Keys to the Georgia State game

#1 Pass rush lanes

We have to be more disciplined with our pass rush lanes. This is especially important when facing the dual threat QB and will be another big key to a victory over Florida next week. If we do this, we will limit or eliminate runs by the quarterback and put more pressure on the passer.

#2 Running between the tackles

We simply have to do more of it. Sweeps are fine mixed in with a basic run game, but you cannot make them the bread and butter of your run game. We were pretty effective when we did it against NC State especially with Marlin Lane. I would like to see more of it first, then we can talk about how to improve upon it. Run blocking has to continue to get better and I think it will.

#3 Defensive communication

I think this was a first game deal more than anything and we seemed to communicate much better in the second half. Prentiss Waggner said the first busted play was just a missed hand signal between he and Byron Moore. They worked it out on the sidelines and fixed the problem. It's good that those issues show up early so that you can get them corrected and get them behind you. I expect fewer big plays against Ga State from the first team defense.

#4 Get Cordarrelle more involved

He looked like our best offensive weapon Friday night, and getting him the ball in creative ways will be huge down the stretch. I don't expect to show all our wrinkles vs. Ga State, but getting CP involved however we can is important. He needs to get more precise with his routes for sure. Then he'll be open more frequently.

#5 No drops from Hunter

Hunter has never been one to drop passes and I think the rust from being away from the game showed a little bit against NC State. He needs to settle down and concentrate on the ball more. Being at home against a team we should out-talent easily is just what the doctor ordered. This is a good tune-up for the Florida game for him because you do not want those missed opportunities against a good Florida defense. We will need every one we can get.

#6 Sacks

Sure we got to the quarterback 12 times and that's great, but we need sacks from our linebackers and defensive ends. The ends got good pressure Friday but never really got to the quarterback. It would be good to see this improve this week and I think it can. 

#7 Stay healthy

I doubt we see much of Herman Lathers this game I think the coaches will closely monitor his playing time if he sees the field at all. Curt Maggitt is another who is banged up and will have to be monitored. We need both of those guys as close to 100% as we can get them for next weekend. No real way to go about preventing another injury but if we can get through the game with no real injuries that would be awesome. 

The Recruiting Fix: Running back clutter

 

Welcome back to the Recruiting Fix. Not as much to talk about today. There hasn't been very much in the way of news, but there are some things we should cover.

This running back situation merits writing about I think. It has even me confused about who is going where and if this guy commits to school A does prospect B fall to us or them. So I'm going to do my best to break it down as far as who is in the running for whom.

I really think David Williams will be one of our running backs this year though I think we would take two. Recently Williams said that Tennessee and South Carolina stand out and that he has a great relationship with Coach Graham at Tennessee. I don't think Williams commits until he takes his official visit. That's reportedly what he has told Jalen Reeves-Maybin. And Williams has yet to schedule an official visit.

Derrick Henry likely ends up at Alabama. I don't know why he would go there with two highly recruited running backs already committed, but that's what I think happens. There is still a chance we can win him over when he officials the week of the UF game but Bama has a big lead.

Henry is also visiting Alabama the week after the UT visit and not announcing until his team plays on ESPN on September 28^th. Even more reason to think that he ends up at Alabama.

Derrick Green is somewhat of a mystery. Some say he nearly committed to Auburn on a visit recently. Others say Michigan is going to be tough to beat. I think he's a long shot for us but we are right up there with Auburn and Michigan. He is planning to official here though he has yet to set up a date. Coaches want him here for the Florida game. That's when Henry is coming which is strange to have two top running backs here for the same game, but I think the coaches feel better about their chances of landing Green.

He says he will definitely official to Tennessee and Auburn and he already has a Michigan date set for the Michigan State game. Should be a good atmosphere.

Alvin Kamara likely ends up at Georgia from everything I hear but anything can happen. His top 3 is UT, Bama, UGA. Tennessee will get a visit. Beyond that, I'm guessing. He could fall into our lap if Bryant ends up at Georgia though. It is certainly possible.

Greg Bryant is still out there after decomitting from Oklahoma and I think he ends up in the SEC though I cannot tell you where. Georgia is an option but they are also in it for Kamara which is interesting. Alabama likes Bryant as a defensive back for no other reason than they plan on having Henry, Tenpenny, and Tyren Jones at running back in this class and they are full up when that happens.

Auburn is a possibility as well as it was Auburn fans who predicted he would decommit and then commit to them, but if that happens Green likely lands elsewhere as Auburn would then have Wilkins and Bryant committed and I think they are done after that.

South Carolina is another possibility for Bryant. They are looking for a big time running back in this class to add to Jamari Smith whom they have committed. Don't count them out.

Tarean Folston was close to committing to Tennessee on his visit it has been said. He's a good running back who is going to have a great season. He blocks well, he catches well out of the backfield. I don't know if he's a guy you can hand the ball to 20+ times a game but perhaps we don't need a workhorse anyway. South Florida is high on this Florida running back's list as is Miami. I dare not offer a prediction on where he ends up at this point.

