Weekend Blog - 25 Favorite Vols: 25-21

Last year, John Pennington - now a writer for the News-Sentinel, as well as television host - wrote on his GoVolsXtra.com blog (by subscription only but worth the money for my two cents) running a poll about various top Tennessee Football players by position, who was most overrated/underrated, etc. There was also a category he called "Mr. Vol", if I'm remembering correctly - essentially who was your image of UT football. Tweaking that idea just a bit this weekend, what follows are my 25 Favorite Tennessee Players (football, 1989-2005, cause that's what I can remember...it's funny, I used to call 1989-present the "modern era", because we went 5-6 in 1988 and were winners every year after. Oops.)

This is my list - and you're certainly encouraged to play along as we go this weekend - but it's not a list of the best players, or the ones who've had the most productive NFL careers. These are my 25 favorite players based on their time in Knoxville. So of course, it's judged on statistics and memorable moments, performance in critical games, etc...but there's plenty of personal bias. So if you're looking for Jamal Lewis, you'll have to make my brain forget about everything after the 99 Florida game when he stopped playing hard and started saving himself for the NFL. And if you're looking for Kelley Washington, I suggest you try the future.

Off and running with 25-21 today...

25. Will Overstreet (DE - 1998-2001)
1/4 of arguably the greatest defensive line in Tennessee history in 2001 with John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth, Overstreet had the biggest motor of the bunch. There was never any questioning his intensity or fire, something that is sorely missed today. Made immediate impact as a starter in 1999, picking up three sacks against Wyoming. Made two big hits on Rex Grossman in the 2001 Florida game, causing fumbles that weren't called. NFL career cut tragically short due to injuries. I'll take a player like him on my defense every day.

24. Shazzon Bradley (LB/DT - 1988-1991)
I'm not sure if any of you go back this far, but Bradley was the original playmaker on a Tennessee defense in the 90s. Before Tyrone Hines, Al Wilson, or Kevin Burnett, there was Shazzon. He played middle linebacker when the Vols ran a 3-4, and when the alignment switched to the 4-3 in 1990, he moved to defensive tackle. Also scored on a two point conversion on senior day when they snuck Andy Kelly in to hold so he could throw it to him. After graduation, was drafted but pursued professional boxing. The result: 22-0 with 17 KOs in six years, before suffering a detached retina that ended his career. A beast.

23. Dustin Colquitt (P - 2001-2004)
The running joke in the midst of a sloppy 2002 season and a sluggish offensive campaign in 2003 was that Dustin Colquitt was the best player on our team. And that wasn't too far off. Colquitt was the most reliable booming punter in UT's storied punting history. He might've single handedly beaten South Carolina in 2003, or at least forced overtime with six punts over fifty yards and at least two downed inside the two yard line. He kept the Vols in the Miami game long enough to win it - on a fumbled punt, not less - in the same year. His younger brother has a ways to go to even be mentioned in the same breath.

22. Jason Witten (TE - 2000-2002)
Jason Witten stands so far ahead of all the other UT tight ends over the last 15 years, there's simply no comparison. He had a string of games in 2001 where he simply owned the other team's defense, including a punishing performance in Tuscaloosa that made Lou Holtz ask if they could use an elephant gun on him the following week. Also completely dominated everyone Michigan tried to guard him with in the Citrus Bowl. Made the game winning catch in the sixth overtime to beat Arkansas the following year. Overlooked in the NFL Draft after coming out early, Witten has become a star with the Dallas Cowboys.

21. Bill Duff (DT - 1994-1997)
Some of you, I'm sure, will want this man ranked higher, and I won't argue. Shorter on talent, longer on heart, and even better with a microphone in front of him, Bill Duff - who tried professional wrestling after his UT career ended - was the voice and heart of the Tennessee defense. As a sophmore, he denied Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George on 4th and goal from the 1 in the Citrus Bowl (John Ward: "He did not make it! And at the bottom of the pile, it's Bill Duff!" while Duff comes back to the sideline at full sprint, screaming) A postgame conversation with Jimmy Hyams once went something like this: "Bill, do you think today's performance is a case of you guys being that good, or Ole Miss being that bad?" "I'd have to say both, Jimmy."

