2008 Tennessee Volunteers football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2008
Team=Tennessee Volunteers


ImageSize=100
Conference=Southeastern Conference
Division=East
ShortConference=SEC
CoachRank=
APRank=
BCSRank=
Record=2-3
ConfRecord=0-2
HeadCoach=Phillip Fulmer
OffCoach= Dave Clawson
DefCoach= Johnny Chavis
OScheme= Multiple
DScheme= 4-3
StadiumArena=Neyland Stadium
Champion=
BowlTourney=
BowlTourneyResult=2008 SEC Standings

The 2008 Tennessee Volunteers football team (variously "Tennessee" or "UT" or the "Vols") will represent the University of Tennessee in the college football season of 2008–2009. The team will be coached by head football coach Phillip Fulmer, in his 16th season as head coach. The Vols play their home games in Neyland Stadium and compete in the Eastern Division of the SEC. This 2008 campaign comes on the heels of a 10-4 2007 season which saw the Vols win the Eastern Division of the conference and the Outback Bowl.

Before the season

Recruiting

The Vols followed last years top 5 class with an effort that found the team ranked outside of the top 25 by both major recruiting websites, Rivals.com and Scout.com.cite web | author=Rivals |year=2008|title=2008 Team Ranking|format=HTML|work=Rivals100.com|url=http://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank.asp?SID=880] cite web | author=Scout |year=2008|title= Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings |format=HTML|work=Scout.com|url=http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&yr=2008] . The top players of the class are considered to be tight end Aaron Douglas out of Maryville, Tennessee and wide receiver/linebacker E.J. Abrams-Ward out of Thomasville, North Carolina.cite web | author=Scout |year=2008|title= Football Recruiting (Tennessee) |format=HTML|work=Scout.com|url=http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=8&toinid=743&yr=2008] .

College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = E.J. Abrams-Ward
position = LB
hometown = Thomasville, North Carolina
highschool = Thomasville High
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 210
commitdate = 2/6/2008
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Carson Anderson
position = G
hometown = Florence, Alabama
highschool = Florence High
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 275
commitdate = 3/31/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Preston Bailey
position = T
hometown = Nashville, Tennessee
highschool = Montgomery Bell Academy
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 315
commitdate = 8/29/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Ben Bartholomew
position = FB
hometown = Nashville, Tennessee
highschool = Montgomery Bell Academy
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 225
commitdate = 4/22/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Willie Bohannon
position = DE
hometown = Prichard, Alabama
highschool = Mattie T. Blount High
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 230
commitdate = 1/28/2008
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Aaron Douglas
position = TE
hometown = Maryville, Tennessee
highschool = Maryville High
feet = 6
inches = 6
weight = 230
commitdate = 7/31/2006
scout stars = 4
rivals stars = 4College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Steven Folkes
position = DE
hometown = College Park, Georgia
highschool = Banneker High
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 215
commitdate = 8/21/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Montori Hughes
position = DT
hometown = Murfreesboro, Tennessee
highschool = Siegel High
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 255
commitdate = 1/28/2008
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 2College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Austin Johnson
position = LB/RB
hometown = Hickory, North Carolina
highschool = Hickory High
feet = 6
inches = 3
weight = 240
commitdate = 9/24/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Casey Kelly
position = QB
hometown = Sarasota, Florida
highschool = Sarasota High
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 195
commitdate = 1/30/2008
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Herman Lathers
position = LB
hometown = Baton Rouge, Louisiana
highschool = Scotlandville Magnet High
feet = 6
inches = 0
weight = 200
commitdate = 10/19/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Tauren Poole
position = RB
hometown = Toccoa, Georgia
highschool = Stephens County High
feet = 5
inches = 10
weight = 200
commitdate = 10/26/2006
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = StePhan Raines
position = DB
hometown = Coffeyville, Kansas
highschool = Coffeyville Community College
feet = 6
inches = 0
weight = 175
commitdate = 1/20/2008
scout stars = 1
rivals stars = 2College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Dallas Thomas
position = T
hometown = Baton Rouge, Louisiana
highschool = Scotlandville Magnet High
feet = 6
inches = 5
weight = 280
commitdate = 2/6/2008
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Prentis Waggner
position = CB
hometown = Clinton, Louisiana
highschool = Clinton High
feet = 6
inches = 2
weight = 175
commitdate = 1/28/2008
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Marlon Walls
position = LB
hometown = Olive Branch, Mississippi
highschool = Olive Branch High
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 215
commitdate = 1/26/2008
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 4College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Rodriguez Wilks
position = WR
hometown = Smyrna, Tennessee
highschool = Smyrna High
feet = 6
inches = 1
weight = 195
commitdate = 9/19/2007
scout stars = 3
rivals stars = 3College Athlete Recruit Entry
recruit = Gerald Williams
position = DE/LB
hometown = San Francisco, California
highschool = City College of San Francisco
feet = 6
inches = 4
weight = 245
commitdate = 12/13/2007
scout stars = 1
rivals stars = 4College Athlete Recruit End
40 = no
year = 2008
rivals ref title = Tennessee Commit List 2008
scout ref title = Scout.com Football Recruiting: Tennessee
rivals school = Tennessee
scout s = Tennessee
scout overall = 35
rivals overall = 36
accessdate = 2008-02-11
collapse = yes

