Installment Three:  Offensive Backfield

    The 1997 Vol offense led the league, averaging almost 500 yards per game.  With an attack built around Peyton Manning, one of college football's greatest passers of all time, the Vols gained almost 350 yards a game through the air, and about 150 yards per game rushing.  Tennessee passed almost 60% of the time.  It's all the more impressive, then, that tailback Jamal Lewis, a true fresman who gained only 62 yards in UT's first three games, was able to lead the SEC in rushing with 1,364 yards by season's end (which included an extra game, the SEC Championship).
    The Vols begin the "Post Peyton Manning Era" with Lewis as Option #1.   Some Vol opponents have predicted a sophomore slump for Lewis, saying that defenses will be ready for him this year, and won't have to worry about Manning's accurate right arm picking them apart.  That is only wishful thinking, though.  The truth is that Lewis is even bigger and stronger after a year in John Stucky's strength and conditioning program.  He's had the benefit of his first Vol spring drills (though his backups got a lot more work than Jamal).  The '98 Vols look to run the ball about 60% of the time--a 180 degree turnaround from last season.  Somehow, you can just sense that Lewis is the type of back that will be at his very best when getting 25-30 carries a game and being the focal point of the offensive attack.  He knows what he's doing out there, and he's ready and willing to explode onto the scene as the next marquee player in Knoxville.  He'll be running behind the best offensive line at Tennessee since 1995.  He's got a great group of lead blockers from the fullback position, and a quarterback and receiver corps that is plenty good enough to force a defense to respect the pass.
    Tamaurice "Tee" Martin gets his chance to lead the first-team Vol offense.  Tee, a junior who backed up Manning as a sophomore, has thrown only 16 passes in his Tennessee career, completing 8 of them for one TD and one INT.  But Martin was the only bright spot in the Vols' humiliating Orange Bowl defeat, leading UT to a late score against Nebraska.  He was 4-of-4 passing and ran for another 11 yards on the TD drive.  Martin is a great athlete who has all the tools, the only thing he's lacking is experience.  Barring injury, he'll have his chance to get more than enough experience in 1998.

Projected Depth Chart

                QB                                    FB                                TB
          Tee Martin                      Shawn Bryson               Jamal Lewis
        Burney Veazey                Will Bartholomew        Travis Stephens
         Joey Mathews                   Phillip Crosby              Travis Henry
                                                   Kurston Biggers       Dominique Stevenson
 

Tee Martin:  Junior, 6-3  220, Mobile, AL.  After paying his dues for two years as Peyton Manning's understudy, Martin gets his chance to lead the Vols to victory.  Tee is an incredible athlete, who has bench-pressed over 400 pounds and runs a sub-4.5 forty yard dash.  He has a strong and accurate arm, and is especially adept at throwing the long ball, where he seems to get just the right loft and touch on the football for a speedy receiver to run underneath it.  Although Tee is a definite threat to tuck the ball and run, he's not an "Option" quarterback--he is the product of a Run-and-Shoot offense in high school.  Martin has been compared to UT QB Heath Shuler, who was a gifted passer that had the ability to run like a tailback when flushed from the pocket.  Tee Martin has the potential to put similar pressure on a defense.  With a veteran offensive line and great running backs, Tee is surrounded by a fine supporting cast and should not be required to carry the Vol offense alone.  If Tee can avoid mistakes and show the ability we've seen in practices and the spring game, the Vols should be set for the next two seasons with one of the SEC's most exciting and versatile signal-callers.

Burney Veazey:  Redshirt Freshman, 6-2  195, Southaven, MS.  Veazey came to the Vols in the '97 recruiting class as a running QB who was adept at the option in high school.  The coaching staff knew that Burney was a good athlete who could play a couple of skill positions if he didn't develop into a Tennessee "type" of QB.  To this point, Veazey has progressed well enough as a QB that Coach Cutcliffe wants to keep him there.  He has struggled with some of his throws, and observers say that Veazey probably trails Joey Mathews as a passer.  But Burney has been in Cutcliffe's offensive system for a complete season and a spring, and his knowledge of the plays, more than anything else, has allowed him to come out of spring listed as the #2 QB.  Veazey's ultimate contribution as a Vol may be at another position besides QB, however.

