Russ Huesman Is Baaaaack!

CHATTANOOGA -- When the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Director of Athletics Rick Hart began the search for the Mocs’ new head football coach, he had a list of qualities he was looking for in potential candidates. He had a plan and an idea from the beginning of the process and looked all over the college football landscape for the right person for the job.
First and foremost, Hart was looking for someone who could set an example for the student-athletes in the Mocs football program. He wanted a leader and a teacher who could fulfill the mission of Chattanooga Athletics, "To guide, encourage and support Student-Athletes in their quest for comprehensive excellence - academically, athletically and socially - and above all else, to prepare Student-Athletes for productive and meaningful lives."

Second, Hart was looking for someone who could unite and ignite the fan base of Chattanooga. He wanted a coach with a proven track record for winning and one that could bring the passion and excitement needed to sell the program to students, alumni and the Chattanooga community.

Today, Hart introduces the perfect fit for Chattanooga Football in coaching veteran and UTC alum Russ Huesman. Huesman has over 25 years of college coaching experience, having spent the last five years as the defensive coordinator at the University of Richmond. He takes over as the 22nd head coach in Chattanooga history after helping to guide the Spiders to the 2008 FCS National Title on Dec. 19, 2008.

"We are very excited to announce Russ Huesman as the new head coach of the Chattanooga Mocs football program," stated Hart. "He exemplifies everything we were looking for in a head coach and will bring years of knowledge, experience and energy to this position. Being an alum, Coach Huesman will provide a unique spark this program needs, both on and off the field. He possesses all of the tools required to get our program moving in the right direction."

Huesman‘s success as a coach was on display for all of Chattanooga and college football to see in last week’s FCS title game against Montana. The Spider’s defense held the Grizzlies to just 39 yards rushing and seven points in a 24-7 win for Richmond. It was the first national title in the Spider’s history.

Richmond’s defense has been ranked in the top-15 in the NCAA for each of the past three seasons under Huesman’s guidance. He spent the previous six years (1998-03) at Memphis, holding various positions on the Tiger’s sidelines. As the recruiting coordinator, Huesman’s 2002 class was ranked in the top-50 in the nation, the first class in Tiger history to earn a top-50 ranking.

Prior to his time at Memphis, Huesman spent 14 seasons (1984-97) at William & Mary. During his tenure with the Tribe, Huesman coached current NFL star Darren Sharper, who led a defense ranked second in the nation, allowing just 231.8 yards per game in 1996.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be named the head football coach at my alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga," stated Huesman. "This is a goal I have been working towards my entire career. It could not have happened at a better place and I will do everything I can to make Chattanooga a successful college football team. I can not wait to get started on building the Mocs into a winning program that all of Chattanooga can be proud of."

Huesman’s ability to ignite and unite the fan base of Chattanooga is evident in his passion for his alma mater. He is a 1983 graduate of UTC, having been a four-year starter at defensive back from 1978-81. He also played centerfield for the Mocs baseball team in his freshman and junior years.

Having graduated from UTC, Huesman brings a unique insight and experience to the position. His direct knowledge and relationships with former players and alumni will allow him to bring back the passion and interest in UTC football.

Russ Huesman - Chattanooga Mocs Head Football Coach Biography

Russ Huesman was named the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program’s 22nd head coach on Dec. 22, 2008. Huesman, a 1983 graduate of UTC and a former defensive back for Chattanooga, brings over 25 years of coaching experience to the Mocs football program.

Huesman spent the previous five seasons as the defensive coordinator at the University of Richmond, helping guide the Spiders to the 2008 Football Championship Subdivision National Title. The Spiders were known for their "Stonewall Defense," a phrase that was coined by Bruce Dowd of the College Sporting News. Richmond’s defense was ranked in the top-15 in the nation in each of the last three seasons under Huesman’s guidance.

Huesman’s ‘Stonewall Defense’ was most impressive in the 2008 national title game played in Chattanooga. His Spiders held the No. 4 Montana Grizzlies scoreless for three quarters, and just seven points total, in a 24-7 win.

In 2008, Richmond’s defense ranked in the top-10 in the FCS and was No. 1 in the Colonial Athletic Association in total defense (268.8 yards/game) and scoring defense (15.6 ppg). The Spiders also held 12 different opponents to less than 100 yards rushing and less than 20 points. Richmond’s 29 interceptions in 2008 smashed the school’s previous single-season record of 20 set back in 1973.

The last four seasons have seen Huesman produce a total of 19 defensive all-conference players, including NFL prospect Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. (DL) who was a two-time first team All-CAA pick in 2007 and 2008.

In 2007, the Spiders ranked second in the CAA and 15th nationally in sacks per game (2.6), while ranking third in the league and 31st in the NCAA in turnover margin per game (+0.6) in 2007.

In 2006, Huesman led an experienced group that allowed just 268.7 yards per game to rank 11th in the nation and second in the conference. Against the pass, the Spiders were the Atlantic-10’s most dominant team, yielding an average of 152.8 yards and intercepting a league-best 12 passes. Richmond’s front seven ranked fourth in the conference and 21st in the nation against the run, limiting the opposition to just over 115 yards per game on the ground. The Richmond defense allowed the fourth-fewest points in the conference and 22nd fewest in the country (18.1).

Huesman spent six years at the University of Memphis (1998-2003) where he held several positions, serving as the recruiting coordinator and offensive line coach, before leaving for Richmond. He also coached the outside linebackers, tight ends and running backs. As recruiting coordinator, Huesman brought in a top-50 recruiting class, ranked No. 1 in Conference USA, in 2002. It was the first recruiting class ranked in the top-50 at Memphis in school history.

Huesman also coached for 14 years at William & Mary and was the Tribe’s defensive coordinator for the 1996-97 seasons. During his tenure with the Tribe, Huesman coached current NFL star Darren Sharper, who led a defense ranked second in the nation, allowing just 231.8 yards per game in 1996. That defensive squad also led the Yankee Conference in total defense and helped power the Indians to their first conference title since 1970. In 1997, the Tribe defense was third overall in the Atlantic 10 and led the league in pass efficiency defense.

In addition to coordinating the Tribes’ defense, Huesman, also coached the William & Mary secondary, a job he took over in 1991. In eight seasons under his direction, the College of William & Mary developed one of the most effective backfields in the nation.

During his time at William & Mary, Huesman also coached Steve Christie, a 15-year NFL place kicker with Tampa Bay, Buffalo, San Diego and the New York Giants. His coaching family tree also includes Alan Williams, the defensive backs coach for the Indianapolis Colts, and Sean McDermott, the secondary coach with the Philadelphia Eagles. Both Williams and McDermott played for Huesman at William & Mary.

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Huesman played prep football at perennial power Moeller High School, where he lettered for four years under head coach Gerry Faust. He helped Moeller’s team compile a record of 43-0-1 and win a pair of Ohio state championships.

An all-city selection in football as a senior, Huesman signed a football scholarship with Chattanooga, where he started all four years as a defensive back (1978-81) and was a two-sport athlete. He played under the late Joe Morrison for two years and competed his final two seasons under Bill Oliver. Huesman also patrolled centerfield on the baseball diamond for the Mocs during his freshman and junior seasons.

