The CheckerBoard

going to be really tough to get over this regardless of what the players are saying ; absolutely hate this situation happening a week before the start of the season ...almost exactly like the JJ situation last year ..UNREAL +1

I agree losing Da'Rick's a big loss -- but if Hunter's at least back to where he was last year, I think he can produce without Da'Rick in contrast to Da'Rick struggling last year to produce without him. I think Hunter's the key to our passing game: he'll get open & make plays. Once he does, he'll get the double-teams that free up CP, Rivera and the rest of our receiver corps.

I know the running game hasn't proven anything on the field yet, but I'm hopeful it will. Neal was the fastest player on last year's team, and he's now apparently a key RB -- and he hasn't fumbled all summer. Devrin has done very well and Lane has done well. We have an OL of Jr's & Sr's who have had the spotlight of attention all off-season. I think they'll get it done in the running game this year. At least, I hope their running success against our defense is a sign of their ability and not our defense's deficiency. If it's the latter, we have big problems on both sides of the ball that are so fundamental, losing Da'Rick will be trivial by comparison.

Wow, the downvoters are coming out of the woodwork today. Everyone must be really on edge!

Our receiving corp was rated as 1st or 2nd in the nation for the entirety of the group, not just because of one "superstar". We don't go from incredible to horrible with the loss of one very gifted and extremely troubled player. We are still extremely talented. These guys may have to step up, but doesn't that happen every year when a senior leaves and someone takes over his position. Let's give the rest of the receivers some credit and wait this out. Sure, it sucks. Noone would have chosen this. But, it happens and the fan in each of us needs to realize that the rest of the guys need to be mentally confident and seeing "fans" write about how we are doomed and this is a major blow that kills the season, etc, shows them that "fans" have no faith in their ability. It really isn't all about DR. This is a team and lots of talent. Let's get on with the season.

I think they're putting too much importance on Da'Rick. He's an outstanding athlete, yes. But he's only a man. Any lack of production on the offense, and mental breakdowns cannot be placed on him or the lack of him thereof. The only people stopping these young men from succeeding in the air is themselves. Nonetheless, I believe without a doubt Dooley knows this and will instill it in them.

Some time it,take something like this to wake the team up,and, to know they cant make the,same mistake as dg did. He his had many chances and have not taken care,of busness and now the big dollars are gone for now. Didnt want to see it but know,it was coming so dont be suprised if bray will be,going soon. You havd to grow up and treat people with respect. That said got vol 10 and 2 deason

Stop the pity party! He brought this on himself and should be ashamed what he's done to his team mates and the Vol Nation. We have some really talented new receivers and it's the coaches job to get them ready posthaste. We'll be fine if everyone---players, coaches, and fans pull together!

The game becomes that little bit extra more important for Dooley. We come out guns blazing and Da'Rick goes down in Vols history as the functional equivalent of Onterrio Smith