Joey Mathews:  Freshman, 6-2  210, Sevierville, TN.  One of the Southeast's most highly-rated passing QB prospects in 1998, Joey graduated from Sevier County High at mid-year and participated in the Vols' spring practice.  He looked very promising, and has a strong, accurate arm.  Many observers commented that Mathews is a better passer than #2 QB Burney Veazey.  Joey has been compared to former Vol QB Andy Kelly, only it is said that Mathews is more athletic.  Depending on the success of Tennessee's QB recruiting over the next year or two, Joey Mathews could very well be Tee Martin's successor when Martin ends his UT career.

Fullbacks

Shawn Bryson:  Senior, 6-1  233, Franklin, NC.  Selected as a team captain going into his senior season, Bryson was recently named Tennessee's "Unsung Hero" in a national pre-season magazine.  A couple of weeks ago, Bryson suprised Vol coaches and fans by clocking the fastest 40-yard-dash time of any UT player: 4.34.  With his ability to block, run the football, and catch passes out of the backfield, Shawn is considered UT's "Most complete back" by the coaching staff.  He was outstanding in the role of fullback last season, blocking ferociously for Jamal Lewis and making catches out of the backfield.  Bryson was third on the team in rushing with 146 yards on 36 carries, scoring two TDs--both on bursts up the middle against Alabama.  Shawn snagged 29 passes, good enough for fourth on the team behind receivers Nash, Copeland and Price.  His unselfishness, and willingness to move to fullback when Jamal Lewis emerged, gave the Vols the opportunity to put their two best backs on the field together at the same time.  Bryson is poised to have his best season as a Vol.

Will Bartholomew:  Redshirt Freshman, 6-0  220, Nashville.  Bartholomew turned heads last fall as a true freshman, when the Vols were searching for a fullback, but unfortunately Will injured an ankle and had to be redshirted.  He is fully recovered and picked up in spring drills where he left off in the fall.  Bartholomew's spring was impressive enough to get him tabbed as the Most Improved Offensive Player by the coaches and he moved up to #2 on the depth chart.  He's a devastating blocker but is also surprisingly good running with the football.  The coaches are excited about this young man's ability and can't wait to see him perform in games this season.

Phillip Crosby:  Senior, 6-1  243, Bessemer City, NC.   This bulldozer of a blocker was looking good last season in the early going, but suffered a season-ending knee injury against UCLA.  Prior to his injury, Crosby has been very effective as a runner, gaining 60 yards on 12 carries--not a bad average for a guy who is close to 250 pounds.  Crosby could start for many Division 1-A programs, and he'll definitely get some meaningful playing time at fullback.  He brings quality, experienced depth to the position going into 1998.

Kurston Biggers:  Freshman, 5-7  188, Nashville.  Biggers ended spring practice as the 4th team fullback, but he's a young player who is still looking for a spot to contribute.  He could end up at slotback, utilized in the way that Derrick Edmonds was last season, or he could get a shot at returning kicks, something at which Biggers excelled in high school.  The former All-State running back led Brentwood to the state title in 1996.  Biggers may be looking at a redshirt year this season.

Tailbacks

Jamal Lewis:  Sophomore, 6-1  220, Atlanta, GA.  One of the SEC's premier running backs, Lewis combines great size and strength with 4.4 speed.  He is elusive, and he's a tackle breaker; the first tackler seldom brings Lewis down.  He seems to get stronger as the game goes on.  After leading the SEC in rushing as a true freshman, Lewis is an All-America candidate as a sophomore and is 9th on the list of Heisman candidates, according to one well-known national publication.  Jamal did have some fumbles last year, and that shortcoming appears to be the only chink in his armor.  Hopefully Jamal has worked on that aspect of his game.  He looked completely dominating in the spring, running wild on his first few carries in every scrimmage, then retiring to the sidelines so the other young TBs could battle it out to see who would be his backup this season.  Vol fans know we'll probably go as far as Lewis can carry us this year.  Here's hoping a healthy Jamal carries us a long, long way.

