Posted by pdhuff on July 22, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DL is solid. He'll be fine.

Punting could be an adventure, though.

Posted by gavol2572 on July 22, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the kicking aspect will be ok and getting the punts off may be shaky at first but as the season progesses will be fine. I know we got better last year but I would still like to see us more stingy on our coverage. As the article stated we got exposed by Cal and Fla in that area

Posted by tngeoff on July 22, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Critical issue and we've been weak here in too many ways.

Posted by gavol2572 on July 22, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

at least we dont have Fair Catch Hefney returning this year

Posted by volgrog on July 22, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When UT went to the spread punt formation after the FL game it helped tremendously in punt coverage. They went to a bunch-type kick-off formation which seemed to help as well. I hope they keep these aspects on special teams.

Posted by utwick on July 22, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

God forbid if Cunningham got hurt in the first 5 games, but who would his backup be, Lincoln?

Posted by GreeneVol on July 22, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man I hope we're finally turning a corner on this one. Special team coverage has been a big thorn for seems like 4 years or more now. The add'l coaching experience is good news as is the trend.

Rogan is really fun to watch.

If the special teams coverage continues to make strides and the defense makes a solid showing, this team should make it really hard on the other two top five national teams in it's division....

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 22, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Supposed to kick that dadgum ball out of bounds. Hopefully, Foolmore will throw stuff at Lincoln and yell at him during the fall practice like he did last year so he doesn't get complacent.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 22, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General Neyland must have rolled over in his grave the past few years regarding special teams D. Hope the worst is behind us.

Posted by VOLS85 on July 22, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

excellent work drew

Posted by tenncorncob on July 22, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kick the ball.....

Posted by 1manningfan on July 22, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey guys first time on here but i have been reading your guys comments for awhile and govolsxtra as well. I am a die hard vols fan born and raised in tenn;however i live in tampa,fl now (hate gators with a passion). I promise no dumb comments and very respectful of everyones opinions, hope the same from you fellow vols and the outsiders.

Now to football, vol fans we have are work cut out for us this season ;however, i feel confident in this team and what they bring to the table. Also, speaking of special teams im hoping they get better bc i didnt like what i saw last year ;furthermore, things will have to change in the special teams department if we want to compete (very crucial)in the SEC!!

Anyways hope you guys accept and respect my comments and opinions, and looking forward to hearing back from you guys thanks....GO VOLS!!!!

Posted by marinevol on July 22, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1manningfan, any fan of the Vols has my respect. I like your optimism. Welcome aboard.

Posted by murrayvol on July 22, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1manningfan: Welcome in my friend to the show that never ends. Many who come here are worthy of your respect. Alas, many are not. You'll figure it out soon enough.

Try not to take reactions to seemingly benign posts personally. Enjoy!

Posted by zbbb10 on July 22, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

d ro is the man but i want to see berry returning some punts. risk of injury be darned. GO VOLS! ROCKY TOP YOULL ALWAYS BE..... i can smell it in the air.

Posted by zbbb10 on July 22, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i just tackled my girlfriend. i may be a little to pumped. looks like a sprained shoulder but i bet she'll be okay by the ucla kickoff (fingers crossed). GO VOLS!!!!!!!

Posted by OrangePower11 on July 22, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1manningfan...

Welcome aboard brother. I live in Lakeland and work often in Tampa...ever been to the hotel on Westshore that hosts UT fans (among other alumni groups)?

You'll love this gator homer mcbrim, he's a human punching bag. Take a number for blasting him haha

Posted by 1manningfan on July 22, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

orangepower11...

Thanks, i havent been there however i have been to the last two outback bowl games that tenn has hosted (unfortunantly). Oh and that mcbrim homer looking forward to it lol...

Posted by Bigger_Al on July 23, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm excited about our return teams. Rogan is the truth, and I can see Berry and Vinson getting involved. Coverage-wise, we did improve through the year. One thing that hacked me off is that I watched a replay of Cal's Jackson returning the punt for the TD, and there were three major clips that sprung him and were not called.

