitely put himself into position to play this fall and his long-term potential as a tackle is immense.
Gerald Jones
Wide Receiver
6-foot-0, 199 pounds
Junior
Outlook: Most experienced and capable receiver, must prove to be legit No. 1 option
Setting The Stage: Jones looked poised for a breakout year as a sophomore in 2008 but like everyone else on the Vol offense, his season didn't go according to plan, though his 30 catches and four TD's led the team, . He's been slowed by injury this past week, but not before stamping himself as easily the best receiver on the roster in the first week of camp. He dropped 15 pounds over the summer and the effects have been easy to see. Always extremely quick in short spaces, Jones has added some noticeable burst to is game. He's a more polished receiver simply from experience, and his increased quickness make him a tough cover. The Vols don't have an established No. 1 receiver on the offense, but Jones' start to August strongly suggests that he's ready to step into that role.
The 2009 Pre-season Hot Board
Jonathan Crompton
Quarterback
6-foot-4, 228 pounds
Senior
Outlook: Starter, but needs to continue progress he's shown in camp
Setting the Stage: Putting together back to back scrimmages with no interceptions is a big and loud statement for the senior, especially after Lane Kiffin made it a point to declare the QB job more of an open competition than he seemed to indicate in the spring. Crompton gaining confidence in his game and this offense, but more importantly his offensive teammates seem to have a growing confidence in him. The next challenge is for Crompton to do it on his own in terms of managing the huddle, the play calls, making the right checks and protection calls. Clearly after a slow start the first week of camp, Crompton has been much better the last 8 or 9 practices. With less than three weeks till the season opener will that continue or does Crompton take a step back as more is placed on him.
Gerald Williams
Defensive End
6-foot-4, 248 pounds
Junior
Outlook: First team for now, appears attached to it
Setting the Stage: It's hard for many to believe that Williams' story isn't just too good to be true. After struggling since 2005 to get eligible and enrolled when he finally arrived last fall, the season turned out to be a personal and a team disappointment. In the spring, Williams was resistant (as he had always been) in moving from linebacker to defensive end and really, until just over a week ago Williams had not shown up much at all. Then he makes a couple of plays and gets a chance with the first team. And in a matter of 6 practices, Williams has been called a starter at defensive end. He certainly shows no signs of giving up his spot, and was one of the most disruptive players on the defense on Saturday. Williams is still learning the position, but now that he finally has embraced it his career seems to have some promise once again.
Mike Edwards
Defensive Back
5-foot-10, 180 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Two weeks in he may find himself in the two-deep at corner
Setting the StageO ne of the last signees to get cleared by the Clearinghouse t Edwards is acting like he was here in the spring. The Cleveland native continues to make plays and continues to get singled out for his efforts by Kiffin on a regular basis. He continues to impress his coaches and he continues to get chances. After starting last Monday on the sidelines running till he threw up for disciplinary reasons, Edwards had an excellent week. Good enough to earn him some first team reps, including on Saturday in the scrimmage. Does Edwards continue to get the opportunities and does he continue to take advantage of them? With Art Evans still banged up, Edwards will get more chances this week. From what we've seen so far, would think that Edwards is going to be a factor of some kind this fall.
Bryce Brown
Running Back
6-foot-0, 215 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Fighting for the No. 2 Tailback job
Setting the Stage: In order for Brown to live up to every bit of the hype surrounding him in the eyes of some he'd have to top 2,000 yards and make people forget a young Herschel Walker this season. That's probably expecting too much, but it's probably safe to assume that Brown is going to have a role in this offense. He's gotten visibly better as camp has worn, doesn't appear overmatched from a mental standpoint and is quite clearly up to the challenge from a physical standpoint. Brown appears to be locked in a battle for the back-up tailback job with Tauren Poole heading into Week 3 of camp. In addition to sheer running ability he's als has drawn high-marks from the coaches for details such as picking up pass-blocking nuances, his competitive attitude to the way he goes about preparing off the field in meetings and film study.
Montario Hardesty
Running Back
6-foot-0, 215 pounds
Senior
Outlook: Starting TB and early favorite as Vols' offensive MVP for 2009
Setting The Stage: If anyone deserves to go out in style as a senior it's Hardesty. The hard-working tailback has been plagued by injury almost since the moment he arrived on campus. The payoff could finally be coming from him though if the first two weeks of camp are any indication. Hardesty has been the offensive MVP of the first two weeks without question. He's showing more quickness and explosion than anyone can recall seeing him display, and the demand for the backs to 'make one cut and go' in this offense seems to suit his style immensely. All the talk in the offseason was about the Vols' incoming freshmen backs, but since the pads started popping, all the talk has been about Hardesty, and that's not because any of the newcomers has been a disappointment. Rather, it's because the 'old man' of the group is playing the best football of his career.
