2011 OUTLOOK 24 Outlook /// 27 Depth Chart /// 28 Roster /// 30 Lettermen Returning /Lost /// 31 Roster Geography /// 32 Position by Position Breakdown /// 36 Orange & White Roster /// 37 Spring Notes /// 42 2011 Opponents photo >> Patrick Murphy-Racey (pmrphoto.com)
oUTLOOK
Vols Enter 2011 Season Younger, More Experienced With Returners at Key Positions, UT Squad Looks to Take Step Forward in Dooley’s Second Year on The Hill By Josh Pate UTSports.com
Justin Hunter
24
tennessee football >>> 2011 spring review
By most accounts, second-year head coach Derek Dooley has his Tennessee Volunteers in better shape now than when he took over the team a year ago. Make no mistake, the Vols do lose some critical contributors on offense and defense from last year’s resilient squad. Yet Dooley and company have a much deeper well from which to draw heading into the 2011 football season. The superstar playmakers from last year have moved on in ultimate deep threat wide receiver Denarius Moore and his complement Gerald Jones, whose spectacular third-down catches were vital for Tennessee. Defensively, the Vols lose their premier leader and hard-hitter Nick Reveiz. Those guys no longer being a presence in the locker room and on the field will leave a huge hole to fill for the remaining 85 who inherit the honor of carrying the ‘T’ on the side of the helmet. Still, the best part about heading into the 2011 is that last season provided a glimpse of what could be. Tennessee came out in Dooley’s first season to a lowly 2-6 record after running the gauntlet of opponents in national champion contender Oregon and SEC contenders Florida and Alabama. Yet the Vols didn’t fold. They rebounded with four consecutive victories and earned a berth in the Music City Bowl against a hard-nosed North Carolina team that faced many of the same challenges as the men in orange last season. The topsyturvy season, of course, was summed up by the way the final minutes and two overtimes played out in Nashville: North Carolina 30, Tennessee 27. The loss on a chilly December night stuck with
the Vols. Each member of the orange team that came out of the locker room beneath the seats at LP Field vowed they would keep that feeling with them into the offseason, spring practice, and later into the fall camp just like Dooley asked of them. “Every time that they want to lay in bed and not work in the offseason, they better think about how they feel, so I hope they bottle this feeling up,” Dooley said after the bowl game loss. “I know I will.” So with that, spring practice didn’t being with a light-hearted approach. The fun and excitement of popping pads and crashing helmets was replaced with a touch of hunger and a dash of revenge. And the Vols are in solid shape to turn their emotion into quality on-field performance this fall. Tennessee returns seven starters on offense and six on defense. Offensively, the skill positions at wide receiver will depend heavily on youth and new faces, while the battery at center and quarterback, as well as the backfield, will be intact from last season. The offensive line, which was a season-long concern last year, is on the verge of reaping the benefits of youth and inexperience. Defensively, the secondary is intact. The concern, however, sits on the line and at linebacker, where the Vols must find five new starters to plug holes against the run and to force the pass rush with greater urgency. Special teams are, in a word, new, as Tennessee will have a fresh arsenal of legs kicking the ball and possibly returning kicks.
OFFENSE
Last season, the concern surrounded who would take over the open quarterback position
2011 OUTLOOK
Ju’Wuan James
25
2010 REVIEW
on the line. A trio of freshmen got their feet wet early last year in James Stone, Zach Fulton and Ja’Wuan James. Stone moved over to center late last year and fared well in his first season at Tennessee, so the sophomore will be ready to snap or be available to fill roles elsewhere on the line. Fulton stepped in at right guard last year, while James solidified right tackle. Dallas Thomas is just a junior at left tackle but is the elder statesman of this group. Others in the mix on the offensive line include sophomore transfer Alex Bullard, junior Carson Anderson, and freshman Jacob Gilliam. Bookending the offensive line will be the challenge on offense. Gone are pass catchers Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones, as well as tight end Luke Stocker. They were Bray’s go-to weapons. Moore provided the deep-ball threat, while Jones was Mr. Third Down and Stocker was clutch across the middle. Together, the trio ranked 1, 2 and 3 on Tennessee’s receiving list last year. The Vols now turn to a pair of sophomore receivers with speed. Two-sport athlete Justin Hunter plans to fill Moore’s role as the deep man with his blazing speed from track also applying to the football field. The sprinter caught 16 passes for 415 yards in 2010. The eye-poppers, however, are his 25.9-yard-per-catch average that displays his passion for the deep ball, and his seven touchdowns, which ranked second on the team last year.
THE VOLS
Herman Lathers
an increased role in the offense as the rest of the backfield is young but talented. Channing Fugate came on strong at fullback as last season progressed, and eventually took on the starting role in his freshman campaign. The sophomore solidified himself as a staple in the Tennessee backfield thanks to his natural blocking skills and occasional threat in the passing game. Fugate caught just two balls last year, but made the most of them with a 10.5-yard average per catch. Junior Ben Bartholomew returns to this position for depth after spending last year at tight end. Bartholomew saw action in the fullback spot in 2008 and 2009. As the leader of the backfield, Poole’s task to cut through holes in the offensive line may be lightened this year with an offensive line that nearly returns intact. As burdensome as it was last year to fill gaps in the trenches, the payoff may come this year as four of the five positions have a returning starter back in place. Only outgoing senior Jarrod Shaw leaves his position at left guard, and sophomore JerQuari Schofield immediately becomes a top candidate to fill the role considering his experience. Pushing Schofield at that position is a true freshman, midterm enrollee Marcus Jackson. Jackson showed promising signs during spring drills and enters the summer bracketed with Schofield. Aside from that change, it’s a solid package
STAFF
Tyler Bray
the Vols’ first eight games and threw for 1,460 yards and eight touchdowns. His toughness in the pocket set the standard for Bray’s late-season explosion. Bray, however, will be handed the ball once again for his sophomore season with significant game experience and signs that his game management matured as last year’s campaign closed. And he will have solid weaponry around him in the backfield and on the offensive line. Poole returns for his senior season coming off a breakout year in 2010. He was the Vols’ workhorse on the ground, rushing for 1,034 yards, averaging 79.5 yards per game, and scoring 11 rushing touchdowns. His 5-yard per carry average and tie for the SEC lead with six 100-yard rushing games were noteworthy considering the youthfulness and adjustments along the offensive line last season. What’s also noteworthy about Poole is that he’s just now getting things going. Prior to last year, he had rushed for 171 yards total in his UT career. The fact that he exploded for more than 1,000 when given the opportunity to carry the football and while an entire offensive line was in the gelling mode places some greater expectations on the Georgia native. The scary part for opponents: Poole likes a challenge. Rajion Neal showed signs of brilliance last year, too, picking up the load when Poole was grabbing a breather. The sophomore should see
OUTLOOK
and how Tauren Poole would respond to being the every-down back for the Volunteers. This season, neither is an issue. Tyler Bray was inserted into the starting role prior to November and embraced the expectations with some flashy numbers and jaw-dropping throws that showed signs of brilliance. Bray saw action in nine games, but his impact came when he was handed the starter’s role heading into the Memphis game. The freshman ended up with 1,849 yards and threw 18 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He averaged 205 yards per game while throwing at a 55.8 percent clip. Where Bray shined was with his accuracy in throwing the deep ball. His first start at Memphis resulted in a five-touchdown, 308-yard first-half performance – both setting UT single-half records. His benchmark came when he connected with fellow freshman Justin Hunter on an 80yard rocket early in the game against Mississippi. Bray went on to throw two more touchdowns in the 52-14 drubbing of the Rebels. Bray, of course, went on to lead the Vols past Vanderbilt and Kentucky to finish the regular season undefeated as the starting quarterback and bring the squad back up to a 6-6 record to become bowl eligible. The tall California kid won’t be standing alone as Tennessee lists five other quarterbacks in the shadows, and that includes a well-experienced Matt Simms. As a junior last year, Simms started
oUTLOOK Complementing Hunter will be Da’Rick Rogers, who caught 11 passes for 167 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a freshman last year. His 6-foot3, 215-pound frame is the big target Bray needs for go-to yardage late in drives. Zach Rogers is the veteran of the receiving corps despite being just a junior. Rogers caught 14 passes last year for 207 yards and a touchdown. He could see loads of action this year, providing sure hands and breakaway speed; his 72-yard catch-and-run touchdown against UAB last year proved as much. Sprinkled into the receiving corps are sophomore big man Matt Milton at 6-5, 220, and a pair of freshmen pass-catchers the Vols signed. Throw the tight end position into the mix also as Tennessee will be searching for Stocker’s replacement as a critical blocker and catcher. Junior Mychal Rivera returns with playing experience, while the Vols are also likely to have the services of early enrollee Brendan Downs and Bartholomew.
DEFENSE
The Vols tentatively welcome back all of their secondary from a year ago, each of whom still have multiple seasons remaining on Rocky Top. Conversely, Tennessee will be trying to fill positions both on the defensive front and at linebacker, two areas that will prove critical as to how successful this season’s defense can be. First up is defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox’s biggest challenge to date. The Vols lost three of their four starting defensive linemen, and two of their three linebackers. The positive to that is there is experience and talent that has been waiting for this chance, perhaps more so at this position than anywhere else on the field. On the line, Malik Jackson returns for his second and final season at Tennessee after transferring from Southern California. Jackson was a monster from the tackle position, bursting through for five sacks and 11 tackles for loss in his first year of Southeastern Conference play. His 48 total tackles ranked sixth on the team and most among defensive linemen. Daniel Hood, a redshirt sophomore, moved over from the offensive line and leaves the spring as starting nose tackle. Montori Hughes (17 tackles in 2010) and 26
Austin Johnson
Joseph Ayres (13 tackles) are back, as is Corey Miller (13 tackles), who also saw plenty of action last season and could push for a spot at either tackle or end. Tennessee will be searching to fill the void left by Chris Walker’s departure at end, but Jacques Smith showed signs of pass-rush ability last year with five TFLs and a pair of sacks. Junior Willie Bohannon has the experience, too, and Marlon Walls was moved to end after an injury kept him sidelined last year. While uncertainty is part of the defensive line equation for this season, anticipation would describe how the linebacker positions will shake out. Clearly, the Vols will miss big-hitters Nick Reveiz and LaMarcus Thompson in addition to the locker room leadership brought forth by the veterans. Reveiz led Tennessee with 108 tackles last year from middle linebacker, 33 more than any other Volunteer. Thompson ranked fourth on that list with 60 tackles at his strong linebacker spot. Yet don’t overlook last year’s weak-side linebacker, Herman Lathers, who heads into his junior season prepared to be a leader of the defense. As a sophomore, Lathers finished second to Reveiz on the
tennessee football >>> 2011 spring review
tackles list, and he collected 2½ sacks and 4½ TFLs. His field experience will be critical for a unit that will influence Tennessee’s defensive success. Lathers could move to a different spot among the three linebacker positions, depending on how his supporting cast progresses. Austin Johnson had a rock-solid performance last season as a junior, his first year at linebacker after moving over from fullback. Johnson finished with 44 tackles, 3½ TFLs and an interception. Daryl Vereen appears poised to make the most of his senior season at the strong-side position. A host of Volunteers could fill in the supporting cast with names like Greg King, John Propst, Raiques Crump and Nigel Mitchell-Thornton all seeing significant action last season. The plus side of Wilcox’s 2011 assignment is in the secondary. Everyone who started last season in the defensive secondary – Marsalis Teague, Prentiss Waggner, Brent Brewer and Janzen Jackson – are scheduled to be back on the field. The lone concern is Jackson, who intercepted a teamhigh five passes last year, collected 114 return yards, broke up six passes, and collected 69 tackles to rank third on the team. Jackson left the team in February citing personal reasons and his status for the fall remains undetermined. Still, the secondary is Tennessee’s ace defensively and is mostly comprised of freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Waggner, one of 42 nominees for the Ronnie Lott IMPACT Award given annually to the nation’s top defensive player, was all over the field in 2010, tying Jackson with five interceptions and also collecting four pass breakups. As a sophomore, he logged 57 tackles to rank fifth on the team. Teague returns for his junior season after collecting 46 tackles last season and leading the team with eight pass breakups. Eric Gordon is another hard-hitting defender who
proved active last season as a freshman. Now a sophomore, Gordon will look to challenge the status quo of the starting lineup. Knoxville senior Anthony Anderson is pushing for a starting position as well, and adds puntreturn capabilities to his resume. Art Evans also returns to the team after participating in seven games last year and collecting 21 tackles. Add to that the fact that Tennessee signed seven defensive backs in its recruiting class, including mid-term enrollee Justin Coleman, who had a solid spring, and the Vols should be shaping up nicely for the future.