(updated throughout the weekend)

Random Thoughts for Thursday

You know what's an underrated movie? Rounders.

- After the NBA Draft last night (more Bill Simmons' brilliance right here, which is all you need to know about the draft) - in which my Celtics went round and round and ended up with Sebastian "Through the Fire" Telfair from Portland in a trade, followed by yet another Kentucky Wildcat to make me question my allegiances (scouts who rated Rondo high obviously watched the second half of the UT-UK game in Knoxville - unfortunately most NBA teams will actually guard him), but most importantly, dumped the massive contract of Raef LaFrentz. All of that's nice, but the burning question is, are all of these moves the long and winding road towards Allen Iverson coming to Beantown?

I'm sure you'll hear more about this from me if these rumors keep picking up steam, but this reminds me of the "Bobby Knight to Tennessee" rumors one year ago (wow, glad that didn't work out). For the Boston community in the here and now, Allen Iverson puts more butts in the seats and makes the Celtics news again. But for the long-haul, I wouldn't want Iverson around, plus you're going to have to give up someone like an Al Jefferson to get him. But hey, if you know what Danny Ainge's plan is, give me a call. I'll sleep better.

- With a wise decision, the NCAA has elected to keep the Men's Basketball Tournament at 65 teams. Expansion is a conversation in its own right, but the number reported in this story that some people wanted was 128 teams?! Part of the reason why the dance is special is because you have to earn it. And part of the reason blogs like this one exist in the first place is because bubble teams getting left out makes for good conversation. Look, Tennessee got the bad side of the coin in 2003 with this game, so maybe widening the gap a wee bit to around 70 schools might be helpful. But just because George Mason gets hot doesn't mean every mid-major who can't win their conference tournament gets a free ride...

- Which brings us to the most interesting story of the day: the saga of Winthrop/College of Charleston/no wait Winthrop Coach Gregg Marshall. After agreeing to move to Charleston and doing a press conference, Marshall had a 24 hour change of heart. Maybe he's still feeling the effects of Chris Lofton's one shining moment.

Look, these are both good mid-major schools who can compete for the Dance every year. But who wins in this situation? College of Charleston's brass now look incompetent and too quick to make a good decision. Are Winthrop's players and fans really happy to have a guy back who wanted to leave in the first place - since it's not like he left for Duke - and seems unstable? And for Marshall himself, how many big name schools are going to knock on his door after this one? 24 hours? Marshall said he didn't feel it was fair to coach Charleston with such anxiety. It's 24 hours! Of course there's anxiety! If you're not anxious, you're too unrealistic for this or any profession. Maybe tomorrow he'll head back to Charleston. In the meantime, paging Buzz Peterson...

MLB All-Star Picks

Whilst waiting for the rains to cease so I can mow my lawn & watching the Braves try to snap out of it and actually take two of three from the Yankees...here are my votes for the All-Star game (voting ends tomorrow - vote here)

AMERICAN LEAGUE
First Base - Paul Konerko, White Sox
While Giambi and Big Papi have the star power and the home runs, and other guys like Chris Shelton and Travis Hafner have had good years, Konerko has knocked in 60 with 19 homers, while hitting .315, almost fifty points higher than Giambi and Ortiz.

Second Base - Robinson Cano, Yankees
Jose Lopez in Seattle is the only real alternative here, but Cano has come along quickly in New York to make a name for himself. He went on the DL this week, but is still the best choice here.

Shortstop - Derek Jeter, Yankees
If you want to go with Miguel Tejada here, I won't argue. But Jeter is like Jay Barker - he's the guy that plays for a team that I strongly dislike, but he simply gets it done every single time. The New Yorkers love him in a way that Alex Rodriguez can never attain.