Travis Stephens:  Sophomore, 5-9  185, Clarksville.   Smallish, but lightning quick and elusive, Stephens is that "change of pace" back that can come into a game and show a defense something completely different after the punishing running style of Lewis.  Stephens had a very solid spring, nailing down the #2 tailback job.  He had some nice runs in the Orange and White game.  On one of his scoring runs, Stephens showboated his way to the endzone, drawing a flag for taunting...and angering Coach Fulmer.  Travis has fans and coaches eagerly anticipating the 98 season.  Look for Stephens to come into games on the third or fourth offensive series and give Jamal Lewis a much-deserved rest.

Travis Henry:  Sophomore, 5-11  212, Frostproof, FL.   Henry had the most rushing yardage of any tailback in the spring game.  He's a very hard runner, and one of the greatest high school backs in Florida history.  Running backs Coach Randy Sanders says that Henry "may be the hardest to tackle of all of them.  He's not real tall, but he's powerfully built.  Defenders will get tired of trying to tackle him down after down."  Henry, one of the most highly touted RBs in the nation coming out of high school, had a roller coaster freshman year.  He played in the first game against Texas A&M, just a couple of weeks after having his knee scoped.  Midway through the season, he was suspended after stealing a stereo from another student's dorm room.  He was reinstated for the SEC Championship Game, but didn't play any more the rest of the season.  Mark my words...Henry is the 2nd best TB at Tennessee, behind Lewis, and in time he'll be Jamal's successor.

Dominique Stevenson:  Sophomore, 6-0  205, Gaffney, SC.   A partial qualifier who could practice last season but not play in games, Stevenson has waited a long time to get on the field in a Vol contest.  The coaches have raved about his ability since his arrival on campus, and Vol fans got to see some of his potential in spring practice and the Orange & White Game.  Stevenson is a fine-looking prospect, but he had a couple of fumbles in the spring game and finished up the spring a bit behind Stephens and Henry, which was somewhat of a surprise.

Overall Assessment of the Offensive Backfield
    Quite simply, this may be the best collection of backs assembled at Tennessee in decades.  Tee Martin has everything you could wish for in a quarterback, he just needs to gain experience.  Jamal Lewis is one of the top backs in the nation, and the depth behind him at tailback is outstanding.   The fullbacks are great blockers and pass-catchers, and they're experienced.
    Combine this backfield with UT's best offensive line in several seasons, and a receiver corps that is deep, talented, and has world-class speed, and you've got an offense that figures to be one of the most productive in the NCAA in 1998.  The question is, can our defense stop the opponents from scoring?

June 15, 1998:  Installment #2 of my '98 Vol offense Scouting Report.

Installment Two:  Receivers

    Despite prolific numbers last season and recognition as one of the most powerful passing teams in the nation, the pass-catching corps got a lot of criticism in 1997, much of which was justified.  The Tennessee receivers were hot and cold, right from the very beginning of the season.  Against Texas Tech, Air Tennessee was unstoppable, as Peyton Manning threw 5 TD passes and Tee Martin one.  Marcus Nash, Peerless Price, Andy McCullough, Jeremaine Copeland and even reserve WR Graf Corby caught scoring tosses.  But only one week later, it looked like a different bunch of guys who ran lazy routes and dropped critical drive-stopping passes against UCLA.  Unfortunately, it was a pattern that continued throughout the season.  Against Auburn in the SEC Championship, UT's receiving corps had a nightmare game.  Marcus Nash fumbled twice in the first half.  Peerless Price had a pass thrown to him at the Auburn goal line bounce off his face mask.  Jeremaine Copeland lost concentration and juggled a ball that could have been a UT touchdown, but instead became an 80+ yard interception return for Auburn.  The Vols escaped that lackluster performance and won the SEC Championship, but the memories of the receivers' ineptitude still linger.
    Marcus Nash, last season's leading receiver with 76 catches for 1170 yards and 13 TDs, was drafted in the first round by Denver and he will be missed.  However, the Vols still return the best WR duo in the conference in Seniors Price and Copeland.  Those two combined for 106 catches for 1430 yards and 15 TDs in 97.  Seeking some answers, the coaching staff decreed that in this year's spring practice, the receivers would no longer wear green non-contact jerseys.  WRs and DBs hit each other full speed in the spring for the first time in the Philip Fulmer era.  Downfield blocking was stressed, and there seemed to be a marked improvement in concentration, routes, and mental alertness.  Vol fans and coaches alike sincerely hope the improvements seen on the practice field are just as obvious in games this fall.