Posted by RJ_Vol on July 23, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I still feel kick-off and punt coverage could be an adventure. Let's hope Drayton can help us there - we need it. I know I have said that UT will have a very good season and could be even better w/ key personel stepping up and catching some breaks. However, I am more concerned about special teams play than any other area - including D-line. Long punt returns by the opponents are back-breakers in close rivalry games. However, so are punt returns by the opponent that simply flip the field. I am not a huge Urban Meyer fan, but the man recognizes that the return game is hugely important. We aren't in a conference where long drives happen often due to great defenses. However, if you can get a long return(or stop one), the game can turn on those plays alone due to field position and ease of scoring on a short field for an offense. Want an example of how a kick return can change a game, just think Dale Carter and the beginning of the second half.

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

Bigger_Al. I definitely remember one clip/block-in-the-back. However, the bottom line is that we should have never kicked the ball to him. That was just one(of many) key special teams errors that haunted this team during the first half of the season. The onside kick/recovery by Bama is another that stands out. Once we started playing better on special teams(coverage and Rogan as you mention), the field position game began going our way...our defense began to look better...and the offense began moving the ball...and we won the East. Neyland was a pretty smart man! Stay cool, I'm out for the night.

Posted by TommyJack on July 23, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1manningfan: You seem green. Just remember ol' TommyJack is always right and we shall get on marvelously well. Welcome, Bunky.

Posted by BillVol on July 23, 2008 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The best holder ever for UT was Bobby Scott's son. I forgot his name, but he was the best. Why don't holders get the attention they deserve? Why don't they get Heisman Trophy consideration?

Posted by Bass_Vol_1998 on July 23, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

welcome manning, two more posts before everyone starts poking fun at you.

I was really impressed by the change on punt coverage- at first it seemed too high school, but it worked much better. One of the few times that we have had a glaring weakness that was addressed and corrected quickly (kind of quickly).

Posted by Bass_Vol_1998 on July 23, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have always wondered we could recruit a kicker who could boot it through the endzone...every time.

I mean, maybe a soccer player or someone already on campus, something. Maybe put up some flyers- Kick off for touchback = full ride plus lots of hot girls.

Our inability to cause touchbacks, even before the rule change, has always been one of my UT pet peeves. Others are not hitting the QB on options plays, giving it up on 3rd and long, not double teaming/ spying their best player. I will elaborate later in the year.

Posted by movol77 on July 23, 2008 at 1:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

workin, I'm SICK of reading you (and a few others) continually calling our head coach a "fool" (whether you like him or not). STOP THE INSANITY and SHOW SOME RESPECT or MOVE ON!!!

(You would think that such continual, blatant "defamatory" violation of the head coach would be banned from this site. I understand a venting here or there but not the constant regurgitation.)

Posted by movol77 on July 23, 2008 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's hoping that Cunningham's limited experience last year while Colquitt was injured will be a difference maker for him to perform at a higher level in the first 5 games. He should less unnerved and game ready. I anticipate it paying dividends. Go Vols!

Posted by volfan73120 on July 23, 2008 at 1:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

movol77- Your 1:15am post was right on target. I agree with every thing you said to the letter. Keep up the good work.

Posted by UTvols12342000 on July 23, 2008 at 2:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I really think working is JA. I noticed that when JA was on vacation that workin's posts dropped by 90% and when JA comes back and starts writing articles again, well, workin is everywhere to be found.

Am I the only one to notice this?

Posted by olozbal on July 23, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anybody hear Mark May on ESPN say UT was the dark horse team for the national championship?

He was pressed on College Football Live for the dark horse team and he said Tennessee. Pretty wild. Amazing considering everybody thinks Stafford and Tebow are the second and third coming.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 23, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1manningfan - with "manning" in your post name, I can only think of one person who is a so called Vol fan who will not give you the respect you request and that is nafslov. If you are caucasion, that is two strikes against you as far as nafslov is concerned because everyone who ever wore a Vol jersey that was not Black is a wasted jersey according to him. And finally, just remember that according to VolGraduate, if you did not graduate from UT, you cannnot be a true Vol fan. The vast majority of people on here are good Vol fans. Enjoy.

Posted by pdhuff on July 23, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utwick 9:03 - Cunningham's back-up is a 27 year old frosh named Dupree.

