A team that struggled at times to simply get field goals past a rush, was gashed for big plays in the return game, ranked among the worst punting units in the nation and occasionally appeared to not even know how to catch a kick clearly has room for improvement. The Vols are looking for a dramatic step up in the national rankings, and they're doing more than just talking about it this spring.
"I think that's why we have like three special-teams periods a day, really," sophomore David Oku said. "Dooley is real serious about that.
"Coach Dooley said if we're not top-five in the country, he's going to be mad at us. So I'm not about to get in trouble, that's the way I look at it."
The specialists certainly caused plenty of it a year ago, though Oku was a bright spot by averaging 26.2 yards per kickoff return to finish 25th individually in the country. But finding highlights for the rest of the unit isn't easy.
UT's net punting average was a dismal 34.9 yards. Before his dismissal, return man Nu'Keese Richardson sometimes looked completely lost just trying to field the ball - twice letting it bounce through his legs. The kickoff coverage unit gave up a pair of touchdowns.
Although the most painful for the Vols, four field goals were blocked, including a couple that could have ruined a perfect season for eventual national champion Alabama.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Meyer plans to use two QBs at Florida
Coach Urban Meyer plans to play two quarterbacks this fall, much like the Gators did with starter Chris Leak and Tebow in 2006.
“We’re going to try and play two quarterbacks this year,” Meyer said. “We have to. On third-and-3, we know what we want to do, and John probably is not going to do it because he’s not that kind of player.”
So those single-wing formations that became a staple of Florida’s offense during Tebow’s tenure aren’t leaving with the former Heisman Trophy winner. The Gators have turned those short-yardage plays over to freshman Trey Burton and tight end Jordan Reed.
With running back Jeff Demps missing spring practice to concentrate on track and backup Emmanuel Moody missing time because of injuries, Burton and Reed have gotten the bulk of the work in goal-line and wildcat formations. They’ve had success, too.
“Everyone says we ran Tim because he’s a great player. That’s partially true. The other part is single-wing offense gives you plus one in the run game,” Meyer said. “Jordan Reed has proven he can do it, and Trey Burton can run well, too. This is the year I think we actually will play two like we played Tim and Chris Leak.”
“We’re going to try and play two quarterbacks this year,” Meyer said. “We have to. On third-and-3, we know what we want to do, and John probably is not going to do it because he’s not that kind of player.”
So those single-wing formations that became a staple of Florida’s offense during Tebow’s tenure aren’t leaving with the former Heisman Trophy winner. The Gators have turned those short-yardage plays over to freshman Trey Burton and tight end Jordan Reed.
With running back Jeff Demps missing spring practice to concentrate on track and backup Emmanuel Moody missing time because of injuries, Burton and Reed have gotten the bulk of the work in goal-line and wildcat formations. They’ve had success, too.
“Everyone says we ran Tim because he’s a great player. That’s partially true. The other part is single-wing offense gives you plus one in the run game,” Meyer said. “Jordan Reed has proven he can do it, and Trey Burton can run well, too. This is the year I think we actually will play two like we played Tim and Chris Leak.”
'Everybody's still the same' in Auburn QB fight
Following Saturday's scrimmage, Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn told reporters that "there's a good chance" the four quarterbacks currently sharing reps will be whittled down at some point this week.
On Monday, head coach Gene Chizik said that "everybody's still the same", in not so many words, that the coaching staff is not going to rush into paring down the QB pecking order just for the sake of doing it.
"I've said it before, the sooner the better," Chizik said according to the Mobile Press-Register. "But we're not going to put a timetable on when it's going to happen or when we absolutely have to have that happen. It's going to happen when there are two clear-cut guys that we need to be giving more of the reps to , or maybe it's three. Whenever that occurs, we'll go in that direction."
On Monday, head coach Gene Chizik said that "everybody's still the same", in not so many words, that the coaching staff is not going to rush into paring down the QB pecking order just for the sake of doing it.
