UT Coaching Corner

Defensive line coach, Dan Brooks.

Known as "Oak Tree'' among staff assistants for his solid approach to recruiting and coaching, Brooks has so far made the best of a bad situation.

Facing the loss of three seasoned defensive tackles (J.T. Mapu mission, Greg Jones family, Matt McGlothlin suspension), Brooks put a unit on the field that dominated Saturday.

Sophomore Tony McDaniel (6-foot-7, 300 pounds and runs a 40 in 4.7 seconds) is a rising star who Brooks has stayed on to become tougher and more consistent.

Junior college transfer Jesse Mahelona came to UT big on potential but short on technique. In one spring and 1A 1/2 weeks of fall, Brooks has Mahelona producing.

LaRon Harris has improved his practice habits under Brooks, and with Justin Harrell it's just a matter of staying healthy.

Freshmen Ell Ash and Anthony Parker signed on with the Vols as offensive linemen, but because of the lack of depth Brooks has been asked to convert them to defense.

Having coached the likes of NFL defensive tackles John Henderson, Albert Haynesworth, Darwin Walker, Rashad Moore and Aubrayo Franklin, Brooks should prove up to the challenge.

On The Spot

Running backs coach Trooper Taylor has unquestionably brought much-needed enthusiasm and fire to his position since replacing soft-spoken Woody McCorvey.

Furthermore, Taylor has "cleaned the slate,'' so to speak, putting the running backs on equal footing as they compete for starting jobs.

Taylor's challenge now is to address the fundamental follies his backs exhibited in Saturday's scrimmage.

The fumbles by veteran tailbacks Cedric Houston and Jabari Davis are concerning.

Also, offensive coordinator Randy Sanders was critical of breakdowns by the running backs in protection.

Knowing Taylor, he'll approach the shortcomings in an aggressive, enthusiastic manner.

Knowing coach Phillip Fulmer, he'd better.