From Halls Crossroads.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 23, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - Dupree is practicing kicking beach balls down the halls when his manager is not looking.
Halls has it!

Posted by WVVOLFAN on July 23, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

why does everyone assume that colquitt will be kicking after 5 games. if Cunningham is doing well, i think he should stay in. Cunningham didn't let the team down when he played last year.

Posted by GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer on July 23, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

General -

I finally got nafs to concede that CJ Leak was in fact a wasted jersey. It was a breakthrough moment on the boards.

Posted by GreerVol22 on July 23, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder how many times, right after we score on a momemtum changing drive, I will have to say, "We gotta cover the kick?" Immediately followed by 5th string seniors on coverage running right past the opposing ball carrier with nary a sniff returning it to the 42 yard line.(the avg starting field position for Tebow last year) It was the same all season, has been and will be...

Posted by HotlantaVol on July 23, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm glad Cunningham was able to get that first game over with last year . . . does anybody remember the last time we broke in a punter in a game at UCLA? U-G-L-Y

Posted by threehundredbowler on July 23, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are in good hands with the kicking game.

Posted by ThurmondEppy on July 23, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Didn't they move the kickoff point back about ten yards a couple years ago? That's why there aren't many end zone kicks anymore.

Posted by hueypilot on July 23, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A former player tells me two salient points about the kicking game. 1) Unless the HC puts big time emphasis in the kicking game no one wants to do it except the guy who wants to return kicks. Why? Not because of the fact you might get injured. Because you have to run your butt off in practice. 40 yard sprint after 40 yards sprint. The second fact is one that Dickey preached to them every year about the percentage of times you score getting the ball inside your own 20 vs the percentage of times you score getting the ball inside the other guys 50. Despite today's high flying offenses, field position is still a big factor. BTW most of you guys are right. Nafslov is a drooler. Probably a closet Auburn fan.

Posted by HotlantaVol on July 23, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Last year the kick-off was backed up from the 35 YL to the 30 YL. It was an attempt to get more kids hurt . . . oops . . . I mean, it was an attempt to reduce touchbacks and make the game more exciting.

Posted by mikevol on July 23, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1manningfan;

Welcome I was also rasied in Tenn and how live the Tampa. We watch all Vol games at Bostons...It's almost football time in Tennessee

Posted by jimr07 on July 23, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

movol77-give it up. this is the only place workin can spew his venom. has absolutely nothing positive to say. we could be talking about archery or water ballet and he is going to bash fulmer in some fashion. try not to pay any attention to him. this is the only place in the world that anyone pays attention to him. he is the village idiot.

Posted by ctownvol on July 23, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1manningfan- Welcome aboard. Glad to have you, but I must reiterate that by having Manning in your name you WILL be accosted by a poster named nafslov. Notice that is volsfan spelled backwards. It's ok. He's relatively harmless but he hates Peyton and will remind us over and over and over blah blah blah. Just don't pay him any attention and he eventually goes away. Anyway, enjoy yourself.

Posted by jcvet on July 23, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kick the ball to the return man. Don't tell the punt team it will be just a kick out of bounds. That way they won't all loaf down the field toward the side it's supposed to go out of bounds. Guess what happens the punter makes a bad kick right to the guy and he runs it back like Cal and FL did. Pop Warner 101.

Posted by BigMix on July 23, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jeff Hall and David Leverton played pivitol roles in 98.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 23, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello everyone! My first time posting although i've been a member for a while now. Hey orangepower11, I live in Auburndale & work in Lakeland. Where are you located? Good to have some VOLS nearby.

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Manningfan, welcome aboard!! I did it the oposite way, was born in St.Pete (bayfront medical center), dad died when I was 4 and we moved to East Cleveland,Oh. closer to mom and dads family. Bad move huh, from nice Tampa suburb to ice cold polor bear weather with crime rates higher than Memphis at times. Luckily about the time people starting getting robbed over their Air Jordans mom's job relocated her to Charelston,Wv. for 1 1/2 years and then we came on down to EASTTENN. I had always lived in PRO cities and KnoxVegas was my first real exposure to a College town and a college team, safe to say my first trip to watch U.T. brainwashed me for life!! Not to mention getting to live ijn GOD'S COUNTRY, and when you have traveled down my road and end up here you realize what people mean when they call it that.

