2006 TENNESSEE FOOTBALL OUTLOOK

Transcription

1 2006 TENNESSEE FOOTBALL OUTLOOK Head coach Phillip Fulmer, banking on a talented squad to create a winning chemistry, has challenged the Tennessee Vols to make every moment count as they head for the 2006 seasonopener Sept. 2 against California. The Vols' long-standing status as one of the nation's elite football powers took a poke to the midsection last fall in an uncharacteristically dreary season that left the team home for the holidays for the first time since Home may be where the heart is, but it isn't where you want to be when the calendar turns over from December to January in college football. With the team's 5-6 record banishing it from the list of bowl eligibles, Tennessee had more than enough time to analyze what went wrong in It was a season that left Vols loyalists, including the demanding Fulmer, looking for vast improvement. But rather than separate the good from the bad, Fulmer called for a rededication by all parties toward achieving the Vols' customary goals, which start with a drive for the Eastern Division championship of the Southeastern Conference. Although it suffered heavy graduation losses, especially in the linebacker corps, the defense ranked second in the nation last year against the run. Some intense patching is called for to determine a starting lineup. But coordinator John Chavis anticipates another strong performance by his charges. "The defense played well enough to win," was a frequently heard commentary among fans who watched in frustration as the Vols dropped five of their last seven games. The implication, that the Vols were below par when it came to moving the football, was borne out in the season statistics. Offensively, the Vols never achieved the consistent results that would have made the team a big winner. David Cutcliffe, who held the coordinator's portfolio before heading to Ole Miss as head coach in 1999, has rejoined his longtime friend, Phillip Fulmer. The obvious priority is for Cutcliffe, returned as coordinator, to shake up the offense - shuffle personnel, adopt and discard plays and formations, do whatever if takes - to remold Tennessee into a juggernaut to be greatly feared. OFFENSE Erik Ainge, who was hailed for his sensational passing as a freshman, hopes to regain the form that earned him national acclaim at quarterback. A shoulder separation knocked him out of the final four games of his rookie season, setting the stage for an expected comeback in But as the Tennessee offense floundered, so did Ainge. He never could get back fully on track. His 45 percent completion mark underscored the futility of an offensive effort that too often went three-and-out. Spring practice is counted on to return the glitter to a career that seemed headed for stardom when Ainge two years ago threw a freshman school-record 17 touchdown passes. His final game of 2005 was encouraging, including touchdown passes of 50 and 32 yards in a 27-8 win over Kentucky. After alternating last season with Rick Clausen, who has graduated, Ainge will try to maintain an edge over two other scholarship holders, J o n a t h a n Crompton and Bo Hardegree, and a walkon with the AllAmerica name Jim Bob Cooter. Crompton came to Tennessee highly heralded last year, but sat out the season with a slow-toheal shoulder injury that popped up during the summer. When senior tailback Gerald Riggs was sidelined with On QB Erik Ainge --- He s playing at a much better tempo, offen sive coordinator David Cutcliffe said. We ve solved a lot of his problems with his footwork and he s throwing the ball with more confidence. I like what I m seeing. an injury at midseason, freshman Arian Foster took over and quickly ignited hopes he has a bright future in the Vols running game. In each of the last five games, Foster romped for more than 100 yards. Challenging Foster for playing time will be Montario Hardesty, Ja'Kouri Williams and LaMarcus Coker - all untested but perceived as loaded with ability. The elusive and sturdy Foster showed his durability when he carried the ball 40 times, amassing 223 yards and two touchdowns in a losing cause against Vanderbilt. He caught 14 passes out of the backfield, averaging 10.6 yards per reception. Plugger David Yancey, a senior, is capable of providing solid play as a backup whose presence should help build a fire under the young quartet of tailback hopefuls. Fullback Cory Anderson returns, his retention as a starter based largely on a willingness to toss his 255-pound body into the action on every play. Anderson had only seven opportunities last year to carry the ball from scrimmage, further evidence of why he's in the lineup. Coaches make clear that he's there to flatten would-be tacklers, but every once in a while, he pulls off a maneuver that is critically important. His 14 pass receptions, mostly in the flat, were timed to catch opponents off guard. The sight of the giant fullback lumbering downfield under a full head of steam is a bewildering experience for undersized defenders to undergo. Anderson's know-how will be an invaluable tool in the Vols' plans to revitalize the attack. Behind the burly senior, however, only junior David Holbert reported to spring practice with playing time on his resume. Coaches will look for depth among Vols newcomers. Three of last year's top five wide receivers report for 2006 duty, eager to cast aside the perception their position has been less than fully productive. Robert Meacham, Jayson Swain and

2 2006 TENNESSEE FOOTBALL OUTLOOK reach every which way for balls aimed in their direction. Promoted late in the season after a teammate's injury, David Ligon garnered enough playing time at center to shape up as a valuable asset when the Vols remake the offensive line for the 2006 season. Ligon, whose first of four starts was against Notre Dame, handles ball-snapping responsibilities with savvy and poise could man a starting guard spot with ease. But honors as Tennessee's key returning lineman go to Arron Sears, whose versatility is as important as his experience. The, 320-pound senior has delivered sound play at tackle and guard during his UT career. He earned Southeastern Conference lineman of the week accolades for an inspired performance against Ole Miss in a victory early last season. He heads the roster of candidates at left tackle. Junior Eric Young, who had starts against LSU and Ole Miss last year, is in line for the opening nod at the other tackle slot. Two sophomores, Anthony Parker and Ramon Foster, will need to learn the duties at guard with on-the-job training. Their lack of experience typifies much of the offensive line situation. Michael Frogg, a center who made good strides in the spring along with Josh McNeil, Malcolm Rawls, Chris Scott and Steven Jones could develop as backups. Here's an opportunity for some ambitious newcomer to make his mark right off the bat. Senior defensive tackle Justin Harrell is a preseason nominee for the 2006 Lott Trophy Award. The defensive line stalwart earned second-team All-SEC honors from league writers in Bret Smith have achieved veterans status, a rank that requires them to justify the advance notices that came with them from high school. Swain and Smith are seniors and projected starters, but need to advance their effectiveness when it comes to crossing the goal line. Swain had 27 receptions for 380 yards, impressive enough figures, but less so when tempered by a failure to so much as cross the double stripes a single time. Smith, to his credit, numbered a trio of touchdowns among his 21 catches. A year younger than his two veteran colleagues, the junior Meacham carried a reputation for big-play