University of Tennessee Athletics
Position Outlook: Quarterback
June 29, 2004 | Football
June 29, 2004
2004 ROSTER | NEWCOMERS | SCHEDULE | POSITION OUTLOOKS
After more than a decade in which the quarterback position provided little mystery about its eventual occupant, the Vols have more of a wide-open and flexible situation at the most vital slot in the offense.
Since 1992 UT has enjoyed the luxury of widely-acclaimed Heath Shuler, Peyton Manning, Tee Martin and Casey Clausen ascending almost automatically to the post and acquitting themselves admirably in ensuing seasons.
In 2004 there could be a battle royal for the opportunity to direct the attack.
C.J. Leak started spring practice at the top of the candidates' list and maintained his advantage to the end.
Into his sixth collegiate season, Leak formerly started for Wake Forest, from which he transferred to Tennessee in 2001. He played in only three games last year, completing 5-of-8 passes for 66 yards and one touchdown.
"C.J. brings a lot of maturity to the position," UT offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach said. "He has an outstanding arm along with the ability to make big plays."
Sound football instincts and good decisions under fire helped propel Leak to the top ranks of contenders for quarterback.
But junior Rick Clausen - brother of Casey and a transfer from LSU - will renew his efforts to unseat Leak when fall workouts begin. Jim Bob Cooter and Bo Hardegree along with talented incoming freshmen will be in the picture in case Leak and Clausen falter.
| RETURNING QUARTERBACKS | ||||||
| 16 | Rick Clausen | 6-3 | 210 | Jr. | Tr. | Thousand Oaks, Calif. (LSU) |
| 15 | Jim Bob Cooter | 6-1 | 220 | So. | Sq. | Fayetteville (Lincoln County) |
| 14 | Bo Hardegree | 6-5 | 200 | Fr. | Sq. | Jackson (Jackson Central-Merry) |
| 12 | C.J. Leak | 6-4 | 220 | Sr. | 2L | Charlotte, N.C. (Wake Forest Univ.) |
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