During his playing career at UTC, the Mocs posted a 31-11-2 mark and were Southern Conference co-Champions in his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Huesman was on the Mocs sidelines for the 1982 seasons as a student coach, earning his degree in business education in 1983. He followed that up with a move to the University of South Carolina as a graduate assistant under Morrison.

Huesman and his wife Amy have two daughters, Natalie (12) and Emily (9) and two sons, Jacob (15) and Levi (5).

Coaching Experience
Richmond - Assistant Coach - 2004-08
Memphis - Assistant Coach - 1998-03
William & Mary - Assistant Coach - 1984-97
South Carolina - Graduate Assistant Coach - 1983-84
Chattanooga - Student Assistant Coach - 1982

Personal
Full Name: Russell Frederick HuesmanBorn: Jan. 28, 1960Hometown: Cincinnati, OhioAge: 48Wife: AmyChildren: Jacob (15), Natalie (12), Emily (9), Levi (5)Education: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - B.S. in Business Education (1983)

What They Are Saying About Russ Huesman

"I have known Russ for 20 years going back to our William & Mary days. He is a very good coach and a very good friend. He has played a huge role in all of our success at Richmond and he is going to make a great head coach at Chattanooga. I am very happy for him and Amy and his entire family. You guys are getting a great person as well as an excellent coach. He will bring a wealth of knowledge and confidence to your program. When you are an alumnus of a school, you have a vested interested in how the school does in all aspects. He, like myself, will want what is best for not only the football program, but the entire University."Mike London
Head Football Coach - University of Richmond
2008 FCS National Champions

"You guys have just hired one of the best coaches I have ever worked with. He is also one of the best people you could meet. Chattanooga is very luck to have Russ Huesman as the head coach of its football team. Russ was my right-hand guy as we built Richmond from a team that was struggling into a national championship team. He was involved with every defensive recruit and very instrumental in developing that defense. He is one of the very, very best coaches I have ever worked with and he has a great family. He is the best." Dave Clawson
Head Coach - Bowling Green State University
Former head coach - University of Richmond (2004-07)

"When you talk about Russ Huesman and his family, first of all, he is a first class individual. He cares about the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga tremendously. He will be an excellent representative both on the field and in the community. He brings first class characteristics off the field and a winning attitude and personality to the campus and the football program that will be infectious from day one. I felt that same energy when I first started playing for him back at William & Mary year ago."

Phillip Fulmer Magazine Released

For everything football in Tennessee it’s TENNFB.COM

TENNESSEE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE’S “THE JOURNEY”
SPECIAL MAGAZINE commemorates Phillip Fulmer THROUGH THE YEARS

ALCOA --- Just in time for Christmas, Varsity Sports Media’s Tennessee Football magazine is delivering a commemorative publication highlighting the career of Phillip Fulmer that spans more than three decades on Rocky Top.The magazine takes the readers through the years with Fulmer as a player, coach and a man.VSM writer John Brice sat down with Fulmer during his final week as a head coach at Tennessee and conducted a lengthy Q and A about his life with the Big Orange.The commemorative magazine features comments on Coach Fulmer from former teammates, players and friends.An all-star collection of journalists, who cover the Tennessee football beat, take the readers on “The Journey” that includes bowl games, SEC Championships and features a look back at the memorable 1998 National Championship season.It’s a keepsake that you’ll want to share with your friends and family.WHO: Varsity Sports Media’s TENNESSEE FOOTBALL MAGAZINE

WHAT: THE JOURNEY: Celebrating the playing and coaching career of legendary Vols football coach Phillip Fulmer.

WHEN: Available on Dec. 19 at Pilot Food Marts and Travel Centers across East Tennessee.

WHERE: For purchase at Pilot Food Marts and Travel Centers across East Tennessee, and online NOW at http://www.tennfb.com/ (online shipping starts Dec. 20)
For more information contact: Stump Martin, Tennessee Football magazine managing editor
At 423-421-2595 or smartin@varsitysportsmedia.com.

Varsity Sports Media (http://www.varsitysportsmedia.com/) is a producer of state-specific, consumer-targeted, traditional and new media publications, Web sites and events aimed at sports enthusiasts. Varsity Sports Media utilizes relationships at the professional, college and high school level to create programs that strategically place our business partners’ products and services in the hands of the fans. VSM manages properties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky. VSM also executes a fundraising program (http://www.superfancard.com/), and a weekly Central Florida football radio show.

Headquartered in Alcoa (Knoxville), Tenn., SportsMyx, formerly Action Sports Media, is a full service sports marketing company. Businesses operating under SportsMyx include FanU, Inc. (http://www.fanu.com/), Varsity Sports Media, Inc. (http://www.varsitysportsmedia.com/), bLinc Sports, Inc. (http://www.blincsports.com/), SoundDirector (http://www.sounddirector.com/), CoolXposure, Inc. (http://www.coolxposure.com/), and WVLZ 1180 AM (an ESPN affiliate) in Knoxville and WKCE 1120 AM (an ESPN Deportes affiliate) in Maryville, Tenn. (http://www.1180espn.com/). Additional information about the company is available by calling (503) 963-3805.

Vols 23-year Pro Bowl Streak Continues

The University of Tennessee keeps its streak alive of former Vols chosen to play in the annual NFC/AFC Pro Bowl game as Peyton Manning, Jason Witten and Albert Haynesworth were named starters to the Feb. 8, 2009, contest in Honolulu.

A Volunteer has appeared in every Pro Bowl since 1987, a span of 23 years. This marks the seventh consecutive year in which at least three Vols have made the team. An all-time high of five made it in 1996 when defensive back Dale Carter (Kansas City), defensive back Terry McDaniel (Oakland), wide receiver Anthony Miller (Denver), wide receiver Carl Pickens (Cincinnati) and defensive lineman Reggie White (Green Bay) were named Pro Bowlers.

Four former Vols earned MVP honors including Bert Rechichar in 1957, Doug Atkins in 1959, Reggie White in 1987 and Manning in 2005.

Manning, the starter for the AFC at quarterback, is making his eighth consecutive appearance and ninth overall as a member of the Indianapolis Colts (10-4). The MVP of the 2005 Pro Bowl is the fourth leading passer in the NFL with 3543 yards through 14 games with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 11-year veteran has thrown for 45,169 yards and 329 touchdown passes in his career, which rank seventh and fourth, respectively, in the NFL annals.

Witten, the starter for the NFC at tight end, is making his fifth consecutive appearance. The leading receiver for the Dallas Cowboys (9-5) has 69 catches for 815 yards and three touchdowns. He ranks third in the NFL in receptions and second in receiving yards among tight ends. He is in his sixth season with the Cowboys and has career totals of 4785 yards on 417 receptions with 24 touchdowns.

Haynesworth, a starter at defensive tackle for the AFC, is making his second straight Pro Bowl appearance as a member of the Tennessee Titans (12-2). He is having his best year as a pro with 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In his seventh NFL season, Haynesworth has 271 tackles and 24 career sacks.

Berry Named On Phil Steele All American Team

CLEVELAND, OH –Phil Steele has released his All‑American Team. Phil Steele is a voting member of the FWAA and helped decide their All-American Team, so his first team selections agree with the FWAA’s list with some additions.