SPECIAL TEAMS
A clean slate. That’s what Tennessee’s specialists look like considering placekicker Daniel Lincoln and punter Chad Cunningham have both exhausted their four seasons of eligibility on The Hill. Enter the new blood. Michael Palardy comes back for his sophomore season after seeing plenty of action last year kicking field goals, punting and performing kickoff duties. Palardy was 5-of-7 on field goals last season and made 13 PATs. The two kicks he missed were his two longest, which were from more than 40 yards. He was a perfect 5-of-5 from inside the 40. Palardy also punted the ball four times with a 39.2-yard average on his kicks, booming one 51 yards. His specialty, however, became kicking off. He averaged 61 yards on his kicks after handling 45 of the Vols’ 68 kickoffs. Matt Darr will enter the scene this season, too. Darr redshirted last year after coming to Tennessee as the nation’s No. 1 punting prospect by some experts. He is expected to assume the punting job for the Vols, while Palardy will strictly concentrate on kicking field goals. As for the kickoff role, it may go to the best performer depending on spring and fall camps. One issue Tennessee will seek to address early will be in the return game. Tennessee used five different players to return punts last year with nobody truly taking the role as their own. Anthony Anderson is currently slated as the starting punt returner, while Da’Rick Rogers, who averaged 24.8 yards per return in 2010, will handle kickoff return duties.
DEPTH CHART OUTLOOK
POST-SPRING Depth Chart
STAFF
Pos. # TE 81 84 LT 71 67 LG 75 or 68 C 64 78 RG 72 73 RT 70 60 WR 11 6 WR 21 83 QB 8 12 TB 28 20 FB 46 39
Name Mychal Rivera Brendan Downs Dallas Thomas Jacob Gilliam JerQuari Schofield Marcus Jackson James Stone Alex Bullard Zach Fulton Darin Gooch Ja’Wuan James Carson Anderson Justin Hunter Vincent Dallas Da’Rick Rogers Zach Rogers Tyler Bray Matt Simms Tauren Poole Rajion Neal Channing Fugate Ben Bartholomew
Ht. 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-6 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-6 6-3 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-2
Wt. 254 237 301 275 333 326 308 309 330 301 324 280 191 185 215 175 210 210 210 205 245 251
Yr. Jr. Fr. Jr.-rs Fr.-rs So.-rs Fr. So. So-Tr. So. Jr. So. Jr.-rs So. Fr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr.-rs
>> DEFENSE Pos. # LE 55 90 DT 97 80 NT 76 93 or 65 RE 86 58 SLB 9 50 MLB 40 51 WLB 34 48 LCB 10 24 or 25 SS 17 41 FS 23 22 RCB 36 or 27
Name Jacques Smith Steven Fowlkes Malik Jackson Corey Miller Daniel Hood Montori Hughes Joseph Ayres Willie Bohannon Marlon Walls Daryl Vereen Raiques Crump Austin Johnson John Propst Herman Lathers Greg King Marsalis Teague Eric Gordon Art Evans Brent Brewer Dontavis Sapp Prentiss Waggner Rod Wilks Anthony Anderson Justin Coleman
Ht. 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-10
Wt. 245 250 270 255 293 327 263 251 281 215 220 235 225 220 235 177 185 175 210 215 181 214 185 185
Yr. So. Jr.-rs Sr. So. So.-rs Jr. So-rs Jr.-rs So.-rs Sr.-rs So. Sr. So. Jr.-rs Jr. Jr. So.-rs Sr.-rs So. So. Jr.-rs Jr.-rs Sr.-rs Fr.
Michael Palardy
>> SPECIALISTS Pos. # P 3 1 PK 1 47 KOS 1 47 DS 59 50 H 47 3
Name Matt Darr Michael Palardy Michael Palardy Chip Rhome Michael Palardy Chip Rhome Nick Guess J.R. Carr Chip Rhome Matt Darr
Ht. 6-1 5-11 5-11 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-1
Wt. 221 172 172 197 172 197 230 220 197 221
2010 REVIEW
>> Offense
Marsalis Teague
Yr. Fr.-rs So. So. Sr.-tr So. Sr.-tr Sr.-rs So.-rs Sr.-tr Fr.-rs
>> RETURNERS
Pos. # Name Ht. PR 36 Anthony Anderson 5-11 KR 21 Da’Rick Rogers 6-3
THE VOLS
Mychal Rivera
Wt. Yr. 185 Sr.-rs 215 So.
27
oUTLOOK Alphabetical Roster
Dallas Thomas
NUMERICAL ROSTER No. Name Pos. 1 Michael Palardy PK/P 2 Naz Oliver DB 3 Matt Darr P 3 Zach Allen DB 5 Tyler Drummer WR 6 Vincent Dallas WR 7 Nash Nance QB 7 Melvin Goins DB 8 Tyler Bray QB 9 Daryl Vereen LB 9 Doak Raulston QB 10 Marsalis Teague DB 11 Justin Hunter WR 12 Matt Simms QB 13 Nick Branum DB 14 Justin Worley QB 17 Brent Brewer DB 18 Myles McKee QB 19 DeMario Williams WR 19 Tyler Coombes DB 20 Rajion Neal TB 21 Da’Rick Rogers WR 22 Rod Wilks DB 23 Prentiss Waggner DB 24 Eric Gordon DB 24 Deanthoine Summerhill TB 25 Art Evans DB 26 Robert Yonce DB 26 Derrick Brodus PK 27 Justin Coleman DB 27 Jacob Carter WR 28 Tauren Poole TB
28
No. Name Pos. 29 Dorian Cozart TB 29 Tyler Page DB 30 Shane Reveiz LB 30 Jaron Toney TB 33 Toney Williams TB 33 LaDarius Denson LB 34 Herman Lathers LB 35 Robert Nelson LB 36 Anthony Anderson DB 38 C.J. Fleming DB 39 Ben Bartholomew FB/TE 39 Grant Jessen LB 40 Austin Johnson LB 40 Chris Cates WR 41 Dontavis Sapp DB 42 Nigel Mitchell-Thornton LB 43 Martaze Jackson DL 43 Dakota Summers TE 45 Austin Bolen FB 46 Channing Fugate FB 47 Chip Rhome PK/P 47 Gregory Grieco LB 48 Greg King LB 50 Raiques Crump LB 50 J.R. Carr DS 51 John Propst LB 53 Jake Storey LB 55 Jacques Smith DL 57 Mack Crowder OL 58 Marlon Walls DL 59 Nick Guess DS 60 Carson Anderson OL
tennessee football >>> 2011 spring review
No. Name 63 Kevin Revis 64 James Stone 65 Joseph Ayres 66 Marques Pair 67 Jacob Gilliam 68 Marcus Jackson 70 Ja’Wuan James 71 Dallas Thomas 72 Zach Fulton 73 Darin Gooch 75 JerQuari Schofield 76 Daniel Hood 78 Alex Bullard 79 Chase Phillips 80 Corey Miller 80 Dylan West 81 Mychal Rivera 82 Cory Eichholtz 83 Zach Rogers 84 Brendan Downs 85 Matt Milton 86 Willie Bohannon 87 Keensen Chambers 89 Brent Slusher 90 Steven Fowlkes 93 Montori Hughes 94 Gregory Clark 95 Arthur Jeffery 97 Malik Jackson 98 Rae Sykes
Pos. OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL DL WR TE WR WR TE WR DL DL TE DL DL DL DL DL DL
No. 3 36 60 65 39 86 45 13 8 17 26 78 50 27 40 87 94 27 19 29 57 50 6 3 33 84 5 82 25 38 90 46 72 67 7 73 24 47 59 76 93 11 97 68 43 70 95 39 40 48 34 18 80 85
Name Zach Allen Anthony Anderson Carson Anderson Joseph Ayres Ben Bartholomew Willie Bohannon Austin Bolen Nick Branum Tyler Bray Brent Brewer Derrick Brodus Alex Bullard J.R. Carr Jacob Carter Chris Cates Keensen Chambers Gregory Clark Justin Coleman Tyler Coombes Dorian Cozart Mack Crowder Raiques Crump Vincent Dallas Matt Darr LaDarius Denson Brendan Downs Tyler Drummer Cory Eichholtz Art Evans C.J. Fleming Steven Fowlkes Channing Fugate Zach Fulton Jacob Gilliam Melvin Goins Darin Gooch Eric Gordon Gregory Grieco Nick Guess Daniel Hood Montori Hughes Justin Hunter Malik Jackson Marcus Jackson Martaze Jackson Ja’Wuan James Arthur Jeffery Grant Jessen Austin Johnson Greg King Herman Lathers Myles McKee Corey Miller Matt Milton
Pos. DB DB OL DL FB/TE DL FB DB QB DB PK OL DS WR WR DL DL DB DB TB OL LB WR P LB TE WR WR DB DB DL FB OL OL DB OL DB LB DS DL DL WR DL OL DL OL DL LB LB LB LB QB DL WR
Ht. 5-9 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-6 6-1 5-11 6-2 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-5 6-2 5-10 6-0 5-7 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-5 6-1 5-8 5-11 5-10 6-5 6-1 6-5 6-4 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-10 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-2 6-6 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-5
Wt. 195 185 280 263 251 251 206 180 210 210 171 309 220 181 189 250 322 185 185 196 275 220 185 221 241 237 165 184 175 180 250 245 330 275 180 301 185 219 230 293 327 191 270 326 231 324 305 215 235 235 220 180 255 210
Cl. Jr.-rs Sr.-rs Jr.-rs So.-rs Jr.-rs Jr.-rs Fr.-rs So.-rs So. So. Fr.-rs So. So.-rs Fr.-rs Jr.-rs So.-tr Fr.-rs Fr. Fr.-rs Fr.-rs Fr. So. Fr. Fr.-rs Jr.-tr Fr. So.-tr Jr.-rs Sr.-rs Sr.-rs Jr.-rs So. So. Fr.-rs Sr. Jr. So.-rs Fr.-rs Sr.-rs So.-rs Jr. So. Sr.-tr Fr. Fr.-rs So. So.-rs Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.-rs Fr.-rs So. So.
Exp Sq. 2L Sq. 1L 2L 2L Sq. Sq. 1L 1L Sq. Tr. Sq. Sq. Sq. Sq. Sq. HS Sq. Sq. HS 1L HS Sq. Sq. HS Sq. 1L 3L Sq. Sq. 1L 1L Sq. Sq. 1L 1L Sq. 1L Sq. 2L 1L 1L HS Sq. 1L Sq. Sq. 3L 1L 2L Sq. 1L Sq.
Hometown (Previous School) Knoxville (Farragut) Knoxville (Austin-East) Florence, Ala. (Florence) Knoxville (Chattanooga McCallie) Nashville (Montgomery Bell Academy) Mobile, Ala. (Blount) Knoxville (Farragut) Knoxville (Knoxville Catholic) Kingsburg, Calif. (Kingsburg) Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek) Maryville (Alcoa) Franklin (Univ. of Notre Dame) Lomita, Calif. (South Torrance) Nashville (Ensworth) Knoxville (Christian Academy of Knoxville) Greenville, S.C. (Univ. of Connecticut) Warner Robins, Ga. (Northside) Brunswick, Ga. (Brunswick) Lebanon (Wilson Central) Knoxville (Knoxville Catholic) Bristol (Tennessee HS) Birmingham, Ala. (Minor) Ellenwood, Ga. (Cedar Grove) Bakersfield, Calif. (Frontier) Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Southern Univ.) Bristol (Tennessee HS) Powell (Cumberland Univ.) Knoxville (Bearden) Lakeland, Fla. (Evangel Christian) Richmond, Va. (Highland Springs) College Park, Ga. (Banneker) Jackson, Ky. (Breathitt County) Homewood, Ill. (Homewood-Flossmoor) Knoxville (Farragut) San Diego, Calif. (Mt. San Jacinto JC) Reno, Nev. (Butte [Calif.] JC) Nashville (Hillsboro) Knoxville (Farragut) Knoxville (Farragut) Knoxville (Knoxville Catholic) Murfreesboro (Siegel) Virginia Beach, Va. (Ocean Lakes) Northridge, Calif. (Univ. of Southern Calif.) Vero Beach, Fla. (Vero Beach) Demopolis, Ala. (Demopolis) Suwanee, Ga. (North Gwinnett) Sarasota, Fla. (Booker) Cordova (St. George’s) Hickory, N.C. (Hickory) Memphis (Melrose) Baton Rouge, La. (Scotlandville) Arden, N.C. (Fork Union [Va.] Military Acad.) Wellford, S.C. (Byrnes) Mascoutah, Ill. (Mascoutah)
ROSTERS
Ht. 6-1 6-3 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-5 5-11 6-3 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-3 5-10 5-9 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-5 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-0
Wt. 235 208 205 205 177 193 310 172 286 210 225 200 215 275 197 254 215 175 215 333 210 249 245 308 204 199 232 275 177 301 180 215 181 281 181 214 204 220 200 192
Cl. Jr. Fr.-rs So. So.-rs So.-rs Fr.-rs Fr.-rs So. So.-rs Sr. So. So.-tr Sr.-rs So.-rs Sr.-tr Jr. So. Jr. So. So.-rs Sr.-tr Sr.-tr So. So. Sr.-rs Fr.-rs Fr.-rs Sr. Jr. Jr.-rs Fr.-rs Sr.-rs Jr.-rs So.-rs Fr.-rs Jr.-rs Jr.-tr So.-rs Fr. Jr.-rs
Exp 2L Sq. 1L Sq. Sq. Sq. Sq. 1L Sq. 3L 1L Sq. 1L Sq. Sq. 1L 1L 2L 1L 1L 1L Sq. 1L 1L 2L Sq. Sq. 1L 2L 2L Sq. 3L 2L 1L Sq. 1L Sq. Sq. HS Sq.
