University of Tennessee Athletics
2004 Tennessee Football Outlook
March 17, 2004 | Football
2004 Schedule | 2003 Results | 2003 Stats | 
Spring Review PDF
OFFENSE | DEFENSE | SPECIAL TEAMS
| 2004 Vols at a Glance |
| Starters Returning (11) |
| OFFENSE (5): Tight End Victor McClure (Sr., 6-4, 310), Left Tackle Michael Munoz (Sr., 6-6, 315), Right Guard Cody Douglas (Jr., 6-4, 325), Wide Receiver Tony Brown (Sr., 6-2, 200), Tailback Cedric Houston (Sr., 6-0, 220) DEFENSE (4): Left End Parys Haralson (Jr., 6-2, 255), Strong Outside Linebacker Kevin Simon (Jr., 5-11, 225), Weak Outside Linebacker Kevin Burnett (Sr., 6-3, 235), Right Cornerback Jason Allen (Jr., 6-2, 200) SPECIALISTS (2): Punter Dustin Colquitt (Sr., 6-2, 196), Place-kicker James Wilhoit (So., 5-10, 190) |
| Starters Lost (13) |
| OFFENSE (6): Left Guard Anthony Herrera (Sr., 6-4, 305), Center Scott Wells (Sr., 6-2, 300), Right Tackle Sean Young (Sr., 6-7, 310), Quarterback Casey Clausen (Sr., 6-4, 225), Wide Receiver Mark Jones (Sr., 5-9, 185), Fullback Troy Fleming (Sr., 6-2, 230) |
Tennessee last year went through more than its share of ups and downs, a season highlighted by a tie for the Eastern Division championship of the Southeastern Conference.
The Vols experienced a roller-coaster ride that took them from glorious victories over Florida and Miami to a Peach Bowl crash landing at the end of the season.
The writers and coaches polls reflected the puzzling highs and lows that characterized Coach Phillip Fulmer's 12th Tennessee contingent. From a lofty sixth after closing out the regular season with six straight wins, the Vols plummeted to 15th when Clemson clipped them, 27-14, in a disappointing Peach Bowl showing.
Going into 2004, there are more questions about Tennessee football than Fulmer has answers. At least at this stage. Spring drills and summer workouts will clarify most issues. When Fulmer prepares to start fall practice, one of the nation's ranking coaches will zero in on the remaining problems and have his team ready to charge out of the gate Sept. 4.
If all goes according to script, UNLV will become Tennessee's 737th all-time football victim and the 114th school to fall before the Vols on Fulmer's watch. Things sometimes have a way of not following the script, however, and Fulmer knows UT's situation might require his most creative coaching yet.
But the grizzled old coach, now 53, has a record that inspires confidence among the Tennessee faithful: 113-28 for a nifty .801 percentage since taking over the program in 1992. His history indicates he'll figure ways to replace his four-year starting quarterback (Casey Clausen) and a strong safety (Gibril Wilson) who showed up everywhere.
Those two problems merely scratch the surface, but Fulmer and his lieutenants are prepared for the challenge, knowing what's required of them in the ever-changing world of college football.
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| C.J. Leak-QB |
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| Cedric Houston-RB |
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| Michael Munoz-OT |
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| Tony Brown-WR |
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| Kevin Burnett-LB |
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| Jason Allen-DB |
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| Dustin Colquitt-P |
Offense
Casey Clausen left some huge brogans to be filled when he walked out of the Georgia Dome after the Peach Bowl. He ended his college career ranked second (to Peyton Manning) on the all-time passing yardage records and led the Vols to a 34-10 mark as the starting quarterback. In Fulmer's career, there has always been an heir apparent to take over as signal-caller when the incumbent moved on. Not this time. From the reserves, from redshirt ranks and from the frosh roster, Fulmer will comb through the candidates until he picks the one who can best handle signal-calling duties going into the Sept. 4 opener.
If you need proof of how wide-open the situation is, a look at the candidates' stats will disabuse you of the notion that any of the quarterbacks-in-waiting is amply prepared to take over. C.J. Leak, who has all of 22 passes in his career, is the closest thing to a graybeard among the candidates. The senior backed up Clausen last season, throwing a total of eight passes, five for completions.
Like Leak, who came to UT from Wake Forest, Rick Clausen is a transfer. The brother of Casey Clausen left LSU to try his luck at Tennessee. He has two years left and hopes he can beat out Leak for the starting job. A sophomore whose name conjures up the image of a football hero in a Texas-based novel is also in the picture. Jim Bob Cooter will compete with freshman Bo Hardegree for backup roles. Freshman ranks could yield other candidates.
