KNOXVILLE — Upon further review, the initial call stands.
In the moments following Tennessee's first full scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday, Coach Phillip Fulmer said the defense played well, the kicking game improved, and the offense moved the ball but turned it over too much. After watching the film, his opinion didn't change.
That means questions surrounding starting quarterback Jonathan Crompton remain. While showing poise and good retention of a new offense, Crompton continued to force throws and toss drive-killing interceptions.
"I thought Jon had a good scrimmage," Fulmer said. "His numbers were good, but ... You don't want to keep saying, 'but.' You don't want to make that one throw. In this league when everything is even, there are just a few plays and a few players in a game that makes a difference. We cannot give the ball up."
On Saturday, Crompton threw one interception after the ball was barely tipped, and threw another as he locked onto a receiver as a whistle was blown signaling a sack. Fulmer referenced UT's Orange and White game to illustrate a common thread he has seen.
"The spring game is a perfect example. He had a great scrimmage and then there late he forced the ball," Fulmer said. "He's getting there. It's a work in progress. He's serious about doing well. He'll get there. I know he'll get there. You want to learn the hard lessons in scrimmages. You don't want to learn them in a big game."
Story