production into the 2005 season. He hopes for a dramatic breakthrough in the category of touchdown catches after racking up only two last year. Youngsters whom coaches expect to show dramatic improvement include sophomores Lucas Taylor, Josh Briscoe and Austin Rogers. Taylor last year was involved in a major way with kick and punt return responsibilities. Some of that same speed could be put to good use in receiving. Casey Woods, a junior who also holds for placements, will add depth at the receiver rotation. A returning junior will man the tight end position, where fans undoubtedly will continue to clamor for the Vols to hit the big guy down the middle. Chris Brown started all but one game last year and accumulated enough stats to build a strong case why quarterbacks should occasionally fire in his direction. Brown, at 6-3 and 250 a highly visible target, had 14 catches for 141 yards while also performing the more mundane chore of blocking. Tennessee's employment of the three-wideout system sometimes impacts the playing time for tight ends. Two-year letterman Brad Cottam has an experience edge he believes should win him top backup duty in competition with his brother, Jeff Cottam. The Cottams, both listed at 6-8, have the range to DEFENSE With the loss of battle-hardened head-hunters Parys Haralson and Jason Hall, you might expect defensive coaches to be fretting about the outlook at end. To the contrary, they are relatively calm, that Robert Ayres, Xavier Mitchell and A n t o n i o Reynolds are ready to stand up and be counted. The coaches might be on to something. It's true Haralson in particular was a big-play creator, but Mitchell with limited opportunities logged some eye-popping statistics in his own right. An example: he had a half sack and three quarterback hurries against Florida in a substitute's role. Reynolds, like Mitchell a junior, played in every game as a sophomore, turning in a solid worksheet that told coaches he deserves a chance to fill a starting role. Ayers, a sophomore saw considerable action in the spring with Mitchell limited because of offseason surgery. Walter Fisher, a newcomer with a junior college background, has been ticketed for heavy duty as a reserve behind Mitchell at left end. Freshmen Raymond Henderson and Wes Brown are also slated to see action at the terminals. One of Tennessee's most spectacular linemen in years, Jesse Mahelona, has moved on, leaving the Vols with an All-America to replace at right tackle. The depth card at tackle carries some impressive names, including a former standout who missed the last two seasons while taking time off from college to complete a church mission. When 6-3, 275-pound J.T. Mapu returns to school in the fall, the Hawaii native will be counted on to take up where he left off as a sophomore. Two seasoned players listed ahead of him on the playing chart had better be alert to the threat Mapu poses to their first-team status. But Justin Harrell, with two straight years as a starter, expects to fend off any challenges and fill the tackle spot vacated by Mahelona. He registered 7.5 sacks last year, only a half-sack less than his all-star teammate, Mahelona. Turk McBride, a quick-charge operative with big-play potential written all over him, is penciled in at left tack- 15

3 2006 TENNESSEE FOOTBALL OUTLOOK Senior placekicker James Wilhoit enters his senior campaign eighth on UT s career scoring chart with 229 points and is the active SEC scoring leader. Wilhoit ended the 2005 season hitting 11 of his last 12 field goals including eigth in a row. le. Besides Mapu, others with an eye to log time at tackle include Demonte Bolden, Matt McGlothlin, Vladimir Richard and Dan Williams. Linebacker is a much different story, the position weakened by graduation losses and dependent on an inexperienced corps to step up in a timely manner. It would be unrealistic to expect the new linebacker contingent to move in immediately and make fans forget the documented accomplishments of the departed Kevin Simon, Omar Gaither and Jason Mitchell, a stalwart trio who set a high standard of excellence. Their anointed replacements, but a long way from having proved themselves, are Jerod Mayo on the strong side, Marvin Mitchell in the middle and Rico McCoy at weakside linebacker. Mitchell, a senior, is the graybeard of the threesome, a man who made two starts last year and is happy to accept the leadership role he will be asked to assume. Mayo has the makeup of a budding star, his varsity debut in 2005 a huge success. A knee injury, now healed, kept him out of late season games last year. McCoy is a promising redshirt freshman, but a youngster who needs to prove himself in the company of a host of other linebacker candidates. Ryan Karl is the most experienced of a large group of hopefuls who have a good chance of seeing significant action in Ellix Wilson, a redshirt sophomore made a claim for the starting rotation with a solid spring. Adam Myers- White after seeing sparse action as a true freshman last season will serve in a backup role. The injury to the ubiquitous Jason Allen midway last season deprived the Vols of their standout playmaker cornerback, a preseason All-America selection. The flip side, however, was that Allen's misfortune opened playing opportunities for others to exploit. Consequently, a seasoned group will patrol the secondary, backed up by reserves who have also accumulated playing time. Senior Jonathan Wade came out of spring with a starter s role at left corner after battling seasoned junior Roshaun Fellows, for the starting spot. The other cornerback will be junior Inky Johnson, who moved up to a starting role following Allen's injury. Johnson is a fierce tackler whose progress will be measured in terms of his effectiveness against the pass. Antonio Gaines, who played in six games, is being groomed for backup duty. Safeties are manned by a pair of savvy veterans who are fortified by talented teammates assigned behind them. Jonathan Hefney at free safety will be into his third season as a starter after leading the 2005 Vols in interceptions with three. Hefney is equally adept against the pass and the run, ranking third on the squad in tackles with 65. Redshirt freshman Antonio Wardlow battled hard to earn a backup role behind Hefney. After suffering a knee injury that kept him out of action two years ago, Antwan Stewart bounced back and started every game at free safety in A gifted sophomore, Demetrice Morley, is in reserve along with junior Jarod Parrish. Counting on the veteran status of Wade, Fellows, Johnson, Hefney and Stewart - along with reinforcements - the Vols will not suffer for lack of experience. SPECIAL TEAMS The punting and placekicking departments similarly should encounter no problems related to experience. The most recent punter with Colquitt family blood flowing through his foot improved as a freshman and saved two of his best perfor- 16 mances for the final two games. Britton Colquitt averaged 41.2 yards for the season and closed the campaign with a 46.7 mark against Vanderbilt followed by a 44.2 showing against Kentucky. Placekicker James Wilhoit, a senior, hit 14 of 19 field goals and connected on all 21 extra point tries. Backup wide receiver Casey Woods appears to have the steady hand at the holder position, with Ryan West leading the returnees at deep snapper. In the kick return area, coaches hope that less-than-pleasing 2005 results will not be repeated. Jonathon Hefney and Austin Rogers on punts and Lucas Taylor and Demetrice Morley on kickoffs will have the first chance to remedy the situation, which left Fulmer, an apostle of great kicking, in a state of high dudgeon.

