Vols hoping to resurrect winning tradition in 2003

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Posted 3:38PM on Thursday, August 14, 2003

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - Forget The Future. The Tennessee Volunteers are hoping to resurrect their program's past glory to find success in 2003 with healthier bodies and minds. If determination and charismatic leadership is enough to win games, pencil in 13 wins for the Vols. Last year's 8-5 record, including a 30-3 loss to Maryland in the Peach Bowl, was the worst result since 1988 and an embarrassment at Tennessee, which won the national title in 1998 with a perfect record. The Vols, who host Fresno State Aug. 30 to open the season, used the humbling experience to motivate themselves during offseason conditioning and weightlifting and to forge better bonds between players. Tennessee elected six captains, including two juniors, who are more vocal than in years past. ``I think we've gone leaps and bounds as far as maturity levels. Last year we had a lot of guys who were clowns,'' said center Scott Wells, a senior captain. ``We still clown around and have a good time, but we know when to put that aside and get serious. We basically don't want a repeat of last year. That was a learning experience. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way and we did last year.'' Star receiver Kelley Washington, who dubbed himself ``The Future'' before last season, was a factor in upsetting team chemistry because of what players perceived as a me-first attitude. The team relied on him to carry the offense, but he played in only four games because of injuries. This year, the Vols don't have a big star, and they like it that way. Quarterback Casey Clausen described the team as close knit. ``Attitude is the best thing we have going for us,'' coach Phillip Fulmer said. An uncanny slew of injuries that made 19 starters miss at least one game each in 2002 was another problem Tennessee hopes to overcome this season. Linebackers Kevin Burnett and Kevin Simon, defensive end Constantin Ritzmann and safety Rashad Baker are some of the key players who have recovered. With off-field problems gone, Tennessee can focus on areas that need big improvement from last year. Offensively, the Vols are still looking for dynamic receivers and believe they may have fixed that by moving senior Mark Jones from the secondary to receiver. He has already earned a starting spot, and he will also play some at safety and likely return punts. ``I think people are going to see how big a difference he's going to make on offense,'' Clausen said. The running game, led by tailback Cedric Houston, should be improved with a tougher offensive line. Last year, the line often had problems with assignments, mainly because injuries meant players couldn't settle in at one position. ``We have six or seven offensive linemen that know the system, have been here and gone through it. If we have one guy fall out of the first five, we have one or two more guys step up and we won't have to re-explain everything. So the assignments aren't really a factor this year, it's more the attitude,'' Wells said. Fulmer is hoping the guards will be tougher like Cosey Coleman and Fred Weary of years past. Clausen is solid as a fourth-year starter, but watch out if he gets hurt. He missed two games last year with injuries, and neither quarterback C.J. Leak or James Banks performed well. Leak remains the top backup in the preseason while Banks has been getting more practice time at receiver. ``I don't know,'' is Fulmer's answer now to what to do about the No. 2 QB spot. For the second year in a row, Tennessee has to find defensive line starters. Ritzmann, a pass-rush specialist, is a sure starter. Karlton Neal will likely be the other end with the tackles up in the air. Senior Mondre Dickerson is considered one of the most talented at tackle but hasn't been consistent. The Vols boast one of the best linebacking corps they've had in a while with Burnett, Simon, Robert Peace, Marvin Mitchell and Jason Mitchell. Tennessee continues to search for a clear-cut left cornerback. On special teams, the Vols are breaking in a new placekicker with the graduation of Alex Walls. James Wilhoit, a redshirt freshman, impressed coaches even last year with his accuracy in practice. Punter Dustin Colquitt is considered one of the best in the country going into his junior year.