Phil Steele’s College Football Preview is one of the nation’s most informative preseason football magazines and has always provided a preseason All-American team as well as preseason All-Conference



PHIL STEELE’S 2008 ALL AMERICAN TEAM


1st TEAM OFFENSE 2nd TEAM OFFENSE 3rd TEAM OFFENSE 4th TEAM

OFFENSE
QB Colt McCoy, Texas Tim Tebow, Florida Sam Bradford, Oklahoma Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
RB Shonn Greene, Iowa Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon St Javon Ringer, Michigan St MiQuale Lewis, Ball St
RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma St Knowshon Moreno, Georgia Donald Brown, Connecticut Jahvid Best, California
WR Jarett Dillard, Rice Percy Harvin, Florida James Casey, Rice Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma
WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St Austin Collie, BYU Jeremy Maclin, Missouri Chris Williams, New Mexico St
WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech Kenny Britt, Rutgers Jamarko Simmons, Western Michigan Arrelious Benn, Illinois
TE Chase Coffman, Missouri Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St Dennis Pitta, BYU
C AQ Shipley, Penn St Alex Mack, California Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas Max Unger, Oregon
OL Jason Smith, Baylor Rylan Reed, Texas Tech Seth Olsen, Iowa Andy Levitre, Oregon St
OL Duke Robinson, Oklahoma Herman Johnson, LSU Antoine Caldwell, Alabama Russell Okung, Oklahoma St
OL Andre Smith, Alabama Eugene Monroe, Virginia Jeff Byers, USC Ryan Stanchek, West Virginia
OL Michael Oher, Mississippi Alex Boone, Ohio St Dallas Reynolds, BYU Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma
KR Perrish Cox, Oklahoma St AJ Jefferson, Fresno St Derrick Williams, Penn St Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
PR Brandon James, Florida Javier Arenas, Alabama Joe Burnett, UCF Antonio Brown, Central Michigan

Defense

1st TEAM DEFENSE 2nd TEAM DEFENSE 3rd TEAM DEFENSE 4th

TEAM DEFENSE
DE Brian Orakpo, Texas Nick Reed, Oregon Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech Phillip Hunt, Houston
DT Jerry Hughes, TCU* BJ Raji, Boston College Fili Moala, USC Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
DT Terrence Cody, Alabama Peria Jerry, Mississippi Mitch King, Iowa Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
DE Aaron Maybin, Penn St Everette Brown, Florida St Larry English, Northern Illinois George Selvie, USF
LB Rey Maualuga, USC Mark Herzlich, Boston College Brian Cushing, USC Clint Sintim, Virginia
LB Brandon Spikes, Florida Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri Joe Pawelek, Baylor Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
LB Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh Rolando McClain, Alabama Mike Tauiliili, Duke Rennie Curran, Georgia
LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio St Aaron Curry, Wake Forest Brit Miller, Illinois Navarro Bowman, Penn St
CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio St Mike Mickens, Cincinnati Trevard Lindley, Kentucky Darius Butler, Connecticut
CB Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest DJ Moore, Vanderbilt Victor “Macho” Harris, Virginia Tech Alterraun Verner, UCLA
S Eric Berry, Tennessee Trimane Goddard, North Carolina Patrick Chung, Oregon Louis Delmas, Western Michigan
S Taylor Mays, USC Rashad Johnson, Alabama Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech William Moore, Missouri
K Louie Sakoda, Utah Graham Gano, Florida St Jose Martinez, UTEP Kai Forbath, UCLA
P Kevin Huber, Cincinnati Matt Fodge, Oklahoma St Pat McAfee, West Virginia Zoltan Mesko, Michigan

Vandy's Moore Named All American

Nashville, Tenn. -- Vanderbilt cornerback D.J. Moore became the first Commodore standout in 11 years to receive All-America recognition from the Associated Press when the organization named him to its second team defense Tuesday. Moore, a junior from Spartanburg, S.C., also was named to SI.com's First Team All-America squad on Tuesday.

SI.com became the second key Web site to pick Moore, following a similar decision published last week by Rivals.com.

A third highly regarded college football Web site, PhilSteele.com, also recognized Moore as a second team All-American on Tuesday.

"I'm real happy to hear that," Moore said. "I want to thank my teammates and our coaching staff. The coaches really gave me an opportunity to get on the field early in my career and did a great job getting me prepared to play."

Head Coach Bobby Johnson praised Moore's playmaking abilities on the field and his contribution to Vanderbilt's first postseason bowl appearance in more than 25 years. The Commodores will play Boston College in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl on New Year's Eve in Nashville. "I've seen a bunch of guys that thought they could do what D.J. does on a football field, but I've never had anyone who could do so many things at such a high level," Johnson said.

"D.J. has tremendous ball skills and has a fantastic feel for the game. D.J. just has a knack for making plays, no matter if he's playing offense, defense or on special teams."

Moore becomes the first Commodore recognized as an Associated Press All-America in more than a decade. Linebacker Jamie Duncan also earned AP second team honors after being honored as the Southeastern Conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 1997. Last week,

Moore became the first Commodore defensive back ever to earn consecutive first team All-SEC honors from the AP. In 2008, Moore became perhaps the most versatile player in recent Vanderbilt history, seeing action as a defensive back, wide receiver, running back and return specialist. He excelled in every phase, including as a defensive back where he picked off six interceptions, second most in the Southeastern Conference behind Tennessee's Eric Berry.

As an offensive weapon, Moore caught seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for a 9.1-yard average. On punt returns, he averaged 14.4 yards, ranking among the NCAA's best in the category.

Moore had a huge impact in several games this season for the Commodores, beginning in the opener at Miami (Ohio) where he contributed a quarterback sack, 91-yard punt return and interception in a three-minute span that resulted in 14 Commodore points.

Late in the season, he achieved a rare and remarkable feat in Vanderbilt's bowl-clinching victory at Kentucky. Playing both ways against the Wildcats, Moore became the first major college player in decades to collect two interceptions and two touchdown receptions in the same game.

The touchdown catches also came on Moore's first career receptions.

Besides receiving Walter Camp Football Foundation National Defensive Player of the Week and SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors after the game, Moore also earned the rare distinction of also getting consideration for SEC Offensive Player of the Week recognition.

www.vucommodores.com

Berry Named Defensive Player of the Year

Tennessee strong safety Eric Berry was selected the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the Southeastern Conference coaches, the league office announced Wednesday.

Berry, a sophomore from Fairburn, Ga., had one of the best seasons ever by a Tennessee defensive back. He finished third on the team with 72 tackles and posted an FBS-best seven interceptions. He returned those interceptions for a single-season school and conference record 265 yards, scoring two touchdowns along the way.

Combined with his 222 interception return yards from his freshman season, Berry now has the UT and SEC career records for interception return yards with 487 as well.

The end of football season hasn't slowed Berry down. Earlier in the week, he was named All-America by the American Football Coaches Association, and he was selected first-team All-SEC and SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press prior to earning those same two honors from the league's coaches.

Berry picked up a second All-America honor Wednesday, getting the nod from Rivals.com as a first-team selection. He was one of nine SEC players on the first team and one of six sophomores to make the list.

Thursday night, Berry will be in Orlando, Fla., attending the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show where he is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to college football's top defensive back.