4 RETURNING ALL-SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE 76 ARRON SEARS OT,, 320, Sr., Russellville, Ala. Honors: 2005 All-SEC Coaches and Associated Press, SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Oct. 3); 2003 Freshman All-SEC Coaches, The Sporting News and Knoxville News Sentinel. Vols' most versatile lineman played all but center position in Named first team All-SEC by league coaches and writers and captured SEC Offensive Lineman of Week honors for his play vs. Mississippi... Played four different positions in UT's overtime win at LSU... Had nine starts last season at left tackle, one at right guard and one at left guard... For his career, has 13 starts at left tackle, six at right tackle, four at right guard and one at left guard... Appearances at guard were first of prep or collegiate career. OTHER TOP RETURNEES 92 JUSTIN HARRELL DT,, 300, Sr., Martin Honors: 2005 All-SEC Associated Press (2nd), SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (Sept. 5); 2004 Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP (Jan. 2005). Defensive line stalwart earned second team All-SEC honors from league writers in Tied for fourth on team with 71/2 tackles for loss and added two interceptions... Picked off passes vs. UAB and Kentucky, the latter resulting in his first career touchdown... Combined for 14 tackles vs. Florida (career high 8) and LSU, while forcing key fumble vs. Tigers... Named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after his interception and four tackles vs. UAB... Finished 2004 with flourish, earning Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP honors in Vols win over Texas A&M... Career Totals: 75 hits (43 tackles, 32 assists), 13 TFL, 4 sacks, 8 PBU. 90 TURK McBRIDE DE,, 275, Sr., Camden, N.J. Honors: 2004 SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (Oct. 23). Key defensive line reserve for 2005 Vols has starter's experience... Earned four starts as sophomore in 2004, three at the tackle positions and one at defensive end... Named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his play against Alabama... Had seven tackles in that game plus a forced fumble that was returned for a UT touchdown on game's second play... Team's active career sack leader with 51/2 and second among current Vols with 111/2 career tackles for loss... Career Totals: 53 hits (31 tackles, 22 assists), 111/2 TFL, 51/2 sacks, 2 PBU. 27 ARIAN FOSTER TB,, 215,, San Diego, Calif. Honors: 2005 Freshman All-America Rivals.com (2nd) and The Sporting News (honorable mention), Freshman All-SEC Coaches and The Sporting News, SEC Freshman Player of the Week (Nov. 28). Finished rookie campaign by rushing for better than 100 yards in five straight starts... First UT tailback to have 100-yard rushing games in first five career starts since Chuck Webb in Season rushing total (879) was fifth best by freshman in UT history... Took over as starter in relief of injured Gerald Riggs... First Vol freshman to start at tailback since Jamal Lewis in Gained 742 yards as starter, averaging per game... Finished with 268 all-purpose yards vs. Vanderbilt for third best game in Vol history... Career Totals: 183 rushes, 879 yards, 4.8 avg., 5 touchdowns. 33 JONATHAN HEFNEY DB, 5-9, 185,, Rock Hill, S.C. Honors: 2004 Freshman All-America The Sporting News (2nd), Freshman All- SEC Coaches and Knoxville News Sentinel. Versatile secondary performer has a way of finding the football... Finished fourth and third, respectively, in total tackles his first two seasons... Led Vols with three interceptions in 2005 to go with his 65 total stops... Interception and return of 26 yards was defensive play of game during Vols' rally at LSU... Also had INTs vs. South Carolina and Kentucky... Owns two career pickoffs vs. Gamecocks... Career Totals: 130 hits (98 tackles, 32 assists), 6 TFL, 13 PBU, 4 interceptions KEY RETURNING PERFORMERS 25 JAMES WILHOIT PK, 5-10, 195, Sr., Hendersonville Honors: 2005 Academic All-SEC; 2004 SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (Sept. 18), Academic All-SEC; 2003 Freshman All-America FWAA/Scripps and The Sporting News (2nd), Freshman All-SEC Coaches and Knoxville News Sentinel, SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll. Ended 2005 with eight straight made field goals and 11 of his last Enters senior season eighth on UT career scoring chart with 229 points... Active SEC scoring leader... Freshman All-America in 2003 by Scripps Howard/FWAA after leading Vols with 92 points... Made 17-of-24 field goal attempts that year -- including 12 of last and was perfect on all 41 PATs... Team leader in points scored all three years... Career long field goal is 51 yards vs. Florida 2003 and Georgia Career Totals: 41-of-60 field goals (68.3 pct.), long-51, 106-of- 108 PATs, 229 points. 40 MARVIN MITCHELL LB, 6-3, 235, Sr., Norfolk, Va. Made two starts in last three games of first starts of career... Played in place of injured Jason Mitchell... First collegiate start was vs. Memphis... Finished last year with 22 tackles, 10 of those coming in last three games... Set career high with five tackles at Kentucky in season finale... Two tackles for loss at Notre Dame also career best......career Totals: 50 hits (43 tackles, 7 assists), 51/2 TFL, 1 PBU. 10 ERIK AINGE QB, 6-6, 220,, Hillsboro, Ore. 24 ANTWAN STEWART DB, 6-0, 195, Sr., Dumfries, Va. 28 CHRIS BROWN TE, 6-3, 250,, Destrehan, La. 45 CORY ANDERSON FB, 6-3, 255, Sr., Knoxville 8 JONATHAN CROMPTON QB,, 225,, Waynesville, N.C. 2 MONTARIO HARDESTY TB, 6-0, 205,, New Bern, N.C. 3 ROBERT MEACHEM, 6-3, 210,, Tulsa, Okla. 78 RAMON FOSTER OG, 6-6, 325,, Henning 29 INQUORIS JOHNSON DB, 5-9, 180,, Atlanta, Ga. 1 JAYSON SWAIN,, 205, Sr., Huntsville, Ala. 17

5 2006 TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE 28 Chris Brown (, 6-3, 250) 86 Brad Cottam (, 6-8, 260) 80 Jeff Cottam (, 6-8, 255) LT 76 Arron Sears (Sr.,, 320) 79 Chris Scott (, 6-5, 325) LG 66 David Ligon (Sr., 6-5, 300) 75 Anthony Parker (, 6-3, 305) C 73 Michael Frogg (,, 300) 50 Josh McNeil (,, 290) 67 Cameron Mayo (,, 290) RG 78 Ramon Foster (, 6-6, 325) 64 Malcom Rawls (, 6-5, 315) RT 54 Eric Young (,, 310) 71 Steven Jones (,, 305) 1 Jayson Swain (Sr.,, 205) 81 Josh Briscoe (, 6-3, 183) 85 Casey Woods (, 6-5, 220) 3 Robert Meachem (, 6-3, 210) 12 Lucas Taylor (, 5-10, 185) 82 Bill Grimes (,, 207) 9 Bret Smith (Sr., 6-3, 190) 21 Austin Rogers (, 6-2, 185) 11 Slick Shelley (,, 185) QB 10 Erik Ainge (, 6-6, 220) 8 Jonathan Crompton (,, 225) 14 Bo Hardegree (, 6-5, 215) 15 Jim Bob Cooter (Sr.,, 220) TB 27 Arian Foster (,, 215) 2 Montario Hardesty (, 6-0, 205) 6 Ja Kouri Williams (, 5-10, 190) 22 LaMarcus Coker (, 5-11, 205) 43 David Yancey (Sr., 5-8, 198) FB 45 Cory Anderson (Sr., 6-3, 255) 30 David Holbert (,, 250) Post-Spring Practice - April 8, 2006 DEFENSE LE 89 Antonio Reynolds (, 6-3, 260) 95 Walter Fisher (, 6-3, 265) 93 Xavier