The Glimpse: Pearl’s system and former, current [and future?] Heisman candidates
Inside Tennessee’s Jeffery Stewart has a must-read analysis of coach Bruce Pearl’s system and what makes it tick. You really need to read the whole thing, but here’s an excerpt:
Think atypical where players are concerned. Pearl proved at UMW that he likes to put personnel on the floor that creates match-up issues on both ends of the court for opponents. This strategy is an all out assault on an opponent’s comfort zone and, combined with stifling full-court pressure, disrupts continuity. In NCAA wins over Alabama and Boston College in the 2005, Pearl used 6-5 strongman, Joah Tucker on the wing to overpower smaller defenders. . . . . Pearl could use four-star signee Duke Crews in the same manner next season, playing him at power forward against slower opponents and at the wing against smaller.
On that note, Turn Up The Heat, a DVD cashing in on the surprising success of the 2005-06 Volunteer basketball season, hit JCPenney stores on Tuesday. You can also get it at www.volnetwork.tv.
On the football front, Arian Foster is No. 44 on College Football News’ Heisman watch list. Former Vol quarterback Brent Schaeffer, who started as a true freshman, traded series with Erik Ainge until he broke his collarbone, and eventually transferred after being suspended for the 2005 spring practice due to a violation of team rules, is No. 67. Schaeffer apparently had an excellent season this past year at some junior college somewhere and has resurfaced at Ole Miss.
Lastly, VolQuest.com continues its “Up Close” series with a look at newcomer Stephaun Raines.