Other SEC individual award winners included Florida's Tim Tebow (Offensive Player of the Year and Scholar Athlete of the Year), Florida's Brandon James (Special Teams Player of the Year), Georgia's A.J. Green (Freshman of the Year) and Ole Miss' Michael Oher (Jacobs Blocking Trophy). Vanderbilt's Bobby Johnson, Ole Miss' Houston Nutt and Alabama's Nick Saban were named Coaches of the Year.

2008 SEC FOOTBALL INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Tim Tebow, QB, FloridaOffensive Player of the Year: Tim Tebow, QB, FloridaDefensive Player of the Year: Eric Berry, DB, TennesseeSpecial Teams Player of the Year: Brandon James, RS, FloridaFreshman of the Year: A.J. Green, WR, GeorgiaJacobs Blocking Trophy: Michael Oher, Ole Miss.

Coach of the Year *Houston Nutt, Ole Miss*Nick Saban, Alabama*Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt # - Unanimous Selection* - Ties

2008 SEC FOOTBALL ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM ANNOUNCED

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Nine of the Southeastern Conference football squads are represented on the ninth annual SEC Coaches’ All-Freshman Team, it was announced Thursday.
Georgia led the way with six selections. Arkansas had five selections, while Alabama, Florida and Vanderbilt added four on the rookie squad. Auburn had three members on the team.
Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green, center Ben Jones, Vanderbilt linebacker Chris Marve and Auburn punter Clinton Durst were the only players to be a unanimous selections to the team. Green was the SEC Freshman of the Year. The entire team is listed below:

2008 FRESHMAN ALL-SEC FOOTBALL TEAM
(*-Ties / #-Unanimous Selection / Coaches could not vote for their own players)

FRESHMAN ALL-SEC -- OFFENSE
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Hometown
TE Brandon Barden Vanderbilt 6-5 245 Lincolnton, Ga.
OL Justin Anderson Georgia 6-5 338 Ocilla, Ga.
OL Cordy Glenn Georgia 6-5 331 Riverdale, Ga.
OL *John Michael Boswell Alabama 6-5 300 Tuscaloosa, Ala.
OL *Grant Cook Arkansas 6-6 320 Jonesboro, Ark.
OL *Kyle Fischer Vanderbilt 6-6 300 Columbia, S.C.
OL *Quentin Saulsberry Miss. State 6-3 293 Independence, Miss.
C #Ben Jones Georgia 6-3 304 Centerville, Ala.
WR #A.J. Green Georgia 6-4 200 Summerville, S.C.
WR Julio Jones Alabama 6-4 210 Foley, Ala.
QB Randall Cobb Kentucky 5-11 185 Alcoa, Tenn.
RB Mark Ingram Alabama 5-10 215 Flint, Mich.
RB *Jeffery Demps Florida 5-8 176 Winter Garden, Fla.
RB *Chris Rainey Florida 5-9 185 Lakeland, Fla.

FRESHMAN ALL-SEC -- DEFENSE
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Hometown
DL Jake Bequette Arkansas 6-5 265 Little Rock, Ark.
DL *T.J. Greenstone Vanderbilt 6-3 278 Lawrenceville, Ga.
DL *Zach Stadther Arkansas 6-1 285 N. Little Rock, Ark.
DL *DeAngelo Tyson Georgia 6-2 306 Statesboro, Ga.
LB #Chris Marve Vanderbilt 6-0 225 Memphis, Tenn.
LB Dont’a Hightower Alabama 6-4 250 Lewisburg, Tenn.
LB Jerry Franklin Arkansas 6-2 229 Marion, Ark.
LB *Spencer Pybus Auburn 6-0 207 Dothan, Ala.
LB *Daryl Vereen Tennessee 6-0 200 Charlotte, N.C.
DB Janoris Jenkins Florida 5-10 185 Pahokee, Fla.
DB Will Hill Florida 6-2 203 West Orange, N.J.
DB Charles Mitchell Miss. State 5-11 196 Clarksdale, Miss.
DB Neiko Thorpe Auburn 6-2 171 Tucker, Ga.

FRESHMAN ALL-SEC -- SPECIAL TEAMS
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Hometown
PK Blair Walsh Georgia 5-10 183 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
P #Clinton Durst Auburn 6-1 190 Destin, Fla.
RS Dennis Johnson Arkansas 5-7 195 Texarkana, Ark.

Bama's Andre Smith Wins Outland Award

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (FWAA) - Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith was named the winner of the 63rd Outland Trophy on Thursday night, becoming the second straight Southeastern Conference player to win the award.

The winner of the Outland Trophy, which goes to the best interior linemen on offense or defense in college football, was announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show from The Walt Disney World Resort.

Smith became the second Alabama player to win the Outland Trophy after the Crimson Tide's Chris Samuels in 1999. LSU's Glenn Dorsey claimed the award a year ago.

The Football Writers Association of America selects the Outland winner from its 25-man All-America team, which will be announced on Saturday afternoon on ABC television. Smith won the Outland over Mississippi offensive tackle Michael Oher and Oklahoma offensive guard Duke Robinson, the other two Outland Trophy finalists.

"I was surprised to hear my name called because either one of those other two guys could have won the award," Smith said. "I think it helped to play on a dominating offensive line like we had, that opened up holes for our running game. I am proud to win this award, though I'd still like to be playing for a national championship."

Smith, a 6-5, 330-pound junior from Birmingham, Ala., has started 13 games at left tackle and has surrendered just one sack. He has helped Alabama (12-1) rank among the Top 25 rushing teams in college football. He was the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week when Alabama rushed for 328 yards against Arkansas. Smith is also projected in some circles, if he elects to come out, to be the No. 1 player to be selected overall in the 2009 NFL Draft.

"There are a lot more guys who get the reputation than actually live up to the billing," said Alabama coach Nick Saban. "He started as a freshman and has improved every year. I don't see them all, and I'm not saying he is better than anybody else, but it's hard for me to think there is any other offensive lineman who has played any better than him this season."

The Outland Trophy, which has been awarded annually by the FWAA since 1946, is named after the late John Outland, a lineman at Pennsylvania at the turn of the century. The Outland Trophy is the third oldest award in major college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.

The official 2008 award presentation to Smith will be Jan. 15, 2009, in Omaha, Neb., at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. Oklahoma's J.D. Roberts, the 1953 Outland Trophy winner, will also receive his trophy there.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of nearly 1,000 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include gameday operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America team.

The Outland Trophy is a proud member of the National College Football Awards Association, which was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game's predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information on the NCFAA, visit www.ncfaa.org.

For more information on the Outland Trophy, go to the official website, www.outlandtrophy.com, or contact FWAA executive director Steve Richardson (972-713-6198 or tigerfwaa@aol.com).

Bradford Davey O'Brien Winner

FORT WORTH, Texas (December 11, 2008) - The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) today proudly announced Sam Bradford as the 2008 O'Brien Winner. Bradford, a sophomore, competed against O'Brien Finalists Graham Harrell, senior, of Texas Tech and Colt McCoy, junior, of Texas for the award honoring the nation's best quarterback. The announcement was made earlier this evening by 1981 O'Brien Winner, Jim McMahon, on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show which aired live from Orlando, Fla.