Montori Hughes
Defensive Tackle
6-foot-4, 312 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Solidly in the mix at DT, will be leaned on as much as any frosh
Setting the Stage: Hughes sudden and unexpected emergence at a position of extreme need in the spring was a pleasant surprise for the defensive staff. The freshman has had a solid camp to this point but hasn't been the same kind of force he was in the spring. With Wes Brown (knees) frequently being rested in camp it's been obvious to everyone including Hughes that he's going to play a huge role in the fall. Having playing time virtually assured for a young player isn't exactly ideal from a coaching standpoint. As a result the staff seemed to take some measures last week to perhaps 'light a fire' under the talented Hughes, such as giving some of his first-team reps to Victor Thomas. With no college action under his belt Hughes is an unknown. His talent is legit, but he's going to be carrying a large load for a freshman.
Marsalis Teague
Wide Receiver
5-foot-10, 180 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Seems destined to play. Taking advantage at injuries at WR and looks to be in the rotation
Setting the Stage: Teague was one of those last-minute recruiting coups that the staff pulled off in February. He started slower than some of his peers but over the last week he's made as much noise as any of the newcomers. Starting out at receiver is a learning experience for him, but he's clearly been getting more comfortable over the last few days and has frequently been showing up in the Vols' secondary, making things happen after the catch. An extremely smart young man, Teague is picking things up quickly in the offense and earning himself more reps all the time. Could be on pace to play more than anyone envisioned this fall. Debate about whether corner or wideout was a better fit for Teague followed him as a prospect, receiver fits like a glove for now.
Nu'Keese Richardson
Wide Receiver
5-foot-10, 165 pounds
Freshman
Outlook: Will play early and could get touches in a variety of different ways on offense and special teams
Setting The Stage: The diminutive Richardson became an instant fan-favorite the moment he spurned Florida for Tennessee in one of the biggest recruiting surprises of 2009. He also appears to be one of Kiffin's favorite potential weapons on offense. Richardson will be among the smallest players in the SEC this fall, but also among the fastest. It seems a cinch that Richardson will be on the field early and often this fall. In addition to getting healthy reps at receiver, Richardson has also taken snaps from the shotgun at quarterback in the Vols' 'Pahokee Package', has gotten touches on reverses and even has taken a handoff out of the tailback position. Richardson also looks like a natural as a punt returner and the bet here is that he makes an impact in that area.
Aaron Douglas
Offensive Tackle
6-foot-6, 282 pounds
Freshman (RS)
Outlook: Will definitely play, fighting for starting RT job
Setting the Stage: When Douglas was moved to tackle from tight end shortly after Lane Kiffin's arrival, most thought the move meant that the redshirt freshman would 'disappear' for a year while working to learn position. That assessment was off by about 12 months. Douglas is still a work in progress, but the 'unfinished' product has shown enough already that he's gotten himself into a battle for the starting right tackle job with [db]Jarrod Shaw. Coaches are quick to point out that his technique needs work, but the athletic ability that made him a nationally regarded prospect as a tight end is also serving him well in the trenches. He seems to be making a stronger push to win the job in the last week. Even if doesn't win the job outright leaving camp Douglas has definitely put himself into position to play this fall and his long-term potential as a tackle is immense.
Gerald Jones
Wide Receiver
6-foot-0, 199 pounds
Junior
Outlook: Most experienced and capable receiver, must prove to be legit No. 1 option
Setting The Stage: Jones looked poised for a breakout year as a sophomore in 2008 but like everyone else on the Vol offense, his season didn't go according to plan, though his 30 catches and four TD's led the team, . He's been slowed by injury this past week, but not before stamping himself as easily the best receiver on the roster in the first week of camp. He dropped 15 pounds over the summer and the effects have been easy to see. Always extremely quick in short spaces, Jones has added some noticeable burst to is game. He's a more polished receiver simply from experience, and his increased quickness make him a tough cover. The Vols don't have an established No. 1 receiver on the offense, but Jones' start to August strongly suggests that he's ready to step into that role.