"I've said it before, the sooner the better," Chizik said according to the Mobile Press-Register. "But we're not going to put a timetable on when it's going to happen or when we absolutely have to have that happen. It's going to happen when there are two clear-cut guys that we need to be giving more of the reps to , or maybe it's three. Whenever that occurs, we'll go in that direction."
Monday, April 5, 2010
USC's 2011 class could start with end
DEFENSIVE END Deon Lee (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) of Defuniak Springs, Fla., made an unofficial visit to USC late last month for the scrimmage at Williams-Brice Stadium, and he is close to becoming the Gamecocks.' first commitment of 2011.
"I'm thinking hard about it," Lee said. "I want to see how the spring goes. They are my favorite, No. 1, no doubt, they are way out in front. I really like it up there. I can see myself playing for them. I like the way they play. The intensity they play with. And I liked the facilities, the classrooms, the whole campus."
Lee said he talked with recruiter Jay Graham and defensive line coach Brad Lawing, and he met with Steve Spurrier.
"I fit what they are looking for," he said. Lee also has offers from Texas Tech, Louisville, Wisconsin, Florida International, Troy, Western Michigan and Central Florida. He has also been hearing from Florida State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan and Florida. He has no other visits planned but said he might visit Florida State.
"I'm thinking hard about it," Lee said. "I want to see how the spring goes. They are my favorite, No. 1, no doubt, they are way out in front. I really like it up there. I can see myself playing for them. I like the way they play. The intensity they play with. And I liked the facilities, the classrooms, the whole campus."
Lee said he talked with recruiter Jay Graham and defensive line coach Brad Lawing, and he met with Steve Spurrier.
"I fit what they are looking for," he said. Lee also has offers from Texas Tech, Louisville, Wisconsin, Florida International, Troy, Western Michigan and Central Florida. He has also been hearing from Florida State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan and Florida. He has no other visits planned but said he might visit Florida State.
Bulldogs Montez Robinson gets Richt's boot off the Team
So, just after Montez Robinson had been arrested for the third time in less than six months, we have learned that Robinson has been summarily dismissed from the Georgia football program.The school announced the move via a press release.
"Montez has not been able to conform to some conditions and stipulations that were placed on him as a result of previous off-field issues," said head coach Mark Richt in a statement. "I think this decision is in the best interest of everyone."
Richt also said he hopes Robinson will at some point continue his education at another institution.
As a backup defensive end in 2009, Robinson played in 11 games and recorded five total tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback sacks.
Gators' Andre Debose returns to practice
Florida redshirt freshman Andre Debose returned to practice today, joining the team in a full workout for the first time since a torn hamstring injury last fall ended his chance at playing last season.
Debose was a highly-touted recruit from Samford Seminole High, who was projected to be the heir apparent to former Gator Percy Harvin. But after struggling early in the season with the hamstring injury that first surfaced during track season in his senior year of high school, Debose underwent surgery in September and missed the entire season.
Florida QB John Brantley said following Monday's practice he was thrilled to have Debose back with the rest of the team.
"It feels good,'' Brantley said. "He's a heck of a player, he's fast as can be, and I'm just happy to see him back out here running around. There were no real setbacks, he looked good. It can only get better from here. He's only going to get faster, so that's a plus.''
Debose was not available for interviews after practice, but Brantley said he wasn't surprised at how Debose responded to being back in full practice.
"He's been telling me all spring that he wanted to get back out here, so he was very happy today,'' Brantley said.
Debose was a highly-touted recruit from Samford Seminole High, who was projected to be the heir apparent to former Gator Percy Harvin. But after struggling early in the season with the hamstring injury that first surfaced during track season in his senior year of high school, Debose underwent surgery in September and missed the entire season.
Florida QB John Brantley said following Monday's practice he was thrilled to have Debose back with the rest of the team.
"It feels good,'' Brantley said. "He's a heck of a player, he's fast as can be, and I'm just happy to see him back out here running around. There were no real setbacks, he looked good. It can only get better from here. He's only going to get faster, so that's a plus.''
Debose was not available for interviews after practice, but Brantley said he wasn't surprised at how Debose responded to being back in full practice.