Mitchell (, 6-2, 252) LT 90 Turk McBride (,, 275) 98 Demonte Bolden (, 6-6, 290) 55 Dan Williams (, 6-3, 310) 97 Raymond Henderson (, 6-6, 255) RT 92 Justin Harrell (,, 300) 68 Matt McGlothlin (, 6-0, 290) 41 Jared Hostetter (, 6-5, 290) 96 Vladimir Richard (,, 290) RE 91 Robert Ayers (, 6-3, 255) 94 Wes Brown (,, 256) SLB 39 Ryan Karl (, 6-0, 225) 53 Adam Myers-White (, 6-2, 215) 7 Jerod Mayo (, 6-2, 230) MLB 40 Marvin Mitchell (Sr., 6-3, 235) 58 James Turner (, 6-0, 234) 46 Andre Mathis (, 6-2, 245) WLB 35 Ellix Wilson (, 5-10, 225) 5 Rico McCoy (,, 215) 43 Anthony McAllister (, 5-11, 235) LCB 4 Jonathan Wade (Sr., 6-0, 195) 36 Roshaun Fellows (, 6-0, 185) RCB 29 Inquoris Johnson (, 5-9, 180) 37 Antonio Gaines (, 5-9, 185) 31 Marsalous Johnson (, 5-9, 180) FS 33 Jonathan Hefney (, 5-9, 185) 38 Antonio Wardlow (, 6-0, 185) 19 Jarod Parrish (, 6-3, 190) SS 24 Antwan Stewart (Sr., 6-0, 195) 20 Demetrice Morley (, 6-2, 195) 15 Sinclair Cannon (, 6-2, 200) 14 Ben Greene (, 6-0, 200) RETURN SPECIALISTS PR 33 Jonathan Hefney (, 5-9, 185) 21 Austin Rogers (, 6-2, 185) 12 Lucas Taylor (, 5-10, 185) KR 12 Lucas Taylor (, 5-10, 185) 20 Demetrice Morley (, 6-2, 195) 29 Inquoris Johnson (, 5-9, 180) PUNTERS/KICKERS P 47 Britton Colquitt (, 6-3, 198) PK 25 James Wilhoit (Sr., 5-10, 195) KO 25 James Wilhoit (Sr., 5-10, 195) DS 69 Ryan West (Sr., 6-3, 250) H 85 Casey Woods (, 6-5, 220) 18

6 PROBABLE STARTER THUMBNAILS O F F E N S E 10 ERIK AINGE, QB (, 6-6, 220) GP/GS (8/5, 17/11)...Finished 2005 on strong note, passing for season highs of 221 yards and 2 TDs in win at KY...His 17 completions in that game tied career high...threw at least one TD pass in first 11 career games, tying Manning for fourth on UT list (Shuler leads with 18). C A R E E R HIGHS: A t t -35 vs. AUB 2004; C m p -17, twice; Y d s -231 vs. MISS 2004; T D -3, 3 times. 27 ARIAN FOSTER, TB (,, 215) GP/GS (11/5, 11/5)...First Vol frosh to start at TB since Lewis Rushed for 100+ yards in last 5 games of 2005, all starts...also first Vol frosh since Chuck Webb 1989 to rush for 100+ yards in first five starts...rushed for 223 yards on 40 tries vs. VAN...Finished with 268 all-purpose yards vs. VAN (third best game at UT). C A R E E R HIGHS: A t t -40 vs. VAN 2005; Y d s -223 vs. VA N 2005; T D -2 vs. VAN CORY ANDERSON, FB (Sr., 6-3, 255) GP/GS (11/8, 30/20)...Topped career high last year with 42 receiving yards vs. MEM and tied career best with three catches...caught at least one pass in seven games last year after making catch in 10 games in Tied career high with three rushing attempts vs. VAN. C A R E E R R U S H I N G HIGHS: A t t -3, twice; Y d s -22 vs. KY 2004; T D -1 vs. KY CHRIS BROWN, TE (, 6-3, 250) GP/GS (11/10, 23/13)...Wrapped up 2005 with career high 25 receiving yards vs. both VAN, KY...Career high three catches in VAN contest...caught 14 passes last year, including multiple catches in five games. CAREER HIGHS: Rec-3 vs. VAN 2005; Yds-25, twice; TD-1 vs. SC BRET SMITH, (Sr., 6-3, 190) GP/GS (11/1, 31/1)...Tied for team lead with three receiving TDs...Has nine career TD catches...career high four receptions in 2005 at FLA and vs. GA...Had five touchdown catches in five-game span of C A R E E R HIGHS: Rec-4, twice; Y d s -85 vs. GA 2005; T D-2 vs. LT JAY S O N SWAIN, (,, 218) GP/GS (11/5, 37/10)...Team s leading active receiver with 77 receptions for 1,033 yards...has at least one catch in last 12 games played (only Vol with catch in all 11 games of 2005)...Second on last year s squad with both 27 catches and 380 receiving yards...yards per catch average of 14.1 paced regular receivers. C A R E E R HIGHS: Rec-5, twice; Y d s -80 vs. A L A 2004; T D -2 vs. VAN ROBERT MEACHEM, (, 6-3, 210) GP/GS (11/2, 24/2)...Finished season as team leader in catches (29) and receiving yards (383)...Second straight year as receiving yards leader (459 in 2004)...Had streak of 15 straight games with at least one catch snapped vs. VAN. C A R E E R HIGHS: Rec-6 vs. SC 2005; Y d s -145 vs. KY 2004; T D -1, 6 times. 76 ARRON SEARS, LT (Sr.,, 320) G P / G S ( 11 / 11, 31/24)...Nine starts last year at left tackle, one at right guard, one at left guard...for his career, has 13 starts at left tackle, six at right tackle, four at right guard and one at left guard...appearances at guard were first of prep or collegiate career... S E C O ffensive Lineman of Week for work against MISS...Vo l s most versatile lineman played all but center position at LSU. 66 DAVID LIGON, LG (Sr., 6-5, 300) GP/GS (7/4, 16/4)...Started last four games of 2005 at center but has previous experience at guard...made first collegiate start at ND and played every snap...shared 2005 Harvey Robinson Award as spring s most improved offensive player with Ramon Foster. 73 MICHAEL FROGG, C (,, 300) G P / G S (2/0, 4/0)...Reliable backup has made solid contributions this spring...appeared in two games each of last two seasons...played against MISS and KY in RAMON FOSTER, LG (, 6-6, 325) GP/GS (7/2, 7/2)...First collegiate appearance was as starter in 2005 opener vs. UAB after redshirt 2004 season...versatile lineman also started at tackle vs. KY...Shared 2005 Harvey Robinson Award as most improved offensive player in Vols spring practice with David Ligon. 54 ERIC YOUNG, LT (,, 310) G P / G S (9/2, 12/2)...Made first career starts last year in consecutive games vs. LSU, MISS...Appeared in nine games overall and showed improvement by becoming part of offensive line rotation during final six contests. R E T U R N S P E C I A L I S T S 33 JONATHAN HEFNEY, PR (, 5-9, 185) Would have ranked fourth among SEC punt return leaders with 11.5-yard average if minimum number of returns had been reached...finished season with 13 returns, one shy of 1.2-per game minimum...averaging 17.3 yards per return during late-season stretch (7 for 121 yards)...career-best 43-yard return vs. VAN. CAREER HIGHS: Ret-5, twice; Yds-76 vs. VAN 2005; TD LUCAS TAYLOR, KR (, 6-0, 185) Sixth among SEC kickoff return leaders last year with 22.5-yard average...also ranked ninth in punt returns with 6.2-yard average...returned 19 kickoffs and 13 punts during first season as Vol...Had team season-long 47-yard return vs. VAN and turned in 41-yard runback vs. ALA. CAREER KR HIGHS: Ret-4 vs. GA 2005; Yds-77 vs. VAN 2005; TD-0. D E F E N S E 89 ANTONIO REYNOLDS, LE (, 6-3, 260) GP/GS (11/0, 24/0)...Twelve tackles last year along with two pass deflections...appeared in all 24 games of his collegiate career...second on 2005 squad with five special teams tackles. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-3 vs. MISS 2005; TFL-1, 3 times; SKS-1 vs. LT TURK McBRIDE, LT (Sr.,, 275) G P / G S (9/0, 30/4)...Started four games on defensive front in Versatile lineman has three career starts at tackle, one at end...injuries in 2005 limited him to 16 tackles in nine games, but finished strong with two sacks at KY...Had 36 tackles sophomore season, including 8 behind line of scrimmage. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-9 vs. AUB 2004; TFL-2, 4 times; SKS-2 vs. KY JUSTIN HARRELL, LT ( S r.,, 300) GP/GS (11/11, 32/22)...Picked off passes last year vs. UAB and KY, latter resulting in first career TD...Combined for 14 tackles at FLA (career high 8) and LSU, while forcing key fumble vs. Tigers...Tied career highs with 2 TFLs, 1 sack last year at ND...SEC Defensive Lineman of Week after intercepting a pass and making four tackles vs. UAB. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-8 vs. FLA 2005; TFL-2, 3 times; SKS-1, 3 times. 91 ROBERT AYERS, RE (, 6-3, 255) G P / G S (9/0, 9/0)... Vying for starter s role after impressive spring...first career tackle was 6- yard sack last year vs. MISS...Career best four tackles vs. MEM. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-4 vs. MEM 2005; TFL-1 vs. MISS 2005; SKS-1 vs. MISS RYA N KARL, SLB (, 6-0, 225) GP/GS (11/0, 22/0)...Team leader in 2005 with seven special teams tackles...also recovered two fumbles to tie for team honors...career high four tackles in finale at KY...Intercepted pass in 2005 Cotton Bowl and returned it 36 yards. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-4 vs. KY 2005; TFL-0; SKS MARV I N M I T C H E L L, MLB (Sr., 6-3, 235) GP/GS (11/2, 27/2)...Started two of last three games in 2005 for first career starts...coming off career best five tackles in finale at KY...Two tackles for loss at ND set career high...forced fumble at ALA. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-5 vs. KY 2005; TFL-2 vs. ND 2005; SKS ELLIX WILSON, WLB (, 5-10, 225) GP/GS (0/0, 12/0)...Missed all of 2005 with knee injury suffered in spring practice...in 2004, played in 12 of team s 13 games with seven tackles. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-3 vs. KY 2004; TFL-0; SKS-0. 4 JONATHAN WADE, LCB (Sr., 6-0, 195) GP/GS (11/7, 38/15)...Second on team with seven passes defensed in Two breakups each vs. MISS, GA, SC...Interceptions vs. both MISS and GA and nearly returned both for TDs...First career interception resulted in first collegiate TD vs. MISS...Return was for 19 yards and score during first start of season...added 34-yard return vs. GA that was ruled down at 1-foot line...tied career high with 6 tackles vs. ALA. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-6, twice; PD-2, 3 times; INT-1, twice. 29 INQUORIS JOHNSON, LCB (, 5-9, 180) GP/GS (11/6, 21/6)...Started final six games of 2005 as team leader with eight passes defensed...three PBUs vs. SC...Seven tackles in debut start at ALA and added 7 vs. VAN...Three tackles at ND, including 1 1 /2 tackles for loss...all-purpose player was early season contributor with four kickoff returns. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-7, twice; PD-3 vs. SC 2005; INT JONATHAN HEFNEY, PR (, 5-9, 185) GP/GS (11/11, 24/23)...Vols leading returning tackler...made 65 tackles each of first two seasons at UT, finished fourth on team in 2004 and third last year...interception and return of 26 yards was defensive play of game during Vols rally at LSU...Also had INTs vs. SC and KY...Finished third on team with six passes defensed. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-14 vs. GA 2005; PD-3, twice; INT-1, 4 times. 24 ANTWAN STEWART, SS (Sr., 6-0, 195) GP/GS (11/11, 24/16)...Career high 10 tackles led Vols vs. VAN...Added nine stops in finale at KY...At least four tackles in seven of last 10 games...pass breakups vs. FLA, MISS and MEM...Made move to safety after missing 2004 season while rehabbing from knee injury suffered during spring practice. CAREER HIGHS: Tkles-10 vs. VAN 2005; PD-2 vs. KY 2003; INT-1, twice. P U N T E R / K I C K E R 47 BRITTON COLQUITT, P (, 6-3, 198) GP/GS (11/11, 11/11)...Career best 46.7-yard average on six punts vs. VAN...Averaged 43.8 yards per punt last four games...had 19 punts downed inside 20 last year vs. only six touchbacks...four punts each vs. SC, ND downed inside 20, including six inside 10-yard line. CAREER HIGHS: Punts-8, twice; Avg vs. VAN 2005; Long-64 vs. ND JAMES WILHOIT, PK (Sr., 5-10, 195) GP/GS (11/11, 37/37)...Active SEC scoring leader with 229 points...ended 2005 making eight straight field goal attempts and 11 of last 12...Season FG percentage of 73.7 (14-of-19) was career best...tied LSU comeback game with 28-yarder. CAREER HIGHS: FG Made-3, twice; Long-51, twice; Pts-13 vs. ALA

7 LETTERMEN RETURNING/LOST LETTERMEN RETURNING (47) LETTERMEN LOST (28) OFFENSE (20) TIGHT ENDS Chris Brown** Brad Cottam ** TACKLES Ramon Foster* Aaron Sears*** Eric Young* GUARDS Anthony Parker* CENTERS David Ligon** QUARTERBACKS Erik Ainge** WIDE RECEIVERS Josh Briscoe* Robert Meachem** Austin Rogers* Bret Smith*** Jayson Swain*** Lucas Taylor* TAILBACKS Arian Foster* Montario Hardesty* Ja'Kouri Williams* David Yancey** FULLBACKS Cory Anderson*** David Holbert** DEFENSE (23) ENDS Robert Ayers* Turk McBride*** Xavier Mitchell** Antonio Reynolds** TACKLES Justin Harrell*** #J.T. Mapu** Matt McGlothlin** LINEBACKERS Ryan Karl** Jerod Mayo* Marvin Mitchell*** Adam Myers-White* James Turner** #Ellix Wilson* DEFENSIVE BACKS Sinclair Cannon* Roshaun Fellows** Antonio Gaines** Ben Greene** Jonathan Hefney** Inquoris Johnson** Demetrice Morley* #Jarod Parrish** Antwan Stewart** Jonathan Wade*** SPECIALISTS (4) Britton Colquitt*, (Punter) Ryan West**, (Deep Snapper) James Wilhoit***, (Placekicker) Casey Woods*, (Holder) OFFENSE (11) QB Rick Clausen** OG Cody Douglas**** C.J. Fayton**** TE Jake Finlayson*** C Richie Gandy** Chris Hannon**** TE Justin Reid*** TB Gerald Riggs, **** OG Rob Smith*** OT Albert Toeaina** FB Robert Williams* (Service) DEFENSE (14) DB Jason Allen**** DB Corey Campbell*** DB Jon Catanzano* (Service) DB Peter Chang* (Service) LB Omar Gaither**** DE Jason Hall**** DE Parys Haralson**** DT Jesse Mahelona** DT Tony McDaniel*** LB Jason Mitchell**** LB Jon Poe*** DB Lester Ransom* (Service) LB Kevin Simon*** LB Nick Wilson** SPECIALISTS (3) PK Ryan Fusco* (Service) DS Bill Martin* (Service) DS Adam Miles**** * Indicates letters earned # J.T. Mapu lettered in 2002 and Ellix Wilson lettered in 2004, Jarod Parrish lettered in 2003 and STARTERS RETURNING (13) OFFENSE (6) Tight End Chris Brown (, 6-3, 250) Left Tackle Arron Sears (Sr.,, 320) Wide Receiver Jayson Swain (Sr.,, 205) Quarterback Erik Ainge (, 6-6, 220) Fullback Cory Anderson (Sr., 6-3, 255) Tailback Arian Foster (,, 215) DEFENSE (5) Left Tackle Justin Harrell (Sr.,, 300) Left Cornerback Jonathan Wade (Sr., 6-0, 195) Right Cornerback Inquoris Johnson (, 5-9, 180) Strong Safety Antwan Stewart (Sr., 6-0, 195) Free Safety Jonathan Hefney (, 5-9, 185) SPECIALISTS (2) Placekicker James Wilhoit (Sr., 5-10, 198) Punter Britton Colquitt (, 6-3, 198) STARTERS LOST (11) OFFENSE (5) Left Guard Rob Smith (,, 306) Center Richie Gandy (Sr., 6-5, 312) Right Guard Cody Douglas (Sr.,, 330) Right Tackle Albert Toeaina (Sr., 6-6, 355) Wide Receiver Chris Hannon (Sr.,, 200) DEFENSE (6) Left End Parys Haralson (Sr., 6-2, 248) Left Tackle Jesse Mahelona (Sr., 6-2, 297) Right End Jason Hall (Sr., 6-3, 260) Strong Linebacker Omar Gaither (Sr., 6-2, 230) Middle Linebacker Kevin Simon (Sr., 5-11, 234) Weak Linebacker Jason Mitchell (Sr.,, 227) SPECIALISTS (0) 20

