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Vols will have to make do with merely impressive players

by Tony Basilio

Pity our poor offensive coaching staff. While the Vol defense tries to replace seven starters, offensive coordinator Randy Sanders and Co. must somehow string together enough tin cans to make a go of it on the other side of the ball. And upon closer inspection of the offensive personnel, it’s apparent that it won’t be easy.

At quarterback, Tennessee must settle between sensational freshmen prospects Eric Ainge and Brent Schaeffer. Eric, the nephew of former NBA star Danny Ainge, has shown great touch and command of Tennessee’s offense in his brief time on campus. Schaeffer may be the greatest surprise of all; poise, athleticism and a good arm are a combustible combination. Yep, this one will be like squeezing blood from a stone.

At running back, the cupboard is equally bare. The unit is led by former Parade All-America Gerald Riggs Jr., the Chattanooga product whose father starred for the Falcons and Redskins in the NFL. Infrequently used in his first two seasons, Riggs admittedly needs a breakout season to quiet the critics who’ve labeled him a disappointment, but an outstanding pre-season has allowed him to run neck-and-neck with senior Corey Larkins. If not Riggs or Larkins then perhaps Cedric Houston is the choice—a former Parade All-American from Arkansas who needs a little over 1,200 yards to become Tennessee’s all time leading rusher. Or the Vols could turn to Jabari Davis, who was the top back in the South when he came out of Georgia three years ago, choosing Tennessee over just about everyone in the country. Like Riggs and Houston, Davis is another former Parade All-America honoree. Hope the coaches can find some able talent at RB.

Now we come to our woeful wide receiver corps. Redshirt freshman Robert Meachem has been sensational in summer workouts. Head coach Phillip Fulmer has called the 6’3”, 230-pound high-flyer “the finest young wide receiver I’ve ever coached.” Yet another Parade All-American honoree, Meachem missed last \year due to injury, but he was phenomenal in summer workouts.

Beyond Meachem, 6’3” sophomore Bret Smith may be ready to take a step forward. A Parade All-American out of Warren, Ark., Smith played well in limited action in ’03 and netted 45 yards receiving in the Peach Bowl. But the best of the bunch may be junior Chris Hannon, who stepped forward in ’03 with 21 catches. The former Florida schoolboy presents a lanky 6’4”, 195-pound target that makes him tough to cover and equally tough to bring down.

Junior C.J. Fayton has wide receiver coach Pat Washington’s nod as the most improved UT pass catcher. Fayton has already proven to be a clutch player in his two years on the Hill; his 29-yard catch on 4th and 19 in last year’s Alabama game probably saved the Vols. And Derrick Tinsley may have slid down the depth chart some, but not for any lack of talent. The Marietta, Ga., product came to UT four years ago as a Parade All-American at running back. Geez. Even John Chavis says this group is the finest collection of talent at wideout that he’s seen at UT in his 26 years.

And who’s going to block for these guys? Senior Michael Munoz, at 6’6” and 315 pounds, is back anchoring the left tackle spot. Injuries have slowed his career somewhat, but this is still a guy who won the Bobby Dodd Award back in 1999 as the most outstanding lineman in high school football. Munoz, as if it needed to be stated, is also a former Parade All-American selection.

Left guard Rob Smith earned Tennessee’s coveted Harvey Robinson award as the most improved player on the squad back in the spring. Smith looks to realize the potential that he carried from Fort Thomas, Ky., a couple of years back. The 6’4”, 308-pound prodigy made virtually every All-America team possible, including the illustrious Parade squad.

Center will be anchored by 6’3”, 305-pound Jason Respert. The Big Nasty was his nickname coming out of high school in Warner Robbins, Ga., back in 2000. Respert, who has 10 career starts, is yet another former Parade All-American selection.

Right guard Cody Douglas brings nine starts and superb consistency into his junior season. A former SuperPrep All-America out of La Marque, Texas, the massive 6’4”, 325-pound Douglas gives Tennessee a guy who can play anywhere on the line. And right tackle Albert Toeaina is simply the strongest man to ever play at UT. A massive 6’6”, 350 pounds, Toeaina has been destroying opponents at City College of San Francisco for the past two seasons. In off-season workouts, he wowed teammates with a school record-breaking 550-pound bench press.

After finishing the past two seasons 86th and 67th in the nation in total offense, Tennessee must somehow find a way to patch together a formidable attack. Offensive coach Randy Sanders only has nine former Parade All-Americans at his disposal, so let’s all be sure and wish him the best.

Tune in and talk sports with Tony Basilio weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN Radio WVLZ 1180 AM.

September 2, 2004 • Vol. 14, No. 36 © 2004 Metro Pulse