http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/SPORTS0601/808040325/1035
Coordinator brings balance to Vols' new offense
KNOXVILLE — It's mere coincidence the Tennessee football team will be in California playing UCLA next month when the Vols unveil their new West Coast offense.
It could be one of the most intriguing unveilings in recent UT football history.
Spring practice offered a glimpse of the new scheme, but it remains to be seen how first-year offensive coordinator Dave Clawson plans to blend the Vols' many ground weapons into a system synonymous with great passing.
"I guess we'll see when the season comes," UT starting tailback Arian Foster said. "In the spring, there are a lot of scrimmages and situational things. You can't really get a feel on what he likes to call. But what he tells us, and what he believes in, is getting playmakers the ball.
"And we have a lot of playmakers at the running back position."
West Coast-ish
A traditional West Coast offense, first popularized by late San Francisco 49ers Coach Bill Walsh, goes against the theory that the running game needs to be established first. Instead, short passes in non-traditional formations pepper the play calling.
Clawson's style isn't strictly West Coast, but instead features elements of it. The players will be more spread out than in years past. Offensive linemen will be responsible for multiple positions, depending on the play.
There'll also be some razzle-dazzle with players inserted into skill positions they don't typically play.
But some basics will remain on the books. Coach Phillip Fulmer has always stressed the run game, and Clawson's offense will likely incorporate it heavily. That means Foster, along with fellow running backs Montario Hardesty, Lennon Creer and Tauren Poole, will get plenty of touches.
"I think Arian's versatility is the biggest thing he brings to the table," Clawson said. "He's not just a big running back who can carry the ball. He's not just a guy who can line up in the slot. Arian has the ability to run with the football and make people miss. He has the ability to protect and the ability to catch the football. And when you have a guy like that — a triple threat — it helps you."
UT ran the ball 459 times last season and passed it 534 times. This year, despite the makeover on offense, the Volunteers will still strive for balance.
In fact, UT may be more run-oriented early on while first-year starting quarterback Jonathan Crompton grows comfortable in the new system. As he does, expect the play-calling to grow into the more traditional West Coast style of shorter passes, then field-stretching throws.
That plan sits fine with Crompton, who isn't fighting to sling the ball around quite yet. He says he knows how vitally important his running backs will be, and how much pressure they will take off of him.
"We're going to run the ball, run play action and do everything we can," Crompton said. "We've got a heck of a running game and a heck of an offensive line. And we know we can spread the ball around to a lot of people."
