The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, August 29, 2003, Football Preview, Page 5, Image 13
I
Rashad
Baker
recorded five
interceptions j
last year j
despite
missing
games
because of
an injury,
ranking him
third in the
SEC and 24th
nationally.
His 10 career
interceptions
lead all
active SEC
players.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO
THE GAMECOCK
GAME 5
USC at Tennessee
Saturday, Sept. 27
Knoxville, Tenn.
BY AMY GENOBLE
THE GAMECOCK
Although the No. 12 Tennessee
Volunteers were plagued with in
juries and a loss of leadership last sea
son, the 2003 team remains confident
that this season will help the Vols re
turn to dominance.
“Our team and staff stuck together,”
head coach Phillip Fulmer said. “We
could have been 4-8 as easily as were 8
4. (We) fought back, won eight games,
which is respectable. This team is hun
gry, humbled and has worked hard.”
The Vols ended their season Dec.
31, losing to Maryland in the Peach
Bowl 30-3.
Fulmer has an overall record of
103-24 (.811), which ranks 11th all-time
on percentage basis for a minimum
of 10 seasons. He has averaged 10
wins a season for the last six years.
Offensively, senior quarterback
Casey Clausen returns to lead the
Vols. In 2002 Clausen threw for 2,297
yards and 11 touchdowns and fin
ished fourth in the SEC in passing ef
ficiency with a 132 rating. He is the
highest-rated active SEC quarterback
in career-pass efficiency (142.5).
Fulmer described Clausen as a “good
leader, sees field well, makes all the
throws, with supporting cast, could
potentially have a great year.”
Junior tailback Cedric Houston
was just one of many Vols on the in
jured list last season, but led UT with
779 yards rushing and a 5.1 average.
Jabari Davis led last year's team in
rushing touchdowns with 10 and re
turns as a junior this season.
At wide receiver, the Vols hope
Tony Brown and Mark Jones can re
place the departures of playmakers
Kelly Washington and Leonard Scott.
The offensive line will be led by
2002 All-SEC honorable mention
Anthony Munoz, who was selected as
a co-captain. MunOz and linebacker
Kevin Burnett are the first juniors to
be elected as captains since 1944.
Defensively, despite missing two
games last season because of an in
jury, senior free safety Rashad Baker
finished third in the SEC and 24th na
tionally with five interceptions.
Baker leads all active SEC players
with 10 career interceptions and is
12th on the all-time UT list.
Senior cornerback Jabari Greer
made his presence known in 2002 by
breaking up a team-leading 14 pass
es and will be relied on to step up
again this season. Baker and Greer
will give the secondary stability with
their experience on the field.
The defensive line comes in with
little experience as the projected
starters combined for a total of nine
starts last season. UT's linebackers
look a little more solid with Burnett
and Jason Mitchell returning.
The Vols will have to pull off vic
tories on the road if they are to make
a title run this season as they travel
to Alabama, Auburn, Miami and
Florida, where they won in 2001 for
the first time since 1971.
Raquetball 'Squash 'Basketball 'Volleyball 'Cardiovascular 'Strength Training •
Climbing Wall • Indoor Track • Floor Hockey • Soccer • Sand Volleyball •
Indoor Pool • Outdoor Pool • Whirlpool • Sauna • Group Exercise • Step Aerobics •
Spinning -Step Express 'Yoga *Ab Express 'Water Exercise • Intramural Sports •
Softball 'Tennis 'Water Polo • OutdoorRec - Kayaking 'Climbing 'Hiking
Normal Operating Hours
Blatt Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Strom Thurmond Fitness Wellness Center Hoursn
Mon. - Frl. 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.