2002 Statistics

written by Collin Mickle

Casey Clausen, the talented senior QB, may find himself thankfully playing second fiddle to the Volunteer's talented running backs. Juniors Cedric Houston and Jabari Davis make up one of the SEC's best one-two combinations at tailback. Both are big, strong runners with the speed to get past tacklers and the power to run through them. Houston started eight games in 2002, while Davis opened five.

Joining Houston and Davis in the backfield is senior fullback Troy Fleming, a remarkably versatile player who contributes as a blocker, runner, and pass receiver. Fleming deserves much of the credit for the strides the Vols were able to make on the ground. Third-down back Derrick Tinsley, a junior, is one of Tennessee's fastest players and a quality receiver (five TDs).

The Volunteers ranked seventh in the SEC in rushing offense, so there is likely to be a new emphasis on the run in 2003. Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer should make the decision to rein in the passing game in favor of emphasizing the talents of Davis and Houston. With question marks abounding on defense, Tennessee would be well-advised to play a time of possession game, keeping opponents offenses off the field and bludgeoning defenses with the 232-pound Davis, 210-pound Houston, and the 226-pound Fleming.

No matter how great (the emphasis on) the ground game, the Volunteers will occasionally be forced to take to the air. Jason Witten and Kelley Washington left Knoxville for the NFL, a serious blow to the receiver corps. But the receiving crews ability to get open will stay strong. Tony Brown, who started in place of the injured Washington for most of the season, finished tied with Witten for the team lead with 39 catches. The 6-2 Brown improved over the course of 2002 and should still get better. Jonathan Wade, meanwhile, started the last three games of the season for the injured (and since-graduated) Leonard Scott. Wade is a speedster who will stretch the field in his second season. Both will have enough experience to make clutch plays when needed. Behind them, the receiving corps is full of questions. None of the back-ups played a major role yet, but some have needed experience.

The top returning lineman is left tackle Michel Muñoz. Muñoz played at 100% after missing 2001 with a knee injury. He is destined to achieve the stellar heights his NFL Hall-of-Fame father, already making strides worthy of national recognition. Senior center Scott Wells is a team leader with 36 straight starts and more snaps than any other in burnt orange. They are the lone bright spots on this line. RT Will Ofenheusle, a first-team All-SEC selection, is gone. His most likely replacement is inexperienced sophomore Richie Gandy, who saw action in four games as a reserve in 2002. Gandy has good size but is untested. Another option could likely be senior Sean Young. Their 41 sacks allowed and 3.8 yards-per-carry average do not prove much worth in the line's overall quality. Pressure will be on them to dually open up running lanes and pass-protect - a tall order for a Vol line with this much range in player quality.

Forgive Clausen if he seems shell-shocked. After a pair of outstanding seasons, Clausen appeared headed for an excellent junior campaign. Clausen was even being touted as a preseason dark-horse Heisman candidate. A funny thing happened on the way to the Downtown Athletic Club, though - Tennessee's offense fell apart (besieged by injuries) and finished in the bottom half of the SEC in total yardage, 85th in I-A in total offense. Clausen has to shake off any ill-effects psychologically, knowing defenses will look to rattle him early and often until he keeps them honest and proves he is in control once again.

OT Michael Munoz

written by Collin Mickle

Sophomore defensive end Parys Haralson, a converted linebacker, has the most potential of any of the three newcomers on the defensive line. He has the ability to pressure and should anchor this unproven group and shine, regardless. Jason Mitchell returns as the starting weak side linebacker. He has some experience after starting the final three contests. As a redshirt freshman, Mitchell showed flashes of absolute dominance and should be the highlight-reel player the defense needs at its core.

With the several problems and questions in the front seven, the secondary will again be the strong link. Tennessee returns three starters from the NCAA's fourth ranked pass defense, including senior free safety Rashad Baker (torn MCL). Baker was named second-team All-SEC after leading the team in INTs. Although he will be limited in the spring, he should be ready to play by fall, taking over the leadership of this unit from top-notch departed-CB Julian Battle. There will be a little drop-off.

Coaches will probably scheme their coverages to provide the corners with help. The Volunteers have that luxury because of the presence of senior Jabari Greer at the other corner position. Greer is a gifted playmaker, even if he does have a tendency to gamble. Strong safety Gibril Wilson is the hard-hitter to complete possibly the best returning secondary in the nation. This group can commit an extra helmet to the box and still remain effective, disguising their intentions in nickel-packages to impose flexibility with run-blitzes, 3-deeps, etc. But five DBs bait the offense into running more, and this group needs to be ready to help in that department BIGTIME. This should happen, but the DBs are then to be the team's leading tacklers, a problem. (see below).

The uncertainties begin up front. Tennessee bids farewell to three starters on the line. The lone returnee - junior end Karlton Neal - missed four games with a knee injury. The newcomers are an inexperienced trio. Haralson will be strong, as noted. Senior tackle Mondre Dickerson played both end and tackle but will have to bulk up (from his current 265 pounds) to be a presence inside. The competition to replace Moore at defensive tackle is wide open, but none of the candidates have much experience. Senior Terriea Smalls, a former offensive lineman, will compete with redshirt freshmen LaRon Harris, Matt McGlothlin and Justin Harrell.

Although the linebacking corps returns four players who started at least one game at linebacker, the quartet is unset position-wise. Peace started five games at middle linebacker until he broke his foot. Peace is unlikely to be at full strength for spring practice, possibly opening an opportunity for another willing candidate, who will be the first-teamer in Peace's absence. Burnett is expected to be back (torn ACL) to full speed. If he suffers a setback in the rehabilitation process, Kevin Simon could take his place. Simon is also recovering from a broken ankle, but is expected to participate in spring drills. These players will be the key to any defensive balance, and therefore all-important to the entire team's performance. If they can run-stop, this secondary will have opponents grounded so that success is then attained.

The defense was even more affected by the injury bug than the offense, yet still played well, ranking second in the SEC in total defense and third in scoring defense. If Tennessee repeats close to those numbers, defensive coordinator John Chavis should try walking on water.

FS Rashad Baker