Posted by 1974Vol on July 23, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Those of you who remember when George Cafego coached kickers and special teams will remember they were truly special then. Maybe Stan Drayton will bring some of that back. Let's all hope so!

Posted by VOLstuckINky on July 23, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Special teams can only get better .... last 5 games last year was 6 years in the making .... maybe Drayton is the key ......

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess my last post had nothing to do with the subject at hand, just trying to let Manningfan know that we welcome him before some of the BUSTERS on here try and tear him down. Some people don't like the idea of E.Berry playing offense due to injury, yet want him on special teams, YIKEZZZZ!!!!!!Rogan and Denarius Moore are pretty good, and I think people are underestimating the power of Mr. Stan Drayton, someone with Spec.teams coaching experience at the NFL level. Here's my thoughts on punt returns, if not full time, just to throw a wrinkle in thangz!!http://tennessee.rivals.com/video.asp...

Posted by murrayvol on July 23, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1974Vols: Do you still believe in miracles?

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets try this again, http://tennessee.rivals.com/video.asp...

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 23, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"That's one of the biggest things just because if you can't get the kick off, it's going to get blocked and that's not going to be good,"

Thank you Captian Obvious!!! If I didn't know better, I would've sworn that was a John Madden quote.

Dennis Rogan is going to be electric in the return game this year. Teams will be kicking it away from him by mid-season.

G.W./ BigMix-

I posted some great footage of ol' BigMix gettin down on the strip over on the SEC Media Day board from yesterday. I'm glad Workin was able to figure out who he was.

Workin-

You keep bagging on Fulmer for the way he coached Lincoln last season, but he must've been doing something right if the kid made Freshman All-American right? Way to turn a plus into a minus wherever possible Workin.

Posted by 1974Vol on July 23, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not when it comes to football MV - just hard work and good coaching. ST's need to be made as important as the O & D. Think how many games you have seen that turned on a ST play. In 2007 Cal for sure in 2006 Florida & Ga. The list goes on.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 23, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lincoln made 3 of his last 8 FG attempts and was 1 of his last 5. Hopefully, this doesn't carry over into this year because we all know Foolmore loves to kick FGs. I guess Foolmore quit throwing stuff at him. Foolmore was quick to take all the credit for Lincoln's development.

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey manningfan, my dad was a karate LEGEND before he died. He had a dojo in St.pete and was known WORLDWIDE, name was Rubin Coffey. http://tmkarate.com/MasterTim.html Might not mean much to others but his legacy is all I have!

Posted by orangebloodgmc on July 23, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome manningvol and jimbig.

I would like to think that our special teams bottomed out early last season and started coming up in the second half to go from liability toward being an asset. Yes, my doctor has me on an all-koolaid diet right now.

Posted by jack_2222 on July 23, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There's no soccer player in Europe or South America who can just kick it out of the endzone everytime. If there were, USC would already have signed him, given him a car, gotten him an agent to get his family a house and found a job for his father. So there isn't one.

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

On that last post you have to read the whole article to see where I'm coming from. Back to the subject, Workin, does Freshman A-American mean anything to you? didn't think it would!! Lincoln will be fine.

Posted by orangebloodgmc on July 23, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bass_Vol 1:07 a.m., all excellent points.

Posted by Greyback_Vol on July 23, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm wary of the special teams this year. The last few years have been unpredictable. Add Cunngingham to this and it gives you some cause for concern.

Lincoln will be fine, and I really hope Drayton can add something to the punt/kick coverage. If Drayton can help UT on special teams, he will turn into a fantastic hire.

Posted by givim6 on July 23, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1974Vols: Cafego taught the 1 step punt and while he was involved in the kicking game, we NEVER had a punt blocked unless it was due to a bad snap or losing the handle, and those were very rare. He was a kicking genius as well as one of the best players and coaches we ever had.

Welcome All of you Florida Vols! We have some outstanding posters here. You will always find this site to be provocative, entertaining, mostly intelligent, sometimes moronic, rarely dull. Give us your best shots!