Coaching changes

Tennessee lost 4 members of their offensive staff. Offensive Coordinator David Cutcliffe accepted the Head Coaching position at Duke. Cutcliffe took along OL/TE coach Matt Luke, and RB coach Kurt Roper. Roper will join the Blue Devils' staff as Offensive Coordinator. WR coach Trooper Taylor also left the Vols for a coordinator position, accepting a job as Co-Offensive Coordinator at Oklahoma State.cite web | author=AP |year=2008|title=Clawson leaves Richmond to be Vols offensive coordinator|format=HTML|work=ESPN.com|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3192212| accessdate=2008-01-16]

Cutcliffe was replaced by Dave Clawson, who comes to Tennessee from the University of Richmond where he was the head coach. Joining Clawson from Richmond is Latrell Scott, who will replace Taylor as the wide receivers coach. Stan Drayton, formerly the running backs coach at Florida, was hired to replace Roper as the running backs coach. Jason Michael, formerly on the staff for the New York Jets, was hired to coach the tight ends, replacing Matt Luke.cite web | author=WBIR TV |year=2008|title=Jason Michael hired as Tennessee tight ends coach |format=HTML|work=WBIR.com|url=http://www.wbir.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=53650]

Defensive coordinator Johnny Chavis interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons but chose to stay at Tennessee. cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Chavis interviews with Falcons, staying with Vols|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/11/chavis-interviews-falcons-staying-vols/] This decision followed a similar decision by defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell. In December 2007 Caldwell chose to stay with Tennessee and turned down an offer to be the Defensive Coordinator at Arkansas.cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2007|title=Caldwell passes on Arkansas|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/dec/23/caldwell-passes-arkansas/]

Player News

Tennessee was bolstered by the return of safety Demetrice Morley. Morley was a five star recruit out of Miami, Florida who played for the Vols in 2005 and 2006 before being dismissedcite web | author=Michael Casasanta |year=2007|title=Demetrice Morley dismissed from football team|format=HTML|work=University of Tennessee Journalism|url=http://tnjn.com/2007/jan/12/demetrice-morley-dismissed-fro/] from the football team and leaving school for academic reasons. After sitting out the 2007 season, Morley was readmitted to the University in January 2008 and will rejoin the team.cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer says Morley will return to Tennessee|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/06/morley-readmitted-tennessee/] Morley told the media that he had been living in his car following his dismissal from the team, but that the birth of his son motivated him to return. cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title= Birth of son spurred Morley to return to UT|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/19/birth-of-son-spurred-morley-to-return-to-ut/]

Another defensive back, Antonio Gaines, was awarded a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in February. Gaines had missed the majority of both the 2003 and 2007 seasons due to injuries.cite web | author=Associated Press |year=2008|title=NCAA grants Gaines a sixth year of eligibility|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/07/ncaa-grants-gaines-sixth-year-eligibility/]

The Vols are also welcoming two major transfer student athletes. Gerald Williams, who originally signed with Tennessee in 2005 has been cleared to join the team after spending finishing up at San Francisco Junior College. Brandon Warren, a Freshmen All American at Florida State has been cleared to play by the NCAA.

