Talking points: Eric Berry is "full of crap" and the offense still lives

by Joel on Aug 12, 2009 7:43 AM EDT in Rocky Top Talking Points Comment 7 comments

Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty is tackled during football practice Saturday, Aug. 8 2009 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

3 months ago: Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty is tackled during football practice Saturday, Aug. 8 2009 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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Offense. It's still alive! It appears that the offense is continuing to build on Saturday's successful scrimmage. Bryce Brown and David Oku each scored short-yardage touchdowns to end two-a-days on Monday, giving the offense a 6-4 win, and Jonathan Crompton apparently threw several very nice passes and again had no interceptions (same link). Crompton's roommate, Wes Brown, also disclosed that Crompton had an ankle injury and several concussions for much of last year, which could further explain some things.
Liar. Eric Berry may win the Heisman, but he's "full of crap," according to freshman defensive back Janzen Jackson. When Jackson was told about Berry saying that Jackson and Darren Myles were more ready to play as freshmen than he was, Jackson rolled his eyes and set the record straight:

"Oh, man, he's full of crap. He's full of crap," Jackson said with a laugh and a shake of his head. "Eric's a good guy. He's real humble, and I couldn't ask for a better tutor. I call him a tutor because he helps me out all the time. It's a pleasure learning under him because he knows everything. . . ."

Injuries are beginning to mount. The unavailable list now includes LB Rico McCoy, CBs Art Evans and Brent Vinson, DE Chris Walker, LB Herman Lathers, and S Stephaun Raines. Additionally, the NCAA Clearinghouse kicked freshman CB Eric Gordon off the field Tuesday, although Scout.com cites sources that the matter was quickly resolved ($) and that Gordon would return today.
Well that's not so bad. DT Montori Hughes has "superstar" potential, but, like many true freshmen, lacks consistency at this time. Apparently, if you get him angry, watch out, but if you can lull him into apathy, you can have your way with him. John Adams likens him more to Albert Haynesworth than John Henderson in that regard, but either way, that's a pretty favorable comparison, at least from a talent standpoint.
Beating Ben. Gerald Williams is now a DE and worked Tuesday with the No. 1 unit for the second consecutive day ahead of Ben Martin.
Nu'Gun. Same as the old gun. Kiffin experimented a bit with Nu'Keese Richardson at QB. Richardson threw a couple of incomplete passes and handed off to tailbacks, once fumbling the exchange.
Appeal. Austin Rogers is appealing for a sixth year of eligibility, and counting 2009 he meets the requirement of having missed two seasons due to injury, but predicting what the NCAA will do is hazardous.
Cody Sullins must be quite good. Josh McNeil has made the Outland Trophy Watch List despite not having locked down the starting center gig.
The morphing of Scott. Chris Scott has "changed his whole body type" in the offseason, according to OL coach James Cregg, which may explain why we haven't heard any more of the "Chris Walker is unblockable" talk this fall.
It's not talking to the internet. Congratulations to Drew Edwards, who has joined the UT staff as the assistant director of Internet communications.

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I love Berry's humility

I remember an interview last year where he was saying the same things about Morley and Vinson (i.e., that he wasn’t as athletic as them). The response from both of them, as I vaguely recall, was something like “Come on man, he’s…ERIC BERRY.”

Often times the media will paint a rosy picture of a guy that really isn’t that nice of a guy. For example, I always thought Chris Carter was the nicest guy, greatest teammate, best locker room guy, etc. And then I watched an NFL films on the ’98 Vikings. That guy is an @ss!

I don’t believe this to be the case with Berry. I really do think he is genuinely humble.

_________________________________
Eric Berry is better at football than you

by kidbourbon on Aug 12, 2009 7:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really hope Austin

Gets the appeal from the NCAA. Guy really deserves it, I think.

by bobo_the_vol on Aug 12, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Having to sit out a year with an injury would have to really stink. Having to sit out your last year due to an injury would really really stink.

Rocky Top Talk

by Joel on Aug 12, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So with Nu'Keese throwing a couple of incomplete passes and a couple of successful handoffs, does that mean he's the #1 QB?

Eric Berry for sending the guy who wins the Heisman spinning 720 degrees in the air at the podium - or for intercepting it and returning it to where it rightfully belongs

by Graysnail on Aug 12, 2009 6:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs