2008 Tennessee Volunteers football team

American college football season February 2026 February 2024 2008 Tennessee Volunteers Tennessee Volunteers logo.svg 125 Southeastern Conference Eastern Division SEC 5–7 3–5 Phillip Fulmer 16th Dave Clawson 1st John Chavis 14th Multiple Multiple 4–3 Neyland Stadium The 2008 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was led by head football coach Phillip Fulmer in his 16th and final season as head coach. The Vols played their home games in Neyland Stadium and competed in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The 2008 campaign followed a 10–4 2007 season, which saw the Vols win the Eastern Division of the conference and the Outback Bowl. This season marked the ten year anniversary of Tennessee's 1998 BCS National Championship. On November 3, Fulmer announced that, after winning some 150 games over his career, he would step down from coaching his alma mater at the end of the season.Low Chris Fulmer to step aside as Tennessee coach ESPN.com 2008-11-03 https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3679810 2024-11-26 Before the season Recruiting The Vols followed the previous year of a top 5 class, with an effort that found the team ranked outside of the top 25 by both major recruiting websites, Rivals.com and Scout.com.Rivals 2008 2008 Team Ranking http://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank.asp?SID=88 live https://web.archive.org/web/20080225080154/http://rivals100.rivals.com/teamrank.asp?SID=880 February 25, 2008 February 25, 2008 Rivals100.comScout 2008 Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&yr=2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110429203226/http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&yr=2008 April 29, 2011 February 25, 2008 Scout.com The top players of the class were considered to be tight end Aaron Douglas out of Maryville, Tennessee and wide receiver/linebacker E.J. Abrams-Ward out of Thomasville, North Carolina. Douglas played at Tennessee as a redshirt freshman 2009, transferred to Arizona Western College in the 2010 season and winter of 2010 signed with Alabama, where he participated in spring drills. Douglas was recruited to Tennessee as a tight end, and was moved to tackle by then first year coach Lane Kiffin. When Kiffin left Tennessee for USC, Douglas failed to report for spring drills under new coach Derek Dooley (American football) and eventually transferred to Arizona Western. Douglas redshirted his first season at Tennessee under then coach Phillip Fulmer, and a year later developed into an elite offensive lineman under Kiffin and line coach James Cregg. Douglas told the News Sentinel in May 2010 that a third coach in three years flipped the plan he had mapped out for himself “upside down.” On Thursday, May 12, 2011, Police received a call at 8:13 a.m. Thursday and, upon investigation, they found Douglas' body on the second-floor balcony of a Fernandina Beach, Florida residence. Douglas was pronounced dead at the scene.NCAA Football News, Scores & Videos | Sporting News Sporting News May 12, 2011 http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-05-12/alabama-football-player-aaron-douglas-found-dead Of what was characterized as an accidental drug overdose.Anderson Holly Kirk Jason 2011-05-12 Aaron Douglas Died Of Accidental Drug Overdose, According To Medical Examiner https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/5/12/2167784/aaron-douglas-dead-alabama-tennessee-football 2024-11-26 SBNation.com Abrams-Ward, a receiver redshirted for the 2008 season, selecting UT over North Carolina in a heated recruiting battle. On January 22, 2009, UT announced that E.J. Abrams-Ward and Ramone Johnson where no longer members of Tennessee's football team. UT said that the two were dismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons.Hooker Dave January 22, 2009 Abrams-Ward, Johnson dismissed for disciplinary reasons http://govolsxtra.com/news/2009/jan/22/abrams-ward-johnson-team/ https://web.archive.org/web/20090127055923/http://govolsxtra.com/news/2009/jan/22/abrams-ward-johnson-team/ 2009-01-27Scout 2008 Football Recruiting (Tennessee) http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=8&toinid=743&yr=2008 February 25, 2008 Scout.com no yes 2008 