So, there are lots of things that I like about the Kiffin crew, now that the hype has died down. I like the energy, I like the intensity, and I like swagger. I loved the class of 2009 and the fact that Kiffin told some high profile recruits to take a walk. I love that Kiffin has been classy when talking about Coach Fulmer.

One thing I don’t love… the lack of a strong leader or arm at quarterback. I don’t want to hate on the current two, because I think we shouldn’t judge them for last year. First, the team was not organized and was struggling with a new strategy and identity. Also, I think the folks hating on Jonathan Compton need to remember that he’s a 22 year old college student, not a super hero. Sure he has some issues that need to be resolved, but he wasn’t the sole reason we had a bad season. That being said, we’ve got to get a good arm and a good leader at QB. With a good arm, we can air it out a little to the wide receivers, opening up the field and stretching the defense. With a good leader, we can make smart plays and identify running routes for arguably the best running team in college football. Who can be that QB?

That brings me to the Scoggins drama. I’ve been commenting on Orange Koolaid that I’m really tired of these football players acting like little drama queens. They drag out the decision, they’re indecisive, they let the media toy with them… Come on, guys. You’re football players, not cheerleaders. We need more John Wayne and less Anna Nicole Smith from you. I want the guy that stays cool under pressure, keeps his grin and icey stare, and knows how to snap his team into position. I want the guy that gives an attitude adjustment in the locker room and praises the team on the field. Frankly, I don’t want the media hog that can’t make up his mind about where to play football. I wish Mr. Scoggins the best of luck, and if he does commit to USC, then I think he’s going to get a chance for spotlight… in three years. Assuming that USC doesn’t recruit a 5 star quarterback in the mean time, which I think they’ll try to do next year.

Rettig at Camp- Loaded, Locked, and Ready

With Scoggins leaning more and more towards USC, it is rumored that UT offered to Califnoria QB Chase Rettig. As was noted on Orange Koolaid, we don’t really know Chase’s full potential because he played on a pretty bad team last year. He did get called the “hardest thrower” at the Elite 11 in Berkley a few weeks back, and a few college football pundits have commented that his talent and potential have gone unnoticed in Scoggin’s shadow. He’s transferred schools this year with hopes of polishing his skills and playing with better quality staff and team. I’m hopeful about Chase for three reasons: 1. I love the underdog in these contests because they’ve got something to prove, 2. Chase wanted to be a Volunteer early on… and UT almost let him slip away to Boston College, and 3. Chase has played for a less than perfect team, and it’ll help him make the most of his team. I hope that he makes the commitment to UT. Oh, did I mention that he also has decent grades and is worried about academics. Both are signs that he’ll be a good leader and example. Read more about him at Orange Koolaid.

We’ve still got the QB Blues in Knoxville… but the tempo might be picking up. If Rettig can be coached and we get a solid smash mouth game built, UT could see a solid winning record, a top 10 rank end of season, and maybe muster a high profile bowl appearance in 2010. In the mean time, I hope Chase commits to the Vols. Wear the orange and do us proud!