8 POSITION-BY-POSITION OUTLOOK yards. Alas, Swain failed to tally so much as a single touchdown, eliciting the cry for more substantial results by the entire cadre of receivers. Bret Smith, who likely will join Swain in occupying a starting assignment, had 21 catches last year and the satisfaction of knowing three of them accounted for touchdowns. R o b e r t Meachem goes into the season bent on improving his touchdown-to-receptions ratio. Recruited to Tennessee as a can't-miss game-breaker, Meachem led the Vols in catches last year with 29, but reached the land of milk-and-honey only twice. The highly-acclaimed junior needs to elevate his production dramatically. There are some capable youngsters on deck ready to step forward if the trio of Swain, Smith and Meachem fail to reach their goals. Prominent among the hopefuls are Josh Briscoe, Austin Rogers and Lucas Taylor, all sophomores, and Casey Woods, a junior. Taylor, a 5-10, 168-pound dynamo, demonstrated open-field talent as a punt and kick return specialist last year, giving rise to a belief he could have similar achievements as a receiver. Junior Bill Grimes and redshirt freshman Slick Shelley are hopeful of playing time. Another redshirt freshman Ricardo Kemp because of injuries this spring was moved to running back but hopes for receiver reps when fall camp begins. TACKLES Lettermen Returning (2) Arron Sears, Sr., 3L Eric Young,, 1L Lettermen Lost (1) Albert Toeaina, 2L Linemen Steven Jones was UT s 2006 Harvey Robinson Award win - ner as the most improved offensive players in spring practice. Jones is a junior offensive tackle from Brentwood. TIGHT ENDS Lettermen Returning (2) Chris Brown,, 2L Brad Cottam,, 2L OFFENSE Lettermen Lost (2) Jake Finlayson, 3L Justin Reed, 3L Considering Tennessee's dedication toward rebuilding its once-feared passing game, a sensible assumption would be that Vols who take to the battlefield designated as tight ends better get busy refining their blocking skills. There may not be much opportunity to catch passes in their immediate future. A reported resurgence by Big Orange wideouts makes it imperative that junior Chris Brown and assorted understudies hurry downfield and clear a path that can help turn a 10-yard gain into a big-time ramble. That having been said, make no mistake about it: Brown is easy to spot at 6-3 and 250 pounds, and should a quarterback toss the ball in his direction, he is capable of taking it and sprinting downfield in a flash. But blocking is what he's about, as Brown fully understands, and the same can be said for two other tight end hopefuls, the Cottam brothers - Brad, a junior, and Jeff, a freshman. Brown, as a starter in 2005, accounted for 14 pass catches, netting 141 yards. WIDE RECEIVERS Lettermen Returning (6) Josh Briscoe,, 1L Robert Meachem,, 2L Austin Rogers,, 1L Bret Smith, Sr., 3L Jayson Swain, Sr., 3L Lucas Taylor,, 1L Lettermen Lost (2) C.J. Fayton, 4L Chris Hannon, 4L When it comes to marching orders for 2006, wide receivers have theirs: score more touchdowns than you did last season when your much-ballyhooed potential for big plays proved hollow. Three of the five leading receivers are back, a talented trio who are capable of leading the Vols into the Promised Land on a regular basis, but a vital phase of the passing game in which they came up short far too often last season. The most telling stats were posted by Jayson Swain, who had 27 catches for 380 Accepting the challenge of restoring clout to the offensive line, Arron Sears will likely man one of the starting assignments at tackle, probably operating from the left side. He's an authentic all-star, not only because he blocks with ferocity but also brings needed leadership to the less experienced linemen. Sears flattened Ole Miss tacklers in an especially energetic performance that won him offensive player of the week honors last October. Like so many other Vols over the years, Sears is groomed to play at either tackle or guard. Starting the season, it looks as though home for his curtain-closing campaign at UT will be tackle. Eric Young, a junior, spent spring practice convincing the coaches he belongs on the starting team at right tackle. His credits include playing with the first unit last season in victories over LSU and Mississippi. Offensive line is a place where the Vols need to get better in a hurry, and Sears and Young are battle-hardened enough that coaches believe they have the ingredients to lead the charge. Steven Jones, a junior, and redshirt freshman Chris Scott are in line for important reserve duty behind their more seasoned teammates. GUARDS Lettermen Returning (2) Ramon Foster,, 1L Anthony Parker,, 1L Lettermen Lost (2) Cody Douglas, 4L Rob Smith, 3L Here's a place where youth will be served despite the fact the offensive line by its nature calls for an abundance of experience in adjusting to the rhythm and flow of the game. Two sophomores, Ramon Foster and Anthony Parker, went through intensive training in spring practice designed to integrate their skills and talents with the rest of the cast up-front. They are young, but both bring to the field the 300-plus pound physique needed to wage combat against defensive linemen who are often quicker and nearly as bulky. To lend seasoning to the position, coaches switched David Ligon from center to guard midway through spring practice. Ligon, a heady senior, will not only do his own job in a workmanlike manner, but his steadiness will provide the undergirding for his youthful teammates. Playing time for Foster and Parker will revolve around their ability to convince the coaches that their lack of experience won't be fatal to the Vols' offensive plans. Protection provided for the quarterbacks will be a measuring stick for the entire offensive line. Senior Arron Sears is subject to moving to guard from tackle if either Parker or Foster - or even Ligon -- indicates he's not quite ready for prime-time duty. Malcom Rawls is being prepared for backup duty, limited, however, by the same restrictions that apply to other linemen - a stark lack of experience under game conditions. 21

