University of Tennessee Athletics
Hard Work Paying Off for Hardesty
March 13, 2009 | Football
March 13, 2009
When Lane Kiffin took over the Tennessee football program in December, he noted that its early success would hinge on how quickly the players bought into his system. Just three practices into spring camp, it would appear that running back Montario Hardesty is fully on board.
The team worked out Friday evening for approximately 90 minutes in full pads at Neyland Stadium with more than 2,000 fans looking on from the east stands. During live periods, Hardesty's play was consistently drawing cheers from the UT faithful who braved cold, wet weather to catch an early glimpse of the new-look Vols.
"I would think Hardesty had a ton of yards today if we were keeping stats," Kiffin said. "A lot of long runs."
Kiffin went on to attribute the senior's success through three days of camp to his willingness to learn a new offense and adjust to the new attitude inside the football complex.
"It's a great story anytime you have a guy that has worked so hard this offseason," Kiffin said. "He hasn't been an issue at all. I think he was one of the first guys to buy in to what we were doing and was out there leading the groups in offseason conditioning.
"He's really worked hard for this, really studied the system and not had mental breaks. He's really attacking this thing very seriously, and it's really good when a guy does that and it shows out there on the field because it builds your whole team."
Hardesty enters the 2009 season as the Vols most experienced back, having rushed for 1,046 yards and scored 13 touchdowns on 278 carries in three seasons as a Vol. He is accompanied on the depth chart by junior Lennon Creer, sophomore Tauren Poole and freshman Toney Williams.
The Vols will look to hold over the momentum from their first three practices until they reconvene on Mar. 24 following spring break. Four-consecutive weeks of practice ensue before The Dish Network Orange & White Game takes place April 18 at 3 p.m.
Statement From UT Head Athletic Trainer Jason McVeigh Regarding Injury to Ahmad Page
"Ahmad Paige was transported to UT Hospital for precautionary studies. All tests returned normal; He was released from the hospital Friday evening and is expected to make a full recovery."
