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Willingham is surprised by honor

Ayers, Stocker and Paige also earn spring awards

By Dave Hooker (Contact)
Originally published 08:51 p.m., April 17, 2008
Updated 08:51 p.m., April 17, 2008

Perhaps the ultimate sign of a good worker is a player so engulfed in his craft that he's not even aware his efforts have been singled out.

Such was the case Thursday when Tennessee defensive back DeAngelo Willingham, one of four Vols named the most improved of spring practice, was asked of the honor.

"Who me?" the senior said. "I didn't even know to tell you the truth. I just found out through you."

Let us also inform Willingham and others that senior defensive end Robert Ayers, sophomore tight end Luke Stocker and redshirt freshman receiver Ahmad Paige complete the foursome of top workers of spring practice.

Paige's transformation has been something to behold. In just one offseason he has turned himself into a big-play threat. That comes just months after last season when the lost, skinny newcomer admittedly didn't give football his all.

"He can help us as an offense," first-year receivers coach Latrell Scott said. "I reiterate the fact that he still has a long way to go, but he has shown the big-play potential that people thought they'd see a year ago."

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Paige can be dynamic, if he can continue to mature.

"I've been kidding him," Fulmer said, "He's become a wide blocker rather than a wide receiver."

That's a compliment as Fulmer and staff demand receivers be good run blockers.

Blocking is only one of the aspects of Stocker's game that has flourished. Once starter Jeff Cottam was lost for the spring with a leg injury, Stocker proved the tight end position was, indeed, well-stocked.

"As soon as Jeff got hurt, I felt the weight on my shoulders," Stocker said. "It was a great opportunity for me to step up and show the coaches what I've got, that I can be a playmaker and a force on the field. I feel like I did a good job of that."

Willingham's improvement has been all about confidence, which has led to improved tackling and a knack for turning in big plays, such as interceptions and forced fumbles.

What changed for UT's most versatile defensive back, who has played safety and cornerback this spring?

"My own mindset," Willingham said. "I wanted to come out and get better this year so I could help the team."

It's unusual to have two seniors named most improved. Willingham makes sense. As a junior college transfer, he only arrived at UT last summer.

Ayers is another matter. The late bloomer has shown significant improvement this spring, just as he has for more than a year.

"He has made improvement every year but he has made up his mind that he's going to be a great player (this fall)," defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said.

Ayers declined to talk to the media as he's done all spring, citing disapproval of media criticism of Fulmer.

"John Adams knows how I feel," Ayers was overheard saying, referring to the News Sentinel's sports editor.

Spring Sizzle: Fulmer said UT's defense will be "handcuffed" during the Orange and White Game on Saturday to give fans an opportunity to see UT's offensive weapons.

Fulmer said he's not worried about UT's spring finale being televised, even with a competitive season opener looming. The Vols play at UCLA on Sept. 1.

The Orange and White Game will be run as last year with one color as offense and the other as defense.

Draft Dish: Former UT linebacker Jerod Mayo worked out for the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. Former UT tight end Brad Cottam visited St. Louis earlier this week to work out for the Rams.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       38 Comments

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 17, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Ayers declined to talk to the media as he's done all spring, citing disapproval of media criticism of Fulmer."

I almost wish all the players would take this stance.

Posted by DaddyVol on April 17, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Burntorange, I totally agree. Can't wait for the goon squad to attack and slaughter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by imw8n4u on April 17, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

who are you punishing Ayers, the News Sentinel or the fans? We'd love to hear from you Senior, Leader, likely Captain! Get over it already, Fulmer can take care of himself.

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 17, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, it looks like Robert Ayers is as big of a baby as most people who will comment on this article giving him an online-high-five for talking smack about John Adams.

Posted by GreerVol22 on April 17, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't need to hear from him. As long as he is pissed.......cause pissed players play with passion.

Posted by DaddyVol on April 17, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll defend fulmer and ayers while some evidently defend john adams.( why I don't know) I'll not hold ones opinion against them. Atleast one thing most of us will agree on is the fact that we are ready to watch THE NEW LOOK VOLS slaughter!

Posted by losvolsganan on April 17, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, Ayers - <High Five!>

Congrats to all 4 most improved players.

Go Vols!

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on April 17, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

evolution, his winning percentage would suggest otherwise. Go figure.

Posted by rockyknox on April 17, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like yemmusdarb still wants to play smack smack with John Adams.

Posted by rockyknox on April 17, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I respect your leadership Robert Ayers.

Posted by Volfan1 on April 17, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe John Adams & his buddy yemmus would like to discuss that face to face with Mr. Ayers. Nope, didn't think they would.

Thank you Ayers for vocalizing. Show that fire on the field and it will be fun to watch.

Posted by DaddyVol on April 18, 2008 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, adams needs to go back where he came from.

Posted by Goodvol on April 18, 2008 at 12:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I respect Ayers for outwardly supporting his coach. I appreciate his stance and I like his leadership. Good luck to him and the rest of the Vols this upcoming season. I can't wait for it to start!

Posted by bamacheats on April 18, 2008 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Trooper was such a great receivers coach, why is A.Paige showing some game now?

Posted by sjt18 on April 18, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bamacheats, Paige's problem seems to have been himself. Maybe his little incident this past January brought things into crystal clear focus for him? Maybe he just had to grow up emotionally?

I don't think it is fair to lay that at the feet of Trooper.

OTOH, Scott seems to be getting more out of Hancock too.

Both are fine coaches. I wish UT could have had both.

