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Toeaina could be out for opener
Staff Writer
KNOXVILLE Offensive tackle Albert Toeaina remains sidelined with an injury and may miss Tennessee's opener next Sunday against UNLV.
Coach Phillip Fulmer said the Vols' medical staff thinks Toeaina has a ''pretty significant bruise'' on his tibia (shin bone).
''I don't know what Albert's status will be,'' Fulmer said. ''It may be a week or 10 days. He got a pretty good lick in the scrimmage from somebody coming into the back of him.''
Arron Sears has been working with the first team at right tackle in Toeaina's absence. Sears, who's been slowed by a sprained toe, is also a factor at guard.
Fulmer said Sears would be able to play, but admitted that the Vols' depth in the line would be hurt if the 6-foot-6, 350-pound Toeaina can't play. The junior college transfer went through spring practice, but has struggled some with his technique.
McBride out: Defensive end Turk McBride has missed the last two practices because of a wrist injury. He's continuing to be evaluated, but could be a question mark for the opener against UNLV.
McBride has been splitting time between end and tackle. He was going to be the first option of the Vols' ends to move inside.
Jason Hall and Karlton Neal will also have to move inside and play some at tackle. The Vols are pleased with their top three tackles Jesse Mahelona, Justin Harrell and Tony McDaniel but want to see LaRon Harris make more progress.
Manning checking in: Tennessee fans aren't the only ones intrigued about a true freshman starting the season at quarterback.
Fulmer said he and Peyton Manning have traded phone messages.
''I'm sure he's like everybody else. He's interested in seeing what happens,'' Fulmer said of Manning, who played as a true freshman in 1994 and finished 7-1 as a starter.
Return game: Fulmer said Corey Larkins is the leader to return kickoffs and freshman Jonathan Hefney the leader to return punts.
Hefney is also in the kickoff return equation and could become the top guy depending on how much Larkins plays at tailback.
Wilhoit's adjustment: Place-kicker James Wilhoit was more consistent yesterday during the kicking scrimmage and all of last week after making an adjustment in his mechanics.
Punter Dustin Colquitt cut short the scrimmage after his leg tightened up, although it's not believed to be serious.
Tailback suspense: Although Gerald Riggs Jr. and Larkins remain the front-runners, Fulmer still isn't ready to name a starting tailback.
''We'll go through this week,'' Fulmer said. ''I've been really impressed with how they've protected and how they've run the football. We'll see how it shakes out there.''
Cedric Houston said yesterday he still fully expects to be in the rotation.
''I'm just going to keep working hard, do my thing, and I think it will work out,'' Houston said.
Fellows to start: Defensive coordinator John Chavis said redshirt freshman Roshaun Fellows would be the starter at the other cornerback spot opposite Jason Allen.
Fellows worked with the first-team defense all last week. Chavis said Fellows has been more consistent, but he said that Hefney and Jonathan Wade would also play.
Orange slices: With the opener scheduled for next Sunday, the Vols will take today off and be able to get an extra practice day in this week. They will go Monday through Friday and have a walk-through on Saturday. Their off day the following week will be on Monday because they have an open date that weekend.
Receiver Jayson Swain missed his second consecutive practice with a mild concussion. He's expected to return tomorrow.
Mark Jones will handle the play-by-play for ESPN2 next Sunday, and former Notre Dame Coach Bob Davie will provide analysis.
Staff Writer
KNOXVILLE Offensive tackle Albert Toeaina remains sidelined with an injury and may miss Tennessee's opener next Sunday against UNLV.
Coach Phillip Fulmer said the Vols' medical staff thinks Toeaina has a ''pretty significant bruise'' on his tibia (shin bone).
''I don't know what Albert's status will be,'' Fulmer said. ''It may be a week or 10 days. He got a pretty good lick in the scrimmage from somebody coming into the back of him.''
Arron Sears has been working with the first team at right tackle in Toeaina's absence. Sears, who's been slowed by a sprained toe, is also a factor at guard.
Fulmer said Sears would be able to play, but admitted that the Vols' depth in the line would be hurt if the 6-foot-6, 350-pound Toeaina can't play. The junior college transfer went through spring practice, but has struggled some with his technique.
McBride out: Defensive end Turk McBride has missed the last two practices because of a wrist injury. He's continuing to be evaluated, but could be a question mark for the opener against UNLV.
McBride has been splitting time between end and tackle. He was going to be the first option of the Vols' ends to move inside.
Jason Hall and Karlton Neal will also have to move inside and play some at tackle. The Vols are pleased with their top three tackles Jesse Mahelona, Justin Harrell and Tony McDaniel but want to see LaRon Harris make more progress.
Manning checking in: Tennessee fans aren't the only ones intrigued about a true freshman starting the season at quarterback.
Fulmer said he and Peyton Manning have traded phone messages.
''I'm sure he's like everybody else. He's interested in seeing what happens,'' Fulmer said of Manning, who played as a true freshman in 1994 and finished 7-1 as a starter.
Return game: Fulmer said Corey Larkins is the leader to return kickoffs and freshman Jonathan Hefney the leader to return punts.
Hefney is also in the kickoff return equation and could become the top guy depending on how much Larkins plays at tailback.
Wilhoit's adjustment: Place-kicker James Wilhoit was more consistent yesterday during the kicking scrimmage and all of last week after making an adjustment in his mechanics.
Punter Dustin Colquitt cut short the scrimmage after his leg tightened up, although it's not believed to be serious.
Tailback suspense: Although Gerald Riggs Jr. and Larkins remain the front-runners, Fulmer still isn't ready to name a starting tailback.
''We'll go through this week,'' Fulmer said. ''I've been really impressed with how they've protected and how they've run the football. We'll see how it shakes out there.''
Cedric Houston said yesterday he still fully expects to be in the rotation.
''I'm just going to keep working hard, do my thing, and I think it will work out,'' Houston said.
Fellows to start: Defensive coordinator John Chavis said redshirt freshman Roshaun Fellows would be the starter at the other cornerback spot opposite Jason Allen.
Fellows worked with the first-team defense all last week. Chavis said Fellows has been more consistent, but he said that Hefney and Jonathan Wade would also play.
Orange slices: With the opener scheduled for next Sunday, the Vols will take today off and be able to get an extra practice day in this week. They will go Monday through Friday and have a walk-through on Saturday. Their off day the following week will be on Monday because they have an open date that weekend.
Receiver Jayson Swain missed his second consecutive practice with a mild concussion. He's expected to return tomorrow.
Mark Jones will handle the play-by-play for ESPN2 next Sunday, and former Notre Dame Coach Bob Davie will provide analysis.