My suggestion for dealing with the very few morons here is to deal with them as if they are stray dogs, "IF YOU DON'T FEED THEM, THEY WILL EVENTUALLY GO AWAY.

Posted by EricBerryIsYourFather on July 23, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You all should check out gatorsports.com. They have a list of the top 25 players in the SEC going. They are up to #4 today which happens to be Eric F@#$* Berry (above the most overrated QB in the SEC, Stafford!) It gives a brief summary of each player and is fun to check out if you are bored at work. Go Vols!!

Posted by miamiVOL on July 23, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I dont want Eric Berry or Brent Vinson taking back punts, too valuable. Give Rogan, Gerald Jones and L.Creer that job at PR/KR

Posted by givim6 on July 23, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MiamiVol: Totally Agree:

Posted by Volchaz on July 23, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very nice insight with Drayton. Hope that he can tighten our Special Teams to the point that it doesn't cost us ball games. Interesting coincidence about JA and Workin being gone at the same time. Maybe they vacation together? lol, Maybe they brainstormed together on this week's articles. hmm..

Posted by thesavageorange on July 23, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome bigjim & manning.

I sure hope Lincoln doesn't have to attempt 29 FG's this yr.I would rather he set the mark for XPT's in a season.

As expected, we have made the top 3 for 6-foot-1, 180lb DB Stephon Gilmore of (SC).The other 2 are Bama & S Carolina.However watch for Clemson to make a late push.

Also ,don't be surprised if we get a commitment from Zach Rogers this week.He wants it out of the way before fall practice goes in full swing, and the UT sports picnic is at Lipscom this week.Could be wrong , but the set up is just to convenient.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 23, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

miamiVOL:I agree too.

For those in and around Nashville and want to attend, here is the info.

http://www.nowplayingnashville.com/ev...

Posted by GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer on July 23, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin brought up something I forgot.

It became so trendy to throw Ainge under the bus after the SEC title game, that people forgot about Lincoln's missing two second half field goals.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 23, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer, very true.It's funny how they never forget the ones that other teams miss.If I'm not mistaken Lincoln missed FG's in the Vandy & USC games that would have kept those teams from having a shot at a game winner.However most people only remember the VU & USC misses.

Not pointing the finger, but it's true.I actually forgot that he missed 2 in the LSU game.

Posted by Sheepscape on July 23, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Special teams have been underperforming for years, so I will believe it when I see it. I am encouraged though by Rogan as a return guy, he's got an elusive quality.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 23, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savageorange, Thanks for the welcome mat. I enjoy your posts and recruiting info. Keep it up! Special teams have ALWAYS been a weak point under Fulmer. Hopefully Drayton can change that. Would love to have Gilmore but as far as Rogers, if he's anything like his brother i'd rather hold out for better. Decent hands but not able to do much after the catch. We need another Gerald Jones.

Posted by jcvet on July 23, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No Jack_2222, He would be at Alabama for the same reasons. lol

Posted by txsvol on July 23, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1manningfan, Welcome to the site! I'm a Tennessean in Texas for 35 years, although I try to make it to a game or more each season. I liked this site more when it was a paid site, and actually enjoyed reading most of the posters then. Now, with the site open to everyone, I usually just scan through most of the postings, because, especially during non-football & basketball and recruiting seasons, the posts usually degenerate into bickering sessions and bad posers making fun of our head football coach. Glad to have you aboard! Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer on July 23, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It gets even better looking back a the play by play.

I had also forgotten the late turnover on downs when we went for in on 4th and 4 at the LSU 21 after the two missed field goals. Amazing how two missed field goals will kill the coach's confidence in a kicker.

Man, I wish I hadn't started looking at this. It's rekindled bad memories of that day and how badly we botched that game. And looking back at it and how the game played out, if Lincoln hits field goals, heck even one of the two, that is a completely different ball game.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 23, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder if I can come throw stuff at Lincoln and yell at him during practice. It seemed to work for the 1st half of the season. Coaches, I can do that if y'all think it'll help. I know Fulmer's a busy man.

