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Article published Aug 3, 2008 Maryville's Maples and Douglas eager for opportunity
By Tyler Gaskin Daily Times Correspondent
KNOXVILLE -- With the college football season just around the corner, Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer and the Volunteers are growing anxious to begin.
Two former Maryville High School standouts, Tyler Maples and Aaron Douglas, shared that excitement at UT's Media Day on Saturday.
Over the years, Maples and Douglas grew accustomed to wearing red and black and winning championships, and both athletes are now eager for the opportunity to do the same wearing orange and white.
Following in his parents' footsteps, Douglas signed with Tennessee this year and hopes to adapt quickly to the college game. His father David Douglas was an offensive lineman for the Vols in the 1980s, and his mother, Karla Horton Douglas, was a Lady Vol basketball player.
"The main thing right now is learning a new system, a new offense. I just need to get familiar with everything and all the plays," Douglas said.
The former Rebel is coming off of shoulder surgery and is recovering quite nicely. Douglas said he is able to do drills and work out but is still at least one week away from full contact in practice.
With the weightlifting and conditioning background he experienced as a player at Maryville, Douglas felt he was well-prepared for Tennessee. However, he has already noticed a contrast in styles.
"The workouts are much more intense, but I enjoy it," he said. "I like everything here at Tennessee so far, and I am excited about the opportunity. I just want to fit in and do anything I can to help the team out."
Even though Douglas has a lot to learn, he will have a familiar face to help him with the transition. His former Maryville teammate, Maples, who redshirted last season at UT, should be able to provide Douglas with plenty of helpful advice.
With a year of experience under his belt, Maples enters this season with a lot more confidence in his ability to earn playing time.
"I understand the importance of a redshirt season. It is an opportunity to improve yourself and learn from the upper classmen," Maples said.
"Most guys are unhappy when they get redshirted, but I just took it as an opportunity to get better."
Maples is currently competing for playing time at wide receiver.
"Right now is the time where you have to impress the coaches. Fall practice is the most important time to prove yourself," Maples said.
Maples has been gathering all of his resources to become a better player, asking the upper classmen and fellow teammates for advice.
"The competition for positions doesn't bring any tension between the players," he said. "We are all out here to help each other and the team get better."
A new offensive coordinator in Dave Clawson and a new offensive scheme will give Maples a fresh start to prove his abilities.
Like Douglas and many other Tennessee players, the biggest challenge for Maples will be adjusting to the new offense and new terminology.
"There were several injuries during spring practice which allowed me to get more reps than usual. That really helped me become better as a player and show the coaches what I can do," Maples said.
Recently, the Volunteers have experimented with Maples on special teams and as a return man. He said the coaches look for consistent performance on special teams, which will in turn earn more playing time.
"As a return man, the coaches are looking for someone who will catch every ball and get up the field for positive yardage. The big thing is to earn the coach's trust," Maples said.