Fulmer Chooses Media Days Attendees (24 Jul 98)
    Coach Philip Fulmer will break with tradition next week at SEC Media Days in Birmingham.  SEC head coaches traditionally take two senior football players to the media days, one offensive player and one defensive player.  This year, however, Fulmer has decided to take a junior, new starting quarterback Tee Martin.  The choice makes a lot of sense, as media representatives' questions about the 98 Vols will almost certainly center around Martin's challenge in filling the very large shoes of Peyton Manning.  Fulmer figures that Martin can do a fine job of answering those questions himself.  The defensive player to accompany Fulmer is no surprise:  Linebacker Al Wilson.
    Martin won't be the only junior football player there, however.  Coach Steve Spurrier of Florida is taking along LB Jevon Kearse, and Tommy Tuberville of Ole Miss will bring TE Rufus French.  Both of these star players are expected to enter the NFL draft after this season.
 
Memphis Players Suspended for Opener (24 Jul 98)
    Several Ole Miss players, including star cornerback Mike McKenzie, will be suspended for the opener against Ole Miss, it was reported today.  The players are being disciplined for the unauthorized use of University long-distance phone codes.
 
'98 Bowl Season Will Look Different (23 Jul 98)
    College football fans will see some major changes in this year's bowl season.  Several of the bowl tie-ins have been shifted.  There are a couple of new bowl games, and a name change or two.  The biggest change, though, is the inclusion of the Rose Bowl in the bowl alliance, now called the Bowl Championship Series (BCS).  The coalition of the four major bowls: Rose, Fiesta, Orange and Sugar-- has also developed a complicated formula to try to match the top two college football teams in a true national championship game.  This year, #1 vs. #2 will occur in the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona on the night of January 4, 1999, at 8:00 pm ET on ABC-TV.  Another feature of the Bowl Championship Series is that traditional ties to the bowls will try to be accomodated, once the participants in the National Championship game are chosen.  For example, if the Big 10 and Pac 10 Champions don't play in the NC game, they will go to the Rose Bowl, the traditional game pitting these conferences against each other.
    Besides the new-look super alliance, other changes abound.  The inaugural Music City Bowl will be played in Nashville, Tenn. on Dec. 29.  The game will pit an SEC team against an at-large opponent.  Honolulu, Hawaii's Aloha Bowl will host two games on Christmas Day--the Aloha Bowl, pitting the Pac-10's #4 team against an open opponent, is the afternoon game.  That evening, the inaugural Oahu Bowl will be played, featuring another Pac-10 Team taking on the #2 or #3 team from the WAC.  The Carquest Bowl, traditionally played in Miami, has changed its name to the Sunshine Football Classic.  That game, played on Dec. 29, will have the ACC's #4 team taking on the #6 team from the Big 10.
    Numerous bowl tie-ins have changed.  Let's take a look at the new tie-ins, conference-by-conference.  The SEC's Champion will play in the BCS; the #2, in the Florida Citrus Bowl; the #3, in the Outback Bowl; the #4, in the Peach Bowl.  Teams 5, 6, and 7 could end up in either the Independence Bowl, Liberty Bowl, or Music City Bowl.
    The Big 10 Champion goes to the BCS; the runner-up to the Citrus; the #3 to the Outback.  Fourth-place team goes to the Alamo Bowl; #5 team to the Sun Bowl; and #6, to the Sunshine Classic.
    The Big 12 #1 goes to the BCS, while #2 goes to the Cotton, #3 to the Holiday, #4 to the Alamo, and #5 to the Insight.com.
    The PAC-10 tie-ins are as follows:  #1, BCS: #2, Cotton; #3, Sun or Holiday; #4, Aloha; #5, Oahu.
    The ACC's champion goes to the BCS, the runner-up to the Gator Bowl.  The 3rd-place team goes to the Peach, and 4th-place to the Sunshine Classic.
    The Big East: #1, BCS; #2, Gator; #3, Insight.com; and #4 to the Liberty, if not bumped by an SEC team (the Liberty can choose either an SEC team or the Big East's 4th place finisher).
    Three WAC teams figure to go bowling:  #1 to the Holiday, #2 to the Las Vegas, and #3 to the Oahu.
    The Champion of Conference USA will play in the Liberty Bowl, against either the SEC or Big East.
    The MAC Champion will meet an at-large team in the Motor City Bowl at the Pontiac Silverdome.
    There are numerous at-large spots for a qualifying team to play in a bowl: Las Vegas, Motor City, Aloha, Music City, Humanitarian, and Independence.
    Still confused?  Go here to view a complete chart of this season's planned bowl games.