E.J. Abrams-Ward LB Thomasville, North Carolina Thomasville HS 6 5 210 February 6, 2008 4 4 Carson Anderson G Florence, Alabama Florence HS 6 2 275 March 31, 2007 3 2 Preston Bailey T Nashville, Tennessee Montgomery Bell Academy 6 5 315 August 29, 2007 3 3 Ben Bartholomew FB Nashville, Tennessee Montgomery Bell Academy 6 3 225 April 22, 2007 3 3 Willie Bohannon DE Prichard, Alabama Mattie T. Blount HS 6 3 230 January 28, 2008 3 3 Aaron Douglas TE Maryville, Tennessee Maryville HS 6 6 230 July 31, 2006 4 4 Steven Folkes DE College Park, Georgia Banneker HS 6 5 215 August 21, 2007 3 3 Montori Hughes DT Murfreesboro, Tennessee Siegel HS 6 5 255 January 28, 2008 3 2 Austin Johnson LB/RB Hickory, North Carolina Hickory HS 6 3 240 September 24, 2006 3 3 Casey Kelly QB Sarasota, Florida Sarasota HS 6 4 195 January 30, 2008 3 3 Herman Lathers LB Baton Rouge, Louisiana Scotlandville Magnet HS 6 0 200 October 19, 2007 3 3 Tauren Poole RB Toccoa, Georgia Stephens County HS 5 10 200 October 26, 2006 3 3 StePhan Raines DB Coffeyville, Kansas Coffeyville CC 6 0 175 January 20, 2008 1 2 Dallas Thomas T Baton Rouge, Louisiana Scotlandville Magnet HS 6 5 280 February 6, 2008 3 3 Prentis Waggner CB Clinton, Louisiana Clinton HS 6 2 175 January 28, 2008 3 3 Marlon Walls LB1 Olive Branch, Mississippi Olive Branch HS 6 4 215 January 26, 2008 3 4 Rodriguez Wilks WR Smyrna, Tennessee Smyrna HS 6 1 195 September 19, 2007 3 3 Gerald Williams DE/LB San Francisco, California San Francisco CC 6 4 245 December 13, 2007 1 4 no 2008 2008 Tennessee Football Commitment List Scout.com Football Recruiting: Tennessee tennessee 7 35 36 February 11, 2008 yes Coaching changes thumb|90px|Chavis turned down an offer from the Atlanta Falcons. Tennessee lost four members of their offensive staff. Offensive Coordinator David Cutcliffe accepted the head coaching position at Duke.Low Chris Low: Duke offers Cutcliffe second chance ESPN.com 2008-01-15 https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?id=3197193 2024-12-13 Cutcliffe took along OL/TE coach Matt Luke, and RB coach Kurt Roper. Roper joined the Blue Devils' staff as offensive coordinator. WR coach Trooper Taylor also left the Vols for a coordinator position, accepting a job as Co-Offensive Coordinator at Oklahoma State.AP 2008 Clawson leaves Richmond to be Vols offensive coordinator https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3192212 live https://web.archive.org/web/20080115205702/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3192212& January 15, 2008 January 16, 2008 ESPN.com Cutcliffe was replaced by Dave Clawson, who comes to Tennessee from the University of Richmond, where he was the head coach.Dent Bucky Richmond's Clawson takes Tennessee offensive coordinator job The Bristol Herald Courier 2024-11-22 https://heraldcourier.com/sports/richmonds-clawson-takes-tennessee-offensive-coordinator-job/article_50b8e50b-703c-5159-8a43-6821286da5a3.html 2024-12-13 Joining Clawson from Richmond is Latrell Scott, who replaced Taylor as the wide receivers coach. Stan Drayton, formerly the running backs coach at Florida, was hired to replace Roper as the running backs coach. Jason Michael, formerly on the staff for the New York Jets, was hired to coach the tight ends, replacing Matt Luke.2008-01-18 Michael Hiring Completes Football Staff https://utsports.com/news/2008/1/18/michael_hiring_completes_football_staff.aspx 2025-03-15 University of Tennessee Athletics Defensive coordinator John Chavis interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons but chose to stay at Tennessee.Edwards Drew February 11, 2008 Chavis Interviews with Falcons, Staying with Vols http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/11/chavis-interviews-falcons-staying-vols/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080214014453/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/11/chavis-interviews-falcons-staying-vols/ February 14, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel This decision followed a similar decision by defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell. In December 2007 Caldwell chose to stay with Tennessee and turned down an offer to be the defensive coordinator at Arkansas.Edwards Drew December 23, 2007 Caldwell Passes on Arkansas