Fulmer has high hopes for 'much better team'
By Mike Griffith, News-Sentinel sportswriter
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Phillip Fulmer didn't sweat the bright lights, high expectations or pointed questions at the SEC Media Days Thursday afternoon.
The Vols head coach spoke with the candor and comfort of a man who's confident about the future.
"I'm expecting us to be a much better team than we were last year," Fulmer said. "So much of what we did last year was with smoke and mirrors."
Much of what UT does this year will be determined by quarterback Casey Clausen. The Vols' sophomore signal caller was voted first team on the preseason All-SEC team.
"At times last year it was a thrill a minute, but you can't argue with the results, with him winning six games in a row and breaking a lot of Peyton Manning's (freshman) records," Fulmer said. "The kid has something to him. Now he needs to take control of the offensive football team."
It appears he already has.
"This is Casey's offense, and we'll go as far as he takes us," UT senior captain Will Bartholomew said. "He already seems like a veteran because he's so calm and cool. I don't know what it is about him, but nothing rattles the man from California."
Not even the pressure that comes with being selected as the SEC's top quarterback.
"Sure, it's an honor, but preseason stuff isn't anything to get excited about," said Clausen, who beefed up to 217 pounds in the off-season. "Our focus is on the season. I know what I can do, and my teammates and coaches know what I can do. We're ready to roll."
WEIGHTY GAINS: Offensive lineman Fred Weary broke Darwin Walker's UT bench press record by lifting 535 pounds earlier this week. Will Bartholomew set the fullback record with a 515-pound lift, and Keyon Whiteside broke the linebacker record with a 505-pound press. Defensive end Omari Hand benched 505, and center Scott Wells did 500 pounds. Offensive tackles Anthony Herrera and Reggie Coleman lifted 455 pounds. John Henderson raised 440.
CATCH THIS: Fulmer said UT's receiving was "average" last year, and he' wants improvement.
"We're not getting things like we did with Peerless Price; he made people miss," Fulmer said. "Donte Stallworth is capable of doing that, and so is Kelley Washington.
"Donte would have great games for us, with 10 or 11 catches, and then he would disappear; it was a mystery. Kelley has a chance to be a starter right off the bat at receiver. He's a dynamite player."
Fulmer said he wants Leonard Scott to make big plays, too.
"I'd like the guy who set the record in the indoor 60 meters to be out there," he said. "Leonard needs to be more consistent catching the ball."
MIXED MESSAGE: "Travis Stephens is our tailback," Fulmer said. "I think he can be an every-down player."
Fulmer also said the incoming freshmen will compete.
"Any of the four can be in the mix for the tailback position," he said. "There's no question they have a chance to impact our team."
Stephens had 11 carries for 62 yards in two spring scrimmages. He missed two other scrimmages with a hamstring injury.
COVER CHARGE: Fulmer didn't mince words when asked about the Vols' secondary.
"We had 12 balls that hit us in the hands that we could have had as turnovers and that makes a big difference," he said. "We need play-makers back there - not just robots that will run alongside a receivers, let them catch the ball, and then make the tackle."
LINEBACKERS: "Dominique (Stevenson) needs to play more consistent," Fulmer said. "He had an average junior year. Remember the names Kevin Burnett and Eddie Moore."
SPEED BURNERS: Washington and cornerback Willie Miles clocked the fastest 40 times in the offseason. Reports have the pair running times between 4.29 and 4.35. Leonard Scott wasn't timed in the 40.
BUD WISER: Hall of Fame sports information director Bud Ford said UT will wait until after the Florida game before deciding whether to launch a Heisman campaign for John Henderson.
"The first three games will dictate what happens," Ford said. "The Florida game will be key," Ford said. "If John gets four or five sacks in the first three games, and Tennessee is 3-0, he could be in that position."
HEISMAN HYPE II: Henderson talked about Washington as though he were the Heisman candidate.
"When (Kelley) scrambles he's like the wind, and he has a cannon for an arm," Henderson said. "He's amazing. He throws that ball like (John) Elway used to do. I'd play him at both quarterback and wide receiver."
Clausen agreed.
"Kelley's play this year will speak for itself," Clausen said. "People will know about him quick this year."
TAILBACK TANGO: Fulmer said Troy Fleming also will compete at tailback in addition to being the second-string fullback.
BART'S OPINION: Bartholomew also spoke highly of Washington.
"He looks like a five-year veteran in the NFL," Bartholomew said. "He's in the weight room 10 hours a day."
UT's senior fullback also said he's been impressed with junior college transfer Julian Battle, who has proclaimed himself as a starter and impact player at safety.
"He looks like everything he says he is," Bartholomew said.
Bartholomew also praised 6-0, 215-pound Cedric Houston. "He has great feet for a big man and he's agile," he said. "I think he'll do great things."
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