Various notes courtesy of tfpOnline....
KNOXVILLE Tennessee junior Jonathan Hefney may have gotten what he wanted, but it certainly wasnt the way he would have liked.
"Ive been begging them to let me play corner anyway," he said.
In the wake of Inquoris Johnsons hospitalization for damage to blood vessels and nerves near his right shoulder, Hefney was moved back from free safety to cornerback, the position where he started 12 games and earned freshman All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2004. That past experience was the biggest reason Hefney was selected.
"Were trying to keep as much consistency as possible," Volunteers secondary coach Larry Slade said. "So when you look at it, rather than move two or three guys to get something done, lets just move one guy and get it done."
Hefney didnt learn of the position switch until he saw a coach write his name on the board as a cornerback during Monday meetings.
"The first day, I was kind of nervous about it, but now Im getting settled in and I feel good about it," he said. "I feel comfortable wherever I play. I dont worry about it. I know if I get a chance to make a play, Im going to make it."
Feeble Foster
Starting tailback Arian Foster has had little improvement on his sprained left ankle, according to Vols coach Phillip Fulmer.
"Hes not much (better). Hes still tender," Fulmer said. "Thats a hard position to have a tender ankle at, too."
The sophomore was injured during the second quarter of Tennessees win over Air Force. He missed the second half and finished with 22 yards.
Indecision on McBride
Defensive lineman Turk McBride started the season at defensive end but was moved inside to tackle when Justin Harrell was supposedly lost for the season. Now with Harrell available, Fulmer isnt sure where McBride will play.
"Well see how it goes," Fulmer said. "All those guys are kind of interchangeable right now for the most part."
Uniform question
Prior to Harrells return, Fulmer announced the Vols would place a seal with the numbers 29 and 92 on their uniforms to represent injured teammates Johnson (No. 29) and Harrell (No. 92).
"Well probably keep the 29," Fulmer said. "I really just dont know."
Pride visits practice
For the first time since preseason practices, The Pride of the Southland Band joined the Vols to start practice with a rendition of "Rocky Top."
It opened what turned out to be an emotional practice.
"Our team appreciated it," Fulmer said. "They wanted to do it again. Hey, its Florida week, well do whatever it takes, right?"
E-mail Scott Kushner at
sports@timesfreepress.com Staff Writer Gentry Estes contributed to this report