9 POSITION-BY-POSITION OUTLOOK CENTERS Lettermen Returning (1) David Ligon, Sr., 2L Lettermen Lost (1) Richie Gandy, 2L One of the saving graces for the offensive line is that an injury situation last season gave exposure to a junior in the role as starting center for the final four games. Otherwise, David Ligon would have spent spring of his senior season learning to break in at a position rarely noticed by the ticket-buying public, but of crucial importance in launching a play. If there is one job on a team where the coaches are resolved to avoiding a foul-up, it is center. The snap of the ball gets the play going, and the center's ability to deliver it unerringly in a precise way is critical. Michael Frogg, a walkon junior who played as a guard in two games last year, came on strong enough in spring practice that the staff elected to entrust first-team snapping duties with him. Frogg's continued development will allow Ligon's transfer to guard to become permanent. Ligon, who replaced the injured Richie Gandy starting with the Notre Dame game Nov. 5, performed competently through the rest of the schedule. But overall it seems likely - and coaches have their fingers crossed that it works out - that Frogg will give the Vols stability in a key offensive responsibility. Josh McNeil and Cameron Mayo will work to provide insurance at center or some other vulnerable line position. QUARTERBACKS Lettermen Returning (1) Erik Ainge,, 2L Lettermen Lost (1) Rick Clausen, 2L Tennessee hopes to take a step back in time this season, somehow restoring the quarterback position to the stable niche it occupied in At that time, Erik Ainge appeared ready to handle field general responsibilities for three years to come. But a shoulder injury he suffered against Notre Dame in his freshman season led to a slow recovery from surgery and a not-very-successful 2005 campaign. With plenty of blame to go around, not unexpectedly much of the finger-pointing was directed at quarterback where the Vols experimented with first this man, Ainge, and then the other, Rick Clausen. Results were generally unsatisfactorily, leading to a makeover of much of Ainge's quarterback style in spring practice. Specified areas for improvement were footwork, timing and adjustment to the overall pace of the game. On the other hand, needing very little fine-tuning was Ainge's ability to reach his targets, near and far, with laser-like precision. His competition for playing time will come mainly from Jonathon Crompton, who arrived at Tennessee awash in complimentary press clippings but who missed a chance to live up to them when a shoulder injury aborted his hopes to win playing time. Bo Hardegree is a strapping junior who will vie for backup duty along with the senior (and claimant of the crowd's favorite name), Jim Bob Cooter. All Arian Foster needed was an opportunity, something he might have expected in Jonathan Wade and Dan Williams shared UT s 2006 Andy Spiva Award, given to the most improved defensive players in spring practice. Wade is a senior defensive back while Willaims is a freshman defensive tackle. FULLBACKS Lettermen Returning (2) Cory Anderson, Sr., 3L David Holbert,, 2L Lettermen Lost (1) Robert Williams, 1L Cory Anderson is into his final season, heralding a departure that should delight Tennessee opponents who are sick and tired of seeing the 275-pound fullback blasting ahead, looking for somebody to block. On the other hand, his presence is a comfort for Vol backs who know they are fronted by a teammate who realizes he is in the game essentially to protect their safety and well-being. Entrusted with the ball from scrimmage only 11 times last year, Anderson isn't deceived. He knows why he's out on the field, his mission to flatten the opposition. It needs to be acknowledged, however, his sure-handedness as a pass receiver also plays a mighty important role in the offense. A favorite maneuver of quarterbacks is to hit Anderson in the flat with a throw that is almost guaranteed to provide a first down. His powerful running style often will result in a defender or two ricocheting to the side before Anderson can be dragged down. Playing behind Anderson is junior David Holbert, no Anderson as far as bulk is concerned, but at 255 pounds not exactly a slouch either when it comes to throwing his weight around. Planning ahead, coaches will be searching for candidates to take over the fullback chores when eligibility expires for the senior, Anderson, and the junior, Holbert. DEFENSE DEFENSIVE ENDS TAILBACKS Lettermen Returning (4) Arian Foster,, 1L Montario Hardesty,, 1L Ja Kouri Williams,, 1L David Yancey, Sr., 2L Lettermen Lost (1) Gerald Riggs 4L 2006 after Gerald Riggs had graduated. But an injury decked the fast-developing Riggs at midseason, providing Foster the stage to prove he has the makings of a productive and dangerous tailback. At and 211, ideal size for a running back, Foster romped for 879 yards and five touchdowns, auspicious figures for a freshman launching his college career. He has workhorse characteristics, exhibiting stamina and staying power against Vanderbilt when he compiled 223 yards on 40 carries. Foster will benefit from the standpoint of a challenge in that senior David Yancey, a battle-crusted survivor of the football wars, is playing in his shadow. Solid replacements are at hand for the experienced Foster and Yancey in the presence of a talented trio of up-and-comers. Montario Hardesty, Ja'Kouri Williams and LaMarcus Coker will furnish depth and the ability to put the heat on Foster. They provide fair warning that if Foster takes his starting assignment for granted, it will be at his own peril. There is a widespread feeling that the Vols' running game will be cranking out yardage consistent with the banner years of Tennessee's rich football history Lettermen Returning (3) Robert Ayers,, 1L Xavier Mitchell,, 2L Antonio Reynolds,, 2L Lettermen Lost (2) Jason Hall, 4L Parys Haralson, 4L To the layman, the outlook at defensive end appears bleak. What else can you say about a position that suffered the loss of twin terrors Parys Haralson and Jason Hall? Haralson in particular provided mind-numbing deeds that blunted opponent attacks throughout the 2005 season, and Hall was only a step behind in effectiveness. So what are those smiles doing on the faces of Vols defensive coaches? Could it be that Robert Ayers and Antonio Reynolds are prepared to take over where their predecessors left off? There is reason to believe it could happen. Ayers, a sophomore, had some quality results in limited playing time last year, credited with a sack and a tackle for lost yardage. Reynolds, a junior, showed encouraging explosiveness. He saw action in every game, convincing coaches he will be able to hold his own as a starter. And include Xavier Mitchell in conjecture about likely contributors. Against Florida, as a reserve off the bench, the 6-2, 252-pound Mitchell had a halfsack and three quarterback hurries - figures that certainly inspire hope that he will return in an aggressive frame of mind from an injury that sidelined him during spring practice. An impressive junior college graduate could emerge as a top reserve. Walter Fisher, who arrived at UT in advance of spring practice, is pegged for heavy work at either terminal. Also lending depth at end is Wes Brown.