"He's been telling me all spring that he wanted to get back out here, so he was very happy today,'' Brantley said.
Offenders in taxi cab attack not UGA football players
So,there's finally some good off-the-field news for the Georgia football program.
According to the Red & Black.com, Bulldog players were not involved in a verbal and physical attack of Simple Battery and Terroristic Threats filed by HUTSON and MEGHAN VANN of an incident which occurred in a taxi on March 28. It has been determined the offenders are NOT University of Georgia football players. However, one football player was in the taxi, but the investigation revealed he acted as a peace maker and tried to calm the situation. The other males have been identified as residents of Heard County and warrants are pending.The incident occurred early in the morning on Sunday, Mar. 28, and the couple initially alleged that the four people responsible were UGA football players.
An investigation undertaken by the Athens-Clarke County Police "determined the offenders were NOT members of the University of Georgia football players."
No players, including the peacemaker, were mentioned by name.
Warrants are pending against the alleged perpetrators, who are residents of a different county and have no known connection to the football program.
According to the Red & Black.com, Bulldog players were not involved in a verbal and physical attack of Simple Battery and Terroristic Threats filed by HUTSON and MEGHAN VANN of an incident which occurred in a taxi on March 28. It has been determined the offenders are NOT University of Georgia football players. However, one football player was in the taxi, but the investigation revealed he acted as a peace maker and tried to calm the situation. The other males have been identified as residents of Heard County and warrants are pending.The incident occurred early in the morning on Sunday, Mar. 28, and the couple initially alleged that the four people responsible were UGA football players.
An investigation undertaken by the Athens-Clarke County Police "determined the offenders were NOT members of the University of Georgia football players."
No players, including the peacemaker, were mentioned by name.
Warrants are pending against the alleged perpetrators, who are residents of a different county and have no known connection to the football program.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Cam Newton gets most reps as Auburn looks to whittle QB hopefuls
Auburn's first full scrimmage of the spring brought the Tigers one step closer to paring down their quartet of candidates for the starting job.
The next step which is to cut the number of combatants in half is likely to occur at some point this week. At least, that's what offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn heavily intimated following the scrimmage Saturday afternoon.
"There's a good chance," the coordinator said when asked about cutting down on the number of competitors for the starting job this week. "In my mind, there's some things that stood out, but we'll go back, watch the film and be able to answer some things a little more thorough.
"But that is the plan."
If the number of reps are any indication, Cam Newton will not only be one of the QBs to make "the cut", but is also likely the leader for the job with two weeks and a spring game left in these sessions.
Newton, widely considered the favorite for the position ever since announcing he would attend Auburn, received the most number of series today, leaving one to surmise that senior Neil Caudle, sophomore Barrett Trotter and redshirt freshman Clint Moseley are all looking up at the former Florida Gator on the unofficial, non-binding depth chart.
The next step which is to cut the number of combatants in half is likely to occur at some point this week. At least, that's what offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn heavily intimated following the scrimmage Saturday afternoon.
"There's a good chance," the coordinator said when asked about cutting down on the number of competitors for the starting job this week. "In my mind, there's some things that stood out, but we'll go back, watch the film and be able to answer some things a little more thorough.
"But that is the plan."
If the number of reps are any indication, Cam Newton will not only be one of the QBs to make "the cut", but is also likely the leader for the job with two weeks and a spring game left in these sessions.
Newton, widely considered the favorite for the position ever since announcing he would attend Auburn, received the most number of series today, leaving one to surmise that senior Neil Caudle, sophomore Barrett Trotter and redshirt freshman Clint Moseley are all looking up at the former Florida Gator on the unofficial, non-binding depth chart.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Gamecocks Assistant HC says the SEC is going to be just as Tough
The Gamecocks have become a trendy pick to challenge Florida in the SEC East this season.And while USC assistant head coach for defense Ellis Johnson believes preseason polls and rankings are good for stirring up fan interest, he is not sure they’re worth more than the paper they’re printed on.