Third Base - Joe Crede, White Sox
All the things I like about Jeter are all the things I don't like about A-Rod...which is unfair, but even so, he's not the best AL third baseman right now. Crede is another reason why the White Sox really are the best team in baseball for the second year in a row. Honorable mention to Mike Lowell and Hank Blalock.

Catcher - Joe Mauer, Twins
There are guys like Posada and I-Rod who have more power and better name recognition - until this year, you say Joe Mauer, I say football? But Mauer is hitting a sick .389 as of this posting, and you can't deny that.

Outfield - Jermaine Dye, White Sox; Manny Ramirez, Red Sox; Vernon Wells, Blue Jays
Reed Johnson and Ichiro probably deserve a spot for hitting so well, but these three are great players on great teams (and Wells is more valuable to the Blue Jays than Johnson). The fans may go for Johnny Damon or Vlad Guerrero, but I'll take these three any day.

Starting Pitchers (you can't vote for these guys, but while we're here...)
Johan Santana, Twins; Roy Halladay, Blue Jays; Jose Contreras, White Sox; Mike Mussina, Yankees; Kenny Rogers, Tigers
Santana might be the best pitcher walking the earth today with an ERA under 3; Halladay is the best pitcher in the crowded AL East, Contreras is undefeated, Mussina keeps getting things done, and Kenny Rogers is a feel good story with 10 wins.

Closer - BJ Ryan, Blue Jays
Yeah, he's not Mariano, but he's given up 17 hits in 38 innings, with 45 strikeouts and 21 saves. Better across the board.

NATIONAL LEAGUE
First Base - Albert Pujols, Cardinals
The best player in baseball? What if he didn't get hurt? I'd love to write Todd Helton here, and Lance Berkman is having a great year...but Pujols is a beast.

Second Base - Dan Uggla, Marlins
Great name to go with his stats, just behind Chase Utley in power and hitting much better. The big names that used to go here - Marcus Giles, Craig Biggio, etc. - have given way to a younger generation.

Shortstop - Jose Reyes, Mets
Don't get me wrong, despite Atlanta's struggles, Edgar Renteria has been a solid accquisition and is playing just as well as Reyes...except on the basepaths, where Reyes owns the rest of the NL with 34 stolen bases. And the Mets are about two touchdowns up on the Braves in the standings. Which hurts.

Third Base - David Wright, Mets
As I like to think of him, the Keith Hernandez of the new millenium. If he keeps this up, he'll get his own Seinfeld episode. Miguel Cabrera is having another good year, but Wright might be the best non-Pujols player in the NL.

Catcher - Brian McCann, Braves
Brian McCann deserves this spot. He's hitting almost fifty points better than the next closest player...who happens to be Chicago's Michael Barrett, and the Cubs are actually worse than the Braves, which means that at least one thing is as it should be. Don't talk to me about Piazza. I'd give former Brave Johnny Estrada a second glance, but McCann is playing the best baseball at this position right now.

Outfield - Matt Holliday, Rockies; Carlos Beltran, Mets; Alfonso Soriano, Nationals
Just missing the cut are Andruw Jones, Moises Alou, Carlos Lee and Jason Bay. Holliday is hitting .354, Beltran and Soriano are simply better players than everyone else on that list outside of Andruw's defensive prowess.

Starting Pitchers
Tom Glavine, Mets; Bronson Arroyo, Reds; Carlos Zambrano, Cubs; Pedro Martinez, Mets; Brandon Webb, D-Backs
The argument is more compelling here, and you could go with Jason Schmidt or Brad Penny and not lose much. Some of the best and most talented pitchers in this league - Clemens, Smoltz, D-Train - don't have the numbers for one reason or another this year. Glavine leads the majors with 11 wins, Zambrano and Pedro are fearsome, Arroyo quietly is at the top of the ERA leaderboard, and Brandon Webb is underrated out in Arizona.

