Chatt Times Free Press
Rigg's future uncertain
By Wesley Rucker Correspondent
KNOXVILLE Gerald Riggs has been frustrated all season, but Tennessees sophomore tailback took it one step further Tuesday when he said he didnt know where he was going to be after this season.
"I always have to look out for whats in my best interest," said Riggs, a sophomore who graduated from Red Bank High. "And I havent made any decision along those lines, yet. I havent even really done a whole lot of thinking about where Im going to be after this seasons over with. But again, I have to do whats in my best interest. "When the end of the season comes, then I'll start thinking about what's going to be best for Gerald."
Riggs, a former Parade All-American, seemed to be one of the Volunteers most talented runners in preseason drills, but has only 11 carries for 48 yards this season.
With starter Cedric Houston injured and backup Jabari Davis winded in the fifth overtime against Alabama last Saturday, the Vols coaches opted for junior Corey Larkins over Riggs.
Larkins carried four times for 44 yards against the Tide.
"Something happened, and they went the direction they wanted to go in," Riggs said of the decision. "You know, thats just what they wanted to do, and theres not too much I can say or do about it."
Te nnessee coach Phillip Fulmer has said all season that Riggs needs to address blocking, route running and off-thefield issues before seeing more playing time. Riggs was academically ineligible for last seasons Peach Bowl and has reportedly been late to three of the last four Friday walk-throughs. Riggs contends he has completed the necessary steps to get on the field.
"You know, Im just going on how coaches react to what Ive been doing in practice and meetings and stuff," he said. "I think Im doing what it takes, but for some reason, for one reason or the other, Im not getting a chance to play. Its very frustrating, very, very frustrating. But, youve just got to keep plugging, and hopefully something will work out."
Riggs insists he is a team player, and says he does not want to be portrayed as "selfish." He celebrated as much as any other Vol on the field after the win at Alabama.
"Just keep your spirits up and keep your focus and encourage other guys that have a chance to do something out there," he said. "Encourage those guys and keep them up and keep their spirits up. Just do everything you can to get noticed and, hopefully, youll get your shot."
Riggs said he vented his frustrations to his family and "nobody else."
Fulmer denied specific comments on Riggs, opting to speak of the trio of Davis, Larkins and Riggs. Houstons sprained ankle will keep him out of Saturdays game against Duke, but Riggs said he had "given up" on expecting any carries.
When asked about Riggs, Fulmer replied: "Were going to play to win the football game, and I feel like, hopefully, that all of those guys will be able to carry the football."
Riggs was unavailable for comment Wednesday. Sports information representatives said he left practice early for class