Seriously though, I'm thinking that he'll be even better this year. He should be used to the pressure this time around. I just hope he gets a shot at redemption in this year's SECCG.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 23, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In all seriousness, I hope Lincoln hasn't lost confidence or whatever he had that was working when he was making everything in sight. Kickers are streaky. His FG attempt in the Outback Bowl was blocked. Sorry, but based on his last several games, I do not think he is "fine" at this point. What if he gets off to a slow start this year? Don't say it's no big deal as this is one of Foolmore's "weapons", the FG attempt.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 23, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've already offered my services. All I can do now is hope.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 23, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer , I know what you mean.But that is the drug that is the college football roller coaster.

jmbigorange ,will do.We only need to sign 2 WR's and everyone knows Brown is our #1 priority.We are only in on a couple other big time WR's.Rodney Smith a 6'6 202lb 4* out of Miami.It looks like it's us,FSU, and Auburn.He has a great relationship w/ Drayton.Now, he may be someone that can move to DE or TE so we could maybe squeeze him in.The other is Lamar Scruggs the 6'3 208lb 4* from Jacksonville.Scruggs is more of a possesion receiver.IMO, he is an LSU lean.He was suppose to be at the 7 on 7 camp ,but haven't gotten word if he made it or not.We are on 5* Rueben Randle's radaar, but I don't see us landing 2 5* receivers, and I do think we land Brown.

Posted by law_vol on July 23, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GDGFP & I Bleed - Probably shouldn't dig too far into the SECCG. Not only do people forget the missed FG's in a rush to beat down Erik, but they also forget that in the second to last game of the year, Berry absolutely whiffed on a play that he should have easily had that led to a walk in touchdown for LSU.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 23, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savageO, What about Jamal Patterson? I thought we stood good w/ him. I agree w/u on Brown. I think he'll wait till the end but i do think we get him. How about LBS? Would love to land Askew & Telfort. I hear Drayton is on Telfort which is good news.

Posted by GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer on July 23, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

law_vol -

On a 3rd and 16 no less if memory serves correctly scanning the play by play.

Posted by VolFanInAtl on July 23, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GoshDarnGoodFootballPlayer, I was at that game. I think I teared up near the end. I just knew we were going to win right up until... we didn't.

LSU, FL and GA are all very beatable! Auburn looked like crap last year. I seriously think we can go all the way if our offense is no worse for the change at OC and QB. Big if... I know.

Posted by law_vol on July 23, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolFanInAtl - the only concern about auburn is that Kodi Burns is a mobile QB, and Chavis's defenses have historically had a hard time with that type of threat.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 23, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jmbigorange , we are not an option for Patterson.I'm not sure that we ever offered him.We are top 3 on Askew & Telfort at this point.I really think we get Askew.He loves Chavis and his chances to get to the NFL under his guidence.Telfort has a good relationship w/ Drayton ,and said that UT was the most impressive visit he has taken to this point.If we can grab Askew ,Telfort, and Greg King I will be well pleased.Drayton hasn't worked all his magic yet.UT is using a tag team approach and Drayton, Scott, and Slade have done a good job so far at closing even when their not the lead recruiter.

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Auburn will give us trouble because of mobile QB, but more important they run the spread!! I both appreciate and agree with savage and his insight. I think we land M.Brown, hey if it takes Bruce Pearl to get him here, who gives a damn. Askew is one that I would LOVE to get!!!! I love these guys who have a GPA that looks like a slow 40 time as does Askew(4.7) and current volJosh Nunes(4.6). I think Fullmer knew what he was doing when bringing in this O-staff. Not only was he trying to improve our offense/recruiting, but Tenn has been rolling down the wrong street when it comes to the character of some of our players. I'm PUMPED and can't wait!!!!!!

Posted by VolFanInAtl on July 23, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

law_vol, Yeah I guess that Auburn comment was a bit "from the hip." I haven't really researched them this year. The game before that one will have a significant impact too... on both sides of the ball. We play FL and they play LSU. Heck both teams may be starting third string quarterbacks by then.

Man I can smell it. The high school kids are running captain's practice in the evenings; two-a-days in a couple of weeks.

Posted by auttat on July 23, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns...