“It really doesn’t mean anything. Everybody said Florida, Georgia and Tennessee are in turmoil. All of them had top-10 classes in recruiting (Rivals had Georgia 15th). Who you kidding?” Johnson said. “We’re going to have to tie it up and get ready to go every time we play in this conference. Just because somebody else has a problem in the kitchen, we think we’re all going to catch up with them. We’ve got our own problems we’ve got to worry about.”
Johnson said USC’s defense has the potential to be better than the 2009 unit that finished third in the SEC and 15th nationally in yards allowed. But with 14 years of SEC experience, Johnson knows how well the Gamecocks must play to contend.
“This conference never goes backwards. You’re always trying to keep up with the front dogs,” he said. “It’s going to be as tough as ever.”
UGA QBs shine in scrimmage
Aaron Murray, Logan Gray and Zach Mettenberger have done little to separate themselves from one another over the starting QB position.
In Saturday's scrimmage, it was more of the same, although that's not a negative situation given the way they performed as a group.
All three QBs threw stellar performances onto the Sanford Stadium turf this afternoon and, once again, it seems as if the trio remain tightly bunched in the race to become Joe Cox's successor under center.
Murray went 13-of-19 for 159 yards, Mettenberger was 10-of-16 for 126 yards and Gray went 7-of-11 for 111 yards. Needless to say, head coach Mark Richt was impressed with the offense in general and his QBs in particular.
"The offense had a pretty good day," Richt said in quotes released by the school. "The throwing and catching was outstanding. I was very impressed with the quarterbacks. They had good control of what was going on, they moved in the pocket, they scrambled, and they were accurate. They really put the ball on the money. I feel like we're in good shape at that position. It's been a good competition, and I'm pleased with that."
Wide receiver Kris Durham, who missed all of the 2009 season due to injury, caught three of the four touchdown passes thrown during the scrimmage.
"He caught the ball well," Richt said of Durham. "He had more opportunities today. I know he's excited about playing football again."
In Saturday's scrimmage, it was more of the same, although that's not a negative situation given the way they performed as a group.
All three QBs threw stellar performances onto the Sanford Stadium turf this afternoon and, once again, it seems as if the trio remain tightly bunched in the race to become Joe Cox's successor under center.
Murray went 13-of-19 for 159 yards, Mettenberger was 10-of-16 for 126 yards and Gray went 7-of-11 for 111 yards. Needless to say, head coach Mark Richt was impressed with the offense in general and his QBs in particular.
"The offense had a pretty good day," Richt said in quotes released by the school. "The throwing and catching was outstanding. I was very impressed with the quarterbacks. They had good control of what was going on, they moved in the pocket, they scrambled, and they were accurate. They really put the ball on the money. I feel like we're in good shape at that position. It's been a good competition, and I'm pleased with that."
Wide receiver Kris Durham, who missed all of the 2009 season due to injury, caught three of the four touchdown passes thrown during the scrimmage.
"He caught the ball well," Richt said of Durham. "He had more opportunities today. I know he's excited about playing football again."
'Bama takes to the air in first scrimmage
The first scrimmage of spring practice 2010, it was an all-out aerial assault that stole the headlines.
Taking advantage of a defense looking to replace nine starters, quarterbacks Greg McElroy and AJ McCarron combined for over 460 yards through the air, as well as leading the offense to six touchdowns versus zero turnovers. Needless to say, the returning experience on offense trumped youthful defense on this day.
"I think it was obvious that the guys that have knowledge and experience played fast, played well and made a lot of plays," head coach Nick Saban said according to the Mobile Press-Register. "Some of the guys that are learning what to do, how to do it and why it's important to do it that way didn't play quite as fast. But this was a good starting point."
Taking advantage of a defense looking to replace nine starters, quarterbacks Greg McElroy and AJ McCarron combined for over 460 yards through the air, as well as leading the offense to six touchdowns versus zero turnovers. Needless to say, the returning experience on offense trumped youthful defense on this day.
"I think it was obvious that the guys that have knowledge and experience played fast, played well and made a lot of plays," head coach Nick Saban said according to the Mobile Press-Register. "Some of the guys that are learning what to do, how to do it and why it's important to do it that way didn't play quite as fast. But this was a good starting point."