AJ Turman is another 4 star running back we have yet to mention. UGA is high on his list as is Tennessee. Some said Florida State was where he would end up early but it looks like they will not take another running back. He wants to visit Clemson and he wants to decide early in the season where he will go so he can concentrate on his high school season.

I'll only mention Marquez Grayson to say he is probably not a take. I think we land two of the guys above. He would like to be a Vol but I do not see it happening.

In other news Jalen Reeves-Maybin has been bumped to a 4 star player on Rivals due to his work at safety in camps this summer, which is his likely position at the next level. Rivals analysts like his size and instincts. While we are on the subject of Reeves-Maybin, he was nearly unstoppable in his game vs. Rossview Friday night rushing for 343 yards and four touchdowns. Fans in the stands at the Clarksville school sang Rocky Top in celebration of the 34-20 victory.

Chauntez Jackson is a guy we haven't talked about but that is my fault. There is definitely mutual interest. He is listed as a defensive end on most sites but we are recruiting him to play tight end here. The Vols lead and have for awhile. He is also interested in Arizona.

He has good size for tight end at 6'4 235 lbs and would be a good addition to the class. Rivals has him listed as a 3 star defensive end.

Toby Johnson is in the process of narrowing his list to 10 schools. He does say he wants to take an official to Tennessee now but he wants to do it after the season. He and Cordarrelle Patterson speak on a daily basis and he talks to the Tennessee staff once a week. His roommate at Hutchinson is Ben Bradley who is already committed to Tennesseee. I don't see how this guy ends up anywhere but here.

Jatavius Stewart says West Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee are his three favorite schools.

“My father is a big Georgia fan and someone from my high school went to Tennessee. West Virginia
always had an up-tempo offense that I liked." He told Rivals.

Stewart will definitely take an official to see Tennessee as well as officials to West Virginia, Georgia, Kansas State, and Arkansas.

I continue to see no reason Stewart doesn't end up a Vol. He followed me on twitter which I find interesting and kind of cool. But he's got former teammates here and current teammates that are committed here. I fully expect him to commit to Tennessee.

There is another JUCO receiver who popped up, Jaelen Strong. He is close with David Williams which is why he is now in the picture. They would like to play at the same school.

Strong is trying to get his schooling done by May which would allow him to enroll in 2013. I think it is more likely that he will be an early-enrollee in the 2014 class. No Vol offer yet, but the coaches are keeping an eye on him and will evaluate him in person at one of his games. He is 6'4” 205 and reports a 4.5 40 time.

Myles Autry is a 2014 guy who is teammates with Alvin Kamara which means also that he is a former teammate of Jason Croom. Has a Vol offer early in the process and has some other good offers as well such as Florida State, Georgia, and Georgia Tech. He has a brother who plays for Tech so they are definitely a school to watch out for. 247 rates him as a 4 star athlete.

He is 5'11” 175. Most are recruiting him at running back.

Another 2014 guy to keep an eye on is linebacker Petera Wilson, a teammate of current UT commitment David Carr and Tennessee target cornerback/wide receiver Donald Gray. He's 6'3” 214 going into his junior year.

Brendan Langley who commited to South Carolina recently says he'll visit Tennessee this fall. I don't see anything changing there though.

Receiver Kris Comas is ineligible to play in JUCO this year. That being the case you can basically cross him off of Tennessee's list. I don't think he was a take anyway.

JUCO wide receiver Jonathan Rumph will official to Tennessee on September the 22^nd.

Linebacker Jermaine Grace set up an official visit to Tennessee. I'm not sure of the date though.

We are no longer in offensive lineman Dorian Miller's top 3. That's as of now. Who knows if he will official here, but his stated top 3 currently is Rutgers, Uconn, and North Carolina. I think he ends up staying home and playing for Rutgers. But do not forget about Kohler. We have him pretty much in the bag already. Just waiting for his moment in the sun.

Defensive end Demarcus Walker committed to Alabama Friday. He claims Auburn was a close 2^nd and I don't see this one being completely over yet. I doubt we land him but Florida and Auburn are both going to still recruit him.

Another guy off the board is Mack Weaver who committed to Vanderbilt. He will probably end up on the defensive line there. I think we were wanting him to play tight end.

Da'Rick Rogers indefinitely suspended

Jr. wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers has been suspended indefinitely from the Vol football program according to a release by UT for a "violation of team rules".

I've been told privately that he failed a drug test for synthetic marijuana, but this was not the only reason for the suspension.

Derek Dooley said in his post-practice press conference that expectations are he will not be with the team this year, but there is a "process we have to respect."

So he's leaving the door slightly open for a return, but Rogers will have to take some major steps in my opinion

Adversity is something every team has to overcome and I guess if it was going to happen, better now than before the Florida game. Stay tuned for more information it is released.

Where does Tyler Bray get drafted?

I've seen the mock drafts and the projections, but we're really talking about an unproven player. Can he make it the whole year without getting injured? I think the weight he put on this offseason certainly helps.

He's got the weapons to throw the ball too. If we can keep them all healthy. We've had the worst luck with injuries it seems. Got to stay healthy. We're talented, but not deep. I think if Bray has the season he is capable of he will go late in the first round if he comes out early. If he stays healthy all season and comes back for his senior year, I think he could be a top 5 pick in the draft.