Hometown (Previous School) Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson) Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun) Fayetteville, Ga. (Sandy Creek) Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stone Mountain) Jersey City, N.J. (Saint Peter’s Prep) Candler, N.C. (Asheville) Sumter, S.C. (Sumter) Coral Springs, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas) Knoxville (South Doyle) Toccoa, Ga. (Stephens County) Hoover, Ala. (Hoover) Fort Worth, Texas (Louisiana Tech Univ.) Farragut (Farragut) Dayton (Rhea County) Christiana (Austin Peay State Univ.) Valencia, Calif. (College of the Canyons) Calhoun (Calhoun) Nashville (David Lipscomb) Valdosta, Ga. (Valdosta) Aiken, S.C. (South Aiken) Franklin Lakes, N.J. (El Camino [Calif.] CC) Pineville, Ky. (Auburn Univ.) Ooltewah (Ooltewah) Nashville (Maplewood) Titusville, Fla. (Astronaut) Tuscumbia, Ala. (Deshler) Camden (Central) Alcoa (Coffeyville [Kan.] CC) Paris (Henry County) Baton Rouge, La. (Scotlandville) Alcoa (Alcoa) Charlotte, N.C. (North Mecklenburg) Clinton, La. (Clinton) Olive Branch, Miss. (Hargrave [Va.] Military Acad.) Oneida (Oneida) Smyrna (Smyrna) Culleoka (Middle Tennessee State Univ.) Alpharetta, Ga. (Milton) Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern) Wytheville, Va. (George Wythe)
Derek Dooley Head Coach
Jim Chaney Offensive Coordinator Running Backs
Justin Wilcox Defensive Coordinator
Charlie Baggett Assistant Head Coach Wide Receivers
Hary Hiestand Offensive Line
Darin Hinshaw Quarterbacks
Terry Joseph Defensive Backs Recruiting Coordinator
Eric Russell Special Teams Coord. Tight Ends
Peter Sirmon Linebackers
Lance Thompson Defensive Line
Ron McKeefery Strength Coach
Chino Fontenette Grad. Assistant/Offense
Schirra Fields Grad. Assistant/Defense
29
2010 REVIEW
Pos. LB QB TB LB DB DB OL PK/P OL TB LB QB LB OL PK/P TE WR WR DB OL QB TE DL OL LB TB TE DL DB OL TB LB DB DL WR DB WR TB QB DB
THE VOLS
Name Nigel Mitchell-Thornton Nash Nance Rajion Neal Robert Nelson Naz Oliver Tyler Page Marques Pair Michael Palardy Chase Phillips Tauren Poole John Propst Doak Raulston Shane Reveiz Kevin Revis Chip Rhome Mychal Rivera Da’Rick Rogers Zach Rogers Dontavis Sapp JerQuari Schofield Matt Simms Brent Slusher Jacques Smith James Stone Jake Storey Deanthoine Summerhill Dakota Summers Rae Sykes Marsalis Teague Dallas Thomas Jaron Toney Daryl Vereen Prentiss Waggner Marlon Walls Dylan West Rod Wilks DeMario Williams Toney Williams Justin Worley Robert Yonce
STAFF
No. 42 7 20 35 2 29 66 1 79 28 51 9 30 63 47 81 21 83 41 75 12 89 55 64 53 24 43 98 10 71 30 9 23 58 80 22 19 33 14 26
OUTLOOK
Coaching Staff
oUTLOOK lettermen returning/lost >> LETTERMEN RETURNING (45) OFFENSE (17) TIGHT ENDS Mychal Rivera* TACKLES JaWuan James* Dallas Thomas** GUARDS Zach Fulton* JerQuari Schofield*
CENTERS Darin Gooch* James Stone* QUARTERBACKS Tyler Bray* Matt Simms* FULLBACKS Channing Fugate* +Ben Bartholomew**
WIDE RECEIVERS ++Cory Eichholtz* Justin Hunter* Da’Rick Rogers* Zach Rogers** TAILBACKS Rajion Neal* Tauren Poole***
DEFENSE (26) ENDS Willie Bohannon** Jacques Smith* ++Marlon Walls* TACKLES Joseph Ayres* Montori Hughes** Malik Jackson* Corey Miller* Rae Sykes*
LINEBACKERS Raiques Crump* Austin Johnson*** ++Greg King* Herman Lathers** N. Mitchell-Thornton** John Propst* ++Shane Reveiz* Jake Storey** Daryl Vereen***
DEFENSIVE BACKS Anthony Anderson** Brent Brewer* Art Evans*** Eric Gordon* Janzen Jackson** Dontavis Sapp* Marsalis Teague** Prentiss Waggner** ++Rod Wilks*
Nick Guess (Snapper)*
#Lettered in 2007, 08, 09 +Lettered in 2008, 09 ++Lettered in 2009
>> LETTERMEN LOST (18) OFFENSE (7)
FB Kevin Cooper*** WR Gerald Jones**** WR Denarius Moore**** TB David Oku** C Cody Pope* OG Jarrod Shaw*** TE Luke Stocker****
30
STARTERS RETURNING/LOST STARTERS RETURNING: 13
STARTERS LOST: 11
LT Dallas Thomas (Jr., 6-5, 299) RG Zach Fulton (So., 6-5, 334) C James Stone (So., 6-3, 307) RT Ja’Wuan James (So., 6-6, 330) QB Tyler Bray (So., 6-6, 195) TB Tauren Poole (Sr., 5-10, 208) FB Channing Fugate (So., 6-1, 251)
TE Luke Stocker (Sr., 6-6, 253) RG Jarrod Shaw (Sr., 6-4, 331) WR Gerald Jones (Sr., 6-0, 195) WR Denarius Moore (Sr., 6-1, 194)
>> OFFENSE (7):
SPECIALISTS (2) Michael Palardy (Placekicker/Punter)*
Malik Jackson
DEFENSE (9)
DT Minor Bowens* (Ser.) LB Savion Frazier**** DE Ben Martin*** LB Nick Reveiz**** DT Victor Thomas** LB L.Thompson**** DE Chris Walker**** DE Gerald Williams*** DB Tyler Wolf**
tennessee football >>> 2011 spring review
SPECIALISTS (2)
P Chad Cunningham**** PK Daniel Lincoln****
>> OFFENSE (4):
>> DEFENSE (6):
>> DEFENSE (5):
>> SPECIALISTS (0):
>> SPECIALISTS (2):
DT LB CB CB S S
Malik Jackson (Sr., 6-5, 262) Herman Lathers (Jr., 6-0, 219) Marsalis Teague (Jr., 5-10, 175) Prentiss Waggner (Jr., 6-2, 175) Brent Brewer (So., 6-1, 207) Janzen Jackson (Jr., 6-0, 180)
DE NT DE LB LB
Gerald Williams (Sr., 6-3, 250) Victor Thomas (Sr. 6-3, 293) Chris Walker (Sr., 6-3, 245) LaMarcus Thompson (Sr., 6-1, 228) Nick Reveiz (Sr. 5-10, 224)
PK Daniel Lincoln (Sr., 6-0, 210) P Chad Cunningham (Sr., 6-2, 210)
A LOOK AT THE ROSTER OUTLOOK
WHERE ON EARTH? The Vols represent 15 States GEOGRAPHY BY THE NUMBERS
40.4
States that current Vols on the roster call home.
Percentage of the team from the state of Tennessee.
6
States that serve as home for at least five Volunteers: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
>> State-by-State Breakdown No. State 38 Tennessee 14 Georgia 6 Alabama; California; Florida 5 South Carolina 4 North Carolina
Alabama (6)
Birmingham – Raiques Crump Demopolis – Martaze Jackson Florence – Carson Anderson Hoover – John Propst Mobile – Willie Bohannon Tuscumbia – Deanthoine Summerhill
California (6)
Bakersfield – Matt Darr Kingsburg – Tyler Bray Lomita – J.R. Carr Northridge – Malik Jackson San Diego – Melvin Goins Valencia – Mychal Rivera
Florida (6)
Coral Springs – Michael Palardy Lakeland – Art Evans Port St. Lucie – LaDarius Denson Sarasota – Arthur Jeffery Titusville – Jake Storey Vero Beach – Marcus Jackson
Georgia (14)
Alpharetta – Toney Williams Brunswick – Justin Coleman Calhoun – Nash Nance, Da’Rick Rogers College Park – Steven Fowlkes Ellenwood – Vincent Dallas Fayetteville – Rajion Neal Stone Mountain – Nigel MitchellThornton, Robert Nelson Suwanee – Ja’Wuan James Toccoa – Tauren Poole Tyrone – Brent Brewer Valdosta – Dontavis Sapp Warner Robins – Gregory Clark
Kentucky (2)
Jackson – Channing Fugate Pineville – Brent Slusher
Louisiana (3)
Baton Rouge – Herman Lathers, Dallas Thomas Clinton – Prentiss Waggner
Illinois (2)
Homewood – Zach Fulton Mascoutah – Matt Milton
South Carolina (5)
Olive Branch – Marlon Walls
Aiken – JerQuari Schofield Greenville – Keensen Chambers Rock Hill – Justin Worley Sumter – Marques Pair Wellford – Corey Miller
Nevada (1)
Tennessee (38)
Mississippi (1)
Reno – Darin Gooch
New Jersey (2)
Franklin Lakes – Matt Simms Jersey City – Naz Oliver
North Carolina (4) Arden – Myles McKee Candler – Tyler Page Charlotte – Daryl Vereen Hickory – Austin Johnson
Alcoa – Rae Sykes, Jaron Toney Bristol – Mack Crowder, Brendan Downs Camden – Dakota Summers Christiana – Chip Rhome Cordova – Grant Jessen Culleoka – DeMario Williams Dayton – Kevin Revis Farragut – Shane Reveiz Franklin – Alex Bullard Knoxville – Zach Allen, Anthony Anderson, Joseph Ayres, Austin Bolen, Nick Branum, Chris Cates, Dorian Cozart, Cory Eichholtz, Jacob Gilliam, Gregory Grieco, Nick Guess, Daniel
No. State 3 Louisiana; Virginia 2 Kentucky; Illinois; New Jersey 1 Mississippi; Nevada; Texas
Hood, Chase Phillips Lebanon – Tyler Coombes Maryville – Derrick Brodus Memphis – Greg King Murfreesboro – Montori Hughes Nashville – Ben Bartholomew, Jacob Carter, Eric Gordon, Zach Rogers, James Stone Oneida – Dylan West Ooltewah – Jacques Smith Paris – Marsalis Teague Powell – Tyler Drummer Smyrna – Rod Wilks
Texas (1)
Fort Worth – Doak Raulston
Virginia (3)
Richmond – C.J. Fleming Virginia Beach – Justin Hunter Wytheville – Robert Yonce
31
2010 REVIEW
Home cities of at least two Vols: Knoxville (13); Nashville (5); Alcoa (2); Baton Rouge, La. (2); Bristol (2); Calhoun, Ga. (2); Stone Mountain, Ga. (2).
THE VOLS
7
STAFF
15
oUTLOOK
POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN:
photo >> Patrick Murphy-Racey (pmrphoto.com)
Austin Johnson & Montori Hughes
QUARTERBACK
>> Lettermen Returning (2): Tyler Bray Matt Simms
So. Sr.
1L 1L
>> Lettermen Lost (0) What was unsettled a year ago this time is now concrete. Tyler Bray is the starting quarterback for the University of Tennessee. The tall passer heads into his sophomore season locked into the position, which was not the case in his freshman year. Bray inherited the starting position at Memphis and went 4-1 in that role, including an undefeated November and a berth in the Music City Bowl. His ability to connect deep downfield with seasoned targets Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones helped, but he also developed a quick rapport with fellow freshmen Justin Hunter and 32
Da’Rick Rogers – his projected top two targets in 2011. The Vols’ 6-foot-6, 210-pound quarterback comes into Year 2 with some bright numbers. Last year, he threw for 1,849 yards and 18 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. While he will throw to a new tandem of starting receivers, his protection on the offensive line will improve because of considerable experience gained in 2010. Backing up Bray will be senior Matt Simms, who started Tennessee’s first eight games last year. Known for his toughness and leadership qualities, Simms will be relied upon for guidance on a team that is still young and still improving. A deep group of backups wait in the wings for Tennessee, led by freshman mid-term enrollee Justin Worley and redshirt freshman Nash Nance. Other quarterbacks on the roster include sophomore Doak Raulston and redshirt freshmen Myles McKee.
tennessee football >>> 2011 spring review
TAILBACK
>> Lettermen Returning (2): Rajion Neal Tauren Poole
So. Sr.
1L 3L
So.