http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/dec/23/caldwell-passes-arkansas/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080228191101/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/dec/23/caldwell-passes-arkansas/ February 28, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel Player news Tennessee was bolstered by the return of safety Demetrice Morley. Morley was a five star recruit out of Miami, Florida who played for the Vols in 2005 and 2006 before being dismissedCasasanta Michael January 12, 2007 Demetrice Morley dismissed from football team http://tnjn.com/2007/jan/12/demetrice-morley-dismissed-fro/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110717064935/http://tnjn.com/2007/jan/12/demetrice-morley-dismissed-fro/ July 17, 2011 January 22, 2008 University of Tennessee Journalism from the football team and leaving school for academic reasons. After sitting out the 2007 season, Morley was readmitted to the university in January 2008 and will rejoin the team.Edwards Drew January 6, 2008 Fulmer Says Morley Will Return to Tennessee http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/06/morley-readmitted-tennessee/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080109150202/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/06/morley-readmitted-tennessee/ January 9, 2008 January 22, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel Morley told the media that he had been living in his car following his dismissal from the team, but that the birth of his son motivated him to return.Edwards Drew January 19, 2008 Birth of Son Spurred Morley to Return to UT http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/19/birth-of-son-spurred-morley-to-return-to-ut/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080222222720/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/19/birth-of-son-spurred-morley-to-return-to-ut/ February 22, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel Another defensive back, Antonio Gaines, was awarded a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in February. Gaines had missed the majority of both the 2003 and 2007 seasons due to injuries.February 7, 2008 NCAA Grants Gaines a Sixth Year of Eligibility http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/07/ncaa-grants-gaines-sixth-year-eligibility/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080212133436/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/07/ncaa-grants-gaines-sixth-year-eligibility/ February 12, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel Associated Press The Vols are also welcoming two major transfer student athletes. Gerald Williams, who originally signed with Tennessee in 2005 has been cleared to join the team after spending finishing up at San Francisco Junior College. Brandon Warren, a Freshman All American at Florida State has been cleared to play by the NCAA. Discipline The Volunteer football team has also seen its share of off of the field issues since the close of the 2007 season.March 2013 The first incident of the offseason occurred during a recruiting weekend.March 2013 Wide receivers Gerald Jones and Ahmad Paige were cited for a misdemeanor possession of marijuana while hosting a recruit. Neither were suspended, but both were required to undertake more frequent drug testing and participate in a police ride along program.Edwards Drew January 22, 2008 Fulmer Disciplines Vereen, Makes Entire Team Run at 6 A.M. http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/fulmer-disciplines-vereen/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080124040955/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/fulmer-disciplines-vereen/ January 24, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel Another incident involved redshirt freshman running back Daryl Vereen. Vereen was arrested and charged with public intoxication and underage consumption after an on campus fight.News Sentinel Staff January 22, 2008 Vereen Arrested After Fight http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/vereen-arrested-after-fight/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080124041034/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/22/vereen-arrested-after-fight/ January 24, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel Vereen was required to perform community service and was under a semester-long curfew. Fulmer also required the entire team to attend 6 A.M. running as punishment for the offense. Offensive lineman Anthony Parker was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct in January. Parker's punishment included morning runs, curfew, community service and the police ride along program. Parker was charged after failing to obey the commands of a Knoxville police officer with whom he had previous run-ins.Edwards Drew January 30, 2008 Fulmer Announces Parker's Punishment http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/30/fulmer-announces-parkers-punishment/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080202063321/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/jan/30/fulmer-announces-parkers-punishment/ February 2, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel This incident was followed by the arrest of incoming walk-on Vincent Faison for DUI. Faison was suspended for two games.Drew Edwards February 4, 2008 Faison 'Slumped Behind Wheel' When Arrested http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/04/faison-slumped-behind-wheel-when-arrested/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080208142230/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/04/faison-slumped-behind-wheel-when-arrested/ February 8, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel In February, linebacker Dorian Davis and defensive back Antonio Wardlow were dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.Edwards Drew February 13, 2008 Davis, Wardlow Dismissed for Violation of Team Rules http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/13/davis-wardlow-dismissed-fulmer/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080217141101/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/13/davis-wardlow-dismissed-fulmer/ February 17, 2008 February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel The most recent incident of the offseason involved decorated punter Britton Colquitt. Colquitt was suspended for five games after being arrested and charge with both DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. Colquitt also had his scholarship revoked.Edwards Drew February 17, 2008 Colquitt Suspended for 5 Games and Loses Scholarship After DUI Charge http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/feb/17/ut-punter-charged-dui-leaving-scene-accident/ February 20, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel Schedule 2008 AP Eastern September 1 8:00 pm l y y 18 UCLA Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA ESPN 24–27 OT 68,546 September 13 12:30 pm w y UAB Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN Raycom 35–3 98,205 September 20 3:30 pm l Florida 4 rivalry Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN CBS 6–30 106,138 September 27 3:30 pm l y Auburn 15 rivalry Jordan–Hare Stadium Auburn, AL CBS 12–14 87,451 October 4 7:00 pm w y Northern Illinois Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN PPV 13–9 99,539 October 11 3:30 pm l y Georgia 10 Sanford Stadium Athens, GA (rivalry) CBS 14–26 92,746 October 18 7:00 pm w Mississippi State Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN PPV 34–3 98,239 October 25 7:45 pm l Alabama 2 Third Saturday in October Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN ESPN 9–29 106,138 November 1 7:00 pm l y South Carolina Williams-Brice Stadium Columbia, SC ESPN2 6–27 81,731 November 8 1:00 pm l y y Wyoming Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN 7–13 99,489 November 22 12:30 pm w y Vanderbilt rivalry Vanderbilt Stadium Nashville, TN Raycom 20–10 38,725 November 29 6:30 pm w Kentucky Battle for the Barrel Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN ESPN2 28–10 102,388 250px|thumb|left|Neyland Stadium was the host for seven Tennessee home games in 2008. thumb|250px|right|Tennessee on defense vs. UCLA at the Rose Bowl, Sept. 1 Rankings 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 15 18 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 18 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 5 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 8 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR Game summaries At UCLA 2008 UCLA Bruins