It's not all about the quarterbacks.

While every snap every quarterback takes is being scrutinized, some other critical personnel battles began Saturday as Tennessee opened football practice.

Before UNLV arrives at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 5, coach Phillip Fulmer and his staff have their work cut out to solidify any number of positions.

"That's what those 29 days are for,'' defensive coordinator John Chavis said at the Vols' media day. "That's why they call you coach. You've got to go earn your dang money.''

Chavis will earn his by shoring up the ranks at defensive tackle and safety.

On offense, anybody who can help upgrade the running game will find a welcome mat.

"We don't have a starting tailback right now,'' Fulmer declared.

The offensive line has several returning starters, but it's too soon to say which five will open and at what positions.

The Vols knew after their Peach Bowl loss to Clemson that replacing safeties Gibril Wilson and Rashad Baker would be a priority. The big picture has since been compounded by attrition at defensive tackle.

Greg Jones, the most experienced tackle in an inexperienced pool, will redshirt.

J.T. Mapu is on a Mormon mission. Touted signee Demonte Bolden did not qualify academically. Reserve Matt McGlothlin is suspended for the season.

That leaves four scholarship tackles who were at spring practice: sophomores Justin Harrell, Tony McDaniel and LaRon Harris and junior-college transfer Jesse Mahelona.

"You put those four guys together,'' said tackles coach Dan Brooks, "and they haven't played a lot of football.''

Incoming freshmen Ell Ash and Anthony Parker will be in the mix. Ends Jared Hostetter and Turk McBride will get a look inside.

"It's a great opportunity,'' said Brooks, "and somebody will jump on it.''

Fulmer said he's even more concerned about safety than tackle, noting, "One mistake in the secondary and they score.''

Sophomore Corey Campbell projects to take over at free safety. He started three games last year when Baker was hurt, the first being the upset win at Miami.

"After that game,'' said Chavis, "Miami's offensive coordinator came over and said, 'John, you showed us some coverages we'd never seen before,' and I said, 'Yeah, I saw some today I'd never seen before, either.' "

At strong safety, Brandon Johnson and Jarod Parrish lead the competition.

"We lost two of what I call grown men in Wilson and Baker,'' Chavis said. "The last two years, to be honest, we've been able to cover up some things up front because we were so good on the back end.

"The secondary was the strength of our defense. We're going to be real young this year.

"Now if we didn't have a single guy capable of playing in the SEC, I'd feel pretty bad. But that's not the case.''

Jones To Redshirt: Whether Jones is in school this semester depends on passing a summer class. Either way, the plan is to redshirt to give him time to recover emotionally from a tragedy last November. An auto accident killed two members of his immediate family as they traveled to the Mississippi State game.

"Greg has had a hard time getting through this,'' Fulmer said. "We've got to get him back on a good track as a student and a person, then the football will come.

"I gave him a choice of going somewhere else, a better environment, if this wasn't working out and he absolutely did not want to do that.''

Stewart Update: So far so good with Antwan Stewart's rehab from April 22 knee surgery. The sophomore cornerback said in a best-case scenario he might be able to play in November, but would prefer to redshirt.

"It all depends on what the team needs,'' he said. "If they can allow me to sit out, I hope I can.''

Closing Practice: Once the season begins, Fulmer will restrict the media to the first 30 minutes of practice, a departure from past access. The new policy is in line with most SEC schools.

"Too many things get out,'' Fulmer said. "As the electronic media has grown and there's more and more competition, more people are tempted to say things. If you're not there, you're not tempted to say anything.''

Personnel: Freshman punter Britton Colquitt has been reinstated to the team after meeting all requirements to deal with a series of alcohol-related incidents. Besides Bolden, running back Arian Foster is the only other freshman not certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse. The staff is hopeful he will join the team soon. Fulmer said David Ligon has "come a long way fast" since his move to guard. Robert Boulware has moved from cornerback to safety. Converted fullback Cory Anderson checks in at 270 pounds after a strong summer. James Banks will practice at both defensive back and receiver during his three-game suspension. Fulmer and Chavis praised cornerback Jason Allen as a team leader.

Mike Strange covers University of Tennessee sports. He may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.