2L
>> Lettermen Lost (1): David Oku
The offensive battery is shored up by Tennessee’s only senior starter on offense, running back Tauren Poole, whose experience will pay dividends for the Vols’ ground attack in 2011. The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Poole enters his senior season at UT after a career year in 2010. As a freshman, Poole ran for 86 yards. As a sophomore, Poole ran for 85 yards. Last year, however, he took full advantage of his chance to start, carrying the ball 204 times for 1,034 yards as a junior, including six 100yard games, tying Heisman Trophy winner Cam
Newton for the most in the conference last year. Poole averaged 5.1 yards per carry and collected 11 touchdowns. This spring gave the coaches a chance to see who may step up to relieve Poole, as the senior is cemented as the Vols’ workhorse after earning honorable mention AP All-SEC accolades. Behind Poole will be 5-11, 205-pound sophomore Rajion Neal, who turned heads in his first year backing up the Vols’ starter. Neal rushed for 197 yards as a freshman, but his explosiveness resulted in big plays both as a runner and a receiver, including a 58-yard reception at Georgia that set up a Tennessee touchdown. Neal is currently listed as the Vols’ backup in the depth chart. Others listed at the tailback position include three redshirt freshmen (Dorian Cozart, Deanthoine Summerhill and Jaron Toney) and one sophomore (Toney Williams).
POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN FULLBACK
Ben Bartholomew Channing Fugate
2L 1L
Sr.
3L
>> Lettermen Lost (1): Kevin Cooper
Gerald Jones Denarius Moore
Jr. So. So. Jr.
1L 1L 1L 2L
Sr. Sr.
4L 4L
Very few schools can lose two senior wide receivers and still have cause for optimism in the following season’s passing game, but Tennessee is in that position heading into 2011. The Vols lose Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones from last year’s squad – two starters, two seniors, and the two best-performing receivers. Moore totaled 981 yards and caught nine touchdowns, while Jones caught four touchdowns and collected 596 yards in establishing himself as the go-to in third down situations. Enter Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers. The pair of sophomores came in last year and made an
Jr.
1L
Sr.
4L
>> Lettermen Lost (1): Luke Stocker
Coming out of spring practice, junior Mychal Rivera is listed as the starter, and the 6-foot-3, 254 Rivera finished 2010 with 11 receptions for 112 yards. A talented group of freshmen are on the horizon for the Vols, including Brendan Downs, a January enrollee who went through spring practice and is listed as the primary backup at the position. There are big shoes to fill for the Vols at the tight end position with the loss of Luke Stocker to graduation, Stocker finished last season with the third-highest number of catches (39) and reception yards (417) on the team behind the two starting receivers. The freshman Downs is 6-5, 237 and also a big target at tight end, with Ben Bartholomew also in the mix. Others listed at the tight end position include redshirt freshman Dakota Summers and senior Brent Slusher will lobby for time.
Zach Fulton Darin Gooch Ja’Wuan James JerQuari Schofield James Stone Dallas Thomas
>> Lettermen Lost (2): Cody Pope Jarrod Shaw
OG C OT OG C OT
So. Jr. So. So. So. Jr.
1L 1L 1L 1L 1L 2L
C OG
Jr. Sr.
1L 3L
Last season, the Vols received 31 starts from freshmen on the offensive line, and the lack of seasoning showed early in the season. As the year progressed and the linemen gained more experience, the Tennessee offensive line continued to improved, particularly as the right combinations were established and players settled into their roles. By season’s end, tailback Tauren Poole had more than 1,000 yards rushing and the linemen began what could be a long-lasting relationship with their fellow freshman at quarterback. This season, coming out of spring camp, it appears the Vols will rely on four sophomores and one junior to anchor the line. The way they line up could be adjusted before the season opener depending on fall camp. Here’s how Dooley anticipates things may look in the fall on the offensive line: Center: James Stone settled into the position as the season progressed last year and heads the depth chart at the position heading into his sophomore campaign. Stone earned Freshman AllAmerica honors by the Football Writers Association of America and The Sporting News. A native of Nashville, he is left-handed and snapped last year with an unorthodox technique. The coaching staff spent this spring working on shifting Stone into a right-handed snapper. Sophomore Alex Bullard moves into the backup role at center after transferring from Notre Dame. Guard: Sophomores Zach Fulton will start at left guard while redshirt sophomore JerQuari Schofield and true freshman Marcus Jackson will battle to fill the right guard spot. Fulton started five games as a true freshman in 2010, while Schofield started five games as left guard during his freshman season last fall.
2010 REVIEW
>> Lettermen Returning (4):
>> Lettermen Lost (2):
>> Lettermen Returning (1): Mychal Rivera
WIDE RECEIVER Cory Eichholtz Justin Hunter Da’Rick Rogers Zach Rogers
TIGHT END
>> Lettermen Returning (6):
THE VOLS
Blocking from the backfield will be critical for Tennessee’s run game to be strong in 2011, and the Vols received a boost down the stretch from 6-foot-1, 245-pound Channing Fugate last fall. As a true freshman, Fugate played in all 13 games, including starts in the last five games of the season. Fugate returns for his sophomore season and is listed as the starter at fullback, one of eight sophomores currently listed as an offensive starter. Junior Ben Bartholomew is listed as the backup to Fugate at fullback, although Bartholomew will also spend time at tight end. Still, the 6-2, 251 bruiser will be another big body in the backfield for the Vols to rely upon as the tough season unfolds. Redshirt freshman Austin Bolen is also listed at fullback.
OFFENSIVE LINE
STAFF
Jr. So.
immediate impact despite the prominent roles of Moore and Jones. The speedy Hunter established himself as the deep-ball threat for Tennessee, catching a school freshman-record seven touchdown passes and averaging a team-high 25.9 yards per catch. The 6-foot-4, 191-pound Hunter now steps into a starter’s role providing speed and big-play ability. Da’Rick Rogers is a nice complement to Hunter, a physical receiver at 6-3, 215. He showed considerable versatility last year for Tennessee, catching 11 passes for 167 yards but also carrying the ball 16 times for 117 yards in special packages the Vols often deployed. Rogers scored two touchdowns in 2010, including one in the bowl game against North Carolina. Junior Zach Rogers, sophomore Matt Milton and freshman Vincent Dallas will all see action at receiver. Zach Rogers is a veteran with the Vols and had a solid season in 2010 with 14 catches for 207 yards. Milton was used sparingly last year, but he’s improved well in the spring. Dallas was an early enrollee who has impressed quickly.
OUTLOOK
>> Lettermen Returning (2):
Da’Rick Rogers
33
OUTLOOK Junior Darin Gooch saw action last season at center and is listed as the backup at right guard coming out of the spring this year. Tackle: Bookending the offensive line will most likely be sophomore Ja’Wuan James on the right side and junior Dallas Thomas on the left side. Thomas provides a burst of strength protecting the quarterback’s blind side at 6-5, 301 pounds and owns 26 games of playing experience, including 13 starts. On the right side, James is among the biggest bodies on the field at 6-6, 324 and earned Freshman All-SEC honors as a true freshman after starting all 13 games in 2010. Junior Carson Anderson and redshirt freshman Jacob Gilliam will serve as backups. It’s easy to put each lineman into their category and detail their size to indicate what kind of bulldozers they may serve for the running game or what kind of wall they may build for quarterback Tyler Bray. Yet this line’s biggest asset isn’t size or speed or strength, but rather youth. With a season under their belts and three more to go, the sophomore-dominant line could be on the fast track to being Tennessee’s biggest asset – either this year or in the next two seasons. Entering 2010, the current projected starters for this fall had yet to record a start. As the Vols
approach the fall, the projected lineup of Thomas and James at tackle, Stone at center, Fulton at right guard, and either Jackson or Schofield at left guard, own a combined 44 starts.
DEFENSIVE LINE
>> Lettermen Returning (8): Joseph Ayres Willie Bohannon Montori Hughes Malik Jackson Corey Miller Jacques Smith Rae Sykes Marlon Walls
>> Lettermen Lost (5): Minor Bowens Ben Martin Victor Thomas Chris Walker Gerald Williams
So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So.
1L 2L 2L 1L 1L 1L 1L 1L
DT DE DT DE DE
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.
1L 3L 2L 4L 3L
Tennessee’s defensive line will very much mirror its offensive line as the front four tacklers will be led by mostly sophomores. The one upperclassman on the line, however, may make the biggest impact. James Stone
34
DT DE DT DT DT DE DT DE
TENNESSEE FOOTBALL >>> 2011 SPRING REVIEW
Senior defensive tackle Malik Jackson will be the big stopper on the Vols’ defensive line this season. Jackson transferred to Tennessee from USC prior to last year and stepped into Southeastern Conference play quite nicely. He tallied 48 tackles, 11 tackles for loss to lead the team and five sacks and earned AP All-SEC Second Team honors. Jackson started 12 games for the Vols in 2010 and has played in 27 career games at the collegiate level. Aside from Jackson, the rest of the defensive line is likely to be filled with players who have considerably less experience. Sophomore Daniel Hood, a converted offensive lineman will challenge for the nose tackle position beside Jackson. Jackson fits in at 6-foot-5, 270, while Hood is 6-4, 293. Corey Miller is listed as a backup at defensive tackle after playing in all 13 games as a freshman, including two starts. Montori Hughes and Joseph Ayres, who saw action last year, are listed as backup as the nose tackle spot. At the end positions are sophomore Jacques Smith on the left side and junior Willie Bohannon on the right side. Smith played in all 13 games in 2010 and collected five tackles for loss and two sacks last year as a freshman. Bohannon has 5½ career TFLs to go along with three sacks Art Evans
and has 24 career games of experience. Walls, a sophomore who is coming off injury and missed all of 2010, is the backup to Bohannon entering fall camp. Junior Steven Fowlkes also contributed last season and is listed as the backup to Smith.
LINEBACKER
>> Lettermen Returning (9): Raiques Crump Austin Johnson Greg King Herman Lathers Nigel Mitchell-Thornton John Propst Shane Reveiz Jake Storey Daryl Vereen
>> Lettermen Lost (3): Savion Frazier Nick Reveiz LaMarcus Thompson
Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr.
1L 3L 2L 2L 2L 1L 1L 2L 3L
Sr. Sr. Sr.
4L 4L 4L
Filling the void of losing the team’s biggest hitters isn’t simple, but that’s what the Vols face at linebacker. Yet considering the experience many of the candidates got last season, the group is wellposition to take strides forward. Eric Gordon
POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN
Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr.
2L 1L 3L 1L 2L 1L 2L 2L 1L
Sr.
2L
>> Lettermen Lost (1): Tyler Wolf
The deeper into the Tennessee defense one goes, the more experience one finds. Beginning with the cornerback position, junior Marsalis
Michael Palardy Nick Guess
>> Lettermen Lost (2): Chad Cunningham Daniel Lincoln
Prentiss Waggner
Teague is currently listed as the starter at one spot with a dual listing at the other position at the moment, including senior Anthony Anderson and true freshman Justin Coleman. A year ago, Teague was a converted receiver making a transition to the secondary. The transition went well, as Teague finished with 46 tackles last season and eight pass breakups in his first season in the secondary. Teague has played in 24 games for Tennessee, including 13 starts. Anderson had 26 tackles last year and an interception as a junior. A local product from AustinEast High School heads into his final year with the hometown Vols in the mix at right cornerback. Additionally, mid-term enrollee Justin Coleman adds to the Vols’ deepest position is the secondary and is bracketed as a starter at right cornerback. Currently listed in backup cornerback slots are sophomore Eric Gordon and senior Art Evans, both
photo >> Patrick Murphy-Racey (pmrphoto.com)
of whom are major playmakers and were contributors in 2010. Gordon recorded 43 tackles and two interceptions a year ago, including a return for a touchdown against Ole Miss. Evans started six games at the cornerback position in 2010. Junior Prentiss Waggner and sophomore Brent Brewer are listed as starters at safety coming out of spring practice. Additionally, Tennessee is missing the services of all-star secondary performer and the team’s third-leading tackler from last year Janzen Jackson, who left the team for personal reasons. The Vols are hopeful of Jackson’s return down the road, but are moving forward with the existing talent in the defensive backfield – and there’s quite a bit of skill there. Waggner and Brewer jumped right into the action last year for the Vols, with Waggner ranking fifth on the team with 57 tackles. Waggner is listed as one of 42 players on the watch list for
PK DS
So. Sr.
1L 1L
P PK
Sr. Sr.
4L 4L
2010 REVIEW
Anthony Anderson Brent Brewer Art Evans Eric Gordon Janzen Jackson Dontavis Sapp Marsalis Teague Prentiss Waggner Rod Wilks
>> Lettermen Returning (2):
THE VOLS
>> Lettermen Returning (9):
SPECIALISTS
STAFF
DEFENSIVE BACK
the Ronnie Lott IMPACT Award, given annually to the top defensive player in the nation. Last year, he had five interceptions and recovered three fumbles. Brewer finished with 30 tackles and had three pass break-ups. Rod Wilks and Dontavis Sapp will likely serve as backups. Like cornerback, the safety position very well could see some fresh faces come in during fall camp, when a significant portion of Tennessee’s signing class reports. In addition to the existing secondary members, the Vols also signed seven defensive secondary student-athletes to add talent and depth to this part of the defense.
