Quarterback race going as expected
KNOXVILLE Nobody expected any firm answers at quarterback two practices into the spring. And so far, nothing has changed.
C.J. Leak, Rick Clausen and James Banks all had their struggles yesterday. It should be noted that they were throwing into strong winds as a storm blew in toward the end of practice.
Coach Phillip Fulmer said Leak still appeared to be a little bit ahead and was more efficient than he was Friday.
''I thought C.J. did a little bit better,'' Fulmer said. ''After going back and watching the film (Friday), he threw the ball pretty well, but was still late with a lot of things.
''(Yesterday), per pass, I kept a running chart on him and showed it to him after each series. I think he got better at some of that during the course of the practice because he was conscious of it.''
Leak did throw a couple of interceptions, but overall was more accurate than Clausen. None of the quarterbacks is wearing a green jersey.
Junior day: The Vols had several top junior prospects on campus yesterday for unofficial visits, including Antioch running back LaMarcus Coker and Goodpasture receiver Patrick Turner. Coker has already committed to Tennessee.
Quarterback Jonathan Crompton of Waynesville, N.C., was also visiting practice along with both of his parents. Crompton is considered a strong lean to the Vols.
Others in town were receiver Josh Briscoe of Lawndale, N.C., receiver Mohamed Massaquoi of Charlotte, N.C., receiver Eric Huggins of Conway, S.C., defensive end Hivera Green of Conway, S.C., and defensive end Ayanga Okpokowuruk of the McCallie School in Chattanooga.
Also, Tennessee signees Ryan Karl and Demonte Bolden were at practice. They plan to enroll this summer.
Fullback shortage: The Vols are lean at fullback. Only William Revill has any experience.
Asked if Jabari Davis could move to fullback, offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said: ''Any of them can be moved if they don't fit into that top two or three at tailback.''
To compensate for the lack of fullbacks, the Vols are doing some different things with their tight ends in more of an H-back role. They also hope incoming freshman David Holbert of Brentwood Academy can help this season.
Orange slices: Receivers Robert Meachem (hamstring) and Bret Smith (toe) didn't practice yesterday.
Strong side linebacker Jason Mitchell also missed practice. Omar Gaither worked in his place with the first team.
The Vols will be off today and tomorrow. They will return to practice on Tuesday and have their first day of contact.