Bradford led the Oklahoma Sooners to a 12-1 record, Big 12 Conference Championship and No. 1 (BCS) ranking this season, as well as a berth in the 2008 National Championship. Bradford and the Sooners will face the Florida Gators and 2007 O'Brien Winner, Tim Tebow, when they head to Miami, Fla., for the Orange Bowl on January 8, 2009.

The signal caller from Oklahoma City, Okla., threw for 4,464 yards with just six interceptions this season, completing more than 68 percent of his passes. He is the nation's leader in both touchdowns (48) and quarterback rating (186.29). After only his second season as a Sooner starter, Bradford's 84 career touchdowns established a new school record, breaking the previous one held by 2003 and 2004 O'Brien Winner, Jason White.

"In the midst of fierce competition at the quarterback position, Bradford raised the bar for quarterback talent across the country," said Verne Lundquist, chairman of the Davey O'Brien National Selection Committee. "He stepped up as a tremendous leader for his team, exemplifying all of the traits The O'Brien seeks in its winner while leading the Sooners to an outstanding season."

Bradford was selected by The O'Brien National Selection Committee, comprised of journalists, broadcasters and commentators from coast to coast, in addition to former O'Brien Winners. College football fans across the country also had a say in the vote with five percent of the final voting tally coming directly from the Fan Vote. The O'Brien is proud to announce that it had 100 percent participation from its National Selection Committee in determining the 2008 award recipient. When voting, members of the committee are asked to evaluate each candidate on his quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, character, leadership, sportsmanship and reputation as a team player.

About The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award®
The O'Brien honors the nation's best college quarterback of the year and inspires student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field. By recognizing and honoring athletes who excel in both sports and academics while exhibiting strong character and leadership, The O'Brien aims to help instill a lifelong moral fiber in each candidate. The O'Brien is overseen by the Davey O'Brien Foundation, which was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The Foundation has given away more than $750,000 in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life. For more information, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001WuiVwR31LpT6jPsRVwv7-FjKw1eRDYMVasD9XEAuEURAFaxHacCCewvjXTyObhYtqSy1u2LdZ2MLI8eOAWik9O_HuooaaxJWWevif8owyNsIZrOU-RfDsw==.

National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA)The O'Brien is a proud member of the NCFAA, which was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game's predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients.

Nine Finalists Named For Eddie Robinson Award

DALLAS (FWAA) - The Football Writers Association of America has announced nine finalists for the 2008 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award to be voted upon by the entire membership.

With the 2008 regular season completed, the FWAA, in conjunction with the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, has tabbed the following finalists: Texas' Mack Brown, USC's Pete Carroll, Texas Tech's Mike Leach, Florida's Urban Meyer, Penn State's Joe Paterno, Boise State's Chris Petersen, Alabama's Nick Saban, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Utah's Kyle Whittingham.

The finalists will be placed on a ballot which will be sent to the entire FWAA membership.

Two of the finalists, Boise State's Petersen and Utah's Whittingham, have directed their teams to unbeaten regular seasons, while seven of the nine coaches have led their teams to Bowl Championship Series games.

Of the nine finalists, four have previously been named the FWAA's National Coach of the Year, led by Penn State's Joe Paterno, who has been honored by the FWAA three times (1978, '82 and '86). Paterno has been a finalist on two other occasions (1997 and 2005). Florida's Urban Meyer (2004), Alabama's Nick Saban (2003) and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops (2000) are the other previous winners. Saban is trying to become the second coach to win the honor at two different schools after earning the award at LSU five seasons ago.

While USC's Pete Carroll has never won the award, he has been a finalist three times in three consecutive years (2003-05). This also is the third time Texas' Mack Brown has been named a finalist, the second time at Texas (2005). In 1997, he was a finalist for the award at North Carolina. Boise State's Petersen is a finalist for the second time in three years, while Texas Tech's Leach and Utah's Whittingham are the only two first-time finalists. The FWAA began naming its coaching award in honor of the late Robinson, the legendary Grambling State University coach, in 1997.

The winner of the FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award will be announced and honored at a reception on Jan. 6 in Miami sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and presented in conjunction with the FedEx BCS Championship Game.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,000 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America team.

Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards Announced

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, December 1, 2008 – Tennessee’s best high school football players for 2008 were recognized at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards luncheon hosted by the Tennessee Titans.

More than 700 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, attended the 2008 luncheon at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center.

“Today’s celebration recognizes more that the ability of these young men to play our great game of football,” said Titans Owner K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr. “The young men were here because of their outstanding character and academic achievements, traits which will pave their way though life long after their football days has passed. I congratulate all of the Titans Mr. Football Award finalists for the outstanding manner if which they represent their school and community!”

High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists. A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2008 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration.

The awards were presented to the top back and lineman in each of the seven classifications of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association. For the seventh time in the history of the award, the top kickers in the state were recognized. There were three finalists in this category, regardless of their school’s classification.

The Titans became sponsors of the Titans Mr. Football Awards in 2007 and have signed a multi-year deal to remain sponsors of the Titans Mr. Football Awards.

2008 TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS

1A Lineman
Preston Gilbreath, Mt. Pleasant

1A Back
David Jones, South Pittsburg

2A Lineman
Tyler Robinson, Alcoa

2A Back

Ben Cunningham, Goodpasture

3A Lineman
Daniel Hood, Knoxville Catholic3A BackZach Rogers, David Lipscomb

4A Lineman
Justin Smith, Maryville

4A Back
Marsalis Teague, Henry County

5A Lineman
Jacques Smith, Ooltewah

5A Back
Tausean Holmes, Millington Central

Division II-A Lineman
Blair Arrington, Davidson Academy

Division II-A Back
Marlon Brown, Harding Academy

Division II-AA Lineman

Austin Long, Briarcrest

Division II-AAA Back
Tavarres Jefferson, Ensworth

Kicker of the Year

Jared White, Trousdale County

It's Official: Lane Kiffin New Vols Coach

The University of Tennessee is introducing Lane Kiffin as the 21st head coach in school history during a press conference Monday at 2 p.m. Eastern time in Neyland Stadium's Wolf-Kaplan Center.

Kiffin joins the Vols as the former head coach of the Oakland Raiders and former offensive coordinator at Southern California under head coach Pete Carroll.

During his previous collegiate coaching stint with the Trojans, Kiffin demonstrated strong offensive prowess as an assistant from 2001-04. He was promoted to passing game coordinator in 2004 and served as offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for 2005 and 2006.

USC led the nation in offense in 2005 and in both of his years as recruiting coordinator had the best recruiting classes in the nation. Those efforts helped the Trojans to back-to-back national college football championships and produced two Heisman Trophy winners -- Matt Leinart in 2004 and Reggie Bush in 2005.

"Over the past few weeks, we have been on the road meeting with prospective coaches and talking to some of football's most influential and knowledgeable players and coaches about the future of the Tennessee football program," said UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton. "We have had unbelievable interest from great coaches. When it was all said and done, we felt like Lane Kiffin was a perfect fit for Tennessee. He's energetic, charismatic, consumed with recruiting and has had a lifelong love affair with football."

Kiffin began his coaching career at his alma mater, Fresno State, working with quarterbacks and wide receivers from 1997-98. He was an assistant at Colorado State in 1999, working with the offensive line, and made his first stop in the NFL as defensive secondary quality control coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2000.