Posted by KyScGaFlAlAkMiTnLa on April 18, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

imw8n4u - He's thinking for himself, has made a decision and is sticking by it. Why don't YOU get over it.

Posted by KyScGaFlAlAkMiTnLa on April 18, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yemmuddrab - Not going there is a sign of maturity, which YOU obviously do not have. But more to the point, you are dogging people for doing to John Adams exactly what he does to Fulmer and others. So either you are a hypocrite (my guess), or an idiot (without a doubt), or related to John Adams. Probably all 3, as it seems to run in the family.

Posted by txvolsfan on April 18, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to see him just boycott John Adams!!!
or just do interviews for UTSPORTS.COM
(no knox-news)!!!
I think it is great that the players make a stance against media with an agenda!!
GO VOLS
keep being a team and stick together
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by Greyback_Vol on April 18, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's really good to see Ayers stepping up at d-end and Paige turning into a treat at receiver. We need both positions to improve. It's going to be really interesting Saturday to see what this offense looks like and how much of it is installed.

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 18, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is consistent with my inside source - he said Robert Ayers is going to be a force this year, but that the verdict is still out on the rest of the DL.

With Willingham improving, how good is our secondary going to be? Can't wait to watch Berry and Morely in the same secondary.

Good to see Paige step up - we need to improve at WR and we need a deep threat out there as well. Where's the spotted ape? Looking good at Tight End too - very important with the new offense.

Posted by kevinlimbo on April 18, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Phil Deford of Sports Illustrated wrote an article critical of Bear Bryant after Bryant retired. Dean Smith was so offended by the article he never gave Deford an interview. I guess Dean Smith is a big baby too.

Posted by kevinlimbo on April 18, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

uh...Frank Deford

Posted by VOLS85 on April 18, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

KySc,

I think you just enlightened everyone to the fact that ayers equally has his right to not address a paper that took it upon themselves to judge the character of a man who has shown nothing but character his entire career. I think that speaks to all of people on here who are critical of the people who criticize Adams...If he wants to bring the heat, he better be able to take it as well.

Thank you for supporting your coach robert

Posted by cjraney on April 18, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I applaud Mr. Ayers for showing public support for his coach AND taking a stand in support of his belief. Standing up for what you believe in is the fundamental basis of leadership and this Vol fan is glad someone on our D-line is stepping up and showing some.

Congrats on the awards guys. Let's surprise some folks this fall.

KHB-What do you think?

Posted by Bigger_Al on April 18, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great to see solidarity and support from the players for their coach! This UT grad is fine with seeing Mr. Ayers do his talking on the field if that is a signal that he has his coach's back!

John Adams is a weasel who does not have the best interests of UT at heart.

Posted by dunnjon on April 18, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I personally love to see Ayers attitude and reaction. I haven't read an Adams article since his comments toward Fulmer.

Posted by mparker on April 18, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Deford is a yankee a##hole, always was, always has been. He is the WORST kind of yankee. sorry to offend anyone, but I always thought Deford was a holier-than-thou prlck.

Posted by copan07 on April 18, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey guys help me out. The spring game is televised? Who is going to show it? I am out of state.

Posted by rockyknox on April 18, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Ayers boldly took a stand. I would sure love for the next KNS survey to be this;

Should John Adams stay or go?

Yes ____

No ____

It would clear the air on where the support is.

Posted by newtonrail on April 18, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rockyknox, good idea for poll. On another subject. What is the status of Brandon Warren? The last I heard, he enrolled in Jan, but where does he stand with NCAA transfer being eligible?

Posted by rockyknox on April 18, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On Brandon Warren, I heard someone mention Pellissippi State. Don't know if there is any truth to that.

Posted by TurboFan on April 18, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Morely went to Pellissippi for sure, not sure about Warren. Do believe that since he was not released from his FSU scholly that his year to sit out for transferring didn't begin until last summer meaning he can't join the team till this summer. If he did enroll in January that should mean he's got his academics in order already. My guess.

Posted by givim6 on April 18, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ayers = Loyalty

Adams = A-hole

Posted by thesavageorange on April 18, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

newtonrail ,Warren is scheduled to enrole at UT this June.At that time UT will apply for a medical hardship on his behalf.That is expected to go through, b/c the ruling of the ncaa released him from his LOI, meaning there were no rules violations for mid-term transfer.However, it is being rumored that he may no longer have the desire to play football.Hope that isn't true.

Posted by BOASoldier on April 18, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ayers here is my "online High Five" "Low Five" "side Five" and a smack in the face to "yeah musdard" (i like ketchup better myself) and a kick in the face to Adam's for you... GO VOLS!!! BEAT JOHN ADAMS I mean BAMA... oh well same difference

Posted by DaddyVol on April 18, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, I thought ayers should have started last year. He should be a serious threat! Also like the fact that he can play DT on passing downs. Provides athleticism and depth in several differant areas. NICE!!!!

Posted by why36knot on April 18, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I read with pleasure Robert Ayers comment concerning John Adams. It's good to know that even some football players hold Adams in such disdain. If more players would refuse to talk to these guys maybe they would begin to discover that the media need the players and not the other way around. I will always believe that the reason the media only gets to watch 30 mins of "vanilla" practices is because of Adams and Hooker. Coach Fulmer, I think would like to open practices to some media but he really can't do that without opening it to all. Before Adams arrived there was never a problem.

Posted by philfan on April 18, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have internet television through Windows Vista Home Premium. Can I get the O and W game through an internet connection? Thanks.

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