University of Tennessee Athletics
Position-By-Position Outlook
April 11, 2002 | Football
April 11, 2002
OFFENSE
Tight Ends
The repeated exhortation from fans to involve the tight end in the passing game struck a responsive note with Tennessee coaches last season. Maybe it was because the post was manned at times by Jason Witten, as talented an occupant of that hybrid position as has toiled for the Vols in a long time. The UT staff showed no reluctance whatsoever in targeting Witten for Casey Clausen's passing barrage. The sturdily built receiver-blocker rewarded their confidence by recording 28 catches, a number of them providing first-down yardage in critical situations. Now a junior, Jason has the speed to avoid tacklers, but would just as soon plow through them. His inclination to do things with reckless abandon has enabled Witten to take on blocking responsibilities at tight end with the same dedication he directs toward pass-receiving duties. He is a cinch to remain a top option of Clausen for the next two seasons. The coaching staff also continues to ponder the potential of Leon Pinky, who entered UT for spring semester via the junior college route.
Wide Receivers
As Phillip Fulmer aptly expressed it, "We would have a good team with Donte' Stallworth, we'll have a good team without him." So, best of luck in the NFL, Donte'. Now let's see what the pantry holds in the way of available receivers. For one thing, there's Kelley Washington, who, like Stallworth, contemplated a move to the NFL before deciding to stay in college. Washington, a sophomore, is older than most teammates owing to his abbreviated foray into professional baseball before deciding to resume his education and turn future athletic attention toward football. Gifted with speed galore, he can become a more formidable receiving threat than his 64 catches last season would suggest. Kelley became a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist last year after he came from out of nowhere to set a UT record for receiving yardage in the regular season LSU game. He acquired nationwide attention when he breezed past the Tigers defense for 256 yards on 11 catches. He became only the fourth Vol to reach the 1,000-yard receiving mark in a season, finishing with a total of 1,010. There is virtually no limit to how far Kelley's supply of raw talent can carry him. Speaking of unharnessed ability waiting to explode, consider the case of Leonard Scott, who could be in line for the second receivers post in the starting lineup. A senior, Scott is a former NCAA sprint champion who should scare opposing defenses out of their wits with his multitude of talents. To consistently damage UT foes, however, Leonard needs to exceed the six catches he chalked up last season. Sophomores Montrell Jones and Tony Brown could emerge as go-to receivers if their game blossoms in the fall. Redshirt freshman Michael Collins and ex-quarterback C.J. Fayton can lend stability in a situation that at the end of spring practice was more wide open than is customarily the case at Tennessee.
Tackles
The Vols would be well-established in the offensive line if they had any assurances everybody will be hale and hardy come fall drills. Tackle would be a sure strong point if Michael Munoz, who started as a true freshman in 2000 but sat out last season with a knee injury, regained his first-year form. But time and its healing force will render the verdict on Munoz' future. Sean Young is a possible starter provided he recaptures the competitive spirit he showed before momentarily giving up the sport during spring practice. Young had two starts last season after injuries took their toll in the offensive line. The other tackle slot will be filled by proven senior Will Ofenheusle, who made the starting lineup in every 2001 game at right tackle. His savvy and cunning portend well for the chance Ofenheusle will continue to deliver dividends for the Vols attack. The coaches can be expected to observe a hallowed Vols tradition for switching offensive linemen around to fill their needs. The versatility that marks UT line play was demonstrated by Ofenheusle last season when he made a smooth transition from left tackle to right tackle.
Guards
It's a plus for UT any time Jason Respert is on the field, the raw-boned sophomore constituting a tough package for opponent defenses to handle. The Vols had him for three games last year until a knee injury put an early halt to his promising work. Since Scott Wells performed capably at center last season, the decision was made to put Respert back at guard for 2002, although he has the versatility to play anywhere in the line. He will try to offset the loss of Fred Weary, whose departure created a serious void. With Respert counted on at left guard, attention turned to the other side and a battle between Chavis Smith and Anthony Herrera for the starting assignment. Both are experienced, proven competitors who are ready to take on heavier responsibilities. Chavis may have gained an edge by playing at full steam in spring practice while Herrera was limited to non-contact work after undergoing shoulder surgery. The powerfully built sophomore, Victor McClure, is slated to play behind Respert. The potential of the forward wall is enhanced by knowledge of Respert's versatility and the qualifications of Smith and Herrera for front-line service. They divided starting duties at right guard last season after Respert was injured. Smith was given some practice at center during spring practice and could fill in as Scott Wells' understudy if necessary.