10 POSITION-BY-POSITION OUTLOOK DEFENSIVE TACKLES Lettermen Returning (4) Justin Harrell,, 2L J.T. Mapu,, 2L Turk McBride,, 2L Matt McGlothlin, Sr., 2L Lettermen Lost (2) Jesse Mahelona, 2L Tony McDaniel, 3L Coaches this summer will greet Tennessee's gift from the missionary field, J.T. Mapu, on his return to campus after carrying out responsibilities with his church for the last two years. Mapu is a well-documented heavy hitter, his previous employment at Tennessee a strong indicator he can provide a threat to the projected firstteam status of tackles Justin Harrell and Turk McBride. Mapu's restoration to Vols defensive ranks is another reason UT coaches are upbeat despite the loss of first-team All-America tackle Jesse Mahelona. The quickness of Mahelona will be difficult for the current Vols to duplicate. At 6-3, 275, and speedy at that, Hawaiian native Mapu is hard to handle when he takes on offensive linemen. But so is Harrell, who last season had 7.5 sacks, nearly matching Mahelona's total of eight. Harrell, a junior who is a two-year starter, is expected to man at the right tackle slot, while McBride, moving up from the bench, will open on the left side. Mapu, penciled in for top relief duty, will join a complement of earnest hopefuls that include DeMonte Bolden, Raymond Henderson, Jared Hostettler, Matt McGlothlin, Vladimir Richards and Dan Williams. Williams may have separated himself from the group by being named most improved player in spring practice. Given normal year-to-year improvement, the tackle position appears to be in better-thanaverage shape for the upcoming campaign. LINEBACKERS Lettermen Returning (6) Ryan Karl,, 2L Jerod Mayo,, 1L Marvin Mitchell, Sr., 3L Adam Myers-White,, 1L James Turner,, 2L Ellix Wilson,, 1L Lettermen Lost (5) Omar Gaither, 4L Jason Mitchell, 4L Jon Poe, 3L Kevin Simon, 3L Nick Wilson, 2L Bouncing back from injuries is often a problematical situation, so with that caveat we approach the outlook at linebacker sounding a note of caution. Two projected starters were sidelined during spring practice while they recovered from surgery. Rico McCoy returned in time to take part in a portion of the work, hoping to claim the starter's role at weak linebacker. The redshirt freshman was locked in a fight with Ellix Wilson, a sophomore, for the starting post. Coaches would be comfortable with either of the two contenders in the lineup. Jerod Mayo, also back from the injury list, exhibited toughness and determination in 2005 to a degree that allowed him to stake a claim this season for first-team duty at strong linebacker. He shapes up as a developing dominant presence backing up the line. It would be foolhardy, however, to imagine that the departure of the entire trio of starting linebackers from last season wouldn't noticeably limit the Vols defensively as they charge out of the gate for the upcoming season. Kevin Simon, Omar Gaither and Jason Mitchell comprised a powerful contingent that made an indelible mark in Big Orange defensive lore. The crafty veteran, Marvin Mitchell, will fill the middle linebacker slot, bringing an important level of game-day excitement to the job. Ryan Karl, the Vols' most experienced reserve linebacker, accounted for 13 tackles and recovered two fumbles last year. Sophomore Adam Myers-White is slated for a backup role in the middle. CORNERBACKS Lettermen Returning (4) Roshaun Fellows,, 2L Antonio Gaines,, 2L Inquoris Johnson,, 2L Jonathan Wade, Sr., 3L Lettermen Lost (3) Jason Allen, 4L Jon Catanzano, 1L Peter Chang, 1L The Vols' collection of cornerbacks grew up in a hurry last fall when the ever-dependable All-America Jason Allen was injured at midseason and missed the final six games. Minus their star playmaker, the remaining threesome of Jonathan Wade, Roshaun Fellows, and Inky Johnson scrambled to minimize the damage. Wade and Fellows split starting responsibilities throughout the year and left it for spring practice to determine the pecking order for Wade edged out Fellows as spring drills ended however between them, they should handle the left cornerback position in an acceptable manner. An excellent closing game by Fellows against Kentucky, still fresh in memory, could tip the scales in his direction. When Allen was injured, a promotion immediately brought Johnson to the forefront at right cornerback. To retain his job, he must prove he can defend against passes with the same authority he stops the run. Junior Antonio Gaines and redshirt freshman Marsalous Johnson are working hard to make sure they can step in when necessary to provide relief at one of the high-risk positions on defense. SAFETIES Lettermen Returning (6) Sinclair Cannon,, 1L Ben Greene,, 2L Jonathan Hefney,, 2L Demetrice Morley,, 1L Jarod Parrish,, 2L Antwan Stewart, Sr., 2L Lettermen Lost (2) Corey Campbell, 3L Lester Ransom, 1L Projected starters at the other two secondary positions - Jonathan Hefney at free safety and Antwan Stewart at strong safety - are about as close to money in the bank as you will find in a defensive backfield. It's inconsequential to the two-year starter Hefney whether opponents pass or run. He likes both challenges and could point to three interceptions last year as proof that quarterbacks fire his way at their own risk. As far as taking on the running game is concerned, Hefney ranked third on the team in tackles with 65. Redshirt freshman Antonio Wardlow went through spring practice as Hefney's backup and convinced coaches he will be ready when called upon. Antwan Stewart earned his stripes last year when he bounced back strong from a knee injury that sidelined him in He accounted for 47 tackles and was at his best when he registered 10 stops against Vanderbilt. As the season moves along, it wouldn't be a surprise to see increased playing opportunities for reserve strong safety Demetrice Morley, who has exhibited a potential for making tide-turning big plays. Morley could be an exciting playmaker if his work up to now is a fair measure in forecasting his future. Junior Jarod Parrish has shown he can be dependable as a reserve behind Hefney. SPECIALISTS Lettermen Returning (4) P Britton Colquitt,, 1L DS Ryan West, Sr., 2L PK James Wilhoit,, 3L H Casey Woods,, 1L Lettermen Lost (3) PK Ryan Fusco, 1L DS Bill Martin, 1L DS Adam Miles, 4L SPECIAL TEAMS Overall, the kicking game - considered as a total package -- was not what the head coach wanted last year. As a demanding advocate of sound kicking, Phillip Fulmer was left in a state of perplexity when he observed far too many mistakes for a Tennessee man trained in the tradition of Neyland. There were some bright exceptions, Britton Colquitt's punting for instance. The latest UT man with the Colquitt family's royal punting blood coursing through his veins, Britton performed in a manner to make his ancestors proud. For Vanderbilt and Kentucky, he was at the top of his game, averaging 46.7 yards against the Commodores and closing out the season with a 44.2 mark against the Wildcats. Tennessee can look for three more banner years from Colquitt. Returning for his senior season is James Wilhoit, who was effective as a placekicker with 14 field goals on 19 tries and was a perfect 21-for-21 on extra points. Casey Woods, a backup wide receiver, will hold for kicks, and Ryan West will return as deep snapper. Fulmer's unhappiness with the kicking game centered largely on failure to exploit possibilities for significant returns. Entrusted with turning things around from last season's inadequate results will be Jonathan Hefney and Austin Rogers hauling punts and Lucas Taylor and Demetrice Morley returning kickoffs. 23