Phil Fulmer Speaks (21 Jul 98)
    Tennessee head coach Philip Fulmer was a guest on WNOX's News Talk 99 yesterday, and shared some thoughts about the upcoming season.  For those who were unable to listen, here are some notes and highlights.
    Fulmer said the UT coaching staff had just returned from a three-day retreat to Tellico Village, something the coaches do each summer.  For three days, the staff participates in "skull sessions" that go late into the night, taking breaks only for lunch and supper.  Fulmer said former NFL All-Pro linebacker Mike Singletary paid the staff a visit during the retreat.  The coaches have established three goals for the team this season:  1) To lead the SEC in rushing.  2) To lead the league in Turnover Margin.  3)  To lead the SEC in yards per catch.
    Philip said that the team is enthusiastic and healthy, and optimistic about the upcoming season.  He said this team has a more "blue collar" personality, with less marquee players than in the past.  Although the offense will almost certainly be more run-oriented, the coach said the Vols will have balance: "We can throw the football."  He said that Punter David Leaverton is maturing, and had improved some of the fundamental problems he had last season.  Fulmer said he is confident that Leaverton will perform very well.  He said that DT Ron Green has made good progress, he is healthier, and Green is excited about his prospects to play and contribute.
    When asked about the poor tackling that was evident at times last season, the coach said it was something that couldn't be addressed in the offseason, though it would be addressed in fall practice.  He felt that taking off the green jerseys in the spring had helped a lot, with the major benefit being that Tee Martin had gained the respect and confidence of his teammates by showing that he could take a hit.  Fulmer acknowledged that the poor tackling was a result of "not finishing things" in practice.  He indicated that in this season's practices, the scout team might be in for some abuse, as ballcarriers will be wrapped up and taken to the ground in practice.  The coach said that Tee Martin and Peerless Price would most likely be put in green jerseys this fall, as those two have shown what they can do full speed and it wouldn't be worth the risk of injury to take the green jerseys off of them.
    When asked which incoming signees might help the Vols this season, Fulmer mentioned Bernard Jackson, Will Overstreet, Keyon Whiteside, Omari Hand, and Judd Granzow as defensive possibilities.  He said that Donte Stallworth and speed merchant Leonard Scott might help on offense.    Fulmer mentioned that he expects the Partial Qualifier rule to change in the near future.  He thinks that too much emphasis is put on the entrance test scores, and that expecting a student-athlete to graduate in four calendar years to have the lost year of eligibility reinstated is too restrictive.  However, he said that 3 out of UT's 4 PQs (Shaun Ellis, Raynoch Thompson, Andre Lott and Dominique Stevenson) are on track to graduate in four years.
    In discussing the many injuries along the defensive line, Fulmer said that Kenny Smith's shoulder remains a concern, noting that Smith has not been consistent with his rehab work.  Fred Weary suffered a recent setback when he re-injured his foot running up the dorm steps; but right now, Fred looks to be 100%.  Billy Ratliff's rehabilitation for his ACL reconstruction has gone very well and Billy appears to be at or near 100% also.  A caller asked Fulmer about "It's Crystal Clear," the Huskervision video about Nebraska's Orange Bowl victory over the Vols.  Fulmer said he had ordered the video and watched it, and it was very good, but no better than the UT Video about our SEC Championship.  Fulmer said that Kicker Robert Loudermilk had a great spring, and might figure into the kickoff competition this year.  The coach said that kicker Jeff Hall "got tired" toward the end of last season, but that Jeff "wants to do it all--kick off, kick field goals, even punt."
    On the subject of adding a twelfth game to college football seasons in years with 14 fall weeks, the Coach said it "makes sense," and could help with Title IX for many schools, though UT didn't have a revenue problem at this time.  "If the money goes to the right place, it's a good idea."  He did say that he would not want the 12th game to be a conference game!  Asked about the proposal to reduce football scholarships from 85 to 75, Fulmer said it was a "safety issue."  Elaborating, he said that having only 75 players on scholarship would force more freshmen, who may not be physically and mentally ready, to play early, perhaps leading to more injuries, and a decline in the quality of play overall.