Centers
Inserted into the starting lineup to solve injury-related problems, Scott Wells has developed far beyond expectations. His dependability as a snapper has contributed toward a good working relationship between him and quarterback Casey Clausen. Coaches are comfortable in placing snapping responsibilities in the hands of the conscientious Scott. Wells moved into the center job late in the 2000 campaign and last season turned back all challenges to wrest the starting assignment away. As a senior whose actions initiate the plays, Scott needs to provide leadership for less experienced linemen. Jason Respert, a starting guard, provides insurance at one of the most critical positions in the offense. Chavis Smith, a contender for a starting job at guard, practiced at center in spring drills and is prepared to play the position if needed. Freshman Scott Newsome earned the nod to serve as the snapper for the Vols when punting situations and placement opportunities develop. Overall the outlook at center is solid.
Quarterbacks
A year's experience can work wonders for an individual determined to reach his potential. After entering the 2001 season with question marks hovering over him, Casey Clausen begins his junior year bearing the credentials of an all-star candidate. Casey improved game-by-game last season, placing the icing on the cake when he tore Michigan apart in the Florida Citrus Bowl. On New Year's Day he riddled the Wolverines for 393 yards and three touchdowns, capping a season in which he completed 227 of 354 passes for 2,969 yards and 22 touchdowns. Casey's 64.1 percent completion rate and record of only nine interceptions (a commendable ratio of one errant throw for 39 attempts) were other statistics that contributed to the confidence coaches and teammates place in him. Clausen combines bullseye accuracy downfield with the ability to pick away at defenses at shorter range. He has the capability of completing his career ranked as one of the most prolific passing quarterbacks in UT history. C.J. Leak, a transfer from Wake Forest, experienced a beneficial spring practice preparing for backup responsibilities.
Tailbacks
The loss of a first-team All-America running back sounds like a prescription for a vast dropoff in ground production. But there is little hand-wringing at Tennessee, where prospects for a solid rushing game remain bright. A quartet of talented candidates are competing to take over Travis Stephens' job. The four players came to UT in 2001 after impressive high schoool careers, each widely acclaimed for the ability to deliver the mail. Limited to spot duty last year while Stephens enjoyed a brilliant season, Cedric Houston, Jabari Davis and Derrick Tinsley showed enough promise to make their first spring practice at Tennessee a setting for the realization of high expectations. Joined by Keldrick Williams, who was redshirted last year, they have the talent to contribute substantially to the 2002 offense. All remained in contention to ring up lots of playing time before the curtain drops to end the season. Last year Houston averaged 5.9 yards on 18 carries, Davis 5.5 on 11 and Tinsley 5.9 on 10. Early fall workouts will further define how Tennessee approaches the season in terms of developing the running game.
Fullbacks
Junior Troy Fleming, showing qualities he demonstrated in a season as backup to workhorse Will Bartholomew, took command at fullback from the first day of spring practice. As Bartholomew's understudy last season, Troy ran for 102 yards and caught 10 passes for 39 yards. He showed enough skill as a ball-carrier to warrant occasional insertion at tailback as part of the Vols' offensive package. Blocking is all important at fullback, of course, and Fleming shines in the sacrificial art of laying it on the line for a running back or for protecting the quarterback. The question coaches face is how to employ other backs in the fullback rotation. Sophomore Jabari Davis, in line for heavy duty at tailback, took numerous snaps at fullback last year and very likely will be asked to contribute there again. UT's offense places a premium on running backs' ability to diversify their game by making themselves ready to go at both tailback and fullback. The youthful corps on hand at UT this fall should lend themselves admirably to fill the dual role.
DEFENSE
Ends
All Omari Hand and Constantin Ritzmann, heirs apparent to the open defensive end posts, have to do to keep everybody smiling is emulate the play of Will Overstreet and Bernard Jackson. Of course, Overstreet and Jackson were two of the best to wear the Tennessee orange in years. Undaunted, Hand and Ritzmann lit a spark that indicated they might be equal to the challenge. Both are seniors who have correctly assessed the 2002 season as their final chance to make a lasting mark at Tennessee. Carrying the ideal frame for their positions, they have the strength as well as the size to discard blockers and make a bee line for the quarterback. Ritzmann was restricted in spring practice to non-contact drills. But seeing part-time duty last fall, he tallied 16 big plays owing in large part to his uncommon speed and quickness. Hand has enough experience that he should be able to deal with anything opponents might toss his way. Mondre Dickerson, who had arthroscopic surgery of his right knee, is seeking playing time after arriving at UT from junior college in January. Sophomore Karlton Neal is a returning letterman and was selected the most improved defensive player in the spring.