That is my hope. I hope Peyton is in his ear telling him how important that senior season is to his development. Because if he struggles with injuries at all this year there will be question marks to add to the question marks surrounding his off-the-field antics. He'll slide down draft boards if that's the case.

But I am the forever optimist and I see him staying healthy, breaking UT passing records and deciding against all odds to return for another year. Don't hold me to that though.

Sentimore: Very Disruptive

Darrington Sentimore is a player whom Bama fans were foaming at the mouth over and looking forward to seeing him start as a sophomore after playing in 11 games as a redshirt freshman while recording nine tackles, forcing a fumble and hurrying the quarterback four times.

Then he was suspended indefinitely for undisclosed reasons and chose to transfer. But Darrington Sentimore knew he wanted to play in the SEC. And he wanted the chance to show Alabama what they missed out on. So he transferred to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for a year and decided to join Tennessee as an early-enrollee.

Showing up in December, Sentimore was at around 300 pounds and slightly out of shape being away from SEC-level play for a year. He has since trimmed down according to Sal Sunseri.

“I think he's lost about 15 to 20 pounds since spring ball and it's made a difference for him.”

Going through Spring Practice and summer drills was key for Sentimore in showing up in shape and ready to go for Fall camp and he's made the most of his opportunity.

“I think his level of maturity has gotten so much better the kid knows now exactly what to do how to do it and why he's doing it and he's doing it at a pace that is extremely fast which is very disruptive.” said Sal.

Having experience in the 3-4 defense which Sal has borrowed from Alabama to create Tennessee's defense this year didn't hurt his development any either and has really given Sentimore a head start on his competition. When asked who was stepping up on the team as a leader, Sunseri had this to say, “The guy that really has come in here and done a fantastic job is Sentimore. “He's come in and he's in better shape. He's been very, very reckless with his body. I'm extremely proud of him – the way that he's been practicing. Kinda setting the tone for the defense.”

He is a fantastic pass-rusher and is also incredibly strong and quick for his size. Barring injury, Sentimore is going to be something we did not have last year and that's a guy who can stop the run as effectively as he can put pressure on the quarterback. He is going to be key down the stretch as we get into the meat of the schedule and I think he's poised to have an incredible season.

“I think he's understanding the game more he's not just going out there and doing it on his own. He knows where he has to be but I'm extremely proud of him.”

Around the SEC: Monday links

• OU decommit RB Greg Bryant says he'll play in the SEC
• Billboard from Austin, TX: This is SEC country
• Todd Kelly Jr. is busy on and off the field
• Vanderbilt flips Florida cornerback but did UF pull his offer?
• Jovon Robinson's transcript raises more questions than answers
• Who are the SEC's most irreplaceable players according to David Climer?
• Vanderbilt's projected starting linebacker Triston Strong leaves team
• Dismissed LSU player Tyrann Mathieu failed multiple drug tests for synthetic marijuana
• Florida has lost two commitments
• A look at LSU post-Mathieu
• Why 2012 could be the Year of the Quarterbacks in the SEC
• Tennessee should be higher in this ranking of the offensive lines
• Florida expects their secondary to be a strength
• Vols make an impression from a distance in first scrimmage
• Missouri forfeits an exhibition game vs. Dutch team
• The inferno of expectations: see the seventh circle
• Highlights of Jalen Reeves-Maybin, the newest Vol commit

Vols First Preseason Scrimmage

The Vols held their first scrimmage of fall camp today at Science Hill High School in Johnson City. Dooley said he was pleased with the toughness and effort the players were playing with and said it was good to see. However he was disappointed with much of the administration of the game including some sloppy penalties and substitution issues.

"The offense did a really good job running the football today. And that was good to see. Made lot of big plays running the football."

Vols running backs accounted for 295 yards on the ground. 134 of those belonged to tail back Rajion Neal who had a 68 yard touchdown run. That's good news for a team that finished dead-last in the sec in rushing last year and Dooley, while tempered, was clearly pleased. Several players also noted freshman Que Watson's good game as he had 6 carries for 60 yards.

According to the stat sheet Da'Rick Rogers had 6 grabs for 105 yards including a touchdown while Justin Hunter caught 7 for 47 yards. Cordarrelle Patterson was still limited due to a shoulder injury but Dooley praised him for his toughness. He caught one ball -- a 26 yard gainer.

"I felt like the defense did a pretty good job preventing the big plays on the pass game. Although we threw the ball pretty decently, we didn't generate the yards per attempt that we're tying to get."

Dooley made a point to praise Junior College transfer Daniel McCullers saying he is really making progress, "I think he can help us inside."

The scrimmage also ended on a positive note with Tyler Bray driving down the field in a two minute drill into field goal territory where kicker Michael Palardy capped off a 4-4 day with a 48 yard field goal to win the game.

Dooley called it one of the best scrimmages he's been a part of since he's been here then added, "From a competitive standpoint."

Freshman running back Davante Bourque continues to be absent from the team and it is not clear at this point whether a return is likely.

You can view the scrimmage stats in their entirety here.