Kiffin was a quarterback at Fresno State for three seasons (1994-96) and earned his bachelor's degree there in 1998.

A native of Bloomington, Minn., Kiffin is married to Layla Reaves Kiffin. They have two daughters: Landry (3) and Pressley (2), and are expecting a third child in January. His father, Monte, is the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The elder Kiffin, a longtime NFL and collegiate assistant coach, served as North Carolina State's head coach in the early 1980s.

The press conference is closed to the public but will be streamed live on utsports.com.
Satellite coordinates are Horizons 2 (ku analog), Transponder 12 K, Downlink Frequency 12160 Horizontal, Audio 6.2 & 6.8. The feed is available beginning at 1:45 p.m. Eastern time. Any media with special needs should contact Bud Ford at (865) 974-1212.

Layla Kiffin picture: Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle

www.utsports.com

Coach Fulmer's Time for the 'Last Tackle'

Nov. 27, 2008

Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer never has been one to make a big deal over himself and, apparently, doesn't intend to start now.
But Thursday after the Vols' last full practice at Haslam Field, after paying a verbal tribute to his 25 seniors and sending them one at a time through the line of teammates to their "Last Tackle," Fulmer decided to take matters into his own hands.
"I kind of got in on a cleanup block," Fulmer said of his charge through the line on a beautiful Thanksgiving afternoon. "I didn't have to hit it. It was already on the ground so I just cleaned it up a little bit."

Asked if he had ever before taken part in the Tennessee tradition, Fulmer said in his typical unpretentious manner, "It wasn't my year to be the `Last Tackle.'"

This Saturday, however, Fulmer coaches his final game on the UT sideline when the Vols host Kentucky in a 6:45 p.m. Eastern time kickoff. A win against the Wildcats not only keeps alive UT's 23-game winning streak in the series but also raises Fulmer's coaching record in 17 seasons to 152 wins against 52 losses.

Knowing the circumstances, Thursday's post-practice wrapup involved lots of hugs, thank-yous and well-wishes from players current and past.
"A lot of friends came out to see us," Fulmer said. "It was a good day and I'm looking forward to the weekend."

Thursday's "Last Tackle" and Saturday's pregame ceremonies honor 25 seniors playing their final game for the Big Orange. Those being recognized are: Brett Barnes, Demonté Bolden, Josh Briscoe, Jake Brown, Britton Colquitt, Stephen Darville, Walter Fisher, Arian Foster, Brent Freeman, Derrick Furlow, Antonio Gaines, Ryan Hill, David Holbert, Nevin McKenzie, Adam Myers-White, Anthony Parker, Brett Thomason, Phillip Tritapoe, Ben Weisensel, Ja'Kouri Williams, DeAngelo Willingham, and captains Lucas Taylor, Ellix Wilson, Ramon Foster and Robert Ayers.

The Vols coach said Thursday he has not made a final determination for Saturday's starting quarterback, offering that it likely would be Jonathan Crompton and that B.J. Coleman has been limited this week by a foot injury. Coleman, who saw his first extensive action in last week's 20-10 win at Vanderbilt, is expected to play.

As for Thursday's workout, the Vols practiced 75 minutes in a good tempo.

"We had a much better day as far as offensive execution than we had Wednesday, which was encouraging," Fulmer said. "It was a fun day. The guys changed jerseys and that's fun for them -- although it's hard to see Gerald Jones out there in No. 75 running the football.
"And the last tackle is always special."

Make that extra special; just don't make it that big of a deal.

www.tennfb.com

Thanks Coach Fulmer For The Memories

Nov. 27, 2008
It probably had to do with winning college football's national championship. Things like that tend to make an impression.

But sometime in the late 1990s, Phillip Fulmer became synonymous with the Tennessee Volunteers.

The very mention of his name and listeners or readers immediately thought "Tennessee."
As in, "Yes, Phillip Fulmer coaches the Tennessee Vols and they won the BCS national championship and always are on TV and his daughters run off the field with him after every game and, well, he's Tennessee. He is Tennessee."

Fulmer obviously hasn't been alone in that distinction. UT fans would place Peyton Manning in that category, although the guess now is that Peyton is known nationally more for his Indianapolis Colts success and Super Bowl victory than for his days at Neyland Stadium.

Pat Summitt meets the criteria and has become one of college basketball's true ambassadors. Eight national championships carry a great deal of exposure, and Summitt never fails to put a class product on the floor. This story just as easily could be about her and all the great things she's done for this university, city and state, as well as her status as an icon for the sport of women's basketball.

But Fulmer has been UT on its biggest sporting stage, a venue that seats more than 100,000 fans every Saturday. Home games or away games meant massive crowds and mind-numbing media scrutiny.

College football is not the nation's most popular athletics endeavor, but it's not 12th either. Coaches roaming the sidelines in the powerful Southeastern Conference in front of six-figure crowds carry a certain notoriety to say the least.

And Phillip Fulmer has been the face of the Tennessee Vols.

That meant whether it was during a nail-biter against Georgia or during a Big Orange Caravan stop in Germantown, Fulmer was the one Vols fans wanted to see.

But now he's leaving, stepping down after 17 seasons at the helm. Tonight's game against Kentucky marks his final appearance as head coach of the Volunteers.

So before kickoff, we say, "Thanks, Coach," for all you've done for UT fans and for what you've meant to the Tennessee football program:

Thanks for that 34-31 win at Georgia in 1992, your first road triumph. You broke out the white pants away from home for the first time in 10 years and started a winning streak against the Bulldogs that lasted the rest of the decade.

Thanks for your very first bowl game victory over Boston College in January 1993. Tampa's Hall of Fame Bowl -- now the Outback -- was the setting as Tennessee and quarterback Heath Shuler breezed to a 38-23 triumph. Tampa also marked your final bowl appearance, a 21-17 win over Wisconsin this past January.

Thanks for closing out the artificial turf era on Shields-Watkins Field with a 62-14 thumping of Vanderbilt. The Vols ended with a record of 125-38-7 at home on artificial turf, and your mark as head coach was a perfect 9-0.

Thanks for recruiting an amazing cast of footballers to UT in the spring of 1994. Names such as Jeff Coleman, Jeff Hall, Mercedes Hamilton, Steve Johnson, and Jarvis Reado were all future starters for the 1998 national championship team. Oh, and that Manning guy mentioned earlier played a down or two in the seasons prior, as did starters Terry Fair, Cory Gaines, Ron Green and Marcus Nash before leaving Big Orange Country. Out of the 22 signees in February 1994, Manning was selected All-America, five others made All-SEC and seven were chosen in future NFL drafts, including Manning and Fair in the 1998 first round. Such hauls helped cement your status as one of the nation's top recruiters and made Neyland Stadium a destination location for top high school talent.

Thanks for compiling that 45-5 record from 1995-98, culminating in the very first Bowl Championship Series title.

Thanks for patching those gaping holes in the 1998 lineup and guiding that team through a scheduling gauntlet, one that included seven ranked opponents at the time you played them and four teams ranked among the elite top 10.

The entire 1998 season was highlighted by the development of unsung quarterback Tee Martin, successful replacement of injured all-star tailback Jamal Lewis, a relentless defense led by Al Wilson that routinely came through with tide-turning big plays and a field goal kicker in Hall whose heroics salvaged victory in the first two games.