    The conversation shifted to the offensive line and new OL Coach Mike Barry.  Fulmer said Coach Barry inherited a "good group" of linemen and his experience and enthusiasm had been well-received by his charges.  Phil said he did not like having two offensive line coaches (Mark Bradley previously coached guards and centers, Rodney Garner coached tackles and tight ends.  Now Bradley has only tight ends, giving Barry the entire offensive line).  Asked about senior tackle Jarvis Reado, who had a great spring, Fulmer said Reado was "enthusiastic" and Fulmer "liked the way he went about his business."  He said Reado hadn't looked this good since his sophomore season, which was cut short by a broken leg in the '96 Florida game.  He noted that Reado was better suited to tackle and we should not expect to see Jarvis at center or guard.  Fulmer wanted to mention Redshirt Freshman Reggie Coleman, who has made great strides.  "He looks like a player who can help us long-term, and maybe even short-term."  The coach said that Center is a critical position, and we must have a very good center to replace Trey Teague if we expect to be successful.  He said that Spencer Riley "needs to show us he can play the position" (Riley missed the entire spring with a torn tricep).  Fulmer said that in addition to Riley, Diron Robinson, Josh Tucker, and Toby Champion will get some reps at center this fall.
    Coach Fulmer was asked about Al Wilson's move to MLB, as compared with last year's Leonard Little move.  First, Fulmer wanted to clear the air about the Little move.  He defended it as a good decision, saying that the Vols probably wouldn't have won the SEC Championship if Little hadn't made the move successfully.  He pointed out that Little still led the team in tackles and big plays.  As for Wilson's move to the middle, Fulmer said "Wilson will make a lot more plays four us inside than outside."  He said he hated to see Al Wilson lined up on third down in coverage on a receiver, 25 yards away from the ball.  Asked where DE/LB signee Roger Alexander, a 2-time JUCO All- American, will play, Fulmer said, "where he can get on the field soonest, and help the most."  Initially, Fulmer said, that will be DE, where Alexander could be used much like the Vols used Little, as a situational pass-rush specialist.  He also mentioned Alexander as a backup for oft-injured OLB Raynoch Thompson.  Fulmer said he is concerned about "Boxer Syndrome" because Thompson has taken so many shots to the head.  He said Alexander is a great signee, who will help us immediately on defense.  "Roger is a football player," Fulmer said.  "He can run, and hit you."
    Toward the end of his time on the show, Coach Fulmer began to talk about his new quarterback.  He said Tee brings a tremendous amount of athletic ability, leadership, and willingness to work hard to the table.  He said the challenge for Tee would be not to "try to do too much."  If Tee can allow the other players to do their part, the Vols will be fine.  Fulmer said the Vols would run some option, similar to the playbook they ran when Heath Shuler was UT's QB.  The coach praised Martin for discarding his green jersey in the spring, and said he liked the way Tee responded after taking a hit.  Fulmer said he likes the option, and especially likes to pass off the option.  He did admit it can be scary, especially when a team is thin at QB.  "A big ol' linebacker can scrape off, and if the running back misses the block..."  Don't expect the Vols to run the option to Jevon Kearse's side against Florida!  Coach Fulmer mentioned that backup QBs Burney Veazey and Jeremaine Copeland were also adept at running the option.
    Fulmer was asked about the Rashad Moore situation.  He said it is still unresolved, and involves some unique circumstances.  He was reluctant to go into much detail, wanting to protect Moore's privacy.  But he said "the right people are involved" and there is a chance that Rashad could play this fall.  The Coach ended the interview by saying that Peyton Manning's chances for success in the pros as a rookie starting QB were excellent, provided that the Colts don't ask him to do too much.

