The Offense

Labor day is football day! My beloved Vols have no small opener in UCLA. And, with ESPN covering the game and a 8pm prime-time start (unfortunately it's only 6 for some of you) what better way is there to have one on labor day?(Hey BYU fans, you play the Bruins, I'll tell you what they're like after we play them)

The Vols are returning plenty of experienced playmakers on offense, but one that isn't coming back is 4-year starting QB Erik Ainge. He placed 3rd all-time in UT's record books in career passing yardage. He was drafted in the 5th round by the New York Jets. To replace him is Jonathan Crompton, who has played effectively while playing in nearly 2 full games in 2006, subbing for an injured Ainge. Last year was a bit of a struggle for Crompton, but he seems poised to have a strong season this year, and if he does, the whole UT offense should as well.

The Vols' running back corps looks like a promising one for this year as they return 1000-yard rusher Arian Foster, who is only 684 yards from setting a new UT career rushing record. They also return effective backs Montario Hardesty and Lennon Creer, as well as picking up Tauren Poole, who, although only a 3rd or 4th string for now, has done so well in practice that new offensive co-ordinator Dave Clawson is already thinking of ways to get him on the field.

Crompton has a bevy of talented wide receivers to throw to, led by 1000-yard receiver Lucas Taylor. Others include Austin Rogers, Josh Briscoe, Denarius Moore, Quintin Hancock, and Gerald Jones, who can also line up in the shotgun at quarterback in a formation invented by former offensive co-ordinator David Cutcliffe called the "G-gun". Expect a good year for the Vols' passing game.

The tight end position is rather slim, but Brandon Warren, a star transfer from Florida State, got an appeal from the NCAA, meaning he can play this year. However Jeff Cottam is out for 6-8 weeks due to injury. Backup Luke Stocker could be an effective player, but expect Warren to make an immediate impact.

The Tennessee offensive line is yet another strong area of the offense, returning all 5 starters and led by All-American guard/tackle Anthony Parker. They also have All-SEC center Josh McNeil, All-SEC tackle Ramon Foster, guard Chris Scott, and guard/tackle Jacques McClendon. This offensive line allowed only 4 sacks, tops in the nation, and Crompton is more mobile than Ainge was, so expect another very good year for Tennessee's O-line.

It looks like a very promising year for Jonathan Crompton and Co.

Tomorrow we will take a look at the vastly improved Tennessee Defense.

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Posted by BigZ