Coach-of-the-year honors cascaded one upon another into your trophy case, culminated by the Eddie Robinson National Coach of Distinction Award.

Thanks for the 2001 season. No it didn't end the way everyone would have liked, with an SEC championship and berth in another BCS national title game. But still it was a heck of a ride. Gritty wins that year over Arkansas, LSU, Alabama, South Carolina and Notre Dame, not to mention rallying from a 21-point deficit at Kentucky, only set the stage for a spectacular night in Gainesville. The Vols prevailed in a top-5 showdown, defeating the Gators 34-32 after entering the game more than two-touchdown underdogs. LSU won the rematch one week later in Atlanta, but a bowl win over Michigan -- the first meeting between these traditional powers -- capped an 11-2 campaign that saw the Vols finish fourth in the AP poll.

Thanks for the overtime experiences. It took six extra periods to topple Arkansas in 2002, five for the win at Alabama in 2003 and four more at Kentucky in 2007 to clinch the SEC Eastern Division title. You became a master motivator when the ball was placed at the 25-yard line, winning six straight OT games from 2002-07.

Thanks for the gutsy fourth-down calls. Like that steamy November Saturday in Miami when the Vols went for broke just before halftime and Derrick Tinsley swept around right end. You said leaving the field, "We came down here to win a football game!" Tinsley scored the afternoon's only touchdown in a 10-6 victory that ended the Hurricanes' 26-game home winning streak.

Thanks for believing in America's youth. Tennessee began the 2004 season with a pair of true freshman quarterbacks in Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge. The results were an appearance in the SEC Championship Game, a smashing Cotton Bowl victory and a 10-3 finish.
Thanks for all the miraculous finishes. Rick Clausen rallying UT from 21-0 down on a Monday night at LSU in 2005 to win in overtime might have been the most impressive.

Other great come-from-behind wins in UT football history also occurred on your watch -- 18 down against Arkansas in 1998; 21 at Kentucky in 2001; 24 at Notre Dame in 1991 (when you were offensive coordinator); and 25 against Vanderbilt in 1987 (when you coached the offensive line). And though not among the top five, coming from 24-7 down at Georgia in 2006 to win 51-33, and rallying last season for the biggest fourth-quarter comeback in Neyland Stadium history to clip Vanderbilt 25-24, after trailing 24-9, are games that will go down in the annals of UT football lore.

Thanks for the great run against Alabama. An 11-5 career coaching record versus the Crimson Tide is no small accomplishment. Even sweeter was becoming the first school and head coach in history to post seven consecutive wins over Alabama (1995-2001).

And finally, thanks for the pageantry of the SEC Championship Game. The Vols have played five times in the league's premier event, all with Phillip Fulmer patrolling the sideline. You won two nail-biters and lost three heartbreakers, but over the final decade of your tenure you never went more than three years without taking a team to Atlanta. Over the last two decades -- really, for the last 40 years -- Phillip Fulmer has become synonymous with the Tennessee Volunteers. Fans this weekend from Memphis to Mountain City are saying "Thanks, Coach."
You did it your way, the right way, the Tennessee way. To the end.

Berry Named Thorpe Award Finalist

Berry Named Thorpe Award Finalist, SEC Defensive Player of the Week

Tennessee's Eric Berry saw his weekend exploits spill over into Monday as he was named both a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and the SEC's Defensive Player of the Week in the same afternoon.
Berry is one of three finalists for the coveted Thorpe Award, presented to the nation's top defensive back by a selection committee of former players, coaches, journalists and representatives of the major conferences. His selection as a finalist means the UT sophomore is headed to Orlando, Fla., for The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards.

The program, hosted by ESPN's Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, originates Dec. 11 from the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's Boardwalk on the Walt Disney World Resort. The program airs live on ESPN from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Other finalists are Ohio State senior Malcolm Jenkins and Southern California junior Taylor Mays.

Berry stands alone nationally with seven interceptions for the season. His 265 interception return yards this year are threatening the all-time NCAA mark of 302 set by Southern Cal's Charles Phillips in 1974, and his 487 career yards in just 24 games are within 14 of the NCAA career mark of 501 set by Florida State's Terrell Buckley from 1989-91.

The fierce-hitting safety also earned his second weekly SEC defensive honor of the season for his efforts in Saturday's win at Vanderbilt.

The sophomore returned an interception for a touchdown for the second time in five games to help Tennessee past the Commodores, 20-10. Berry's season interception return yardage total broke the 52-year-old SEC record of 242 set by Florida's Joe Brodsky in 1956. He added one sack in the game and also took four snaps at quarterback, rushing for 11 yards and a first down.

This week's other SEC recipients were Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon (offense), LSU placekicker Colt David (special teams), Mississippi center Daverin Geralds (offensive lineman) and defensive tackle Peria Jerry (defensive lineman), and Florida running back Chris Rainey (freshman).

187 YEARS OF RECORDS SHATTERED

Berry in less than two seasons has broken interception return yardage records that had been on the books for a combined 187 years. He now owns records for a UT season (previously stood for 37 years), UT career (39 years), SEC season (52 years) and SEC career (59 years).

www.utsports.com

Coach Fulmer's Media Day Comments

"I'm going to really try and keep this on task as far as getting ready for Kentucky and our game against Vanderbilt if you want to talk about that. Obviously we have a very short week with Thanksgiving coming up. We're certainly glad to get the Vanderbilt win, but we didn't spend a lot of time even going through the tape except for plays that we felt like were relevant during the game. We wanted to get right onto Kentucky with all of our Sunday preparation. Where normally we would give corrections, we skipped so that we could get ourselves started on Kentucky because of the short week and because it's a very important game to our seniors and our football team.

"Kentucky presents a significant amount of problems on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Offensively, they have done a really good job as they've changed quarterbacks. I'm so impressed with Randall Cobb when you consider his youthfulness and look at his ability and what they've been able to do with him. We'll have to do a great job of containing him in this ballgame because a lot of what they're doing is built around him. The fact that they are a no huddle team, we've been able to see quite a bit of that during the course of the year. The practice time and the preparation are always a little bit more difficult because of that. It really makes you work.

"I think it's appropriate to say that the defense really has a challenge this week. I've been really proud of our defensive football team this year, particularly in light of some of our inefficiencies on offense. It's almost amazing what they've been able to accomplish this year getting that done.

"Last week was the first consistent time during the season our offense was able to take some of the burden off the defense by keeping the ball 34 minutes or so and scoring some points. Hats off to our defense and also to our offense to stay on the path that we're on. We obviously have to throw the ball better and more than nine times. You're not going to get away with that too often. That's certainly one of our priorities during the course of the week.

"When you look at Kentucky, at their kicking game, they've done a good job. Their punter is very good, their kickoff is very good. It's a good solid kicking game. That was another area where I felt like made a difference -- there were some hidden yardage plays that made a difference for us versus Vanderbilt. We will continue to address that during the course of the week.

"Our challenge has been our offensive team. They did take the challenge a bit better against Vanderbilt. We need to be able to continue to run the ball effectively. We must improve our balance. At this point right now, all of the quarterbacks are in the mix. We'll go here during the course of the week and decide exactly what we want to do. We'll continue to be creative a little bit with some of the things we do. Hopefully, we can do enough things well to keep Kentucky having to work to stop us.