A late-season injury slowed Cedric Houston, but the 215-pound senior should be primed this fall for his best season. Not since Jay Graham in 1995 and 1996 had a Tennessee back put together back-to-back years as the team's rushing leader until Houston accomplished it the last two seasons. He needs to fight off Jabari Davis, another experienced veteran, for the starting tailback job. Houston and Davis divided running duties almost evenly last year and then shared responsibilities late in the year with fast-coming sophomore Gerald Riggs. Houston enjoyed a slight edge in average yardage, ripping off 5.0 yards to Davis' 4.6 and Riggs' 4.5. Houston rambled for 161 yards in the season opener. Another tailback-designate is Corey Larkins, who returned kickoffs primarily, but slipped in a few rushing plays along the way.
At fullback, William Revill's departure during spring practice leaves the position wide open. Revill played behind the departed Troy Fleming last year, but his decision to give up football means the Vols coaching staff will have to look hard at playing tight end Victor McClure in the role of slot back. In other spring moves, Cory Anderson's switch from defensive end to fullback could be one that sticks in the fall. Robert Williams is another option, bringing a 6-3, 265-pound, frame to the position as a junior. Incoming signees could be in the mix for more immediate playing time because of the lack of depth, making preseason drills a cause for concern.
The changing nature of football couldn't be more apparent than by scanning the names at wide receiver, a position that was a decided team weakness two years ago but now is awash in quality depth. Tony Brown is the first name that catches the eye. A returning starter, the 200-pound senior is the leader of the corps, a dependable possession receiver who had 24 catches for 376 yards.
James Banks, still a possibility to take on heavier responsibilities at quarterback, had 42 receptions last year, none bigger than the Hail Mary toss he converted into a touchdown at the end of the first half of the Florida game. The Gators were never the same, sent into a state of shock that led to a 24-10 Vols victory. Banks had five touchdown passes for the season. Another returnee, Chris Hannon, had seven, a remarkable total considering he had only 21 receptions. Hannon is the only SEC receiver who chalked up three touchdown catches in one game last year, something Chris accomplished against Mississippi State.
The long list of qualified receivers also includes Jomo Fagan, Jason Swain, C.J. Fayton, Derrick Tinsley and Bret Smith. Robert Meachem, a redshirt freshman after missing the 2003 season with an injury, comes back to a chorus of conjecture he could develop into one of the squad's most spectacular pass-catchers.
Victor McClure is a returning starter at tight end, where his 290 pounds and 6-4 frame qualify him as a blocker first and a pass receiver second. The hard-charging senior had only one catch last season. Justin Reed, another talented hopeful, stretches out to 6-7, making the junior an inviting target should the Vols seek to exploit the tight end routes.
Tennessee coaches hope the decline in sacks allowed by the offensive line, a problem two years ago, will continue unabated. The most significant change in personnel up front takes place at center, where Jason Respert moves in as the replacement for Scott Wells. If Jason can duplicate Wells' consistency and dependability, he will have the offensive line getting off to a promising start with the snap of the ball. Respert, moved from guard, has been a sometimes starter who should be capable of handling the center duties in good style. Chuck Prugh, returning after missing most of the 2003 season with illness, should be a steady backup to Respert.
Michael Munoz, a senior who passed up an opportunity to turn pro after last season, will be a fixture at tackle, constituting an intimidating force at 6-6, 305. He started every game last season and served as a team captain, a rarity for a junior. Munoz has started all 36 games in his three-year Vols career. Albert Toeaina is a man to watch at the other tackle slot. He was All-State, All-Conference and All-America during high school in California. If he lives up to expectations coming out of City College of San Francisco, a junior college, he could be listed as a starter by the time the Vols take on UNLV.
Cody Douglas and Rob Smith are considered probable winners in the scrap to determine who opens at guard. Douglas, checking in at 6-4, 315, has a head start in that he played first team most of last season. His advance to a starting role before the Florida game substantiated the coaching staff's decision to give him the award as most improved in 2003 spring practice. Smith returns for a second try at his sophomore season after redshirting last year. Arron Sears, who missed most of the spring because of injury, could be a challenger in the fall.
Defense
Tennessee's advance to top 10 status at the end of the regular season last year owed a huge debt to defensive heroics most readily highlighted by key plays in two games: a fourth-down stop against Alabama that allowed the Vols to rally for an eventual overtime win and a pass interception that snuffed out Miami's last hope of avoiding a home-field upset.
So, entering 2004, the question becomes: If they face similar circumstances this fall, would the Vols have the wherewithal to withstand a threat that in one play can mean the difference between winning and losing?
The opening proposition is none too promising. Most disturbing is the loss of seven regulars from a unit that surged in the second half of the season. Balancing that off, though, is the identity of the four players around whom defensive coordinator John Chavis will build his 2004 combine. Linebackers Kevin Simon and Kevin Burnett, end Parys Haralson and cornerback Jason Allen are capable of making momentum-turning plays.