Projected Depth Chart                        See also Official UT Post-Spring Depth Chart

                 TE                                WR                                    WR
            Eric Diogu                  Peerless Price              Jeremaine Copeland
        Antron Peebles              David Martin                  Cedrick Wilson
          Neil Johnson               Bobby Graham                  Eric Parker
        John Finlayson               Kevin Taylor                  Jermaine Kent
 

Eric Diogu:  Junior, 6-3  245, Garland, TX.   Last season, 17 players on the Vol offense caught more passes than Diogu, including Peyton Manning and Tee Martin (who each caught one pass on a gadget play).  In Diogu's entire career, he has caught only one pass, a 13-yarder against Kentucky in 1996.  So when I say that Eric is a "blocking tight end," that's exactly what I mean.  As a blocker, though, Diogu is Tennessee's best TE and on the great majority of Vol offensive plays, that is his mission.  Pass-catching duties will be mostly handled by the other TEs in the UT arsenal, but look for Diogu to start and be in the lineup for over half of Tennessee's offensive snaps.

Antron Peebles:  Senior, 6-3  247, Murfreesboro.  Peebles, a coverted DE/LB, was moved to TE last season when Billy Beron went down.  Antron showed the ability to be a receiving threat, catching two passes for 31 yards against South Carolina when the Vols moved to a grinding, ball-control offense.  Peebles sprang free about 30 yards downfield against Auburn in the SEC Title game, but Manning's pass was overthrown.  Peebles suffered a foot injury in the Orange Bowl that limited him for spring drills.  Heading into fall, Antron still looks like the most athletic and mobile Vol TE and is probably the best bet to catch some passes from the TE position in 1998.

Neil Johnson:  Sophomore, 6-4  250, Nashville.  Johnson was one of the Vols who looked much improved this year in spring practice.  He has gotten much stronger and his blocking was his best since his arrival.  This could translate into more playing time for Johnson, who was recruited specifically to add some athleticism and pass-catching ability to the TE position, but just wasn't ready last year as a RS Frosh to challenge for playing time.  Johnson's emergence could allow Diogu to be moved to the interior line, where the Vols will suffer heavy graduation losses after this season.  Or, if Johnson can become more of a factor, Peebles could perhaps be moved back to DE, where the Vols are thin heading into this year's campaign.

John Finlayson:  Redshirt Freshman, 6-4  270, Selmer.  Versatile lineman who could possibly play center or tackle, Finlayson was a TE his junior year in high school and caught 32 passes.  He played tackle as a high school senior in a run-and-shoot offense, and was the #1 offensive line prospect in Tennessee when the Vols signed him in '97.  Finlayson was supposed to get a shot at the starting center job this spring, but Diron Robinson and Bernard Gooden got most of the snaps.  Spring drills came to an end with Finlayson still buried at fourth team on the depth chart, still looking for a place to contribute.  John could be a good one in the future if the coaches can find his niche.