Manning Chooses Tennessee...Again (21 Jul 98)
    Former UT quarterback Peyton Manning has chosen Tennessee again.  Manning will make Thunder Farms, a John Thornton development in the Ooltewah area, his "principal residence."  It's the third time that Manning has chosen Tennessee.  In 1994, as a high school senior, he chose UT over several other Division 1 schools to play his college football.  In March 1997, even though he was projected as the top pick in the NFL draft, Manning chose to return to Tennessee for his senior season.  And now, he has made an even longer-term commitment to the state and UT fans.  Go here to read the Chattanooga Free Press's article on the subject.

Florida QB Johnson to Begin Throwing (18 Jul 98)
    (From ESPN)
    Florida quarterback Doug Johnson, who had surgery to repair fraying in the rotator cuff of his throwing shoulder on May 8, will begin some light throwing next week.  Dr. Peter Indelicato, the Gators' team physician, says Johnson is progressing on schedule, and if he has no complications after throwing a light object, such as a tennis ball, he could start throwing a football next month.  Indelicato did not speculate on a timetable for Johnson's return to football.  Johnson is a minor-league baseball player in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization, but hasn't played baseball this summer because of the injury.  Starting most of Florida's games last season, Johnson threw 22 TD passes and 13 interceptions.  His play was spectacular at times but at other times he struggled.  He was pushed hard by sophomore Jesse Palmer in spring drills, and was clearly outplayed by Palmer in the spring game.  At this point it appears the Gators will be going with Palmer, at least early in the season.

Grant Gets Pretrial Diversion (15 Jul 98)
    Sophomore free safety Deon Grant will be granted pretrial diversion for his misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.  Grant and teammate Jermaine Kent were arrested June 7 after failing to cooperate with a Knoxville Police Department officer outside O'Charley's restaurant on "The Strip."  Pretrial diversion is recommended by the prosecution in certain cases when the charge is minor and the defendant has no prior criminal record.  Successful completion of the pretrial diversion program, which usually includes community service activities, would mean that the charge could be dismissed and Grant's record cleared.  Kent is to have his day in court on Monday.

Bass to Walk On at UT (8 Jul 98)
    Jaman Bass, linebacker who played for state champion Brentwood Academy in 1996, said this week that he would transfer to Tennessee and walk on to the Vol football program this fall.  Bass walked on at Nebraska and made the football team last season, though he did not play.  Bass is the older brother of Ian Bass, a senior-to-be linebacker at Brentwood who has been offered a scholarship to play football at Tennessee.  Ian Bass didn't play football in 1997, as he was recovering from a torn ACL.  Having Jaman Bass on campus should aid the Vols in the recruitment of his younger brother.

Report:  Edmonds Considered Transfer (7 Jul 98)
    Jimmy Hyams of WNOX Sports Talk said yesterday that junior-to-be defensive back Derrick Edmonds of Tampa, Florida had considered a transfer to the University of South Florida.  Edmonds saw some playing time as a running back and slotback last season, scoring a late touchdown against Georgia on a swing pass from Peyton Manning.  Edmonds came to the Vols in 1996 as a highly-touted defensive back prospect; after seeing some special teams duty, he was switched to the offensive backfield last season and moved up to #2 fullback after injuries struck down Phillip Crosby and Will Bartholomew.  In this year's spring drills, Edmonds was moved back to the secondary where he hopes to get some playing time at safety.  For the time being, Edmonds has decided to stay at Tennessee.