OUTLOOK
Nick Reveiz was the emotional leader of the team, and at middle linebacker last season, he led the Vols with 108 tackles, 33 more than anyone else. Savion Frazier and LaMarcus Thompson are also no longer in Volunteer uniforms, and both provided the flanks for Reveiz in one of the Vols’ strongest units last season. For 2011, Tennessee turns to 6-foot, 220-pound junior Herman Lathers to lead from the weakside position. Lathers was starting late in the season last year and wound up second on the tackles list with 75. His nose for the ball will serve him well as one of the Vols’ primary tacklers. Rounding out the middle of the defense will be 6-2, 235-pound senior Austin Johnson, who two years ago was a Tennessee fullback. Johnson had 44 tackles last season, with 3½ TFLs. Sophomore John Propst came on strong late last year and ended up with 14 tackles in his 10 games, earning Freshman All-SEC honors. Beside him should be 5-11, 215-pound senior Daryl Vereen, who played well late in 2010 and had a solid spring. Vereen collected 18 tackles as a junior and will serve as the elder statesman among the linebackers. Backing up the strong side should be Raiques Crump, while Greg King is listed at weak side. Tennessee expects each of the linebackers to not only see time on the field, but also contribute in a major way if the Vols are to receive similar production from the linebackers as they did a year ago.
Tennessee faces a complete overhaul of its kicking game, and the promise looks bright with Matt Darr and Michael Palardy. Palardy inherits the placekicking duties full-time after starting several games in 2010 in place of injured senior Daniel Lincoln, who missed several games before returning to kick late in the season. Palardy was 5-of-7 in field goal attempts and also handled kickoff duties for the majority of the season, a role he is slated to resume in 2011. Chip Rhome is listed as the backup at kicker and kickoff specialist. Darr is listed as the starter at punter after redshirting last fall. He originally signed with USC as the nation’s top-ranked punting prospect, but was granted his release and came to Tennessee prior to the 2010 season. In addition to his placekicking and kickoff duties, Palardy will serve as Darr’s backup at the punter position. On the return side, The Vols will be searching for the best success at punt returner as last year it was handled by several. This year, head coach Derek Dooley has senior Anthony Anderson listed as the man for the job to begin fall camp. On kickoff returns, sophomore Da’Rick Rogers is listed as the starter. He produced the Vols’ top return in 2010, returning the opening kickoff against Kentucky for 78 yards. 35
OUTLOOK
ROSTERS >> ORANGE TEAM Offense 6 7 8 11 18 23 24 28 30 39 40 45 60 64 68 71 73 79 81 85 89
Vincent Dallas Nash Nance Tyler Bray Justin Hunter Myles McKee Jacob Carter Deanthoine Summerhill Tauren Poole Jaron Toney Ben Bartholomew Chris Cates Austin Bolen Carson Anderson James Stone Marcus Jackson Dallas Thomas Darin Gooch Chase Phillips Mychal Rivera Matt Milton Brent Slusher
Celebrity Head Coaches Mickey Dearstone John Koontz Assistant Coaches Justin Wilcox Peter Sirmon Darin Hinshaw Chino Fontenette Joe Bernardi DeMarco McNeil Chris Hurd Blake Rolan Arthu Long Brock Kothe
WR QB QB WR QB WR TB TB TB FB WR FB OT C OG OT OG OT TE WR TE
>> WHITE TEAM
Defense 2 3 7 9 10 17 19 23 29 33 35 36 42 43 47 65 80 86 93 98
Naz Oliver Zach Allen Melvin Goins Daryl Vereen Marsalis Teague Brent Brewer Tyler Coombes Prentiss Waggner Tyler Page LaDarius Denson Robert Nelson Anthony Anderson Nigel Mitchell-Thornton Martaze Jackson Gregory Grieco Joseph Ayres Corey Miller Willie Bohannon Montori Hughes Rae Sykes
Administration David Blackburn Condredge Holloway Andre Lott Steve Rubio Logan Young Kim Milligan Catherine Sullivan Weight Room Ron McKeefery Steve Gortmaker Allison Maurer Antonio Banks
>> RULES OF THE GAME • Four 10-minute quarters with regular gameclock rules. • Must go hurry-up mode inside 2:00 of each half. • No rush on field goals, extra points and punts. • Quarterbacks are not live. • No tackling on kickoff units; fair catches on all punts. 36
DB DB DB LB DB DB DB DB DB LB LB DB LB DE LB DT DT DE DT DE
Specialists
1 Michael Palardy 26 Derrick Brodus 59 Nick Guess
Injured 51 55 70 87
Recruiting Kris Ann Hawkins Liz Raymond Genesis Parker Trent Suddarth Equipment Room Roger Frazier Alan Sitzler
John Propst Jacques Smith Ja’Wuan James Keensen Chambers
Video Scott Butler Academics Donna Thomas Fernandez West Jessica Horton Fields/Facilities Darren Seybold
Training Room Robb Duncanson Dr. Chris Klenck Jeff Dewitt John Angus
>> OFFICIALS
Referee: Jeff Hilyer Umpire: Johnny Hibbett Linesman: Randall Kizer Line Judge: David Lafontaine Side Judge: Lee Hedrick Field Judge: Chip Shields Back Judge: John Wright Clock Operator: Bob Black Alternate Official: Wayne Gaultney
TENNESSEE FOOTBALL >>> 2011 SPRING REVIEW
PK P DS
LB DL OL DL
Offense 5 9 12 14 19 20 21 29 33 43 46 57 63 67 72 75 78 80 82 83 84
Tyler Drummer Doak Raulston Matt Simms Justin Worley DeMario Williams Rajion Neal Da’Rick Rogers Dorian Cozart Toney Williams Dakota Summers Channing Fugate Mack Crowder Kevin Revis Jacob Gilliam Zach Fulton JerQuari Schofield Alex Bullard Dylan West Cory Eichholtz Zach Rogers Brendan Downs
Celebrity Head Coaches Mike Strange Holly Rodden Assistant Coaches Jim Chaney Charlie Baggett Harry Hiestand Eric Russell Lance Thompson Terry Joseph Schirra Fields Chandler Tygard Tyler Morris
WR QB QB QB WR TB WR TB TB TE FB C OG OT OG OG OT WR WR WR TE
Defense 13 22 24 25 26 27 30 38 39 41 48 50 53 58 76 90 94 95 97
Nick Branum Rod Wilks Eric Gordon Art Evans Robert Yonce Justin Coleman Shane Reveiz C.J. Fleming Grant Jessen Dontavis Sapp Greg King Raiques Crump Jake Storey Marlon Walls Daniel Hood Steven Fowlkes Gregory Clark Arthur Jeffery Malik Jackson
Administration Brad Pendergrass Scott Altizer Heather Ervin Adam Dicus Amanda Gilpin Roger Woods Alex Clack Weight Room Tommy Barnes Dan Hamilton Ben Larson Jenna Waters
>> MEDIA CELEBRITY COACHES
Two longtime Knoxville media members, radio host Mickey Dearstone and Knoxville News Sentinel columnist Mike Strange, were been named as celebrity guest head coaches for the 2011 Dish Network Orange and White Game. Dearstone is the host of the “Doc, Jeff, and Heather” morning radio show on The Sports Animal FM 99.1 (WNML-AM). He serves as the station’s program director and has worked 23 years in radio,
DB DB DB DB DB DB LB DB LB DB LB LB LB DE DT DE DT DT DT
Recruiting Angela Schwinge Rebecca Lincoln Sara Beth Haney Brandon Lawson Equipment Room Max Parrott Chris Woolsey
Specialists
3 Matt Darr 47 Chip Rhome 50 J.R. Carr
Injured
34 Herman Lathers 40 Austin Johnson 66 Marques Pair
P PK/P DS
LB LB OL
Video Joe Harrington Academics Scott Swain Jacqui Schuman Caitlin Ryan Fields/Facilities Kevin Zurcher
Training Room Jason McVeigh Logan Merritt Dr. Russ Betcher Zac Thiele
including 14 years on the Vol Network as the voice of Lady Vols Basketball. Strange is currently in his 29th year with the News Sentinel, having joined the newspaper in 1983. He has covered Tennessee football and men’s basketball since 1984. The academic side selections are Holly Rodden (Arts & Sciences Advising) and John Koontz (Professor – Cell Biology / Faculty Senate Athletics Committee).
SPRING NOTEBOOK
>> Strength and Conditioning Coach
>> Honors & Accolades
2008 Under Armour Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year 2009 NSCA Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year finalist Helped South Florida to six consecutive bowl appearances Groomed 16 NFL draft picks at USF See page 53 for McKeefery’s full bio
LANCE THOMPSON >> Defensive Line Coach
Lance Thompson, who coached Tennessee’s linebackers in his first two seasons in Knoxville, shifted to coaching the Vols’ defensive line this spring. Thompson has significant experience coaching defensive linemen, mentoring the unit for four seasons at Georgia Tech (1996-98, 2001), two seasons at Alabama (1999-2000) and one year at LSU (2002). See page 53 for Thompson’s full bio.
PETER SIRMON
>> Linebackers Coach
Peter Sirmon transitioned from a graduate assistant role to linebackers coach this spring. As a graduate assistant in 2010, Sirmon coached the Vols’ safeties. Sirmon spent seven seasons as a linebacker with
Logan Merritt joined the sports medicine staff Feb. 1, working directly with the football program while overseeing the men’s track and field sports medicine responsibilities. Merritt previously worked for the UT Sports Medicine staff as an intern and graduate assistant athletic trainer for football from 2005-07, while earning his master’s degree in sport management. He has also served as a football assistant athletic trainer for both the Louisville (2009-10) and Miami (2007-08) football programs. Merritt previously worked as a season-long intern athletic trainer with the NFL’s Houston Texans in 2004-05 after earning his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from West Virginia in 2004.
AWARD WATCH LOTT IMPACT TROPHY >> Prentiss Waggner
Defensive back Prentiss Waggner is one of 42 preseason candidates for the 2011 Lott IMPACT Trophy Award, which honors the top collegiate defensive player in the nation. Sponsored by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation in Newport Beach, the award is given to the player who exhibits the same characteristics Ronnie Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Waggner is one of 19 defensive backs and eight SEC student-athletes who are eligibile to win the eighth annual Lott Trophy. Four finalists will be selected to be honored at the annual Lott IMPACT Trophy banquet Dec. 11 in Newport Beach by a national voter panel of former collegiate stars and coaches, members of the media and the Lott IMPACT Board of Directors and Board of Advisors. In 2009, former UT defensive back Eric Berry became the Vols’ first finalist for the prestigious award. Previous recipients of the Lott Trophy are: 2004,
UT SPRING AWARDS >> About The Awards
Each spring, the Tennessee coaching staff selects the number of awards recognizing performance and effort during the off-season and spring practice periods. Award winners are presented at halftime of the Orange and White game. Two of the awards have been a UT tradition since 1979: the Harvey Robinson Award and the Andy Spiva Award.
>> Harvey Robinson Award 2011 Winner: Alex Bullard Presented to the offensive surprise of the spring as selected by the coaching staff in honor of Harvey Robinson, former Vol player (1929-32), assistant coach (1946-52, 1960-63) and head coach (1953-54).
>> Andy Spiva Award
2011 Winner: Daniel Hood Presented to the defensive surprise of the spring as selected by the coaching staff in honor of Andy Spiva, outstanding linebacker from 1973-76.
>> Additional Spring Awards
In 2010, head coach Derek Dooley presented three additional awards: the Big Lick Award, Fourth Quarter Award and John Stucky Off-Season Award. The latter honors former strength coaching legend John Stucky.
>> Big Lick Award
2011 Winners: Brent Brewer, Vincent Dallas, Zach Fulton, Jacques Smith Presented to the players who consistently play with the most physical toughness.
>> Fourth Quarter Award
2011 Winners: Willie Bohannon, Malik Jackson, Tauren Poole, Dallas Thomas.
>> NEW COACH TALKS STYLE
Do you feel like you’re a better coach now having worked with the secondary with your experience with linebackers? “I do. I think anytime you see things from a different point of view, it improves your overall understanding of the concepts and schemes. Something that helped me a lot last year was starting to understand more of the passing game, different kinds of alignments and how they change the passing game for the offense.” How would you describe your coaching style? “I think I probably have two separate styles. In the meeting room, I try to be very teacherfriendly and make it an easy environment to learn. I try to have no anxiety for the players in the room so they can be wrong, talk and not worry about being wrong on the field. On the field, it’s going to be different where you demand and expect them to do what you’re asking them to do and do it with great effort.” Having played and having played so recently, what advantage does that give you in coaching these young guys? “I think anytime you have kind of walked in the same shoes as the players, there’s a level of communication and understanding. You’re asking them to do things you know can be done and if things are difficult, you understand the problems they’re having. It’s easier to relate to them.” 37
2010 REVIEW
United States Army Special Forces (2010-11) Human Performance Coordinator, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment University of South Florida (2000-10) Assistant Athletics Director for Strength and Conditioning/Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Berlin Thunder (2000) Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1999) Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
>> Associate Athletic Trainer
Q&A WITH SIRMON
THE VOLS
>> Resume
LOGAN MERRITT
David Pollack (Georgia); 2005, DeMeco Ryans (Alabama); 2006, Dante Hughes (California); 2007, Glenn Dorsey (LSU); 2008, James Laurinaitis (Ohio State); 2009, Jerry Hughes (TCU); and 2010, J.J. Watt (Wisconsin).
