Erik Ainge News

Vols looking deep

It was a stretch to think Tennessee could stretch the field last season. One year later, it's become a reality.

The deep pass was a rarity for the Volunteers in 2007, mostly because of an offensive scheme that stressed shorter passes and a quarterback who, shall we say, didn't have the strongest arm.

But through one game this season, UT has already proven a willingness to take more chances down the field. And despite some inconsistencies in the loss at UCLA, deep routes are something opponents will have to scheme for, starting with UAB this weekend.

"We know those are low percentage throws, but if you can hit one or two of those, I think it forces them to do different things on defense," first-year UT offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said. "And that's really one of the failings of the (UCLA) game. We had a number of opportunities to get the ball down the field and didn't execute."

Last season UT only had 10 pass plays that went for more than 40 yards or more. Three different players completed those passes, including former quarterback Erik Ainge, current quarterback Jonathan Crompton, and receiver Lucas Taylor who tossed a 56-yard pass on a trick play.
Starting quickly

The Volunteers already have one under their belt in 2008, and there could have been many more. Crompton hit receiver Josh Briscoe for a 41-yard pass play, and just missed connecting on several others.

"If people do as they did, and lock up and try to play you man-to-man, you have to make them pay," UT Coach Phillip Fulmer said. "One or two of those deep balls would have made a tremendous difference in the ballgame. We have to make those plays."

Clawson rattled off several other pass plays that might have changed the outcome. One was an attempt to receiver Austin Rogers, and two more were in the direction of tight end Brandon Warren.

"We wanted to sting them deep and back them off a little bit," Clawson said.

It was apparent Crompton struggled with his accuracy, but the coaching staff was quick to point out that the misses weren't anyone's fault in particular. At times there were breakdowns in pass protection. Other times, the receivers were unable to use their speed to separate from the Bruins' defensive backs. That, players said, would change.

"As of right now, we are still working on that, to get separation," said receiver Lucas Taylor, who had three catches, including a 19-yarder, at UCLA. "It's going to come for us."
Ready to launch

When and if UT's receivers separate better, Crompton will be ready to sling it down the field. The junior, who was unavailable to the media on Tuesday because of classes, has shown time and again the ability to launch deep passes. The throws are often just within reach of his receivers and out of reach to defenders.

"Jonathan throws a really nice long ball," Clawson said Tuesday, reinforcing what he's known since the spring.

In fact, an argument can be made that Crompton is more accurate with the longer passes than the combination of short- and mid-ranged throws.

Take last season. He completed only seven passes last year as a backup, but his best was a 49-yard pass to former receiver Kenny O'Neal against Louisiana-Lafayette.

It proved to be the sixth-longest pass completion of the season for UT.

See More at www.theleafchronicle.com

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