Wide Receivers

Peerless Price:  Senior, 6-0  183, Dayton, OH.   A Pre-Season All-SEC and Honorable Mention All-American, Price caught 48 passes last season for 698 yards and 6 touchdowns, despite suffering a broken leg in the Spring Game.  Currently suspended from summer school as punishment for throwing a basketball at a student referee during a winter intramural game, Price will return for fall practice and becomes Tennessee's deep threat and featured receiver this season.  Peerless looked spectacular in the spring and he will be one of the SEC's best wideouts this year.

Jeremaine Copeland:  Senior, 6-2  200, Harriman.  Copeland, the Vols' "Slash" on offense, snagged 58 passes last year and scored 9 TDs.  Copeland is the "possession" receiver, a couple of steps slower than Price, but tough, hard-nosed and fearless across the middle.  Jeremaine emerged as Peyton Manning's "Go-to" guy in critical situations last year, with the ability to get separation and make catches in traffic.  Copeland was a disappointment in the spring.  A front-runner to be named a team captain, instead he landed in Phil Fulmer's dog house after skipping classes and failing to show up for early-morning disciplinary workouts.  Coach Fulmer suspended Copeland for spring practice and has said Jeremaine must get his priorities in order if he expects to play this fall.  Look for Copeland to get back in Fulmer's good graces and have a great senior season.

David Martin:  Sophomore, 6-5  225, Norfolk, VA.   During spring drills as the practice reports came in, this young Vol's name seemed to be mentioned most often.  Martin has emerged as one of Tennessee's best young players, ready to catch a lot of passes this fall.  The tall, rangy Virginian has 4.5 speed and has added 15 pounds to his lanky frame, without losing speed, since his arrival in Knoxville last August.  Martin got some playing time as a true freshman, though he only had one catch in '97.  This winter, when the NFL scouts came to Knoxville to evaluate eventual #1 draft pick Peyton Manning, it was David Martin that Manning chose to run routes and catch passes for his NFL scouting sessions.  That fact speaks volumes about Martin's ability.

Cedrick Wilson:  Sophomore, 5-10  165, Memphis.  As a true freshman in '97, Wilson was impressive, catching 7 passes for 71 yards and scoring TDs against SEC East rivals Florida and Georgia.  One of the best athletes in Tennessee when he came out of Memphis Melrose as a QB last year, Wilson quickly saw that his niche was at WR and focused his efforts accordingly.  This allowed him to make a contribution early.  Wilson also got some turns as a kick returner late last season, filling in for an injured Dwayne Goodrich.  Wilson and David Martin will battle for the #3 WR spot, and both should see plenty of playing time.

Eric Parker:  Redshirt Freshman, 6-0  163, Shorewood, IL.  Parker burst on the scene last year as a true freshman, enrolling early as a mid-year high school graduate, catching a TD bomb in the 1997 Orange and White Game, and also scoring on a 15-yard catch, both thrown by Tee Martin.  Coach Fulmer wanted to get Parker on the field early, as a compliment to Peerless Price, who was recovering from a broken leg.  Unfortunately, Parker broke an ankle in fall drills.  The injury was surgically repaired, but Parker's development was slowed and he was redshirted.  Coaches and fans can't wait to see a healthy Parker on the field this fall, giving Tee Martin another potent weapon in the arsenal.  Eric is a true 4.4 burner who may also add a spark as a kick returner.

Bobby Graham:  Redshirt Freshman, 6-0  185, Statesville, NC.   Yet another speed merchant from North Carolina, Graham wasn't able to break into the lineup as a true freshman.  He was considered the #3 prospect in the state as a high school senior, catching 59 passes for 928 yards and leading the state with 10 interceptions from his free safety position on defense.  Has great speed and good size, and will be a contributor at some point in the future.

Kevin Taylor:  Redshirt Freshman, 5-10  175, Memphis.   Caught  65 passes for 1538 yards and 20 TDs for the undefeated state champions of Memphis Melrose in 1996.  Had a rough spring, as his tendency to fumble drew the attention (and ire) of Coach Fulmer.  Needs to perform better in the fall if he expects to play some meaningful minutes this season.