STAFF
Tennessee hired Ron McKeefery as its head strength and conditioning coach on January 17. McKeefery, the 2008 Under Armour Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year, spent 11 seasons (2000-10) with the South Florida program. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University (Kan.) and a master’s degree in adult education from South Florida.
the NFL’s Tennessee Titans after an All-Pac 10 career at the University of Oregon. After retiring from the NFL, Sirmon coached linebackers at Central Washington before joining Oregon as a graduate assistant during the 2009 season. Sirmon was a teammate and roomate of Vols’ second-year defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox at Oregon. See page 52 for Sirmon’s full bio.
OUTLOOK
STAFF CHANGES RON MCKEEFERY
OUTLOOK Presented to the players who consistently compete with the intangible values that provide the foundation of the Tennessee Football Program: attitude, discipline, toughness, effort and team.
>> John Stucky Hard Knox Award
2011 Winners: Channing Fugate, Austin Johnson, Matt Simms, Daryl Vereen Presented to the players who demonstrate the best physical and mental conditioning during the off-season program.
ACADEMIC ALL-SEC
>> Football Lands 20 on Fall Honor Roll
Tennessee placed 20 football players on the 2010 Southeastern Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll, including three student-athletes that earned their fourth selection: Daniel Lincoln, Nick Reveiz and Tyler Wolf. 2010 Academic All-SEC Honorees Name Major Chris Cates Finance Chad Cunningham Sport Studies* Sam Edgmon Sport Management Nick Guess Logistics and Transportation Daniel Hood Management Austin Johnson Communication Studies Herman Lathers Sport Management Ben Lehning Sport Management Daniel Lincoln Public Administration* T.J. Marrs Logistics and Transportation Nigel Mitchell-Thornton Management Tauren Poole Sport Management Nick Reveiz Sport Studies* Zach Rogers Management Jarrod Shaw Agriculture and Natural Resources Leadership* Mandela Shaw Accounting Jake Storey Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management Tyler Wills Environmental and Soil Sciences Tyler Wolf Sport Studies* * denotes student was enrolled in a graduate-level program.
38
OFF-SEASON HAPPENINGS FACILITY UPGRADES
THE COLOR ORANGE
>> Football Training Center
The Tennessee athletics department unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art, 145,000-square foot building to become the new Football Training Center. The project is slated to be complete in the summer of 2012. Features include an amphitheater-style team room, coaches offices, position meeting rooms, a dining hall, players’ lounge, a 7,000-square foot locker room, a 22,000-square foot, multi-level weight room as well as a new training room and hydrotherapy area. Also included in the building is an updated football hall of fame area. The building also features several technological upgrades, including a state-of-the-art video delivery system for players and coaches. The locker room includes, roomy, custom-built and ventilated lockers with electrical outlets for charging portable devices like cellphones, iPods and laptops. The Football Training Center will join with the Brenda Lawson Athletic Center and NeylandThompson Sports Center. It will provide athletes direct access to both the 120-yard indoor football field and Haslam Field, Tennessee’s two outdoor football practice fields.
NFL PRO DAY
>> Former Vols Participate
A dozen former Vols took part in Tennessee’s annual pro timing session in front of 24 NFL representatives, March 11, inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center. The event allowed scouts the opportunity to witness the skills of recent UT performers in person. The 12 former Vols participating were: Chad Cunningham, Savion Frazier, Gerald Jones, Daniel Lincoln, Denarius Moore, Nick Reveiz, Jarrod Shaw, Luke Stocker, Victor Thomas, LaMarcus Thompson, Chris Walker and Gerald Williams.
TRANSITIONING SPORTS >> Melvin Goins Joins Squad
Melvin Goins, a point guard for Tennessee’s basketball team the past two years, joined the Vols during spring practice to pursue the possibility of playing with UT in 2011. Goins last played football as a freshman in high school. ”I’m just blessed to have the chance and the opportunity,” Goins said. “I never really had it go-
TENNESSEE FOOTBALL >>> 2011 SPRING REVIEW
>> The Color Orange: The Condredge Holloway Story Condredge Holloway, UT’s Assistant AD for Player Relations, was featured in The Color Orange: The Condredge Holloway Story, an ESPN film debuted in February as a part of the network’s Year of the Quarterback initiative. Executive Producer Kenny Chesney narrated the film that documented the life and career of Holloway, the first starting African-American quarterback in the Southeastern Conference. The film was the idea of Chesney, the country music superstar who grew up in the Knoxville area idolizing Tennessee’s scrambling quarterback. The film premiered in a private screening at Knoxville’s historic Tennessee Theatre, Feb. 16. Hundreds of guests turned out including Holloway’s head coach, Bill Battle, current head coach Derek Dooley, former UT coach Phillip Fulmer, and former UT players Sterling Henton, Peyton Manning, Tee Martin, Lester McClain, Pat Ryan, Randy Sanders, Larry Seivers and Jason Witten. “I think we all know by now how much Con-
Condredge Holloway, Kenny Chesney and coach Bill Battle at premiere showing.
dredge is loved by the amount of people in this room, and who came to see the film tonight. We all know Condredge is a great athlete, and know all the statistics and everything he meant to Tennessee football. But I think the thing that all of us who made this film have realized is that we got to know how great the man is behind the Orange Number 7.” -Kenny Chesney The Color Orange: The Condredge Holloway Story debuted Sunday, Feb. 20, on ESPN. Holloway has been inducted into eight halls of fame throughout North America: Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Football Hall of Fame, UT Baseball Hall of Fame, and the city halls of fame for Toronto, Ottawa, Knoxville and Huntsville, Ala.
SPRING NOTEBOOK
OFF-SEASON SETBACKS >> Herman Lathers
Linebacker Herman Lathers underwent successful right shoulder surgery in January. The surgery was performed by Dr. Greg Mathien and Dr. Russell Betcher of the Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Lathers is expected to return for summer workouts and be ready to participate without restrictions when fall camp begins. See page 76 for Lathers’ bio.
>> Ja’Wuan James
After the first week of spring practice, it was announced that offensive lineman Ja’Wuan James would miss the remainder of the spring workouts due to mononucleosis. James started all 13 games at right tackle in 2010 and earned Freshman All-SEC honors. See page 74 for James’ bio.
>> Austin Johnson
Linebackers Austin Johnson (sprained knee) was injured during UT’s second spring scrimmage, April 9. He will miss the Orange and White Game.
SPRING REVIEW VOLS SCRIMMAGE TWICE >> Scrimmage One (April 2)
Tailback Rajion Neal stole the spotlight, rushing 14 times for 152 yards (10.9 yards per carry) and three touchdowns, including a 63-yard TD early in the afternoon. “Last year, I showed glimpses that I can be a good back,” Neal said. “This spring, they’re really going to test me. They’re going to push me to see what I can do, what I can stand and how I’ll react. I feel it’s time for me to show them that I can contribute to this team.” Brent Brewer led the Vols defensively with a team-high six tackles and one of UT’s four interceptions. Defensive lineman Malik Jackson recorded five tackles, three of which set the Vols’ offense back a total of 12 yards, including a sack. Wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers’ two receptions were both good for touchdowns, totaling 79 yards. UT’s early enrollees made an impact: Justin Coleman tied for third on the team with four tackles, while also contributing a pass breakup. Vincent Dallas had UT’s second-longest reception of the day (42 yards). Justin Worley completed four passes and
Rajion Neal
threw one of UT’s four passing TDs. The Vols recorded 14 tackles for loss, resulting in a total setback of 67 yards. Five of those were sacks. Defensive back Anthony Anderson made a onehanded interception and returned it 81 yards for the defense’s lone score. “I was really disappointed in the first half with how the offense came out,” head coach Derek Dooley said following the scrimmage. “It was a total dominating first half by the defense, and it was strictly because of more effort, more toughness, more enthusiasm, more spirit, all the intangibles. The offense went about four straight three-and-outs and got kicked around the yard. In the second half, the good news is they responded with a little more energy and a little more emotion and went on a couple of good scoring drives. We have a long way to go.”
Wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers led the Vols with 120 receiving yards and his six receptions led all wide receivers. His lone touchdown was the Vols’ first of the afternoon, a 32-yarder from Bray. Wide receiver Justin Hunter hauled in five receptions for 77 yards and a TD, while tight end Mychal Rivera posted four catches for 44 yards and a pair of TDs. Defensively, linebacker Shane Reveiz led the Vols with nine tackles and recovered a fumble. Dontavis Sapp contributed three tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception that he returned 57 yards for a TD. Rod Wilks also returned an INT for a score, taking the pick 90 yards to the end zone. Montori Hughes had UT’s other INT. Overall, UT’s defense forced five turnovers.
>> Scrimmage Two (April 9)
>> Summing Up The Scrimmages
A week after a dominating display by Tennessee’s defense, the offense bounced back and controlled the Vols’ second scrimmage of the spring from the beginning. Quarterback Tyler Bray completed his first eight pass attempts for 113 yards and finished the day 17for-30 for 258 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. “It was a lot better performance by the offense and really a lot better scrimmage by the team from an intangibles standpoint,” head coach Derek Dooley said. “The effort, toughness, discipline and execution was a lot better. The offense really came out and controlled the tempo. We looked good throwing the ball. We ran the ball a lot better. The kickers and punters did a lot better. From that standpoint, it’s a marked improvement from where we’ve been.”
Rogers averaged 24.9 yards per catch through both scrimmages. Bray completed 28-for-57 (.491) pass attempts for 430 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. UT’s defense forced eight total turnovers, averaging four per scrimmage. The Vols defense also tallied a total of 19 tackles for loss. Overall, Brent Brewer collected 11 tackles, 1 TFL (-3), 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU and 1 QB hurry. Justin Coleman tied for third in tackles in each scrimmage. Michael Palardy was 5-for-6 on field goals, including a long of 42. Tailback Rajion Neal led the Vols with 102.5 rushing yards per scrimmage. 39
2010 REVIEW
After seeing action in six games on the offensive line as a freshman in 2010, Daniel Hood was moved to the defensive line this spring. Hood has transitioned smoothly, earning the top spot on the depth chart at nose tackle at the end of the spring.
Six football student-athletes began classes in January and joined the squad: Justin Coleman, Mack Crowder, Vincent Dallas, Brendan Downs, Marcus Jackson and Justin Worley. Four of the six early enrollees were ranked in the top 20 of their home state by Rivals.com: Coleman (16/Georgia), Crowder (8/Tennessee), Downs (7/Tennessee) and Worley (19/South Carolina). Additionally, Coleman (No. 17 cornerback), Crowder (No. 14 center) and Jackson (No. 13 guard) were ranked in the top 20 at their respective positions by Rivals. For complete profiles on UT’s six mid-term enrollees and the Vols’ full 2011 signing class, see pages 91-95. Last season, Tennessee had eight early enrollees join the squad in January: Tyler Bray, Channing Fugate, Ja’Wuan James, Ted Meline, Corey Miller, Matt Milton, Matt Simms and Jacques Smith. Of those eight, four are currently atop the depth chart at their respective positions (Bray, Fugate, James and Smith).
THE VOLS
>> Hood Switches Lines
>> Breakdown
STAFF
TRANSITIONING POSITIONS
2011 EARLY ENROLLEES SIX JOIN IN JANUARY
OUTLOOK
ing through the season with basketball. I figured it would be a good deal for me to go out here and give it a try and see if I still had the ability to do it. Overall, I feel like it will be a good thing for me. Everybody has been very welcoming.” Goins, who averaged 1.7 steals per game as a senior, is putting his defensive skills to the test on the field. “I told him he’d make all-conference if he just keeps up that pace in football,” Derek Dooley joked. “Melvin wanted to play but he hadn’t played in a long time. I thought it was better just to come out here now and get a little feel. We’re not going to throw him out there in the fire. After spring, maybe he can decide if wants to really invest in it.”
OUTLOOK SCHEDULES 2011 AT A GLANCE >> Nice To Meet You
For the third consecutive year, the Vols will face two teams that they have never played before in Montana and Buffalo. Last season, the Vols opened new series’ with UT Martin and Oregon. In 2009, UT took the field against Western Kentucky and Ohio for the first time. It also marks the fifth consecutive year in which UT is establishing a new series with at least one school. The Vols played Northern Illinois in 2008 and Arkansas State in 2007, UT’s first meetings with each. UT is 5-1 in its last six series-opening meetings, its lone loss coming to eventual national championship runner-up Oregon last season. All-time, Tennessee is 96-34-5 (.730) in series lid lifters.
>> Welcome To The Game
FUTURE OPPONENTS >> Last 20 Years
During the last 20 years, Tennessee’s nonconference schedule has included elite competition on an annual basis. The Vols have played Notre Dame and UCLA four times, Miami (Fla.), Syracuse and California twice, along with meetings against Fresno State, Louisville, Marshall, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Texas Tech and Washington State.