football team No. 18 Volunteers 0 14 0 10 0 Bruins 7 0 3 14 3 Statistics TENNUCLA First downs 20 20 Total yards 366 288 Rushing yards 177 29 Passing yards 197 268 Turnovers 2 4 Time of possession 29:51 30:09 Team Category Player StatisticsTennessee Passing Jonathan Crompton 19/41, 189 yards, INT Rushing Arian Foster 13 rushes, 96 yards Receiving Josh Briscoe 1 reception, 41 yardsUCLA Passing Kevin Craft 25/43, 259 yards, TD, 4 INT Rushing Raymond Carter 15 rushes, 14 yards, TD Receiving Ryan Moya 7 receptions, 65 yards, TD UAB 2008 UAB Blazers football team Blazers 0 0 3 0 Volunteers 14 0 14 7 Statistics UABTENN First downs 14 25 Total yards 275 548 Rushing yards 108 266 Passing yards 174 291 Turnovers 3 2 Time of possession 28:46 31:14 Team Category Player StatisticsUAB Passing Joe Webb 19/34, 167 yards, 3 INT Rushing Joe Webb 14 rushes, 78 yards Receiving Frantrell Forrest 8 receptions, 83 yardsTennessee Passing Jonathan Crompton 19/31, 240 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Rushing Arian Foster 12 rushes, 100 yards Receiving Lucas Taylor 9 receptions, 132 yards No. 4 Florida 2008 Florida Gators football team No. 4 Gators 17 3 7 3 Volunteers 0 0 0 6 Statistics FLATENN First downs 16 16 Total yards 243 258 Rushing yards 147 96 Passing yards 98 162 Turnovers 0 3 Time of possession 29:58 30:02 Team Category Player StatisticsFlorida Passing Tim Tebow 8/15, 96 yards, 2 TD Rushing Emmanuel Moody 9 rushes, 55 yards Receiving Percy Harvin 2 receptions, 49 yards, TDTennessee Passing Jonathan Crompton 18/28, 162 yards, INT Rushing Arian Foster 14 rushes, 37 yards Receiving Gerald Jones 5 receptions, 40 yards At No. 15 Auburn 2008 Auburn Tigers football team Volunteers 0 6 0 6 No. 15 Tigers 7 7 0 0 Statistics TENNAUB First downs 9 15 Total yards 191 226 Rushing yards 124 97 Passing yards 72 139 Turnovers 1 1 Time of possession 27:15 32:45 Team Category Player StatisticsTennessee Passing Jonathan Crompton 8/23, 67 yards Rushing Montario Hardesty 10 rushes, 35 yards, TD Receiving Austin Rogers 1 reception, 14 yardsAuburn Passing Chris Todd 14/23, 93 yards, TD, INT Rushing Ben Tate 19 rushes, 70 yards Receiving Robert Dunn 6 receptions, 54 yards, TD Northern Illinois 2008 Northern Illinois Huskies football team Huskies 3 0 6 0 Volunteers 0 3 10 0 Statistics NIUTENN First downs 12 9 Total yards 190 225 Rushing yards 72 69 Passing yards 128 184 Turnovers 1 3 Time of possession 33:05 26:55 Team Category Player StatisticsNorthern Illinois Passing Dan Nicholson 10/15, 79 yards, INT Rushing DeMarcus Grady 14 rushes, 41 yards Receiving Landon Cox 3 receptions, 36 yardsTennessee Passing Nick Stephens 10/17, 156 yards, TD Rushing Arian Foster 18 rushes, 75 yards Receiving Denarius Moore 3 receptions, 65 yards, TD At No. 10 Georgia 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team Volunteers 0 7 7 0 No. 10 Bulldogs 10 10 0 6 Statistics TENNUGA First downs 10 29 Total yards 209 458 Rushing yards 1 148 Passing yards 208 310 Turnovers 0 2 Time of possession 17:56 42:04 Team Category Player StatisticsTennessee Passing Nick Stephens 13/30, 208 yards, 2 TD Rushing Montario Hardesty 6 rushes, 20 yards Receiving Gerald Jones 4 receptions, 68 yards, TDGeorgia Passing Matthew Stafford 25/36, 310 yards, TD, 2 INT Rushing Knowshon Moreno 27 rushes, 101 yards Receiving Mohamed Massaquoi 5 receptions, 103 yards, TD Mississippi State 2008 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team Bulldogs 0 3 0 0 Volunteers 0 6 7 21 Statistics MSSTTENN First downs 13 16 Total yards 189 275 Rushing yards 69 139 Passing yards 150 139 Turnovers 3 0 Time of possession 30:55 29:05 Team Category Player StatisticsMississippi State Passing Tyson Lee 12/23, 114 yards, 3 INT Rushing Boobie Dixon 15 rushes, 46 yards Receiving Brandon McRae 2 receptions, 28 yardsTennessee Passing Nick Stephens 10/20, 136 yards Rushing Lennon Creer 17 rushes, 68 yards, TD Receiving Denarius Moore 1 reception, 45 yards No. 2 Alabama 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide football team No. 2 Crimson Tide 6 7 9 7 Volunteers 3 0 0 6 Statistics ALATENN First downs 23 10 Total yards 366 173 Rushing yards 178 36 Passing yards 188 137 Turnovers 1 0 Time of possession 35:32 24:28 Team Category Player StatisticsAlabama Passing John Parker Wilson 17/24, 188 yards