What's Up With The Defections On Tennesee's Football Team?

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fl) Derek Dooley may not have been everyone's first choice of a man to take over a premier SEC Football program, but he has the pedigree and record of achievement, not to mention the character to fill that job, unlike Tennessee's previous hire, who had neither the record of achievement or character.

So one must wonder why two of the highest profile players are choosing to walk away from the football program at this particular time. Is it Dooley? Is it a new philosophy in the program? Is it the disappointment of starting over again under a new coach and enduring more rebuilding?

By now, everyone knows Bryce Brown left the program. He was the nation's No. 1 running back recruit and was the jewel in Lane Kiffin's recruiting crown. People may not have been as shocked by his departure as many felt Brown was always much more about Brown than Tennessee.

But the latest defection leaves many Vol fans shaking their heads wondering what's going on when a legacy player like Aaron Douglas, Tennessee's most talented and experienced offensive lineman, asked for his release Thursday.

His father played on Tennessee's 1985 championship team and seemed distraught over the news of his son's decision. The only reason given was "personal issues" and many are left wondering what those could be.

"I can tell you this was a gut-wrenching decision," David Douglas, his father said. "It had always been Aaron's dream to play at Tennessee, but it just wasn't right for him. He even mentioned it a couple of times last year that it didn't feel right. It's not coach Dooley's fault, and I told him that. I understand how tough it is to lose your most experienced offensive lineman, but Aaron just wants to get away."

Douglas started as a freshman and won freshman All American honors at right tackle and was expected to move over and be a solid left tackle, perhaps an All American.

So what was it that just didn't feel right? What wanted him to "get away" even before Kiffin left?

These two players alone represent a good setback for the Tennessee program and only leave people wondering now if there's another shoe to drop.