Closer - Trevor Hoffman, Padres
Still the best in the NL.

You can vote using the link at the top of this post until midnight tomorrow, or post your picks on here.

Old and Alone

I hate this part.

With an unusually exciting NBA Playoff run ending last week, and the draft tomorrow night serving as a final sendoff, welcome to the least fun you'll have all year.

I just moved up here to Virginia and got DirecTV and Tivo for the first time in my entire life. So I want to record anything, everything, just because I can...and already fantasizing over the football possibilities come fall, I browse the guide to see what's out there to be captured onto my shiny new DVR.

Wimbledon?

...I wanted to make a long list of examples here, and then end with my personal favorite - the World Cup - but that's the point: there's nothing else. And the one thing that usually gives me some solace during these brutal 6-8 weeks - the Braves - deserve their own posting, things have gotten so bad. You could always watch the Home Run Derby and try to figure out who's clean.

Being alone up here and with fall Saturdays too distant on the horizon, last night I turned to an old love for comfort - Monday Night Raw ("...is War", I think, was declared politically incorrect at some point.)

And all this does is make me feel old and nostalgic at the same time. Because the more things change, the more there's Shawn Michaels and Triple H - whose respective ages I probably couldn't guess within five years, but then again, I can't tell if Ric Flair is pushing 50, 60, or 70 at this point, "woooooooooooo" - HBK and HHH are back on the DX routine, the merchandise is selling, and the kids are loving it.

Problem is, these kids don't remember them invading Nitro, they don't remember Chyna, let alone pre-breast implant Man-Chyna, or even X-Pac (though I don't remember the 1-2-3 Kid), they don't remember "Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages...D-Generation X, proudly brings to you...apparently I don't remember it either...something something, if you're not down with that we've got two words for ya:" and the New Age Outlaws - and that speech makes me also remember they they don't know about Scott Hall on Nitro and "how many people came out here to see...dubyacdubya?" & "one more for the bad guys..." and about a million other things, and another million more that people reading this who watched rasslin before me in 97 could speak of...

These are the kids who are still yell "suck it!" even though they don't remember or understand. These are the kids who love John Cena. These are the kids who don't quite know what to make of Shawn Michaels, because they've never seen him as the heel.

These are the same kids I had in Sunday School back in Alcoa who told me that "everybody likes the Braves, the Braves have always been good!" They don't know Dale Murphy. (Same Sunday School class: "Who's John Elway?")

And did you know that Jeremy Haws is the world champion?

We're old. I read on Bill Simmons' ESPN.com site - a great article about finding old stuff on YouTube - that Bo Jackson will be remembered more for Tecmo Bowl than for actual on field performance, and he's right. Even our generation doesn't care about John Madden for anything more than his video game. The simple fact that, right out of the box, I've got nothing better to talk about than nostalgia is proof. We remember when Big Mac & Sosa were respected. We remember Michael Jordan enough to scoff at any comparisons with Kobe Bryant (but this Wade kid, however...) We remember when Alcoa beat Maryville. We remember when Tennessee was lousy at basketball and dominant at football.

And that last part makes these empty months even harder to deal with, because when you're reaching for Athlon or Lindy's, you've gotta dig a little deeper into your preseason magazine of choice to find anyone saying something positive about the Vols. Athlon didn't even rank us - though since they had us at #2 at this time last year, they clearly know what they're talking about.

I need "the smell". I need NCAA 07. Moving away, getting a real job, going into the ministry, getting married, having kids, fill in the blank - the stuff that I was told would make us "grow up" and care less about things like fall Saturdays - doesn't hold as much weight as I thought it would. And I'm glad. Fully immersed, one week into my first pastorate, the thing that's given me comfort is Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler.

67 days...

(Crowd, w/ thumb-pointing gesture: "Jeremy Haws!" "Jeremy Haws!" "Jeremy Haws!")

(remember e-wrestling? anyone? no?)