The CheckerBoard

thanks for the article wes.

one person's opinion(mine) Tyler said he needs to get away from football for a few days or maybe even weeks. while away he needs to clear his mind, regroup, get refreshed and re-energized, then come back and be the leader this team desperately needs (which will require some monumental growing up on his part - hey we all have to at some point) through off season workouts, spring practice, and into the turn around season we hope 2012 turns out to be for the Vols.

ugh...that didn't make me feel any better

This team needs mature leaders and its pretty clear Bray is never going to be that. If not him on offense, who? Answer: nobody.

We're dealing with a 19-year-old, so I want to be careful. He has not been in this world long enough to fully understand what it means to be a leader. He needs some strong mentoring, on and off the field.

I hope petterson comes into camp and lights it up. I hope petterson either takes brays job or makes him realize he can't do whatever he wants and get away with it.

This is just eating at me.
I think Tyler needs help, not clinically, but socially and it would probably be best if that help came away from football. He is a 19-year-old who appears not to have a clue about what it means to be a leader. It's not just showing up for practice and doing what your told. It's not about completion percentages (I point him to Tim Tebow).
Somebody, a true leader and not necessarily someone famous, needs to come into his life. I know some 20-somethings who have done multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan who could really help him. Be his friend and teach him things he's probably never considered.
Something else I would like to see is a story about his hometown, his friends and his family (lord knows we knew enough about the Clausens, Ainges and Mannings.) Interview his old high school coach and some of his teammates. I want to know more about this important young man (Perhaps this has already been done and I missed it. If so, please share it again.)
I think it might do Tyler some good to leave Knoxville for awhile. There are times when we all need to clear our heads. He has faced a lot of adversity ... Hunter going down, changes at the center position, broken thumb, a killer schedule as part of a young, short-handed team. My gosh, all that would have done me in as a 19-year-old. To be honest, I'm more concerned about Tyler Bray the person than I am the football player -- and I'm sure many in here share that view. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be growing-up, maturing as a young man in such a public setting.
I think Tyler has superstar potential, but sometimes it's what's between our ears -- more than anything -- that determines whether any of us reach that potential.

I was at UT with Peyton Manning. He was a great QB, but I don't think he lit fires under people as a leader back then though. He seemed pretty awkward at times, socially.
He was however, a great student of the game. Completely dedicated. Tyler is clearly not and that's what worries me the most about him.
This part especially: Bray on what needs to be done to improve in 2012: “Same stuff you do every week — study more game film, same old stuff.”

oy

edited to add: I think Peyton did develop into a good leader, but it took time, which is natural.

Yep, that would be me.

It took more than one person and more than one set of circumstances to arrive at the point where the Vols ended the season. Reviewing the KY game - it is clear that Tyler - understandbly - wasnt able to deliver passes on the last 2 drives with the accuracy that we've come to expect. A healed thumb, a healthy Hunter (to catch passes and keep Da'rick in check) and we all arent feeling the way we are now. I dont think Bray is Manning or Tebow either in terms of leadership but he will get better. He is capable of critical thinking as are our other young players. Losing to this KY team is terrible as we all know but our foundation is there. I think about Malik Jackson's comments. As we all know - it's a process. Go Vols.

Remember how the running game picked up when Simms started the LSU game? Question to Wes et al - Is it logical to assume that Tyler will be better able to check to suitable running plays next year as his defensive reading prowess improves?