Archive for the 'J.T. Mapu' Category

Two minute drill: Coaching turnover, Tennessee No. 9 on Tuscaloosa’s top college football programs list

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006

Trying to iron out the Internet Explorer compatability issues last night has put me behind, but here’s a quick no-huddle:

The Atlanta Journal Constitution addresses coaching turnover in the SEC. Concerning “perennial winner” Phillip Fulmer:

Fulmer has won nearly 80 percent of his games in 14 seasons in Knoxville. He’s turned the Vols into a perennial power, winning a national title, coaching in 11 January bowl games and watching 64 of his former players get drafted by NFL teams thepast 10 years.

All that went out the window in 2005, when Tennessee plummeted to 5-6, lost to Vanderbilt and missed out on a bowl. It’s led some fans and commentators to ask — with straight faces — if Fulmer’s in danger of losing his job if the follies continue this fall.

“Expectations are high at Tennessee and, frankly, I’d like to think that we had something to do with raising those expectations,” Fulmer said. “But every coach knows what he’s getting into when he decides to do this. If you can’t handle criticism and you can’t handle pressure, this is probably not the job for you.”

Nico at Roll Bama Roll brings to our attention the fact that Tennessee has been ranked by the Tuscaloosa News as the 9th best college football program. As Nico puts it, their methodology is “a bit of a combination of ‘all-time best’ mixed with ‘are you still relevant?” The fact that half of the factors are based entirely on the 2005 season cost them a top five ranking, according to the article. Despite 2005, though, the Vols are ahead of Florida State, Georgia, Florida, Nebraska, Auburn, LSU, Miami, Army, Texas A&M, UCLA, Navy Pittsburgh, Stanford, Ole Miss, Clemson, and Wisconsin.

Here at home, the news centered around the return of J.T. Mapu from a two-year Mormon Mission. He’ll need to get back into shape as the only exercise he was allowed was riding a bike, but he should be able to shore up the defensive line a bit. Scout.com and Rivals.com both have stories on Mapu’s return as well.

Anyway, hope to have the new sidebar back soon. Have a great day.

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J.T. Mapu To Return to the Tennessee Volunteer Defensive Line for 2006 Season

Sunday, December 11th, 2005

Defensive Lineman J.T. Mapu, who has been away from football while fulfilling his two-year Mormon Mission, is committed to returning to the Tennessee Volunteers either for the second summer session or at least in time for fall practice.

“It’s called commitment,” J.T.’s father, Simi Mapu, said. “The school was committed to him since he’s signed and he’s committed to them.”

According to his father, J.T. “looks good,” but because his obligations make keeping in shape difficult, “he’s got some work to do.”

J.T.’s return to the defensive line will be key in 2006. Justin Harrell is the only returning starter, and he’s considering the NFL. Mapu should be able to contribute right away as he played in 12 games in 2002 and started 11 games in 2003. He can play at either defensive end or at tackle.

Posted in J.T. Mapu, Tennessee, Tennessee Volunteer Football | 1 Comment »