Jermaine Kent:  Freshman, 6-2  180, Huntsville, AL.   Enrolled at UT in January and participated in spring drills.  The younger brother of all-time leading Vol receiver Joey Kent, Jermaine has similar size and speed and gave a good accounting of himself in the spring.  He has good hands and good concentration, and made some strides in practice.  However, considering the wealth of young WRs at Tennessee, Kent may be looking at a redshirt year.

Freshman Signees to Report in August

Donte Stallworth  (6-2  190)  The Player of the Year, as voted by California high school coaches, Stallworth was even more highly regarded as a defensive back than as a receiver.  He could very well see action on both sides of the ball.  Definitely has the talent to play as a true freshman.
Leonard Scott  (5-11  170)  Fastest high school sprinter in Louisiana, and one of the fastest in the country, Scott recently ran a 10.37 100 meters in a state meet.  Had six kick return TDs as a senior in high school.  Has the speed, but will need to learn WR techniques.  Raw talent who could very well get a shot at returning kicks this fall.

Overall Assessment of Receivers
    This year's group worked hard in the Spring to correct some of the deficiencies that plagued Vol pass-catchers last season.  With experienced seniors Price and Copeland and promising youthful talents like Martin, Parker and Wilson, plus one of the country's best WR recruits in Stallworth, "Wide Receiver U" appears to be in no danger of losing their reputation.  With fewer drops, better downfield blocking, and crisper route running, this talented crew could take a lot of pressure off new starting QB Tee Martin as he tries to fill the huge shoes of Peyton Manning.  Other than Kentucky, no other group of receivers in the league should be as good as these guys.
 

June 12, 1998:  Installment #1 of my look at the 1998 Offense.

Installment One:  The Offensive Line

    One of the strengths of this year's Tennessee team will be a deep, experienced, veteran offensive line.  After losing several starters to graduation in 1995, the Vol O-line struggled to regain its former dominance.  Having set a school record with 1438 yards rushing in '95, senior TB Jay Graham could not find as much running room behind 1996's O-line, picking up only 797 yards on the ground.  The low point in the season came against Memphis, when the once-mighty Vol running game amassed less than 100 yards on 60 carries in a humbling loss to the Tigers.  But three games into the 1997 season, the offensive line turned things around.  True freshman Cosey Coleman took over as a starter at Right Tackle, and another true freshman, tailback Jamal Lewis, began to restore balance to the pass-happy Tennessee offense.  In his first start against Ole Miss in Game Four, Lewis ripped the Rebs for 147 yards, and he was off to the races.  By season's end Lewis had rushed for more yards, 1,364, than any other back in the SEC.
    Only one starter off last year's outstanding O-line has graduated, fifth-year senior Center Trey Teague.  Coaches are excited about the experienced depth that returns to block for starting RBs Shawn Bryson and Jamal Lewis, and protect QB Tee Martin as he looks to pass downfield to the best group of wideouts in the league.  As if these things weren't reason enough for optimism, the Vol coaching staff has also added one of the best offensive line coaches in college football, Mike Barry.  Barry, who coached the dominant offensive lines at Colorado in the early 1990's, was not retained at USC when Paul Hackett replaced the fired John Robinson.  Barry joined the Vols in the winter and made quite an impression on the whole team this spring.  QB Tee Martin said in a recent interview that Coach Barry had brought a new brand of toughness and determination to the entire Vol offense, an attitude that the players have willingly embraced.

Projected Depth Chart                        See also Official UT Post-Spring Depth Chart
 
            LT                        LG                            C                            RG                                RT
    Chad Clifton        Spencer Riley        Diron Robinson        Mercedes Hamilton     Cosey Coleman
    Josh Tucker        Toby Champion     Bernard Gooden           Ethan Massa              Jarvis Reado
                                                                                                                                         Reggie Coleman