>> Future Non-Conference Games 2012 - N.C. State (Atlanta) 2013 - at Oregon 2014 - at Oklahoma 2015 - Oklahoma, at Connecticut 2016 - Connecticut, at Nebraska 2017 - Nebraska 2018 - at Ohio State 2019 - Ohio State
While head coach Derek Dooley enters his second season at UT, six of the Vols’ opponents have head coaches who will be in either their first or second seasons with their respective schools, including the Vols’ first four challengers: Montana (Robin Pflugrad/2nd season), Cincinnati (Butch Jones/2nd season), Florida (Will Muschamp/1st season), Buffalo (Jeff Quinn/2nd season), Vanderbilt (James Franklin/1st season) and Kentucky (Joker Phillips/2nd season). Only UC’s Butch Jones has additional head coaching experience elsewhere.
on UT’s historic November run last season, see pages 101-102 of the review section. UT is 13-3 in its last 16 November contests.
>> Easing Into It
>> Strength of Schedule
Tennessee’s three contests in September will be the fewest the Vols have played in college football’s opening month since playing three September games in 2005 (UAB, Florida and LSU). UT went 2-1 in September of 2005. The Vols have an open date Sept. 24.
>> Another Difficult October Looms
The Vols will play five games in October for the first time since 2004, when they went 4-1. UT struggled in October 2010, going 0-4. The final three teams the Vols face in October (LSU, Alabama and South Carolina) boasted a combined 2010 record of 30-10 (.750).
>> November Remembered
The Vols won all four November games in 2010 to become bowl eligible, including wins over familiar 2011 November opponents in Vanderbilt and Kentucky. The Vols will also play Middle Tennessee (Nov. 5) and Arkansas (Nov. 12) this season. For more 40
>> Home Sweet Home
For the third consecutive season, the Vols will open the season with two games at Neyland Stadium.
Eight of Tennessee’s opponents earned a bid to play in a bowl game last season: Florida (Outback), Georgia (Liberty), LSU (Cotton), Alabama (Capital One), South Carolina (Chick-fil-A), Middle Tennessee (GoDaddy.com), Arkansas (Sugar) and Kentucky (Compass). Tennessee’s 2011 opponents compiled an overall 2010 record of 81-71, but six of the Vols’ competitors posted losing records a season ago: Cincinnati (4-8), Buffalo (2-10), Georgia (6-7), Middle Tennessee (6-7), Vanderbilt (2-10) and Kentucky (6-7). Four of the Vols’ opponents were ranked in the final Associated Press and Coaches’ polls in 2010: LSU (AP-8, Coaches-8), Alabama (AP-10, Coaches-11), South Carolina (AP-22, Coaches-22) and Arkansas (AP-12, Coaches-12).
>> In-State Opponents
The Vols will play two schools from the state of Tennessee for the third consecutive season (Middle Tennessee and Vanderbilt). In 2009 and 2010, the
TENNESSEE FOOTBALL >>> 2011 SPRING REVIEW
Vols played both Memphis and Vanderbilt. Tennessee also played UT Martin last season. The Vols have won nine consecutive games against in-state rivals, last losing to another team from Tennessee Nov. 19, 2005 vs. Vanderbilt, 24-28.
>> Second Year of the Decade
In the second year of the last 11 decades, the Vols are 83-27-7 (.739), including being named National and SEC Champions in 1951. Looking back at the last 100 years: Year Record Titles 2001 11-2 -1991 9-3 -1981 8-4 -1971 10-2 -1961 6-4 -1951 10-1 National Champions SEC Champions 1941 8-2-1 -1931 9-0-1 -1921 6-2-1 -1911 3-4-2 -1901 3-3-2 --
>> Dooley’s Second Year
Derek Dooley is currently in his second year as UT’s head coach. 15 coaches have seen a second season on Rocky Top and eight of those have seen an improvement in their second-year records compared to their first. All-time, UT coaches are 92-44-11
(.663) in their second season at the helm. Adding to the overall improvement, two coaches have won conference championships at UT in their second seasons. Bowden Wyatt led the Vols to an SEC Championship in 1956, while General Neyland coached UT to a Southern Conference Championship in 1927. Coaches in their second seasons at UT: Name Year Record Phillip Fulmer 1994 8-4 Johnny Majors 1978 5-5-1 Bill Battle 1971 10-2 Doug Dickey 1965 8-1-2 Bowden Wyatt 1956 10-1 Harvey Robinson 1954 4-6 John Barnhill 1942 9-1-1 Robert Neyland 1927 8-0-1 M.B. Banks 1922 8-2 John R. Bender 1919 3-3-3 Z.G. Clevenger 1912 4-4 George Levene 1908 7-2 J.D. Depree 1906 1-6-2 H.F. Fisher 1903 4-5 J.A. Pierce 1900 3-2-1 *Bolded records indicate improvement vs. first year.
SPRING NOTEBOOK >> Montana
>> Florida
The Gators will open the season at home vs. Florida Atlantic and UAB before playing host to the Vols. Florida has won the last six meetings to take a 21-19 series lead. The Vols last defeated the Gators, 30-28, at home in 2004 while also winning in Gainesville, 24-10, in 2003. UF leads the series in Gainesville, 10-5. Florida’s 13 returning starters are tied for the lowest total of any SEC opponent that the Vols will face this season, while the Gators’ 45 returning lettermen are tied for the lowest figure overall of any team on UT’s schedule. Will Muschamp enters his first season as Florida’s head coach. Tennessee is 4-3 against Florida when the Gators take the field with a first-year head coach. Wide receiver Justin Hunter collected his first career touchdown against the Gators in 2010 (9/18), a 35-yarder.
The Vols and Bulldogs have swapped victories since 2007, with the home team winning each time. UT hosts UGA this season and holds an 11-8-1 record against the Bulldogs in Knoxville. UT will look to avenge its most lopsided road loss last season at Georgia (14-41). Tennessee owns a 21-17-2 all-time mark against Georgia. Four of the last five meetings have been decided by at least 18 points. Georgia will play in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against Boise State in Atlanta, Sept. 3. UT’s 26-point victory against Georgia (45-19) is the Bulldogs’ largest loss in the past two seasons. Mark Richt, in his 11th season at Georgia, is tied as the longest tenured coach at his respective school of any of UT’s opponents.
>> LSU
This mid-October meeting in Knoxville is likely to be one of the most highly-anticipated match-ups of the season for the Vols after last season’s heartbreaking 16-14 loss at LSU. After the clock read 0:00 with the scoreboard in UT’s favor, the Vols were penalized for having too many men on the field during the final play. With one last shot, LSU’s Stevan Ridley plunged into the end zone with no time on the clock as the TIgers escaped with a two-point victory. Despite last season’s loss, the Vols own a 20-8-3 record all-time against LSU, including a 11-2-1 mark in Knoxville. LSU has won three consecutive meetings with UT, including a 28-24 triumph in Knoxville in 2006. Previously, the Tigers hadn’t won at Neyland Stadium since 1988. Les Miles, in his 11th season at LSU, is tied as the longest tenured coach at his respective school of any of UT’s opponents.
who played in a bowl game last season, participating in the GoDaddy.com Bowl, but falling 35-21 to Miami (Ohio). The Blue Raiders return just 10 starters, the fewest of any Vols’ competitor.
>> Alabama
Tennessee will travel to Fayetteville, Ark. for the first time since 2006, where the Vols are 2-2 against the Razorbacks. All-time, UT leads the series 13-3. The Vols won the previous meeting, 34-13, in Knoxville, but haven’t won in Fayetteville since a 13-3 victory in 2001. Arkansas is UT’s only opponent to have played in a BCS game in 2010. The Razorbacks lost to Ohio State, 31-26, in the Sugar Bowl. Arkansas is one of three UT opponents who notched double-digit wins (10) last season. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000) is the third-largest stadium that the Vols will play in away from home.
Alabama has won four consecutive meetings and leads the all-time series 47-38-7, including a slight 5-4 edge in Tuscaloosa. The Vols’ last victory in Tuscaloosa came in a fiveovertime effort, a 51-43 win in 2003. Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium ranks as the fifth-largest collegiate football stadium in the country with a capacity of 101,821. Outside of Neyland Stadium, it’s the largest venue that Tennessee will play at in 2011. The Tide’s 53 returning lettermen are tied for the most UT will face this season, while their 18 returning starters rank tied as the second most on UT’s schedule. Tailback Tauren Poole became the first individual to rush for more than 100 yards against Alabama in 41 games and was the only one to accomplish the feat last season. Poole had 117 yards, including a career-long 59-yard TD rush in the first quarter.
>> South Carolina
The Vols and Gamecocks have traded wins since 2007, with the home team prevailing each time. UT hosts USC this season and holds a 14-1 record against the Gamecocks in Knoxville. South Carolina’s lone win in Knoxville was a 1615 victory in 2005. Overall, the Vols lead the all-time series 22-5-2. USC head coach Steve Spurrier is the winningest coach on Tennessee’s schedule with 186 victories. The Gamecocks have an open date the week prior to their trip to Knoxville (Oct. 22), giving them a 14-day break in between games, the longest any UT opponent has in 2011 prior to playing the Vols. USC’s 13 returning starters are tied for the lowest total of any SEC opponent that the Vols will face this season.
>> Middle Tennessee
The Vols and Blue Raiders have met just once, a 26-3 UT victory in 2002 in Knoxville. The Vols have won nine straight games against in-state opponents. Tennessee is 6-0 against current members of the Sun Belt conference. The Vols are 14-0 against teams currently not in a BCS conference. MTSU is UT’s only non-conference opponent
>> Arkansas
>> Vanderbilt
With a 24-10 victory against the Commodores in 2010, the Vols stretched their all-time series lead to a 72-27-5 mark. Tennessee has won five straight against Vanderbilt, but the Commorodes were the last in-state rival to defeat the Vols, doing so in a 28-24 win in Knoxville in 2005. Since then, UT has posted nine straight victories over fellow Tennessee teams. Vanderbilt returns 21 of its 24 starters from 2010, the highest total for any UT opponent. The nexthighest figure is 18 for both Alabama and Cincinnati. Vanderbilt’s 2-10 record in 2010 tied Buffalo for the worst of any UT opponent. Wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers set career highs of three receptions for 59 yards vs. Vanderbilt last season.
>> Kentucky
Tennessee upheld the longest active winning streak in a series between two major college teams with its 26th straight win over the Wildcats in 2010. The Vols’ 24-14 victory made them bowl eligible. Tennessee leads the all-time series 74-23-9 and holds a 35-13-3 advantage in Lexington. UK last defeated the Vols in Lexington in 1981. Kentucky’s 53 returning lettermen are tied with Alabama for the most for any team on UT’s schedule. Quarterback Tyler Bray tossed for a career-high 354 passing yards to lead the Vols against Kentucky last year. 41
2010 REVIEW
The Vols are 4-1 all-time vs. the Bearcats, including wins in their last four meetings. All five contests have been played in Knoxville. First game for UT against a member of the currently constructed BIG EAST since a 35-14 win against Rutgers, Sept. 28, 2002. All-time, the Vols are 15-4 (.789) against current BIG EAST members. Cincinnati’s 18 returning starters are tied for the second-most that the Vols will face in 2011. Cincinnati opens its season vs. Austin Peay on Sept. 1, giving the Bearcats nine days in between their Sept. 10 date with the Vols. That marks the longest layover that any of UT’s non-conference opponents will have before playing the Vols.
>> Georgia
LSU opens the season Sept. 3 against Oregon in the Cowboys Classic game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Tigers finished with the highest final 2010 poll rankings of any of UT’s 2011 opponents, placing eighth in both the Associated Press and Coaches’ polls.
THE VOLS
>> Cincinnati
First all-time meeting. The Bulls are UT’s second non-conference opponent to open October since 1995. The only other non-SEC team to begin UT’s October schedule in that period was Northern Illinois, also from the MidAmerican Conference, in 2008. The Vols are 5-0 against current MAC teams alltime, including recent wins vs. Ohio in 2009 and Northern Illinois in 2008. Buffalo’s 2-10 record in 2010 tied Vanderbilt for the worst of any 2011 UT opponent. This game opens a three-game homestand, UT’s longest of the season.
STAFF
First all-time meeting. Tennessee’s first all-time meeting against any member of the currently constructed Big Sky conference. The Vols have won their last two season openers and are 84-24-6 (.763) all-time. Tennessee has also won its past 16 home openers and is 90-18-5 (.819) all-time. The Vols are 14-0 against teams currently not in a BCS conference. Vols’ earliest season opener since 2008 (9/1 vs. UCLA) and earliest home opener since 2006 (9/2 vs. California).
>> Buffalo
OUTLOOK
2011 BREAKDOWN
OUTLOOK
MONTANA GRIZZLIES
CINCINNATI BEARCATS
FLORIDA GATORS
BUFFALO BULLS
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
LSU TIGERS
SEPT. 3 KNOXVILLE
SEPT. 10 KNOXVILLE
SEPT. 17 GAINESVILLE, FLA.