Tackles
When analysts look for chinks in Tennessee's 2002 armor, a favorite starting point is defensive tackle. How do you replace stars the calibre of John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth, a pair of topnotch operatives who between them accounted for 32 big plays last season? The depth chart at the close of spring practice said the answer to the question is seniors Rashad Moore and Aubrayo Franklin, who have attained only a tiny fraction of the statistical achievements credited to their illustrious predecessors. Nobody is looking for equal preoduction from the 2002 season's likely starters, but a visitor to spring practice would have found a hard-driving corps of tackles distinctly aware of what they need to do to overcome the loss of Henderson and Haynesworth. Franklin, who came to UT from junior college last year, is trying to stave off the challenge of Edward Kendrick, another senior with a background as a starter. Moore has lettered three times and is ready to assume a leadership role. A fourth senior, Demetrin Veal, is capable of contending for a starting job after making the move from defensive end.
Linebackers
The search for a dominant linebacker that has been in progress since Al Wilson took leave of the Tennessee program in 1998 may be ready to yield dividends. When the names Eddie Moore, Kevin Burnett, Keyon Whiteside and Robert Peace are raised in conversation, the vision comes forth of four ferocious hitters. If they master the other requirements of high level linebacker play, the Vols could be in business in a big way at the heart of the defense. Despite problems with a shoulder injury sustained in preseason practice, Moore emerged in 2001 as the Vols' leading tackler, accounting for 81 stops. He had 17 big plays to rank second only to tackle Albert Haynesworth in that significant defensive measure. Burnett could challenge Moore for the leadership role in delivering momentum-changing plays. Burnett's stock soared last fall when he became a one-man wrecking crew against Notre Dame, tallying 11 tackles, breaking up two passes and forcing a fumble to save a touchdown. Whiteside, a candidate along with Peace to succeed Dominique Stevenson at middle linebacker, had 51 tackles last season. His work in spring practice indicated Vols linebacker play this fall might exceed expectations. Peace, with 15 tackles last year, is prepared to fight it out with Whiteside for the middle linebacker post. Moore and Whiteside are seniors. Burnett and Peace are juniors. There is no shortage of talent looking for the chance to move up. Kevin Simon, Tony Campbell, Jason Mitchell and O.J. Owens were among candidates for playing time who took part in spring practice.
Cornerbacks
It's as though Tennessee went out after the 2001 season and recruited one of the best and most proven defensive backs in the country to come and fill a vacant cornerback position. Willie Miles, a name that conjures up memories of good times in the secondary, is back for his senior season and represents a huge bonus for the Vols defense. Willie was a regular in 2000, starting every game and breaking up 10 passes for the season. After a wrist injury sidelined Miles in spring practice a year ago, a decision was made to redshirt him and make him available for 2002 following the graduation of all-star cornerback Andre Lott. The year away from competition did no harm. From the opening whistle in spring practice, Miles showed the aggressiveness that makes him the front-runner to be a starter moving into fall workouts. Joining Miles on the first unit at cornerback will be Jabari Greer, a two-year letterman, excellent in pass coverage and a vicious tackler to boot. Greer, who will play on the right side while Miles holds steady on the left, became a starter in the second game last year and held the job the remainder of the season. Corey Larkins, who played previously as a reserve tailback, will be stationed behind Greer. Redshirt freshman Robert Boulware is Mills' backup.
Safeties
The two safeties are about as well prepared from an experience standpoint as any pair of players can be - Julian Battle at strong safety and Rashad Baker at free safety. Each was a starter to open the 2001 season, and neither relinquished his position as a regular through the Florida Citrus Bowl game. And in the case of Baker, he also started eight games as a sophomore in 2000. A lineup of Jabari Greer and Willie Miles at cornerback and Battle and Baker at the safeties means Tennessee will have crusty veterans filling every spot in the secondary. Baker was a busy warrior last year, accumulating 71 tackles to rank third on the Vols' defensive chart. He was a notch ahead of Battle, who registered 60 stops for fourth place. Baker had four interceptions, Battle two. With the two starting spots in the care of a couple of graybeards, it's reassuring to note that the top reserves are two of the surest tacklers on the squad. Senior Steven Marsh is stationed behind Battle, and junior Mark Jones backs up Baker. As free safety, Baker's duties encompassed punt returns, a specialty in which he averaged 9.1 yards on 26 opportunities.
KICKING GAME
Special Teams
Dustin Colquitt, who averaged 45.1 yards over his last six games, has three years remaining to add to his punting laurels. He obviously came on strong in those late season games, bringing his average for the year to 39.6. Coaches believe he is headed toward an all-star career that will rival that of his father, Craig Colquitt, who was an All-America punter at Tennessee and later a standout with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alex Walls is back for his senior season as kicker. He rifled through 15 of 20 field goals last year and was perfect on 39 extra point kicks. Veteran holder Seth Reagan, a backup punter, returns as placement holder. Freshman Scott Newsome is the new snapper. Rashad Baker returned punts last year, compiling a 9.1 average on 26 opportunities. Leonard Scott, back for another year on kick returns, hopes his world-class speed will allow him to cut loose for some runs that might improve on the 20.9 average he posted last year.