Rushing Roy Upchurch 14 rushes, 86 yards, TD Receiving Julio Jones 6 receptions, 103 yardsTennessee Passing Nick Stephens 16/28, 137 yards, TD Rushing Arian Foster 6 rushes, 21 yards Receiving Josh Briscoe 4 receptions, 46 yards, TD At South Carolina 2008 South Carolina Gamecocks football team Volunteers 0 0 6 0 Gamecocks 7 14 3 3 Statistics TENNSCAR First downs 11 11 Total yards 207 255 Rushing yards 34 101 Passing yards 173 154 Turnovers 3 1 Time of possession 27:30 32:30 Team Category Player StatisticsTennessee Passing Nick Stephens 10/24, 134 yards, INT Rushing Arian Foster 14 rushes, 56 yards, TD Receiving Austin Rogers 3 receptions, 72 yardsSouth Carolina Passing Stephen Garcia 9/19, 139 yards, TD, INT Rushing Mike Davis 26 rushes, 58 yards Receiving Kenny McKinley 4 receptions, 50 yards, TD Wyoming 2008 Wyoming Cowboys football team Cowboys 7 6 0 0 Volunteers 0 0 7 0 Statistics WYOTENN First downs 15 15 Total yards 266 219 Rushing yards 167 101 Passing yards 99 118 Turnovers 1 2 Time of possession 31:03 28:47 Team Category Player StatisticsWyoming Passing Chris Stutzriem 8/16, 95 yards, TD Rushing Devin Moore 32 rushes, 98 yards Receiving Chris Johnson 1 reception, 26 yardsTennessee Passing Jonathan Crompton 11/27, 91 yards, TD Rushing Lennon Creer 16 rushes, 82 yards Receiving Gerald Jones 5 receptions, 37 yards, TD At Vanderbilt 2008 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Volunteers 0 20 0 0 Commodores 0 0 10 0 Statistics TENNVAN First downs 15 16 Total yards 243 213 Rushing yards 222 25 Passing yards 21 188 Turnovers 3 3 Time of possession 35:14 24:46 Team Category Player StatisticsTennessee Passing B. J. Coleman 4/8, 21 yards, INT Rushing Lennon Creer 13 rushes, 80 yards Receiving Austin Rogers 1 reception, 7 yardsVanderbilt Passing Mackenzi Adams 18/38, 192 yards, INT Rushing Jeff Jennings 7 rushes, 19 yards Receiving George Smith 5 receptions, 46 yards Kentucky 2008 Kentucky Wildcats football team Wildcats 3 0 0 7 Volunteers 0 7 7 14 Statistics UKTENN First downs 11 16 Total yards 193 311 Rushing yards 96 210 Passing yards 97 101 Turnovers 0 0 Time of possession 25:42 34:18 Team Category Player StatisticsKentucky Passing Mike Hartline 5/7, 74 yards Rushing Tony Dixon 15 rushes, 48 yards Receiving E. J. Adams 1 reception, 35 yardsTennessee Passing Jonathan Crompton 6/8, 101 yards, TD Rushing Gerald Jones 1 rush, 63 yards, TD Receiving Denarius Moore 1 reception, 63 yards, TD Players Starting lineups and coaches Head coach: Phillip Fulmer Offense Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks: Dave ClawsonOffensive Scheme: Multiple Wide Receivers: Latrell ScottOffensive Line: Greg AtkinsRunning Backs: Ronald Gallant Jr.Tight Ends: Jason Michael Offensive outlook CoachesHead coach Phillip Fulmer hired Dave Clawson, formerly the head coach at the University of Richmond, to replace David Cutcliffe as offensive coordinator. Greg Atkins (offensive line) is the only returning coach on the offensive staff. Joining him are newly hired assistants Stan Drayton (running backs), Jason Michael, and Latrell Scott (wide receivers). QuarterbacksThe Vols must replace graduate Erik Ainge, a 5th-round selection of the New York Jets in the 2008 NFL draft. The leading candidates are Jonathan Crompton, who started one game as an injury replacement for Ainge in 2006, redshirt freshman B. J. Coleman and redshirt sophomore Nick Stephens. After spring practices, Crompton had minor elbow surgery but should be ready for the season opener and all reports are that Crompton will be the starting quarterback. Running backsright|thumb|Arian Foster leads a talented group of returning tailbacks. Arian Foster saw the majority of time at tailback last season, with relief appearances by LaMarcus Coker, Montario Hardesty, and Lennon Creer. Coker was eventually dismissed from the team following the South Carolina game for a violation of team rules.Dishong Benjamin November 3, 2007 Coker Dismissed from Team http://tnjn.com/2007/nov/03/coker-dismissed-from-team/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080820051053/http://tnjn.com/2007/nov/03/coker-dismissed-from-team/ August 20, 2008 January 11, 2008 Tennessee Journalist Foster finished the season with 1193 rushing yards and 12 TDs.UT Sports Information January 2, 2008 Tennessee – Cumulative Season Statistics http://livestats.epiccycle.com/tennessee/boxscores/07-08/football/TEAMCUME.HTM#TEAM.IND January 11, 2008 UTSports.com December 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251206050019/http://livestats.epiccycle.com/tennessee/boxscores/07-08/football/TEAMCUME.HTM#TEAM.IND dead Foster, Hardesty and Creer all return and look to see significant time in the backfield. Looking to work his way into the rotation will be Daryl Vereen, a highly touted redshirt freshman. The fullback position may also be used more under Clawson. The starter was supposed to be David Holbert, but he has suffered another ACL injury and is out for the year. To honor Holbert, Arian Foster will wear Holbert's #30 jersey in the season opener at UCLA. With the injury to Holbert, sophomore Kevin Cooper looks to be the starter but true freshman Austin Johnson, who just recently moved from linebacker to fullback, will also compete for playing time. Receiversleft|thumb|Josh Briscoe and two other seniors will lead the Vols receiving corp in 2008.The wide receivers were led by Lucas Taylor and Austin Rogers last season. Taylor had 73 receptions for 1,000 yards, while Rogers caught 56 passes for 624 yards. Both return for their senior season in 2008. Joining them will be Senior Josh Briscoe, Junior Quintin Hancock, Sophomores Gerald Jones, who many said was the star of the spring and will also see time at quarterback, Denarius Moore, and redshirt freshman Ahmad Paige. Offensive lineThe offensive line returns the entire starting group from late in the 2007 season. The line was shuffled after an injury to Eric Young. Josh McNeil will anchor the line at center, with guards Anthony Parker and Jacques McClendon. Ramon Foster and Chris Scott will be the starters at tackle. This line allowed only 4 sacks during the 2007 season. Many experts predict Anthony Parker to be a First team All-American and for this unit to be the strongest in the SEC.Edwards Drew October 28, 2007 Injury Bug Takes a Bite http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/oct/28/injury-bug-takes-bite/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20071231055917/http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/oct/28/injury-bug-takes-bite/ December 31, 2007 January 11, 2008 Knoxville News Sentinel Tight endsThe tight end position is up in the air following the losses of Chris Brown and Brad Cottam. Brad's brother Jeff Cottam and Luke Stocker are the leading candidates for the starting job. Because of the depth issues at tight end, offensive lineman Cody Pope was moved to play the position Current starters (as of October 6, 2008) Position Number Name Height Weight Class Hometown Games↑ QB 17 Nick Stephens 6'4" 215 lb. Soph. Flower Mound, Texas 1 TB 27 * Arian Foster 6'1" 225 lb. RS-Sr. San Diego, California 5TE 88 Luke Stocker 6'6" 245 lb. Soph. Berea, Kentucky 0 WR 12 * Lucas Taylor 6'0" 185 lb. Sr. Carencro, Louisiana 0 WR 4 Gerald Jones 6'0" 180 lb. Soph. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 0 WR 81 * Josh Briscoe 6'3" 183 lb. Sr. Lawndale, North Carolina 0 LT 78 * Ramon Foster 6'6" 325 lb. Sr. Henning, Tennessee 0 LG 75 * Anthony Parker 6'3" 305 lb. RS-Sr. Jonesboro, Georgia 0 C 50 * Josh McNeil 6'4" 280 lb. RS-Jr. Collins, Mississippi 0 RG 65 * Jacques McClendon 6'3" 330 lb. RS-Jr. Cleveland, Tennessee 0 RT 79 * Chris Scott 6'5" 325 lb. So. Lovejoy, Georgia 0 UT Sports Information January 21, 2008 2007/2008 Rosters http://www.utsports.com/football/page.aspx?id=306 January 21, 2008 UTSports.com October 27, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071027161451/http://www.utsports.com/football/page.aspx?id=306 dead * – Denotes returning starter. ↑ – Denotes number of games started by the player at the listed position during the 2008 season. Defense Defensive coordinator / linebackers / associate head coach: John Chavis (20th year) Base Defense: Multiple (4–3 and 3–2–6 "Mustang") Defensive line: Dan Brooks Defensive ends: Steve Caldwell Defensive backs: Larry Slade Position outlook Coaches2008 will be the 14th season as defensive coordinator for John Chavis. The defensive staff had been together and unchanged since the 1999 season, with Dan Brooks, Steve Caldwell and Larry Slade. Defensive lineright|thumb|Tennessee