Parys Haralson turned in 14 tackles-for-loss last season, a strong indication he should adequately defend one of the flanks. He was also credited with 3 l/2 sacks. As a junior he will be expected to continue picking up the pace, something that should come naturally because of his high energy level. Assuming Haralson starts, the other end position may provoke a hard-fought battle for dominance among a group of hopefuls that includes Karlton Neal, Jason Hall and Turk McBride. Neal with three letters has an experience bulge over the others. Hall had the most tackles last season, 21. Neal had 15.
An unusual situation prevails at tackle, which lost starters Mondre Dickerson and J.T. Mapu. With everything up for grabs, a junior college newcomer moved immediately to the front, bolstered by impressive credentials out of Orange Coast Community College. A January enrollee at UT, Jesse Mahelona boasts exceptional size even by today's king-size standards. He's 6-2, 295, which means he won't be spotting offensive linemen a significant weight advantage. Rating services are lavish in praise of Mahelona's defensive skills, listing him as the best junior college product at his position.
Greg Jones is a two-year letterman who hopes his experience will earn him a good look at a starting tackle job. He has 42 tackles during his Tennessee career, which embraces three starts last season. Other returning lettermen are Justin Harrell, Tony McDaniel and Matt McGlothlin.
Tennessee has a wealth of linebackers, not only from the standpoint of numbers but proven capability. Kevin Simon has been described in UT publications as a man of "freakish quickness," which on a team loaded with swift performers is high praise indeed. That quality undoubtedly got him where he needed to be "firstest with the mostest," as the old saying goes. Simon's quickness and reckless abandon were important factors in his team-leading 115 tackles last season, an impressive mark enhanced by his 22? "big plays." One of the gems was an interception in the 10-6 win over Miami.
Coming back from knee surgery required in 2002, Kevin Burnett regained the rhythm that characterized his earlier play and ranked as the Vols' fourth-best tackler with 90. Simon and Burnett bring experience and leadership that should guarantee Tennessee upper-echelon linebacker play provided coaches find a way to atone for the loss of Robert Peace. Easier said than done. Peace, who has graduated, contributed far beyond expectations to the Vols cause last year, becoming a marquee player at the middle linebacker spot. The linebacker corps includes such experienced operatives as Jason Mitchell, Jon Poe, Omar Gaither and Marvin Mitchell, all of whom lettered last year.
In discussing the secondary, it should be pointed out that opportunity abounds. Anybody with raw natural ability and willing to bring it to bear should apply for employment in the defensive backfield where graduation removed cornerback Jabari Greer, free safety Rashad Baker and strong safety Gibril Wilson. Among them they were involved in 248 tackles.
But a fourth member of the secondary crew returns, his resume aglitter with interceptions, passes broken up and tackles. Jason Allen, a junior with eight starts behind him, is scheduled to man his post at right cornerback, something he did brilliantly after he cracked the starting lineup in the Georgia game. Allen finished the season with 57 tackles, two interceptions and 11 deflections. Heading for fall warfare, however, he is the only member of the secondary with credentials earned over an appreciable amount of time. Allen is a big-time player, making his biggest splash under toughest conditions. As an example of his rising to the occasion, he had 11 tackles at Miami, forced a fumble and broke up a pass that had touchdown written all over it. Allen's contributions were vital in the 10-6 victory, arguably the Vols' most notable achievement of the year.
Other letter winners from the secondary, all hoping to earn the nod for starter status, include Robert Boulware, Corey Campbell, Chris Heath, Brandon Johnson, Jarod Parrish and Antwan Stewart. Jonathan Wade, switched over from the receivers corps, is coming back from shoulder surgery. Sophomores Stewart and Campbell were occasional starters last season, Stewart at cornerback and Campbell at free safety.
Special Teams
While questions and doubts hover over the 2004 Vols offense and defense, at least until the Sept. 4 opener clarifies a few things, no such uncertainty befuddles an assessment of the kicking game. The reason: senior punter
Dustin Colquitt and sophomore placekicker James Wilhoit. Not that funny things can't happen anytime in the kicking game. But Colquitt and Wilhoit are about the closest thing to money in the bank the Vols boast.
Dustin Colquitt was the NCAA consensus All-America punter last year with a 45.3 average. He was twice named SEC player of the week, most impressively against South Carolina when he boomed five punts of 50 yards or more and placed three inside the Gamecocks 5. Earlier he was cited in the Marshall game for his 50.9-yard average, which resulted in the Thundering Herd twice taking possession inside the 5.
James Wilhoit is almost as impressive. Last year he made The Sporting News Freshman All-America when he connected on 17 of 24 field goals, including 12 of his last 14. From 40 yards out or more, Wilhoit was seven of 10. He was perfect on all 41 extra point kicks.
The kick return department doesn't show the stability by Colquitt and Wilhoit. Fulmer wants more production. Corey Larkins, a senior, averaged only 20.4 yards, bringing back 19 kickoffs. The two top punt returners, Mark Jones and Rashad Baker, used up their eligibility. Robert Meachem, Derrick Tinsley and Jayson Swain will probably have a shot at hauling back punts.