OCT. 1 KNOXVILLE
OCT. 8 KNOXVILLE
OCT. 15 KNOXVILLE
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of Montana Location: Missoula, Mont. Founded/Enrollment: 1893/15,642 Colors: Copper, Silver, Gold and Maroon Stadium: Washington-Grizzly (25,217) Conference: Big Sky
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of Cincinnati Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Founded/Enrollment: 1819/41,357 Colors: Red and Black Stadium: Nippert Stadium (35,000) Conference: BIG EAST
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of Florida Location: Gainesville, Fla. Founded/Enrollment: 1853/52,271 Colors: Orange and Blue Stadium: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548) Conference: Southeastern (East)
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of Buffalo Location: Buffalo, N.Y. Founded/Enrollment: 1846/28,054 Colors: Royal Blue and White Stadium: UB Stadium (29,013) Conference: Mid-American (East)
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of Georgia Location: Athens, Ga. Founded/Enrollment: 1785/34,885 Colors: Red and Black Stadium: Sanford Stadium (92,746) Conference: Southeastern (East)
>>QUICK FACTS Name: Louisiana State University Location: Baton Rouge, La. Founded/Enrollment: 1860/28,771 Colors: Purple and Gold Stadium: Tiger Stadium (92,400) Conference: Southeastern (West)
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Robin Pflugrad (2nd season) Career Record/at UM: 7-4/Same Series: First meeting At Knoxville: Same Last Meeting: N/A 2010 Overall Record: 7-4 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 5-3/t-3rd 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: None Lettermen Ret./Lost: 45/14 Starters Ret./Lost: 16/8
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Butch Jones (2nd season) Career Record/at UC: 31-21/4-8 Series: 4-1 UT At Knoxville: Same Last Meeting: W, 40-0, 9/26/1992 2010 Overall Record: 4-8 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 2-5/7th 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: None Lettermen Ret./Lost: 51/14 Starters Ret./Lost: 18/7
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Will Muschamp (1st season) Career Record/at UF: 0-0/Same Series: 21-19 UF At Gainesville: 10-5 UF Last Meeting: L, 17-31, 9/18/2010 2010 Overall Record: 8-5 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 4-4/2nd East 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: Outback (W, 37-24, vs. Penn St.)/NR Lettermen Ret./Lost: 45/24 Starters Ret./Lost: 13/11
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Jeff Quin (2nd season) Career Record/at UB: 2-10/Same Series: First meeting At Knoxville: Same Last Meeting: N/A 2010 Overall Record: 2-10 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 1-7/t-5th East 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: None Lettermen Ret./Lost: 50/19 Starters Ret./Lost: 12/9
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Mark Richt (11th season) Career Record/at UGA: 96-34/Same Series: 21-17-2 UT At Knoxville: 11-8-1 UT Last Meeting: L, 14-41, 10/9/2010 2010 Overall Record: 6-7 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 3-5/t-3rd East 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: Liberty (L, 6-10 vs. UCF)/NR Lettermen Ret./Lost: 46/25 Starters Ret./Lost: 15/9
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Les Miles (11th season) Career Record/at LSU: 90-38/62-17 Series: 20-8-3 UT At Knoxville: 11-2-1 UT Last Meeting: L, 14-16, 10/2/2010 2010 Overall Record: 11-2 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 6-2/t-2nd West 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: Cotton (W, 4124 vs. Texas A&M)/AP-8, Coaches-8 Lettermen Ret./Lost: 52/19 Starters Ret./Lost: 16/9
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Dave Guffey Phone: (406) 243-5402 Email: guffeydb@mso.umt.edu Web Site: montanagrizzlies.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Ryan Koslen Phone: (513) 497-3132 Email: Ryan.Koslen@uc.edu Web Site: gobearcats.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Steve McClain Phone: (352) 375-4683 Email: stevem@gators.uaa.ufl.edu Web Site: gatorzone.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Paul Vecchio Phone: (716) 645-6761 Email: pvecchio@buffalo.edu Web Site: buffalobulls.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Claude Felton Phone: (706) 542-1621 Email: cfelton@sports.uga.edu Web Site: georgiadogs.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Michael Bonnette Phone: (225) 578-8226 Email: mbonnet@lsu.edu Web Site: lsusports.net
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 at Tennessee Sept. 10 Cal Poly Sept. 17 Eastern Washington Sept. 24 at Sacramento State Oct. 1 Northern Colorado Oct. 8 at Idaho State Oct. 15 Portland State Oct. 22 at Northern Arizona Oct. 29 Weber State Nov. 5 Western Oregon Nov. 19 at Montana State
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 1 Austin Peay Sept. 10 at Tennessee Sept. 17 Akron Sept. 22 NC State Oct. 1 at Miami (Ohio) Oct. 15 Louisville Oct. 22 at USF Nov. 5 at Pittsburgh Nov. 12 West Virginia Nov. 19 at Rutgers Nov. 26 at Syracuse Dec. 3 Connecticut
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Florida Atlantic Sept. 10 UAB Sept. 17 Tennessee Sept. 24 at Kentucky Oct. 1 Alabama Oct. 8 at LSU Oct. 15 at Auburn Oct. 29 Georgia (Jacksonville, Fla.) Nov. 5 Vanderbilt Nov. 12 at South Carolina Nov. 19 Furman Nov. 26 Florida State
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 at Pittsburgh Sept. 10 Stony Brook Sept. 17 at Ball State Sept. 24 Connecticut Oct. 1 at Tennessee Oct. 8 Ohio Oct. 15 at Temple Oct. 22 Northern Illinois Oct. 29 at Miami (Ohio) Nov. 12 at Eastern Michigan Nov. 19 Akron Nov. 25 Bowling Green
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Boise State (Atlanta) Sept. 10 South Carolina Sept. 17 Coastal Carolina Sept. 24 at Mississippi Oct. 1 Mississippi State Oct. 8 at Tennessee Oct. 15 at Vanderbilt Oct. 29 Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.) Nov. 5 New Mexico State Nov. 12 Auburn Nov. 19 Kentucky Nov. 26 at Georgia Tech
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Oregon (Arlington, Texas) Sept. 10 Northwestern State Sept. 15 at Mississippi State Sept. 24 at West Virginia Oct. 1 Kentucky Oct. 8 Florida Oct. 15 at Tennessee Oct. 22 Auburn Nov. 5 at Alabama Nov. 12 Western Kentucky Nov. 19 at Mississippi Nov. 25 Arkansas
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TENNESSEE FOOTBALL >>> 2011 SPRING REVIEW
2011 OPPONENTS OUTLOOK STAFF THE VOLS
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
VANDERBILT COMMODORES
KENTUCKY WILDCATS
OCT. 22 TUSCALOOSA, ALA.
OCT. 29 KNOXVILLE
NOV. 5 KNOXVILLE
NOV. 12 FAYETTEVILLE, ARK.
NOV. 19 KNOXVILLE
NOV. 26 LEXINGTON, KY.
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of Alabama Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala. Founded/Enrollment: 1831/30,232 Colors: Crimson and White Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium (101,821) Conference: Southeastern (West)
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of South Carolina Location: Columbia, S.C. Founded/Enrollment: 1801/28,481 Colors: Garnet and Black Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) Conference: Southeastern (East)
>>QUICK FACTS Name: Middle Tennessee State University Location: Murfreesboro Founded/Enrollment: 1911/26,430 Colors: Royal Blue and White Stadium: Floyd Stadium (30,788) Conference: Sun Belt
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of Arkansas Location: Fayetteville, Ark. Founded/Enrollment: 1871/19,849 Colors: Cardinal and White Stadium: Razorback Stadium (72,000) Conference: Southeastern (West)
>>QUICK FACTS Name: Vanderbilt University Location: Nashville Founded/Enrollment: 1873/12,714 Colors: Black and Gold Stadium: Vanderbilt Stadium (39,773) Conference: Southeastern (East)
>>QUICK FACTS Name: University of Kentucky Location: Lexington, Ky. Founded/Enrollment: 1865/27,000 Colors: Blue and White
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Nick Saban (5th season) Career Record/at UA: 129-53-1/38-11 Series: 47-38-7 UA At Tuscaloosa: 5-4 UA Last Meeting: L, 10-41, 10/23/2010 2010 Overall Record: 10-3 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 5-3/4th West 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: Capital One (W, 49-7 vs. Michigan St.)/AP-10, Coaches-11 Lettermen Ret./Lost: 53/13 Starters Ret./Lost: 18/7
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Steve Spurrier (7th season) Career Record/at USC: 186-73-2/44-33 Series: 22-5-2 UT At Knoxville: 14-1 UT Last Meeting: L, 24-38, 10/30/2010 2010 Overall Record: 9-5 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 5-3/1st East 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: Chick-fil-A (L, 17-26 vs. Florida St.)/AP-22, Coaches-22 Lettermen Ret./Lost: 48/20 Starters Ret./Lost: 13/11
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Rick Stockstill (6th season) Career Record/at MTSU: 33-30/Same Series: 1-0 UT At Knoxville: Same Last Meeting: W, 26-3, 9/7/2002 2010 Overall Record: 6-7 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 5-3/3rd 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: GoDaddy.com (L, 21-35 vs. Miami (Ohio)/NR Lettermen Ret./Lost: 50/17 Starters Ret./Lost: 10/12
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (4th season) Career Record/at UA: 64-24/23-15 Series: 13-3-0 UT At Fayetteville: 2-2 Last Meeting: W, 34-13, 11/10/2007 2010 Overall Record: 10-3 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 6-2/t-2nd West 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: Sugar (L, 26-31 vs. Ohio St.)/AP-12, Coaches-12 Lettermen Ret./Lost: 47/22 Starters Ret./Lost: 15/9
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: James Franklin (1st season) Career Record/at VU: 0-0/Same Series: 72-27-5 UT At Knoxville: 36-10-1 UT Last Meeting: W, 24-10, 11/20/2010 2010 Overall Record: 2-10 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 1-7/6th East 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: None Lettermen Ret./Lost: 51/16 Starters Ret./Lost: 21/3
>>AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Joker Phillips (2nd season) Career Record/at UK: 6-7/Same Series: 74-23-9 UT At Lexington: 35-13-3 UT Last Meeting: W, 24-14, 11/27/2010 2010 Overall Record: 6-7 2010 Conf. Record/Finish: 2-6/5th East 2010 Bowl/Final Rank: Compass (L, 10-27 vs. Pittsburgh)/NR Lettermen Ret./Lost: 53/20 Starters Ret./Lost: 17/7
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Jeff Purinton Phone: (205) 348-6084 Email: jpurinton@ia.ua.edu Web Site: rolltide.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Steve Fink Phone: (803) 777-7987 Email: finksc@mailbox.sc.edu Web Site: gamecocksonline.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Mark Owens Phone: (615) 898-5057 Email: owens@goblueraiders.com Web Site: goblueraiders.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Zack Higbee Phone: (479) 575-5786 Email: zhigbee@uark.edu Web Site: ArkansasRazorbacks.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Larry Leathers Phone: (615) 343-6437 Email: larry.leathers@vanderbilt.edu Web Site: vucommodores.com
>>MEDIA INFO Media Contact: Tony Neely Phone: (859) 257-3838 Email: tneely@uky.edu Web Site: ukathletics.com
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Kent State Sept. 10 at Penn State Sept. 17 North Texas Sept. 24 Arkansas Oct. 1 at Florida Oct. 8 Vanderbilt Oct. 15 at Mississippi Oct. 22 Tennessee Nov. 5 LSU Nov. 12 at Mississippi State Nov. 19 Georgia Southern Nov. 26 at Auburn
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 East Carolina Sept. 10 at Georgia Sept. 17 Navy Sept. 24 Vanderbilt Oct. 1 Auburn Oct. 8 Kentucky Oct. 15 at Mississippi State Oct. 29 at Tennessee Nov. 5 at Arkansas Nov. 12 Florida Nov. 19 The Citadel Nov. 26 Clemson
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 at Purdue Sept. 10 Georgia Tech Sept. 24 at Troy Oct. 1 Memphis Oct. 6 Western Kentucky Oct. 22 at Florida Atlantic Oct. 29 Louisiana Nov. 5 at Tennessee Nov. 12 at Lousiana-Monroe Nov. 19 Arkansas State Nov. 26 Florida International Dec. 3 at North Texas
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Missouri State Sept. 10 New Mexico Sept. 17 Troy Sept. 24 at Alabama Oct. 1 at Texas A&M Oct. 8 Auburn Oct. 22 at Mississippi Oct. 29 at Vanderbilt Nov. 5 South Carolina Nov. 12 Tennessee Nov. 19 Mississippi State Nov. 25 at LSU
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Elon Sept. 10 Connecticut Sept. 17 Mississippi Sept. 24 at South Carolina Oct. 8 at Alabama Oct. 15 Georgia Oct. 22 Army Oct. 29 Arkansas Nov. 5 at Florida Nov. 12 Kentucky Nov. 19 at Tennessee Nov. 26 at Wake Forest
>>2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 3 Western Ky. (Nashville) Sept. 10 Central Michigan Sept. 17 Louisville Sept. 24 Florida Oct. 1 at LSU Oct. 8 at South Carolina Oct. 22 Jacksonville State Oct. 29 Mississippi State Nov. 5 Mississippi Nov. 12 at Vanderbilt Nov. 19 at Georgia Nov. 26 Tennessee
Stadium: Commonwealth Stadium (67,942)
Conference: Southeastern (East)
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2010 REVIEW
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE