Fulmer cautious with praise at Media Day
Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer was more cautious in praising his team at this year?s media day on Saturday, saying there are ?no guarantees? for a great season even though the goal remains winning championships.
The beginning of the season is cause for celebration for many fans, and there were some fireworks on this day.
?I like the positive energy around this football team and the way they?ve gone about the offseason and spring practice and summer program, but even with that there?s no guarantees that that is going to lead to a great season,? Fulmer said.
The Volunteers are coming off the worst season under Fulmer, a 5-6 campaign with no bowl game. Tennessee was ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls, which made Fulmer comment, ?It?s very difficult to argue with the folks who think we have a chance to be good,? at last year?s media day.
Last season was preceded by eight players being arrested or cited for violations ranging from assault to underage drinking. Offensive coordinator Randy Sanders resigned in mid-season and two assistant coaches were fired.
Some off-field problems returned with two arrests in May and two more this week. Fulmer has dismissed two players.
?Our goals haven?t changed. Year in and year out, our first goal is to win the East division title, the second goal is to win the Southeastern Conference championship and have a chance to play at the next level,? Fulmer said. ?But we?re certainly not going to get the cart before the horse like I think we did last year.?
The Vols opened preseason practice Friday afternoon, and Fulmer was uncharacteristically a few minutes late to media day at Neyland Stadium because he was watching the practice film again.
Players waited in line to be filmed for their starting lineup introductions that will be displayed on the JumboTron at games. Some of the players had a backdrop of indoor fireworks shooting off or a big flame firing up.
?I hope they don?t set me on fire,? kicker James Wilhoit said as he waited in line. But he didn?t have to worry. His shot just had flashing lights and fog.
Fulmer mentioned a few players specifically. He said he hoped the young defensive ends ? there are no starters back ? can establish themselves so Turk McBride can play inside more next to Justin Harrell.
He said sophomore Demetrice Morley is a key in the secondary but needs to be more consistent. Morley didn?t start last year but played in all 11 games.
Senior linebacker Marvin Mitchell has been reinstated to the team, Fulmer said. Mitchell was suspended in May after being arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for not leaving a convenience store as police asked.
On offense, Fulmer said quarterback play was going to be ?crucial.?
?Eric (Ainge) and Jonathon (Crompton) are both from yesterday off to good starts. There were a number of good things that happened yesterday,? Fulmer said.
Unlike in previous years, the coaches plan to allow the quarterbacks to be hit during scrimmages. In the past, they have worn green no-contact jerseys.
Fulmer said he was pleased with the tailbacks. Last year?s starter Arian Foster, LaMarcus Coker and Montario Hardesty are all coming off injuries.
?They are ready to play it looks like. I really 100 percent can?t say that until we get some contact on them and see exactly where they are,? Fulmer said.
Some players have moved to new positions. Redshirt freshman Ricardo Kemp is now at defensive back after practicing mostly at tailback and receiver. Redshirt freshman Vladimir Richard has switched from defensive line to offensive line. Sophomore receiver Austin Rogers will get a look at playing both ways ? in the nickel and dime packages defensively.
Team captains haven?t been elected yet, and Fulmer said he?s looking for players who led by example on and off the field.
The Vols open the season Sept. 2 at home against California.