Note:  The coaching staff wants to give Spencer Riley a look at Center.  This was not possible in the spring as Riley was recovering from surgery on a torn tricep and was held out of contact.  It is generally thought by coaches and observers that the best five Vol linemen are Clifton, C. Coleman, Riley, Hamilton, and Reado.  Jarvis Reado had an absolutely outstanding spring and Coach Fulmer wants to get him in the lineup.  Fulmer wants to look at a line in the fall with Clifton and Reado at tackle, Riley at center, and C. Coleman at Riley's left guard position, with Hamilton staying at his familiar right guard spot.  Diron Robinson and Bernard Gooden got some work at center in spring drills, and Coach Barry was pleased with what he saw, especially from Robinson, and believes Robinson will be a fine center if Riley does not unseat him.  After fall practice, if the lineup isn't shuffled to make Reado a starter, then Jarvis will be the top reserve tackle, playing plenty of snaps at both left and right positions.

Tackles

Chad Clifton:  Junior, 6-6  315, Martin.  Pressed into action as a redshirt freshman when Jarvis Reado broke his leg in the 1996 Florida game, Clifton has started every game since.  The most outstanding pass blocker on the team, Chad was entrusted to protecting #1 Draft Choice and Vol Legend Peyton Manning's blind side.  Coaches would like to see Clifton develop more of a "mean streak" which would improve his run blocking.  He's a fixture at the most critical offensive line position and has NFL-caliber potential.  Could garner individual post-season honors and has been named to numerous preseason lists as one of the best linemen in the SEC.

Cosey Coleman:  Sophomore, 6-5  315, Clarkston, GA.  Taking over at Right Tackle after the Florida game, Cosey has been described as a Man among boys on the gridiron.  Many observers say he already looks like an NFL lineman and is a good bet to leave college early for the pro draft.  Coleman was promised a chance to play defensive tackle at Tennessee, but it wasn't long last fall before coaches convinced him that he could make an immediate impact on the Vol offensive line.  Coleman has done that, and more in only one full season in the SEC.  Coaches Fulmer and Barry believe that despite Cosey's mammoth size, he has the quickness, mobility and footwork to play the guard position, and they plan to take a look at Coleman at left guard this fall.

Jarvis Reado:  Senior, 6-5  300, Marrero, LA.  After suffering a severe injury--a broken leg--in the 1996 Florida game, Reado has had a long, hard road to get back to form.  This spring, however, he had his best drills since his arrival at UT in 1994.  Reado emerged from spring as one of UT's five best offensive linemen and coaches are prepared to shuffle the lineup this fall, if need be, to get Jarvis as much playing time as possible.  Reado worked as a starting tackle this spring, as Chad Clifton missed drills with an injury.  Reado's play was so good that Coach Fulmer once remarked, "Chad Clifton better get back out here as soon as he can, or he's going to get beat out."  Granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA after his injury problems, Jarvis looks to make the most of his senior season and will be a big factor along the O-line this year.

Josh Tucker:  Junior, 6-4  295, Asheville, NC.  One of UT's most athletic linemen, Josh played fullback on his high school team as a senior, averaging over 5 yards a carry, but mostly doing his damage as a blocker.  He saw action in 4 games as a true freshman in 1996, and backed up Chad Clifton at left tackle in '97.  Tucker was one of the most improved players on the team this spring, as he has gotten noticeably stronger and showed the ability to compete with the first-team defensive linemen on every down.  Tucker will provide valuable depth this year as he prepares to challenge for a starting position in 1999.

Reggie Coleman:  Redshirt Freshman, 6-5  300, Jonesboro, AR.  Coleman came to UT with the '97 recruiting class as the #1 offensive line prospect in Arkansas.  He's made steady progress in John Stucky's strength and conditioning program and was much improved in spring drills.  He's in the two-deep mix and should see a lot of playing time this year at tackle.

Guards/Centers

Mercedes Hamilton:  Senior, 6-3  295, Waynesboro, GA.  After being a part-time starter in 1996, Hamilton moved into the starting lineup last season and improved throughout the campaign.  In spring drills Hamilton looked strong, determined, and polished at guard.  A couple of weeks after spring practice ended, Coach Fulmer named Mercedes as one of four senior team captains for the 1998 season.  This honor culminates five years of hard work for Hamilton and is a testament to his leadership, maturity, and ability.  Mercedes is poised to have his best season yet at Tennessee and could attract the interest of some NFL scouts this year.