Two Tennessee boys on this list. One of them was a wasted jersey, though.

Posted by TommyJack on July 23, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat: good one.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 23, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember ,Auburn isn't running the spread option.It's more like the Texas Tech/Tulsa spread.Burns will split time w/ Chris Todd,whom Franklin recruited out of HS.His offense is based on timing routes and quick throws.Not saying Burns can't run in that system, but I don't think it will be as difficult as the UF spread.However, how good would TT be if they played defense?

Posted by BAMABLOWS on July 23, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage you da man , keep posting recruiting tidbits , i cant keep up with recruiting like i used to . i have a 4 yr old and 8 yr old,nuff said. so keep it coming brother. we need some defensive recruits , any serious word out on the recruiting trail on some def players?

Posted by invisiblekid on July 23, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Manningfan, Archie probably has you beat on the number 1 part but we'll let it slide. As far as posting on here, all I can say is godspeed.

On the special teams, Colquitt's absence will hurt but Cunningham has the talent and enough experience to get the job done. I feel like Drayton should help improve the ST's given his experience and a year's experience from players like Grogan and Lincoln can only help. I'd love to see the coaching staff buy into the mindset of Beamer and Virginia Tech where their kids look at as an honor to play special teams instead of a chore. Special teams plays can swing momentum as quick as an 80 yard TD pass. Just think back to the punt block against the Bulldogs when Wardlow made the SI cover. The wheels came off the entire GA squad after that one play. All we can do as fans is sit back and watch and hope the kickers hit them true and straight and the coverage guys play with reckless abandon.

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage, you hit the nail on the head with T-Tech. Actually, I think their D will be improved but maybe not enough. Definatly a good dark horse pick. Lot's of you have got your tix for UCLA, but if not THIS IS THE DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://uclabruins.cstv.com/sports/m-f...

Posted by thesavageorange on July 23, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bluetick0710 ,kinda busy, but I'll get back w/ you shortly.

Posted by invisiblekid on July 23, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgot to mention Berry in the last post. A player can get hurt stepping off the bus so I don't see any point in worrying about injuries, if they happen they happen. Given the open field ability Berry showed last year on several interception returns, he was second all time in return yardage in the SEC, I would like to see him get a shot at returning some kicks. If a coach wants the special teams to improve, the easiset way is to put some of your best players out there.

Posted by TommyJack on July 23, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage: I've never seen a TX Tech(offense) type team play great D. God be merciful if that ever happens.

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DC, don't say that Drayton did not help from a recruiting standpoint, cause he did.http://florida.rivals.com/commitl...

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DC to continue your slandering of Drayton. I'll bet when Drayton was on your staff he was the best thang since sliced bread. And don't say that he was not cause I know how you Fla. Pri<ks work.http://florida.rivals.com/commit...

Posted by TommyJack on July 23, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please don't feed those 2 FL monkeys. Enough is enough.

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, it screwed me anyway, it won't let you pull up the links that I presented . Go to florida's recruiting classes and go to page 2 and it tells who recruited who. Stan Drayton puts in work.

Posted by TommyJack on July 23, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've no doubt.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 23, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by TommyJack on July 23, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage: I've never seen a TX Tech(offense) type team play great D. God be merciful if that ever happens.

You got that right.

DCflorida ,Brian Westbrook & Jarius Norwood's wallets tend to disagree w/ your assessment of Drayton's coaching ability.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 23, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DC-

Just because the RB's are about as important as the water boy in Meyer's offense doesn't mean Drayton wasn't capable of coaching them up. In fact, that was a huge factor in why he left according to the articles I've read. Also, I agree that you should be worried about his knowledge of the UF offense. He should be instrumental in this year's win over the Gayters.

