Cromptonites: The Epitome of Insanity

Cromptonite – (Cromp’-ton-ite) someone who wants Jonathon Crompton to play regarldless of the situation, need, or effect on his team

If you have never witnessed a collective Cromptongasm, tune in to Trent Flubb’s Volkwest right now. The sheer ecstacy bubbling beneath the surface can barely be contained. The prospect of Jonathon Crompton FINALLY taking the reigns and ascending into the greatness that we all know awaits the “ruff, tough, mountain boy” (as he is continually described by one weirdo) is just too much to take for the giddy Cromptonites.

Let’s keep in mind that the starting QB for Tennessee, Erik Ainge, is 7-1 as a starter this year and is on pace to have one of the greatest seasons in the history of Tennessee football behind center. He has been named national player of the year at least twice this season. He has the physical tools to be a first rounder one day, and has accomplished all of this with a subpar running game at his disposal.

None of that matters to this lunatic fringe of childish, obsessive/compulsive message board junkies. They are already bored with the potential All-American QB that has proven himself on the field. They MUST see their recruiting gem from the 2005 signing class. To these delusional internet addicts, winning a national championship in recruiting (as if that is possible) is just as important, if not moreso, than actually winning on the field. It is a crazy, perverted phenomenon but I assure you it does exist. These are the same people who are already monitoring the top high school sophomores.

Back here in the real world, we tend to prefer the players who have proven it on the field. Ainge has been the best QB in the SEC this year. He has been one of the best in the nation this season. He is a weapon, just like Meachem and Swain. Most of all, he has proven his toughness on and off the field. Before the season began you heard “I just don’t think he has the mental toughness”. Wrong. Then after Tennessee beat Cal it was “I’m just worried how he will respond after he gets hit”. While Florida obliterated UT’s offensive line, a funny thing was happening…..Ainge was getting hit but he was making plays. Ainge is not a question any longer. He is THE answer.

I don’t mind people having favorite players. I have mine, always have. I was a huge Chuck Webb fan. We all loved Peyton. Al Wilson has always been a fan favorite. All of these players share one common trait………….they actually made a difference on the field prior to becoming fan favorites. Pay attention to the message boards this week, as everybody is speculating about whether or not Ainge will be ready to play. You can spot a Cromptonite if you look closely. They are the ones saying things like:

“I want Ainge to play but I think Crompton will add a new dimension to the offense”

Lloyd’s response – Yes, that never-played dimension will come in handy against LSU.

“I don’t think there will be any dropoff if Ainge can’t go”

Lloyd’s response – You don’t think this because you are a complete psycho

“Crompton really shows guts because he wants to get into the game”

Lloyd’s response – Imagine that… a backup wanting to start. That’s never happened before.

“He’s a ruff, tough, mountain boy like Heath”

Lloyd’s reponse – This is creeping me out. Please stop.

“I’d like to see Crompton get a change to fling the ball around”

Lloyd’s response – Why? Just to satisfy your own selfish cravings? Are you so delusional that you actually want the best quarterback in the SEC to sit the bench so you can watch your recruiting fantasy finally come to fruition? I guess winning the game doesn’t really matter as long as you get to see the backup playing catch for four quarters. You are absolutely insane.

Note to Fulmer and Cutcliffe: You better send Ainge out there in a cast, a hospital bed, whatever you can find. If Crompton goes 0-25 with 0 touchdowns and 1 interception, the Cromptonites are going to spend the next year marveling over the velocity he put on that pick.

Crompton will have his time to shine. And I hope he is even better than advertised. I hope he leaves here as the best quarterback to ever step foot in Neyland Stadium. I have no disdain for Crompton, his family, or the fans that know he is a great talent. I just can’t stand the morons who would throw him out there just because they are curious and impatient, all the while completely overlooking the fact that Ainge is having a Manning-like season.