RTT#s 9 and 8 Chris Walker and Chris Donald: reviewing the class of 2007

by Joel Hollingsworth on May 10, 2008 9:33 AM EDT in Tennessee Volunteer Football

Ooh, special Saturday morning edition!

Two of the most-hyped players in the 2007 class were in-state linebackers Chris Walker and Chris Donald. Donald didn't play at all last season, however, and while Walker played in every game, he had only three tackles the entire season, and all three of them came against Louisiana-Lafayette.

There was quite a bit of talk last season about moving both of these guys to defensive end, and Walker actually did play some at end (I think) and was listed second on the depth chart at left end behind Wes Brown for the spring game. Donald was listed as third on the depth chart at middle 'backer, though, so it appears he's staying at the position at which he was recruited.

Anyway, here's a recap of both players' profiles from last year because it appears to still be the best information we have on them:

If you recall, Walker is the consummate snot-knocker and Donald was the No. 1 linebacker in the nation (in 2007, remember) who told the world he was all Vol and upon discovering the world wasn't really listening decided to have some fun with said world by sending it mixed signals about his college choice.

My gut is that these guys are, in fact, as good as we'd hoped, but that they're just biding their time in John Chavis' system.

Monday, we'll get to Gerald Jones, Lennon Creer, Brent Vinson, Ben Martin (although we don't have much info on him), and Eric Berry.

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So what you're saying is

that I can kiss my Monday productivity goodbye!

by David Hooper on May 10, 2008 11:58 AM EDT reply actions

Having an LB with DE possibilities

I wonder if we're going to see much 3-4 defense with an OLB pass rush.

by David Hooper on May 10, 2008 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

Doubtful

Last year, we had a big discussion on here about the possiblity of running a 3-4, given that we were loaded at LB and relatively inexperienced on the DLine. I think it's safe to say that Chief won't do much changing in his schemes.

by Aerobab on May 10, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Donald

was a guy I didn't think we would see much of because we already had a lot of depth at LB. I thought he would start to make a name for himself as a sophomore. But to be honest I haven't heard much about his progress this spring. Any word?

by Getoffmyvols on May 10, 2008 12:14 PM EDT reply actions

Monday

I'll have to see that!
Also, just a heads up, 5 days left in TVB Contest. Might be good to send out one last reminder.

UT Vols Football-Where SEC and Vol Fans Come

by Sports Fan on May 10, 2008 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

Hmm. Clarification

That "Monday"?

Should be "Beginning Monday,".

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on May 10, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

Gotcha.

I understand now. Ben Martin was from around here so I may be able to help if any info needed.

UT Vols Football-Where SEC and Vol Fans Come

by Sports Fan on May 10, 2008 6:24 PM EDT reply actions

Hmm

Did you happen to pay closer attention to him this year seeing as he's from around your area? I'm afraid all I'm going to be able to contribute is that he got hurt early, that he played some, and that he was highly praised in the spring.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on May 10, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I heard that Ben Martin

is developing a cure for cancer from his fingernails.
has a strong personal magnetic field around him that helps guide footballs straight toward his hands.
likes to help little old ladies cross the street.
doesn't sleep at night so he has more time to volunteer at various homeless shelters.
memorized the entire playbook in one week, then un-memorized it so he could relearn it again with his teammates.
can actually run the 40 in the 4.1 range but doesn't so the others don't feel jealous. What a saint.

Or something like that. ;)

by David Hooper on May 10, 2008 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions

If Only

We all know that those are Tebow's attributes.

by Aerobab on May 10, 2008 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow

So what you're saying is that Ben Martin and I are a lot alike? I can un-memorize as well as he can.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on May 10, 2008 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I know...

...he saw some playing time this past year, most notable against So. Miss.
...he's a stockpile of raw talent that started playing a few years back.
...Coach Fulmer loves him. Said he will be an All-American at Tennessee.
...he tore my high school team apart.

I may be able to tell you some more but after his injury I didn't hear much about him. Email me if you need to. Hope I helped.

UT Vols Football-Where SEC and Vol Fans Come

by Sports Fan on May 11, 2008 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions