Note: Cal’s opening game this year is at Tennessee on September 2. While the Vols went 5-6 in 2005, they will still be a tough opponent, so I’ll add news relating to their football program to this blog.
SEARS, FOUR OTHER ANNOUNCE THEY'RE STAYING AT UT
Sears said he wanted to have a chance to be a leader
By ELIZABETH A. DAVIS
AP Sports Writer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Offensive lineman Arron Sears was not ready to leave Tennessee after a disastrous 5-6 season. Sears and four other juniors said Wednesday they were staying for their senior seasons instead of leaving early for the NFL. Only offensive guard Rob Smith has declared his intention to forgo his senior year. Sears was the only other player whose future was unclear. "I'm definitely not a loser, and you can't go out on a bad foot like we did last season," Sears said. "Everywhere I've been I've been a winner." The draft advisory board predicted Sears would be picked in the third or fourth round, and Smith's decision made it more difficult for Sears. "It was very hard with agents out there telling you this and telling you that," Sears said. Sears said he wanted to have a chance to be a leader. "A lot of the guys will be looking to me, and I'm ready for it," he said. Fullback Cory Anderson and defensive tackles Justin Harrell, Turk McBride and Tony McDaniel also said they will stay. "Obviously this is a great day for the Tennessee Volunteers," coach Phillip Fulmer said. "These young men represent some of the finest football players in the country, and we're thrilled they have chosen to stay. Obviously it will greatly enhance the leadership on our football team."
McDaniel sat out the first two games of last season after he pleaded guilty to hitting a fellow student in the face during a pickup basketball game. He was sentenced to supervised probation. McDaniel was not allowed to speak to reporters during the season.
He said the draft board estimated he would be a first-day pick in the draft, but he wouldn't say which round. "I was really shocked," he said. McDaniel said he didn't really think about leaving because he wanted to repay Fulmer and defensive line coach Dan Brooks for standing up for him after he was arrested. "They're like second dads to me. A lot of guys say they're family, but coach Fulmer and Dan Brooks, they're really like family to me," McDaniel said. "I wanted to help them any way I can." The Vols lost three seniors who were starters on the defensive
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