Posted by RichRollin on July 23, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey DCGAYBOY I mean GAYtor, This will take a minute but it will be worth while!!!! In your 07' class Drayton recruited: Ahmad Black 4*DB, John Brown 4* DT, Torrey Davis5* DT, Cam Newton 5* QB, Maurkice Pouncey 4*OL, Michael Pouncey4* OL, and Chris Rainey 4* RB, which if I'm not mistaking you lick Rainey's N#ts daily. In 06' Drayton recruited A.J.Jones LB 4 *, Trent Pupello 4* TE, Mon Williams 4* RB, Jim Barrie 4* OL, Riley Cooper 4* Ath., Jermaine Cunningham 4*DE, Jerred Fayson 4* ATH. Half your starting team was recruited by Drayton . So when you finish talking nonsense come back and see us, but until then GET LOST LOSER(LOL)!!!! Oh let me guess, the guys Drayton recruited are non-contributers, HUH?.?.

Posted by mikes70gto on July 23, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

workin' STFU

DC at least you are showing concern,as you should be.

Posted by mikevol on July 23, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

daddyvol

Wow what a dagger great reporting

Posted by OrangePower11 on July 23, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jmbigorange:

Welcome brother...I live just off south florida in lakeland, im trying to form a little group to get together for some games and grill/ect or hit up a nice watering hole, but just to be around some like minded VOLS in general...I still can't believe how many UT tags/stickers/flags I see on a daily basis down here...my car is decked out and it hasnt gotten me keyed as of yet lol...you know of any spots that cater to VOLS or college fans in general worth checkin out?

Posted by OrangePower11 on July 23, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mikevol:

Where is Boston's located? I think I may have heard of it, but not certain. I live in Lakeland but would definately travel to tampa for a good place to catch game.

Posted by WereInTrouble on July 23, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, the football propaganda machine now turns to an area that is dear to 'The Warden's' heart. Someone tell the head coach punting is a bad thing - it gives the other team the ball.

"We used the run to set up the punt". Infamous Fillup Foolmer quote explaining why the Vols repeatedly did not try to get a first down against Alabama. Result: Foolmer gives game away to Alabama 6-3.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 23, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wereintrouble-

I can't remember. Maybe you can help me. Who was it that fumbled the ball inside the 5 yard line going in for a score twice that game? Was it Fulmer or was in Cory Anderson and Arian Foster?

DaddyVol-

Just to be fair, DC never knocked Dryton on his recruiting. He just said Drayton couldn't coach worth a damn.

Posted by BornNBredAVol on July 23, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

39 days, 22 hours, 31 minutes till UCLA

Posted by pdhuff on July 23, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, you simply must get off this "D" kick.

Pump up your faith in the 2-9. It served us well last year.

Errrr, delete that last sentence. Just practice your aerials and axels.

Anyway we have chosen to go the same path again.

Hope we fed the pooting gnat.

Very well.....

Posted by invisiblekid on July 23, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage O, Norwood and Westbrook don't count. Oviously, football is different at Villanova and MSST much like there is no way a coach from Richmond can hang in the big, bad SEC. It was obvious from the get-go that Clawson can't recruit anything but Richmond caliber players. The FL guys are all saying it so it must be true. Of course, a few years back nobody gave the spread option a chance in the SEC either. And let's not forget, Drayton didn't do a good job with Moore and all 104 carries he got last year. Plenty of touches to go around after Tebow had his 350 pass attempts and 210 rushes to go along with Harvin's 83 carries and 59 catches.

Posted by TurboFan on July 23, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How much did CJ Leak help UF 3 years ago? Probably not much more than they already had from Zook's faxed notes from 16? years ago.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 24, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

orangepower11, The only place i know of that really caters to vols fans would be my house. I have a gator buddy (He's not delusional unlike most gator fans)that tells me that Barnacles in Brandon is a pretty cool place to catch a game. They don't cater to one particuler team. He says you'll find all kinds in there. Seems to me that a lot of people started flying the Beautiful vibrant orange after we won the NC against FSU. Before that game i felt like i was one of the only ones down here who loved the VOLS.

Posted by jmbigorange on July 24, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

daddyvol, Isn't it funny how the gator fans say Drayton sucks because he's no longer there. Keestan moore wasn't a bad running back he just could not hold onto the ball. Also how can you have a productive running game when 90% of your offense is geared toward Tebow & Harvin. We'll see how Drayton does now that he has some real running backs to work with not these 175lb athletes.

Posted by mikevol on July 24, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Working;

Punting the football is not a bad thing. Football is a game of field position. Sometimes it's better to take your meds and punt.