11 Vols to Report Early (7 Jul 98)
    Eleven freshman UT football signees want to get a headstart on their Vol careers, and will report early to attend the second session of summer school.  Classes begin Thursday, and the following signees will be on campus:  Teddy Gaines of Kingsport; Omari Hand of Tallahassee, FL; Bernard Jackson of Louisville, KY; Will Ofenheusle of Martin; Leonard Scott of Zachary, LA; Reggie Ridley of Nashville; Shawn Seabrooks of Paterson, NJ; Keyon Whiteside of Forest City, NC; Will Overstreet of Jackson, MS; Edward Kendrick of Macon, GA; and Willie Miles of Fort Worth, TX.  Most of the players will take only one class, and get started on weight training and other workouts while just getting oriented to Knoxville and the UT campus.
    Having such a large number of early reportees is unprecedented at Tennessee and speaks highly of the quality of student athletes signed in this year's class.  Paying for the summer session is the responsibility of the student and his family; the athletic scholarships for these young men don't take effect until fall semester.  The cost of the summer session is around $1000 for state residents and $2000 for those coming in from out-of-state (8 of the 11 are from outside Tennessee).  DE John Henderson of Nashville had planned to report for the 2nd summer session also, but said this week he had changed his mind and would report with the rest of the UT freshmen on August 9.  

Wildcat Dismissed; Rebel Charged (2 Jul 98)
    Kentucky wide receiver Andre Hayslip has been kicked off the team after being charged with two crimes in a span of eight days.  Hayslip, a sophomore from Orlando, Florida, played in all 11 Wildcat games last fall as a backup defensive back.  He had been moved to WR in spring drills and was expected to see considerable playing time this season.  The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that Hayslip was charged with shoplifting on June 21 after a security guard prevented him from walking out of a local department store with $92 worth of merchandise.  On Sunday, Hayslip was charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly punching another man.  He pled guilty, paying a $100 fine, on Monday.  Hayslip's dismissal was confirmed today in Lexington by Kentucky sports information director Tony Neely.  Coach Hal Mumme declined to comment on the disciplinary action.
    Ole Miss linebacker Alishma Alexander pled guilty on Tuesday to misdemeanor possession of marijuana.  Alexander, a senior-to-be from Roosevelt, New York, was fined $344 and had his driver's license suspended for six months.  After transferring from Nassau Community College, Alexander played in 10 games for the Rebels last season as a running back.  He was shifted to linebacker in spring practice.

Henry Considered Transfer (1 Jul 98)
    Vol tailback Travis Henry, a sophomore-to-be from Frostproof, Florida, contemplated leaving the University of Tennessee to enroll and play football at either Central Florida or South Florida, it was reported this week.  Sources, including a family member of Henry, told John Wilkerson and Jimmy Hyams of WNOX's Sports Talk that Henry had thought of transferring, but after a family discussion Travis decided not to ask for transfer paperwork and to stay at UT.  Henry plans to return to Knoxville on Sunday to start classes for the second summer session, and expects to play football for the Vols this fall.
    Henry was one of the most sought-after running backs in the nation when he signed with Tennessee in February 1997.  As a high school senior at Frostproof, Henry shattered the 43-year-old record for rushing yards in a season, when he gained a phenomenal 4,089 yards in leading his team to the 3A State Championship game.  Henry had 328 yards in that game, a 68-30 loss to Union County-Lake Butler.  It was Union's third consecutive state title.  In his dream senior season, Henry gained over 200 yards in all 14 of his team's games, and averaged 292 yards per contest.  He had 436 yards rushing in one game, 426 yards in another.  He scored 42 touchdowns, including seven in one game, tying another state record.
    Henry's freshman season at Tennessee was a disappointing roller-coaster ride.  He played in the season opener against Texas Tech only two weeks after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee; he had two carries for three yards, and had a fumble.  In midseason, he was suspended from the team after being caught on videotape taking a portable stereo from another student's dorm room without permission.  He was reinstated just prior to the SEC Championship game, but did not play in that game or the Orange Bowl.  Back on the gridiron this spring, Henry had more rushing yardage than any other UT back in the Orange and White Game.  The coaching staff has been complimentary of Henry's play.  Running backs coach Randy Sanders calls him "the hardest one to tackle of all of them."  Many observers think that Henry is the second-best tailback on the team, though Travis Stephens is listed as #2 on the depth chart.
 

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