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View Full Version : QB: Eric Ainge, Tennessee


admarc
May 31st, 2007, 12:36:11 AM
http://i.a.cnn.net./si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0704/gallery.nfl.2008.draft.candids/images/ainge.jpg (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0704/gallery.nfl.2008.draft.candids/content.2.html)

Height: 6'-6" Weight: 220lbs Class: Senior

Stats (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161062)

Video: #1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRZJPikxVhk)

ErikAingeOnline.com (http://www.erikaingeonline.com/)

Erik Ainge College Bio:

As a freshman at UT in 2004, Erik Ainge threw 17 touchdown passes in 9 games, breaking Peyton Manning's freshman TD record of 15. His 1,452 passing yards ranked second behind Manning in UT freshman history. Erik Ainge split time for much of the year with Brent Schaeffer, who later transferred to Ole Miss. After an injury just before halftime against Notre Dame, Erik Ainge was replaced by former University of Tennessee quarterback Casey Clasuen's brother Rick.

In 2005, Erik Ainge sophomore season, he threw 5 touchdown passes and 7 interceptions. One of his most infamous moments was in a game against LSU where Erik Ainge was being sacked in the end zone and flung the ball up into the air just before he was ruled down for a safety. The ball was intercepted on the 2 yard line and run back for a touchdown. Erik Ainge's head also rammed the goalpost on the play, tweaking his neck. The injury was not serious but he was sidelined by coach Phillip Fulmer for the remainder of the game. As a result, Senior QB Rick Clausen took over as the starting QB until the final game of the season. Erik Ainge finished his sophomore season with a strong performance and a win at Kentucky.

As a junior in 2006, Erik Ainge was named the starter heading into spring practice, and for the first time in his career was able to take all of the first team reps throughout the preseason. Erik Ainge also had a new position coach and offensive coordinator when David Cutcliffe replaced Randy Sanders. Erik Ainge led his team to 7-1 record before being injured in the closing minutes of a game against South Carolina. Erik Ainge would then miss the majority of the next two losses for Tennessee before returning to lead his team to season-ending wins against Vanderbilt and Kentucky. During the season Erik Ainge would set career highs in most statistical categories and break the Tennessee single-season record for completion percentage. Erik Ainge now owns a 17-5 record as a starter. The 2007 Outback Bowl was the first bowl appearance for Erik Ainge . He had a solid outing in a 20-10 loss to Penn State. Erik Ainge missed the 2005 Cotton Bowl due to injury, and the Vols did not qualify for a bowl game following his sophomore season.

On March 8, 2007 it was reported that Erik Ainge would have to undergo surgery for a torn meniscus. Erik Ainge stated that the injury occurred during weight-lifting exercise. It remains unclear what effect this will have on his 2007 season. A similar injury to former Vols receiver Robert Meachem caused him to miss his entire freshman season. Rivals.com named Erik Ainge as one of the top-10 quarterbacks going into the 2007 season.

jaymitch84
June 1st, 2007, 5:27:26 PM
Is he the full time now? I know for a while they couldn't decide between him and some other QB.

rockytop
June 15th, 2007, 4:26:04 PM
When Coach Cutliff rejoined the team in 2006, Ainge flurished as starting QB. Yes he shared time with Rick Classen in 2005.

admarc
November 26th, 2007, 6:13:09 PM
Won a classic shootout battle vs Woodson and Kentucky this week in quadruple OT. He threw 7 TDs and 3 picks. He has quitely put together a solid year statistically, with a 137 passer rating, 27 TDs, 8 ints, 2,908 yards and a 64.2 % completion rate.

At 6'-6" 220, he has prototypical size and a live arm. I think he is the best of the 2nd tier of Senior QBs after Brohm, Woodson and Ryan. In fact, I don't think there is that much difference seperating him from those three.

I really like the consistency he has shown from game to game for two years now.

jaymitch84
November 26th, 2007, 6:20:05 PM
If Trent is unimpressive in these final 5 games he may be getting some looks from WNY...