Friday, April 2, 2010
Police report tags Georgia Bulldog players in taxi incident
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the police report states that the UGA student and his wife were in a taxi van around 2 a.m. Sunday when the driver picked up four males, all Bulldog football players, according to the alleged victim. The four players then verbally threatened him and his wife, and one player allegedly "slapped or punched" both him and his wife in the back of their heads. The identification of the players wasn't known in the police report and the taxi driver didn't know the suspects identity either. Police will continue to investigate and decide whether to file battery charges. The four identities are unknown, and it'll be tough to make a charge like this stick, unless the players come forward and admit they did something wrong. A story in the Chattanooga Times Free Press gives a far more troubling account of the incident.
'Bama loses potential secondary starter
Alabama football signee Dequan Menzie underwent surgery Thursday to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The junior college defensive back was told he's out at least "4-to-6 months." He was expected to compete for a starting job in Alabama's 2010 secondary, but not now.
"I'm redshirting this season," Menzie told the Press-Register.
Menzie plans to enroll as normal this summer and return to practice when he's able, optimistically calling the injury a "minor setback." He said the surgery "went great," and he expects to make a full recovery.
He originally suffered an injury in a football workout, he said, but pick-up basketball caused it to snap.
"I crossed over, and I just heard something pop," Menzie said.
The junior college defensive back was told he's out at least "4-to-6 months." He was expected to compete for a starting job in Alabama's 2010 secondary, but not now.
"I'm redshirting this season," Menzie told the Press-Register.
Menzie plans to enroll as normal this summer and return to practice when he's able, optimistically calling the injury a "minor setback." He said the surgery "went great," and he expects to make a full recovery.
He originally suffered an injury in a football workout, he said, but pick-up basketball caused it to snap.
"I crossed over, and I just heard something pop," Menzie said.
Spurrier won't guarantee Garcia is his starter
"All of you guys think these guys are fighting for the backup job," Spurrier said according to Charleston Post & Courier. "Every position on the team is usually open. If one of the guys plays better than the other guys, they play.
"There's no guarantees Stephen's going to play that first game. I mean, he should, but if he goes bad and the other guy's getting better, he'll play."
Garcia has struggled, more or less, throughout the spring according to most reports. Following a scrimmage this past Saturday in which Andrew Clifford and Zac Brindise were the two best QBs on the field, Spurrier was quoted as saying that the duo "were in contention for the starting job... They were the two best out here today."
If Garcia is not under center when the Gamecocks open the 2010 season, it would come as a surprise. Although, Spurrier continues to keep the door open to change and sometimes, change is good, we will see what unfolds.
"There's no guarantees Stephen's going to play that first game. I mean, he should, but if he goes bad and the other guy's getting better, he'll play."
Garcia has struggled, more or less, throughout the spring according to most reports. Following a scrimmage this past Saturday in which Andrew Clifford and Zac Brindise were the two best QBs on the field, Spurrier was quoted as saying that the duo "were in contention for the starting job... They were the two best out here today."
If Garcia is not under center when the Gamecocks open the 2010 season, it would come as a surprise. Although, Spurrier continues to keep the door open to change and sometimes, change is good, we will see what unfolds.
Quarterbacks struggle in Vols' scrimmage
Nick Stephens, the favorite to take over for Jonathan Crompton as Tennessee's starting quarterback, completed just three of nine passes for six yards, you read it right, the other main competitor for the job, Matt Simms, completed eight of 20 throws for 83 yards, and his lone touchdown was offset by an interception.
Head coach Derek Dooley attributed some of Stephens' "issues" to a case of the jitters.
"I wouldn't say you expect that," Dooley said according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. "You always hope them to play better than they do. Some of them play a little better, and then some of them get out there and have a little anxiety because it's the first one and they want to do well. It's important to learn to just relax and play and let the play come to you.
"You know, it certainly wasn't the best performance for Stephens and he was probably a little late on some reads, had some batted balls , just very jittery it looked like. That's why you have a first scrimmage."
