Tennessee offense hopes for success under Clawson
TNJN/Thornton, Samantha
Lucas Taylor proved to be a reliable weapon last season gaining 1,000 yards on 73 catches.
published: August 31 2008 03:37 PM updated:: September 01 2008 05:24 PM

What's one word to describe the jump from Richmond to a big-time SEC program like Tennessee?

More.

More fans, more scrutiny, more pressure, and as newly minted offensive coordinator Dave Clawson quipped earlier this week, more reporters.

But Clawson also has more talent to work with at Tennessee, and throughout his coaching career Clawson has developed a knack for getting the ball to his most talented players.

He developed a package as offensive coordinator at Villanova that resulted in future NFL starter Brian Westbrook becoming the first player in NCAA history to gain more than 1,000 yards on the ground and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season.

Head coach Phillip Fulmer certainly thinks he's found the right guy.

Still, there's no doubt Clawson has big shoes to fill in taking over the reigns of the offense from David Cutcliffe.

Tennessee returns eight starters from a unit that along was one of two SEC schools, with Kentucky as the other, to have a 1,000 yard rusher, 1,000 yard receiver and a 3,000 yard passer last year.

These are the six storylines that just might determine whether Tennessee builds or regresses under Clawson's retooled attack. 

1.  It's Crompton's show

Jonathan Crompton isn't worried about silencing his doubters.

"Let them doubt me all they want," Crompton said.

Clawson said he likes his quarterback's arm strength, quick release, mobility and physicality.

And what does Crompton like about his new offensive coordinator?

"Pretty much everything," Crompton said. "He'll tell you what you did wrong, but ask you why you did it so he can teach you."

Clawson's philosophy has always been to change the offense to fit his personnel, and it's no different at quarterback.

"We've got to make sure the offense is a good fit for him," Clawson said. "We've got to adjust the offense to take advantage of what he does well."

2. Foster runs for the record:

Arian Foster isn't just the leader of Tennessee's rushing attack this year. With 685 yards, he'll surpass Travis Henry as Tennessee's all-time leading rusher.

But Foster has just one standard by which he'll measure this season.

"Wins," Foster said. "That's it. Wins. All of them. Win all of them."

Foster rushed for 1,193 yards last year and caught 39 passes for 340 yards. He also made the most of limited opportunities returning kicks, averaging 39 yards on three returns.

"I think Arian's versatility -- that's the biggest thing he brings to the table," Clawson said. "He's not just a big running back that can carry the ball.

"He's not just a guy who can line up in the slot. Arian has the ability to run with the football and make people miss."

Tennessee has plenty of help behind Foster including junior tailback Montario Hardesty who broke loose for 79 yards on just four carries in Tennessee's final scrimmage of fall camp.

Expect freshman Tauren Poole and sophomore Lennon Creer to get their chances as well.

3. They're all back:

Tennessee returns five starters back from an offensive line that allowed just four sacks last year and paved the way for Foster's 1,000-yard rushing season.

Strangely enough, there's still plenty of room for improvement as the Vols' 139 rushing yards per game ranked just ninth in the conference.

Chris Scott and Ramon Foster will man the tackle spots while Anthony Parker and Jacques Mclendon will handle the duties at guard.

The pressure will be on the entire group to prove they've mastered Clawson's unusual "quick side" and "strong side" blocking scheme that will force the guards and tackles to flip and play either side of the line.

Even more pressure will be on center Josh McNeil to make the right calls at the line of scrimmage.

Beyond the top five, Tennessee's coaches think they have at least one more "starter" in Vladimir Richard, and SEC-ready players in Ramone Johnson and Cody Sullins.

4. End of the year:

Yes, Tennessee will throw to the tight end this season.

Don't look at Chris Brown's 40 catches last year as a fluke. It'll be another big year for the tight ends.

Brandon Warren showed his skill and athleticism catching 28 passes for 301 yards as a freshman at Florida State in 2006.

He'll provide the Vols with yet another weapon, and Clawson doesn't like to waste his weapons.

The Vol coaches believe they have another weapon with sophomore Luke Stocker. Despite catching just four passes last year, he's made an impression on coaches who like his athletic frame.

Junior Jeff Cottam was expected to have a break out year, but will miss six to eight weeks after back surgery.

Even with the injury, the Vols have the scheme and the talent to flip the typical question on it's head.

Vol fans can now wonder, "Which tight end will catch more passes?", not whether a tight end will catch a pass at all.

5. Special delivery

Cutcliffe and Fulmer were crtiticized for not using their special quarterback package more, especially during the SEC Championship against LSU when Gerald Jones managed 39 yards on two carries in the "G-Gun" formation.

This season may see the emergence of another special package, and silly name, with Eric Berry lining up as a a quarterback in the "Wild Berry" formation.

The Vols used it sparingly in fall practice, but Fulmer promised Berry time on offense during the recruiting process.

And why not? Berry broke the school record with 222 yards on interception returns as a freshman in 2007-08.

Clawson has been highly touted for maximizing his best playmakers. Tennessee can be much more dangerous on offense if they're willing to take a chance with their best playmaker -- even if he's not listed on the offensive roster.

6. A reliable bunch:

Tennessee may not have a proven game-breaker at receiver, but from top to bottom there may not be a more reliable bunch in the conference. 

Lucas Taylor returns after gaining 1,000 yards receiving last year, while Austin Rogers and Josh Briscoe proved they're steady contributors after catching 56 passes each last year.

The Vols will look for more from Jones out wide, who showed flashes of a big-time playmaker last year.

Quintin Hancock has impressed coaches in practice once again after regressing during last season.

Extra point:

The Vols leading scorer last year wasn't an offensive player. Daniel Lincon's 115 points last season ranks third all-time in Tennessee history. Lincoln also made game-winning kicks against Vanderbilt and South Carolina last year. With Crompton settling in at quarterback, expect the offense to call on Lincoln often early on.

Editor: Robert Mitchell

Tennessee's yearly production

A look at UT's offensive output during the 1998 National Championship season and past five years.

Total offense

1998: 4,786

2003: 4,834

2004: 5,193

2005: 3,589

2006: 4,842

2007: 5,621

Rushing

1998: 2,536

2003: 1,800

2004: 2,418

2005: 1,411

2006: 1,404

2007: 1,946

Passing

1998: 2,250

2003: 3,034

2004: 2,775

2005: 2,178

2006: 3,438

2007: 3,675

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