must replace two starters at defensive end in 2008.On the defensive line, the Vols must replace two starters at end. Senior Robert Ayers and Junior Wes Brown are the leading candidates at those two spots. Tackles Dan Williams and DeMonte Bolden return after starting for the majority of the 2007 season. Providing depth will be tackles Walter Fisher, Chase Nelson, Donald Langley and Victor Thomas along with ends Ben Martin, Andre Mathis, and Chris Walker. LinebackersThe Vols replace two starters in the linebacker corps. Junior Rico McCoy returns to man one of the outside spots. Ellix Wilson, who started the 2008 Outback Bowl at the middle linebacker looks to earn that job for the 2008 season. The other outside spot is up in the air, with Nevin McKenzie seeing the most time there the previous year. Defensive backsThe defensive backfield saw a slew of injuries and changes in 2007, but looks to be much more stable and seasoned in 2008. The Vols must replace departing safety Jonathan Hefney. Sophomores Eric Berry (SS), Brent Vinson and DeAngelo Willingham (Cornerbacks) should return to their spots with special teams phenom, Dennis Rogan expected to see plenty of snaps at both cornerback and safety. SS Demetrice Morley was reinstated in school after academic trouble caused him to miss the 2007 season. He is the leading candidate at the vacant free safety spot. It has also been stated during the off season that Eric Berry could see time on the offensive side of the ball, as he has lined up at quarterback multiple times during spring practice. Projected starters (Note: Does not include incoming freshmen). Position Number Name Height Weight Class Hometown Games↑ LE 91 Robert Ayers 6'3" 260 lb. RS-Sr. Clio, South Carolina 0 LT 55 * Dan Williams 6'2" 310 lb. RS-Jr. Memphis, Tennessee 0 RT 98 * Demonté Bolden 6'6" 290 lb. Sr. Chattanooga, Tennessee 0 RE 94 Wes Brown 6'3" 270 lb. RS-Jr. Athens, Alabama 0 SLB 20 Nevin McKenzie 6'2" 210 lb. Sr. San Antonio, Texas 0 MLB 35 Ellix Wilson 5'10" 225 lb. RS-Jr. Memphis, Tennessee 0 WLB 5 * Rico McCoy 6'1" 215 lb. Jr. Washington, D.C. 0 RCB 24 * DeAngelo Willingham 6'0" 200 lb. Sr. Palm Desert, CA 0 LCB 13 * Brent Vinson 6'2" 180 lb. So. Hampton, Virginia 0 FS 7 Demetrice Morley 6'2" 195 lb. RS-Jr. Miami, Florida 0 SS 14 * Eric Berry 5'11" 195 lb. So. Fairburn, Georgia 0 * – Denotes returning starter ↑ – Denotes number of games started by the player at the listed position during the 2008 season. Special teams Position outlookSophomore Daniel Lincoln (kicker) replaced departing Senior James Wilhoit in 2007 and earned All American Honors.WVLT December 10, 2007 Daniel Lincoln Named Football Writers All-American http://www.volunteertv.com/sports/headlines/12324036.html usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20071221064559/http://www.volunteertv.com/sports/headlines/12324036.html December 21, 2007 January 1, 2008 MVLT.com Britton Colquitt returns as punter and will handle kickoffs. Sophomores Dennis Rogan emerged as the main kick and punt returner last, with Lennon Creer joining him as kick returner. Both players return. Projected starters (Note: Does not include incoming Freshmen). Position Number Name Height Weight Class Hometown Games↑ P 95 Chad Cunningham ‡ 6'3" 210 lb. RS-So. Dawsonville, Georgia 0 P 47 * Britton Colquitt ‡ 6'3" 205 lb. RS-Sr. Knoxville, Tennessee 0 PR 41 * Dennis Rogan 5'10" 175 lb. So. Knoxville, Tennessee 0 KO 26 * Daniel Lincoln 6'0" 204 lb. So. Ocala, Florida 0 KR 41 * Dennis Rogan 5'10" 175 lb. So. Knoxville, Tennessee 0 KR 3 * Lennon Creer 6'1" 202 lb. So. Tatum, Texas 0 PK 26 * Daniel Lincoln 6'0" 204 lb. So. Ocala, Florida 0 * – Denotes returning starter ↑ – Denotes number of games started by the player at the listed position during the 2008 season. ‡ – Note: Cunningham will be the starter during Colquitt's suspension. Team players drafted into the NFL 2009 NFL draft Tennessee Volunteers Player Position Round Pick NFL club Robert Ayers Defensive end1 18 Denver Broncos Reference:2009 NFL Draft Listing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/draft.htm 2024-12-13 Pro-Football-Reference.com en References External links Season summary at Sports Reference Tennessee Category:Tennessee Volunteers football seasons Tennessee Volunteers football