"Personally, it didn't go well, and I'll be the first one to say it," Stephens said. "I won't try to sugarcoat anything, I didn't have that good of a day. I thought I was putting too much pressure on myself, and I'm going to get a lot better from this scrimmage to the next scrimmage. I have to, and I'm going to.
"I've been throwing the ball very accurate this whole entire camp, and I'm going to watch the film to make sure that I am. I've got the numbers to show that I am. That's not the problem right now. I was thinking a little too much today and putting too much pressure on myself to make a big play because of how bad I want it."
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Head coach Derek Dooley attributed some of Stephens' "issues" to a case of the jitters.
"I wouldn't say you expect that," Dooley said according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. "You always hope them to play better than they do. Some of them play a little better, and then some of them get out there and have a little anxiety because it's the first one and they want to do well. It's important to learn to just relax and play and let the play come to you.
"You know, it certainly wasn't the best performance for Stephens and he was probably a little late on some reads, had some batted balls , just very jittery it looked like. That's why you have a first scrimmage."
"Personally, it didn't go well, and I'll be the first one to say it," Stephens said. "I won't try to sugarcoat anything, I didn't have that good of a day. I thought I was putting too much pressure on myself, and I'm going to get a lot better from this scrimmage to the next scrimmage. I have to, and I'm going to.
"I've been throwing the ball very accurate this whole entire camp, and I'm going to watch the film to make sure that I am. I've got the numbers to show that I am. That's not the problem right now. I was thinking a little too much today and putting too much pressure on myself to make a big play because of how bad I want it."
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Thursday, April 1, 2010
Ole Miss DB suspended for remainder of spring practice
Darius "Tig" Barksdale, that rascal, is at it again.
In perhaps a bit of an understatement, it's already been an "eventful" 13 months for the defensive back at Ole Miss. It was a struggle to get Barksdale academically cleared by the NCAA's Clearinghouse after he became a member of Houston Nutt's 2009 recruiting class, not to mention the fact that he was arrested for DUI in August after a vehicle he "borrowed" was pulled over after initially being reported stolen.
Then there was an "unspecified medical issue" that forced Barksdale to miss the entire 2009 season.
So now, Barksdale has been suspended by Nutt for the remainder of spring practice for breaking team rules according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
No further details were available regarding what led to the suspension or how long after the spring suspensions the punishment will last.
Nutt also said Barksdale’s future with the Ole Miss program is in jeopardy.
“Not good,” Nutt said. “We’ve just got to look at the rest of the spring and see where we are. I hate it. We’re trying to make a difference in his life, but I just don’t know right now.”
In perhaps a bit of an understatement, it's already been an "eventful" 13 months for the defensive back at Ole Miss. It was a struggle to get Barksdale academically cleared by the NCAA's Clearinghouse after he became a member of Houston Nutt's 2009 recruiting class, not to mention the fact that he was arrested for DUI in August after a vehicle he "borrowed" was pulled over after initially being reported stolen.
Then there was an "unspecified medical issue" that forced Barksdale to miss the entire 2009 season.
So now, Barksdale has been suspended by Nutt for the remainder of spring practice for breaking team rules according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
No further details were available regarding what led to the suspension or how long after the spring suspensions the punishment will last.
Nutt also said Barksdale’s future with the Ole Miss program is in jeopardy.
“Not good,” Nutt said. “We’ve just got to look at the rest of the spring and see where we are. I hate it. We’re trying to make a difference in his life, but I just don’t know right now.”
WR Moore still missing from Gator practices
Carl Moore’s future with the Florida football team is somewhat in question after he missed a second consecutive day of practice Wednesday.
Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Steve Addazio said Moore is dealing with some personal issues.
“He’s just taking care of some personal business right now,” Addazio said.
When asked if Moore would be returning this spring, Addazio said, “I’m just telling you what I know right now is he’s working on some personal business right now. That’s all, that’s all.”
Moore missed last season with an injured back and redshirted.
Addazio said Moore’s back is not an issue.
“It’s more personal than anything else,” Addazio said of Moore’s absence.
