Getting to know Tennessee coach Derek Dooley

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 19, 2010 7:13 AM EST in Rocky Top Talking Points

Today's talking points:

If you missed last night's podcast, you need to download it, as it turned out to be one of our best because of the guests who joined us. At about the 15 minute mark, we talked with Blake Smith, a former Louisiana Tech linebacker who graduated in 2001 but continues to follow the program. A bit after that, Thomas Graham, an offensive lineman who just finished his playing career with the Bulldogs and three years under coach Dooley, joined us. Both guys had great things to say about Dooley and had insight into the guy that no one in Knoxville knows yet. Seriously, have a listen.
SB Nation's Boise State blog, OBNUG, also has the Broncos' perspective on Dooley in two posts, one that ranked the WAC coaches going into 2009 and one that previewed the 2009 game between the Broncos and the Bulldogs.
And . . . former Vol Chuck Smith vouches for Dooley, per GVX.
Tennessee-bound Tobias Harris had 35 points in a 75-56 win for Half Hollow Hills West over Sacred Heart Saturday at the Spalding Hoophall Classic. Highlights? Highlights:

Hoophall Classic highlight rel: Tobias Harris (Tennessee)

The above link also has a video interview of Harris, so follow it.

Luke Stocker breaks his own news via Twitter and says that it's official: he's staying at Tennessee for another year. The guy just got a new fiance and a new puppy, so he's happy here.

Roll Bama Roll previews tonight's Tennessee-Alabama game. The Vols are expecting a rough crowd in Tuscaloosa, and if it wasn't going to be like that, I'm sure this quote from J.P. Prince will do it: "I’m sure Alabama will have some fun chants and signs for us. There’s always gonna be some fool to run his mouth.’’

Note the new SEC Digital Network Video Widget on the right sidebar. Now you can watch all of Tennessee's official, fully-licensed highlights right here at RTT, even in full screen mode, without ever leaving the site. There are also highlights of other SEC games. Kudos to the SEC for making the highlights embeddable. Now if they could only make the thing a bit smaller.

John Adams has a feel-good piece (I know) on how UT coaches stick together for the good of the entire program. Well, Pat Summitt and Bruce Pearl, anyway.

GVX has the inside scoop on Hamilton's interview with Kippy Brown.

Dave Hooker says that UT should release the recent mid-term enrollees. Thoughts?

Texas drops from the ranks of the undefeated after losing to No. 10 Kansas State last night.

SB Nation's own bracketology is up and has Tennessee as a three seed.

GVX has a round up of national criticism of Lane Kiffin.

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Comments

Do any of those kids really want out??

Even if they did, transferring this early isn’t that bad.

by golfballs03 on Jan 19, 2010 8:15 AM EST reply actions

I agree with Hooker

We don’t need anymore prima donna Kelley Washingtons in the locker room. And if there are any of those guys who are disgruntled or upset and don’t want to be in Knoxville, let em go. We’ll be better off without them anyway.

Official MCM Hater!

Retire #9!

by gramsey712 on Jan 19, 2010 8:44 AM EST reply actions

if they don't want to be here they can transfer

by golfballs03 on Jan 19, 2010 8:57 AM EST up reply actions

Harris is like a Point-Power Forward

he can handle the ball well. he will be a great fit in Bruce Pearl’s offense.

by golfballs03 on Jan 19, 2010 9:04 AM EST reply actions

Irony

I’m not a naysayer but I found this quote about Dooley from one of the linked blogs sadly ironic:

“Make no mistake, though, Dooley’s squad had a down year in 2009 and 2010 will show if Dooley is deserving of the praise most have heaped on him since taking over for Jack Bicknell in 2007. Winning at a 44% clip won’t get him any contract extensions…even if he is the A.D.”

It will, however, get you a new contract… with one of the most storied SEC programs and what was, until a few days ago, thought to be one of the top jobs in the country.

by BigTitanFan on Jan 19, 2010 9:48 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Chuck

I want Chick Smith to come coach our d-line. That guy was awesome.

by coopnjaxdad on Jan 19, 2010 10:42 AM EST reply actions

Has anybody heard

comment from Nick Saban on Dooley? I’m just curious since he counts Saban as his mentor if anyone interviewing Saban has asked him about UT hiring Dooley. I’ve looked over several news feeds, but all anybody seems to be interested in is what color Vince Dooley’s wardrobe is going to be….

by dmiles on Jan 19, 2010 11:34 AM EST reply actions