University of Tennessee Athletics
Haynesworth Grows In Body and Mind
November 01, 2001 | Football
Nov 1, 2001
By ELIZABETH A. DAVIS
AP Sports Writer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Albert Haynesworth is still growing.
Now 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, the junior defensive tackle says he's at least 2 inches taller than he was when he arrived at Tennessee.
"I'm not 21 yet," he said. "So I'm probably still growing."
And probably even more intimidating. Tennessee coaches, though, are most impressed by his growth as a player and person this season.
The No. 7 Volunteers (5-1) travel to Notre Dame (3-4) on Saturday and hope Haynesworth will be able to build on his performance last week against South Carolina.
"He had by far his best effort," coach Phillip Fulmer said. "Now is the time for him to take the next step and fulfill that potential that we have known all along that he's had."
Haynesworth, a top high school prospect out of Hartsville, S.C., was criticized by fans in his home state for choosing Tennessee over South Carolina. He used that to his advantage and delivered a career-high seven tackles, three of them for a loss, against the Gamecocks. He also had three quarterback hurries and deflected a pass.
"I think it was the rivalry between me and South Carolina that really made me play hard. But I can play that hard every game," Haynesworth said. "I just have to get my mind right."
To see if he had his mind right, Haynesworth sometimes quizzes himself after a game. He asks himself, "Was my mind really in the game? Did I really dominate like I was supposed to?" he said.
This season, he's already seen a difference in his attitude.
"Last year I was going to play to have fun, but now it's more business, like my life could depend on the next play," Haynesworth said.
That's what could make Haynesworth as good as Outland Trophy winner John Henderson, who lines up next to Haynesworth.
"I believe that," Fulmer said. "He's got to dedicate himself to the weight room, which he's done great at this year. He's got to be more consistent with his practice habits. But he can be special."
Henderson said he has noticed Haynesworth working harder and listening more to the coaches. Haynesworth, just an inch shorter than Henderson, is important to the senior because Henderson gets most of the attention by blockers.
"He pretty much knows that they're going to be looking at me, so he needs to go out there and just try to make the plays," Henderson said. "That's what he's been doing and that's been good for this team."
It has taken Haynesworth some time to get adjusted to not being the biggest and best player on his team.
"It takes a great deal of effort and commitment every single day. Football is not a natural act. You don't go out there and pound your head against other people's heads play after play. It's something you have to have an instinct for and enjoy doing. I think he does," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "I think he's learning the amount of effort it takes to be a good player on this level."
Haynesworth understands his next challenge is to remain consistent and play hard every quarter, every game.
"I think I improved 100 percent from last year. I'm trying to take another step to improve another 100 percent and at least try to reach my potential this year and hopefully dominate next year," he said.