"The guys started off well on Sunday night. Today and through the week it's going to be extremely important that we put the plan in place and execute to be able to do what we need to do."

www.utsports.com

Vols Want To Sharpen Focus During Last Tackle

Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer didn't see a particularly sharp team during Wednesday's 90-minute workout at Haslam Field. Only one full practice date remains for UT before the 2008 season finale against Kentucky this Saturday night.
"Hopefully in the morning we will pick up the slack there," said Fulmer, whose squad returns to practice on Thanksgiving. "Today wasn't as sharp as I'd like for it to be offensively. I thought we have had two good days defensively."
Defense hasn't been the problem for Tennessee this season. The Vols rank sixth nationally in total defensive yards allowed and among the top 16 in all five major defensive categories.
Thursday also marks the day of the "Last Tackle," a Tennessee tradition in which Fulmer uses the occasion to gather his seniors at one end of a double line of teammates and offer a few kind words about each individual. The players then take turns plowing into a tackling dummy one last time, to the cheers and salutes of their teammates.
"We've done it this way for quite some time," Fulmer said of Thursday's annual ritual.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR FULMER FAREWELL
Individual game tickets for Tennessee season football finale -- and the final game for head coach Phillip Fulmer -- remain available for purchase online at utsports.com, via phone at (800) 332-VOLS and at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Kickoff for UT-Kentucky is 6:45 p.m. from Neyland Stadium. Tickets for are $50 each plus shipping and handling.

www.utsports.com

I Voted For Eric Berry As A 1st Team All-America Player

Eric Berry has the athletic ability, swagger, size and mentality to be one of the greatest defensive players in SEC and Tennessee history.

I voted for Berry as a member of the defense for the 2008 Football Writers Association of America All-America team. This is why I won't leave Eric Berry off of the list. Compliments of http://www.youtube.com/

Who Will Replace Fulmer

The decision on who will be the next football coach at Tennessee may still be many days away. The media is speculating about a variety of coaches who could come to Knoxville.

The Sporting News talked with the Tennessee Titans Albert Haynesworth and the Dallas Cowboys Jason Witten and asked them who they would hire to replace their former coach Phil Fulmer at Tennessee.

Here's what they told the Sporting News

Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle
Choice: Jon Gruden, head coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: "I heard they wanted to get (Steve) Spurrier, but I don't know about that. They need a new wrinkle, kind of how (Alabama did with) Nick Saban."

Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys tight end
Choice: Gruden. "I played for Coach (Phil) Fulmer, and I hate to see him go down after all the success he's had. I heard Jon Gruden's name has been mentioned. Obviously he has a connection there. ... You see some programs across the country that go through slumps there and just had a bad couple of years, but Coach Fulmer did a great job over the years, and I hate to see this happen."

Check out the Youtube tribute to Phillip Fulmer

Fulmer Talks About Tennessee and Vanderbilt

Fulmer's Media Day Comments
Nov. 18, 2008

"I won't take too long talking generally; I'll answer your questions. We went back to work on Sunday getting ready for Vanderbilt. We did use the open week I think very effectively. We took a couple of days to work on fundamentals and also to get some guys time to heal up and get over the nine-game stretch that we had, whether it be physically or getting ourselves in better shape for the last couple of ballgames, which a number of guys needed. Also from an emotional and mental standpoint, (it allowed them) to get over the events of the prior week.

"Sunday would be one of our best practices. We don't particularly practice on Sunday in full gear or anything. We went out in shorts and shoulder pads and had a physical, good practice. I appreciate that from our coaches and our players.

"Regarding Vanderbilt, they're a good football team. Obviously, they played very well against Kentucky, particularly in the first half. Since Bobby (Johnson) has been there, they've done a really good job on defense. They're a defensive football team that's very sound and makes you work at moving the football.

"Offensively, the quarterback is making plays for them. They've done a good job of using their personnel, particularly when D.J. Moore comes over and gives them some plays from an offensive standpoint. He's certainly one of the best players in our league.

"Our struggles are pretty obvious. You can't just point to the quarterback, everybody wants to do that. That's been one of the areas where we haven't done nearly as well as anybody would like, but we've also had our inconsistencies in a lot of other places, whether it be running the ball, people stacking the line of scrimmage to stop that and making us throw the football and execute in the passing game. Whether it be protection, consistently catching the ball as we should or consistently throwing the ball as we should has been a real struggle for us.

"Our goal this week is to improve the consistency and be efficient. The defense has played well enough to win most of our football games this season. We need to play the kicking game extremely well in this particular ballgame and take the plan that's in place and execute it."

http://www.utsports.com/

Fulmer has only two games left in the 2008 season. Here's a look at some of his speeches courtesy of youtube

UT-Kentucky Kickoff Set For Evening Kickoff On ESPN2

The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that Tennessee's Nov. 29 season finale against Kentucky is being televised by ESPN2 and kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time. UT has made two previous appearances this year on ESPN and one on ESPN2.

The Vols lead the series against the Wildcats 71-23-9, having won the last 23 consecutive games against their northern neighbor for the nation's longest active streak against the same opponent. Kentucky's last triumph in the series was by a 17-12 margin in Knoxville back in 1984. Three of the last four games in the series have been decided by six points or less, with UT winning 37-31 in 2004, 17-12 in 2006 and a 52-50 thriller in four overtimes last season in Lexington.

Other game being televised over the Thanksgiving weekend involving SEC teams include a pair of Friday games and five additional Saturday contests. Friday's twin bill features Mississippi State at Mississippi in the Egg Bowl on Raycom Sports (12:30 a.m. Eastern) and LSU at Arkansas on CBS (2:30 p.m. Eastern). Saturday's scheduled games are Georgia Tech at Georgia on CBS (noon Eastern), Auburn at Alabama on CBS (3:30 p.m. Eastern), and Vanderbilt at Wake Forest on ESPNU (7 p.m. Eastern).

Two additional Saturday games, Florida at Florida State and South?Carolina at Clemson, are part of the ACC television package and will be picked on a six-day selection. The Florida game will be televised at either 3:30 p.m. Eastern or in prime time (7:45 or 8) on ABC or ESPN, and the South Carolina game will be televised either at noon or 3:30 p.m. Eastern on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or Raycom.

SLADE FINALIST FOR NATIONAL SECONDARY COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

Tennessee veteran assistant coach Larry Slade is one of three finalists for the FootballScoop Defensive Back Coach of the Year Award presented by Muscle Milk, it was announced Monday.

Slade is in his 10th season with the Vols and this year's unit might be his best ever. Tennessee has been among the nation's leaders all season in interceptions, currently standing 11th nationally with 15 interceptions.

Slade teaches man-to-man technique as well as anyone in the business. Over his career, he has coached a number of players who have gone on to become excellent NFL defensive backs. One of his current Vols, Eric Berry, might be the next to make it big on Sundays. Berry currently is tied for the national lead with six interceptions and leads the country with 220 interception return yards.

Key Tennessee Secondary Stats:

7th nationally -- Total defense (275.6 yards per game)

15th nationally -- Scoring defense (18.1 points per game)

7th nationally -- Passing defense (164.0 yards per game)

11th nationally -- Interceptions (15)

www.utsports.com