Discipline

The Volunteer football has also seen its share of off of the field issues since the close of the 2007 season. The first incident of the offeseason occurred during a recruiting weekend. Wide receivers Gerald Jones and Ahmad Paige were cited for a misdemeanor possession of marijuana while hosting a recruit. Neither were suspended, but both were required to undertake more frequent drug testing and participate in a police ride along program.cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer disciplines Vereen, makes entire team run at 6 a.m.|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/fulmer-disciplines-vereen/]

Another incident involved redshirt freshman running back Daryl Vereen. Vereen was arrested and charged with public intoxication and underage consumption after an on campus fight. cite web | author=News Sentinel Staff |year=2008|title=Vereen arrested after fight|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/vereen-arrested-after-fight/] Vereen was required to perform community service and will be under a semester-long curfew. Fulmer also required the entire team to attend 6 A.M. running as punishment for the offense. cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer disciplines Vereen, makes entire team run at 6 a.m.|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/fulmer-disciplines-vereen/]

Offensive lineman Anthony Parker was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct in January. Parker's punishment included morning runs, curfew, community service and the police ride along program. Parker was charged after failing to obey the commands of a Knoxville police officer with whom he had previous run-ins. cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Fulmer announces Parker's punishment|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/30/fulmer-announces-parkers-punishment/] This incident was followed by the arrest of incoming walk-on Vincent Faison for DUI. Faison was suspended for two games. cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Faison 'slumped behind wheel' when arrested|format=HTML|work=Knoxville New Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/04/faison-slumped-behind-wheel-when-arrested/]

In February, linebacker Dorian Davis and defensive back Antonio Wardlow were dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Davis, Wardlow dismissed for violation of team rules|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/13/davis-wardlow-dismissed-fulmer/] The most recent incident of the offseason involved decorated punter Britton Colquitt. Colquitt was suspended for five games after being arrested and charge with both DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. Colquitt also had his scholarship revoked. cite web | author=Drew Edwards |year=2008|title=Colquitt suspended for 5 games and loses scholarship after DUI charge|format=HTML|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url=http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/17/ut-punter-charged-dui-leaving-scene-accident/]

However since February 2008 the Vol football squad has been very low key with no major incidents, especially compared to SEC Rivals, Georgia and Alabama, who are both having a turbulent off-season of arrests and suspensions.

chedule

CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 1
time = 8:00pm
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank = 18
opponent = UCLA
opprank =
site_stadium = Rose Bowl
site_cityst = Pasadena, CA
gamename =
tv = ESPN
score = 27-24
overtime = OT
attend = 68,546 CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 13
time = 12:30pm
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = UAB
opprank =
site_stadium = Neyland Stadium
site_cityst = Knoxville, TN
gamename =
tv = Raycom
score = 35-3
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 20
time = 3:30PM
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Florida
opprank = 4
site_stadium = Neyland Stadium
site_cityst = Knoxville, TN
gamename = Third Saturday in September
tv = CBS
score = 30-6
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 27
time = 3:30PM
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Auburn
opprank = 16
site_stadium = Jordan-Hare Stadium
site_cityst = Auburn, AL
gamename =
tv = CBS
score = 14-12
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 4
time = 7:00pm
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Northern Illinois
opprank =
site_stadium = Neyland Stadium
site_cityst = Knoxville, TN
gamename =
tv = PPV
score = 13-9
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 11
time = 3:30pm
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Georgia
opprank = 10
site_stadium = Sanford Stadium
site_cityst = Athens, GA
gamename =
tv = CBS
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 18
time = 7:00pm
w/l =
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homecoming =
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rank =
opponent = Mississippi State
opprank =
site_stadium = Neyland Stadium
site_cityst = Knoxville, TN
gamename =
tv = PPV
score =
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attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 25
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Alabama
opprank =
site_stadium = Neyland Stadium
site_cityst = Knoxville, TN
gamename = Third Saturday in October
tv = ESPN
score =
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attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 1
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = South Carolina
opprank =
site_stadium = Williams-Brice Stadium
site_cityst = Columbia, SC
gamename =
tv = ESPN
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 8
time = 1:00pm
w/l =
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opponent = Wyoming
opprank =
site_stadium = Neyland Stadium
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date = November 22
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opprank =
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date = November 29
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gamename =
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attend =