Diron Robinson:  Senior, 6-3  295, Oklahoma City, OK.  After starting the first six games of 1996, Diron suffered an ankle injury against Alabama that  limited him for the rest of the year.  Robinson was challenging for a starting position early in 1997, but a dismal performance against Florida took him out of the limelight and reduced him to a reserve role for the rest of the season.  This spring, Robinson got the first shot at replacing graduated center Trey Teague, and Diron drew praise from new line coach Mike Barry.  Diron will have to hold off a charge from Spencer Riley to keep his starting job at center, but either way Robinson will be a key performer in the two-deep guard-center rotation in 1998.

Spencer Riley:  Junior, 6-3  295, New Market.  After a redshirt year in 1995, this former defensive lineman became the starter at left guard for the last six games of the '96 season.  Like the rest of Tennessee's interior line, Riley struggled against the Florida Gators last year in Gainesville, but was able to rebound and have a fine sophomore season overall.  Riley tore a tricep muscle early in the Nebraska game that required off-season surgery.  As testament to his grit and toughness, Spencer played through the injury, still opening holes for Jamal Lewis to run through and providing excellent pass protection (QB Peyton Manning was sacked only once).  Riley has something that all offensive line coaches love, but can't necessarily be taught: a mean streak a mile wide.  He's compared to former Vol Jason Layman in that department, and that's quite a compliment.  Riley will get a chance to win the starting center position this fall.  If that move doesn't work out he will remain a fixture at left guard.

Bernard Gooden:  Sophomore, 6-3  310, Bradenton, FL.  This high school All-American was one of the most highly-regarded prospects in Florida when he signed with the Vols in '96.  Last season he didn't break into the starting lineup, but he was a factor this spring while Spencer Riley was out, getting most of the playing time with the first unit at left guard and also getting a look at center.  Gooden drew rave reviews from Coach Barry, who was excited about the young lineman's progress.  Bernard will figure in the two-deep rotation this fall either at center or guard, possibly both.

Toby Champion:  Sophomore, 6-4  295, Humboldt.  Redshirted in 1996, Champion has been nagged by knee injuries that caused him to miss much of spring practice in both 1997 and '98.  There was some talk after the season of moving Toby to DT for the spring, but his injury prevented that from happening.  He remains listed at guard, and hopefully he'll get healthy enough to see some playing time with the second unit this fall.  Last year, coaches toyed in practice with a formation that used Toby as a blocking fullback in goal line situations, but the concept was never used in a game.

Ethan Massa:  Sophomore, 6-3  285, Cookeville.  Solid walk-on who filled in admirably in spring practice when so many injuries limited scholarship players.  Massa has good size and could provide some needed backup at the interior line positions this season.

Freshman Signees to Report in August

Will Ofenheusle:  (6-8  305)  National Recruiting Advisor All-America, and their #5 rated offensive tackle in the nation.  Raw talent who will most likely be redshirted, as most offensive linemen are at Tennessee.
Tim Hodges:  (6-8  295)  PrepStar All-America, rated the #7 tackle in the Big 12 region by the NRA.  Recorded 70 pancake blocks as a high school senior.  Extremely strong academically, also likely to redshirt.

Overall Assessment of Offensive Line
    Though the offensive line was excellent by season's end in 1997, this group should be even better, with the emergence of Reado and the continued development of young talents like C. Coleman, Clifton, and Riley.  Trey Teague will be missed, more for his leadership than anything else, but Hamilton and Reado appear ready and willing to take on an increased role.  This line has depth and quality, and with a stable of running backs like Lewis, Bryson, Travis Stephens, Travis Henry and Phillip Crosby, plus the multi-talented Tee Martin, this line should be one of the most productive in major college football this season.
 
 

This page hosted byGet your ownFree Homepage