Moore was visibly upset after Saturday’s scrimmage. He saw playing time, but was not a factor in the passing game. He then missed practice Monday and again on Wednesday.
Even without Moore not currently in the mix, Addazio said he’s been pleased with UF’s receivers group.
“I think new wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has done a great job really molding that unit with a lot of unit pride,” Addazio said. “You’re starting to see that right now, with that unit making progress. It’s like he had to reset his foundation and build it back up again. I think he’s done a great job with that.
“We’ve got a bunch of guys who are contributing.”
Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Steve Addazio said Moore is dealing with some personal issues.
“He’s just taking care of some personal business right now,” Addazio said.
When asked if Moore would be returning this spring, Addazio said, “I’m just telling you what I know right now is he’s working on some personal business right now. That’s all, that’s all.”
Moore missed last season with an injured back and redshirted.
Addazio said Moore’s back is not an issue.
“It’s more personal than anything else,” Addazio said of Moore’s absence.
Moore was visibly upset after Saturday’s scrimmage. He saw playing time, but was not a factor in the passing game. He then missed practice Monday and again on Wednesday.
Even without Moore not currently in the mix, Addazio said he’s been pleased with UF’s receivers group.
“I think new wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has done a great job really molding that unit with a lot of unit pride,” Addazio said. “You’re starting to see that right now, with that unit making progress. It’s like he had to reset his foundation and build it back up again. I think he’s done a great job with that.
“We’ve got a bunch of guys who are contributing.”
Vols Dooley in new contract
According to a Memorandum of Understanding acquired by the News Sentinel on Wednesday, the Vols and their new coach seem to have financially tied themselves together, setting a buyout for Dooley if he resigns at $4 million for the next two seasons and $5 million for the next three if he were to be fired.
“This is a destination job,” Vols athletic director Mike Hamilton said when he hired Dooley. “This is the place where he’s familiar with this league, this is the top of the ladder as it relates to getting it done the right way and competing for championships.
“We talked about things like buyouts for leaving and that was never an issue because he said, ‘This is where I want to be.’ ”
One way or another, it would be expensive for somebody if Dooley doesn’t stick around at UT.
The MOU, signed by Dooley, Hamilton and interim president Jan Simek in early March, includes a $3 million payment to the university if Dooley resigns after a third season, then decreases to $1 million or less during the last three years on his contract.
The dropoff isn’t quite so dramatic the other way, with Dooley still getting $4 million if he’s fired after his fourth and fifth seasons with the Vols and $2.5 million if he’s let go before his deal expires on Dec. 31, 2015.
The agreement also specifies one other buyout ,with UT responsible for the $500,000 it cost to get Dooley away from Louisiana Tech in the first place.
“I wish I could sit here and give you a one-liner that’s going to convince 100 percent of the fans, but that’s never going to happen,” Dooley said at his first press conference. “All I can do is go to work and assure you that I love being where I am, and I’m not looking to leave.”
“This is a destination job,” Vols athletic director Mike Hamilton said when he hired Dooley. “This is the place where he’s familiar with this league, this is the top of the ladder as it relates to getting it done the right way and competing for championships.
“We talked about things like buyouts for leaving and that was never an issue because he said, ‘This is where I want to be.’ ”
One way or another, it would be expensive for somebody if Dooley doesn’t stick around at UT.
The MOU, signed by Dooley, Hamilton and interim president Jan Simek in early March, includes a $3 million payment to the university if Dooley resigns after a third season, then decreases to $1 million or less during the last three years on his contract.
The dropoff isn’t quite so dramatic the other way, with Dooley still getting $4 million if he’s fired after his fourth and fifth seasons with the Vols and $2.5 million if he’s let go before his deal expires on Dec. 31, 2015.
The agreement also specifies one other buyout ,with UT responsible for the $500,000 it cost to get Dooley away from Louisiana Tech in the first place.
“I wish I could sit here and give you a one-liner that’s going to convince 100 percent of the fans, but that’s never going to happen,” Dooley said at his first press conference. “All I can do is go to work and assure you that I love being where I am, and I’m not looking to leave.”
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