2008 Players

Projected starting lineups and coaches

Head Coach: Phillip Fulmer (16th year)

Offense

Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks: Dave Clawson
Offensive Scheme: Multiple

Wide Receivers: Latrell Scott
Offensive Line: Greg Atkins
Running Backs: Stan Drayton
Tight Ends: Jason Michael

----

Offensive outlook

Coaches
Head Coach Phillip Fulmer hired Dave Clawson, formerly the head coach at the University of Richmond, to replace David Cutcliffe as Offensive Coordinator. Greg Atkins (Offensive Line) is the only returning coach on the offensive staff. Joining him are new hired assistants Stan Drayton (Running Backs), Jason Michael, and Latrell Scott (Wide Receivers).

Quarterbacks
The Vols must replace graduate Erik Ainge, a 5th round selection of the NY Jets in the 2008 NFL Draft. The leading candidates are Jonathan Crompton, who started one game as an injury replacement for Ainge in 2006, redshirt freshman BJ Coleman and redshirt sophomore Nick Stephens. After spring practices, Crompton had minor elbow surgery but should be ready for the season opener and all reports are that Crompton will be the starting quarterback.

Runningbacks

accessdate=2008-01-11 | author=UT Sports Information| http://livestats.epiccycle.com/tennessee/boxscores/07-08/football/TEAMCUME.HTM#TEAM.IND] Foster, Hardesty and Creer all return and look to see significant time in the backfield. Looking to work his way into the rotation will be Daryl Vereen, a highly touted redshirt freshman. The fullback position may also be used more under Clawson. The starter was suppose to be David Holbert, but he has suffered another ACL injury and is out for the year. To honor Holbert, Arian Foster will wear Holbert's #30 jersey in the season opener @ UCLA. With the injury to Holbert, sophomore Kevin Cooper looks to be the starter but true freshman Austin Johnson who just recently moved from linebacker to fullback, will also compete for playing time.

Receivers

accessdate=2008-01-11 | author=UT Sports Information| http://livestats.epiccycle.com/tennessee/boxscores/07-08/football/TEAMCUME.HTM#TEAM.IND] Both return for their senior season in 2008. Joining them will be Senior Josh Briscoe, Junior Quintin Hancock, Sophomores Gerald Jones, who many said was the star of the spring and will also see time at Quarterback, Denarius Moore, and redshirt freshman Ahmad Paige.

Offensive Line
The Offensive line returns the entire starting group from late in the 2007 season. The line was shuffled after an injury to Eric Young. Josh McNeil will anchor the line at center, with guards Anthony Parker and Jacques McClendon. Ramon Foster and Chris Scott will be the starters at tackle. This line allowed only 4 sacks during the 2007 season. Many experts predict Anthony Parker to be a First team All-American and for this unit to be the strongest in the SEC. cite news | title=Injury bug takes a bite | publisher=Knoxville News Sentinel | date=28 October 2007 | accessdate=2008-01-11 | author=Drew Edwards| http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/oct/28/injury-bug-takes-bite/]

Tight Ends
The Tight End position is up in the air following the losses of Chris Brown and Brad Cottam. Brad's brother Jeff Cottam and Luke Stocker are the leading candidates for the starting job. Because of the depth issues at tight end, offensive lineman Cody Pope was moved to play the position

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Current Starters (As of 10/6/08)

cite news | title=2007/2008 Rosters| publisher=UTSports.com | date=21 January 2008 | accessdate=2008-01-21 | author=UT Sports Information | url=http://www.utsports.com/football/page.aspx?id=306]
* * - Denotes returning starter
* ↑ - Denotes number of games started by the player at the listed position during the 2008 season.
* ‡ - Note: Cunningham will be the starter during Colquitt's suspension.

Rankings

See also

* 2008 NCAA Division I-BS football season

References

* 2007 University of Tennessee Football Media Guide
* [http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/ UTSports.com Football Page]