The press conferences at the University of Tennessee took on a somber tone this week as second-year head coach Butch Jones had to deal with the worst part of being in charge of a college football team.
Senior linebacker A.J. Johnson and sophomore cornerback Michael Williams are under investigation for an alleged forcible rape of a 19-year-old Tennessee student. As of Thursday, Johnson and Williams have not been arrested, but were immediately suspended from all team activities when news broke Monday.
Jones was obviously distraught at his Monday meeting with the media.
“I am aware of the alleged incident that occurred over this weekend,” Jones said. “Right now we are in the process of gathering all the information. Once we have that appropriate information we will act in a very decisive manner, which we have proven over time to do here at the University of Tennessee.’”
It’s not the first time Johnson has been in trouble with the law. On Feb. 9 Johnson, along with 12 other UT players, was arrested at a party for supplying alcohol to minors. Those charges were scheduled for dismissal if Johnson completed a community service program.
Johnson’s loss is a blow to the Tennessee (5-5, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) defense. The Gainesville, Ga. native leads the team with 101 tackles with nine for a loss, two sacks and one pick. Johnson was a two-time all SEC selection.
“You just don’t replace his (Johnson’s) production,” Jones said. “So just everyone around our football team has to step up, do their job, not do anymore than what is required of them. They will step up.”
The Replacements
Williams started five games at cornerback for the Volunteers, but freshman Emmanuel Moseley started ahead of him last week against Kentucky, recording one tackle and two pass break-ups.
“You guys see that his (Moseley’s) repetitions continue to increase,” Jones said. “He is playing with a lot of confidence. We are going to be challenged out on the perimeter this week. Very good receiving corps, very fast, quick, can go play the ball in the air. But Emmanuel is progressing very well for us.”
While the back-ups for Moseley all move up a step with Williams’ suspension, Johnson’s absence is a real issue.
Making the first start of his college career will be freshman Jakob Johnson. Johnson, who originally hails from Stuttgart, Germany, was recruited as a defensive lineman and is still listed at that position on the school’s website. Jakob Johnson has seen action in nine games this season and has recorded six tackles.
In addition to the unexpected suspensions, the Vols still have deal with the loss of junior safety Brian Randolph, who is sitting out the Missouri game after being hit with a targeting penalty last week. Freshman (and legacy player) Todd Kelly Jr. will be stepping into his spot Saturday against the No. 20-ranked Tigers (8-2, 5-1). Kelly Jr. has two starts this season with 23 tackles, two interceptions, two break-ups, a fumble recovery and four passes defended.
“We are going to need to grow up in a hurry and T.K. (Kelly Jr.) has done a good job when he came in when Brian had to leave the game,” Jones said. “T.K. is a very smart individual. He puts his work in, he does his due diligence. I don’t think communication will be a problem. I expect T.K. to really step up and perform well.”
The Game
No. 20 Missouri at Tennessee (-3)
How about that? The Vols are favored against a team that looks like it could walk away with the SEC East title. It’s been a rough week for Tennessee, and needless to say the distractions and suspensions will take a toll. I still like the new Joshua Dobbs-led offense in this one to do enough to ruin the Tigers’ day. Contributor’s pick – Tennessee 34, Missouri 23
