The season opener is still more than two weeks away, but the University of Tennessee football media guide already looks outdated.

That's not a knock on UT's Sports Information Office. Blame the players, not the publicists.

I'm referring to the preseason depth chart on page 41. UT's top four quarterbacks are C.J. Leak, Rick Clausen, Jim Bob Cooter and Bo Hardegree; UT's top five tailbacks are Cedric Houston, David Yancey, Jabari Davis, Gerald Riggs Jr. and Corey Larkins.

The depth chart has been turned topsy-turvy at those high-profile positions since preseason practice began.

Freshmen quarterbacks Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge, who weren't listed on the preseason depth chart, are challenging for the starting position. And the fourth- and fifth-string running backs are probably running first and second after Wednesday night's scrimmage.

The players aren't just making it tough on the publicists. They're making it hard on the coaches.

Whom will the coaches choose at those crucial positions? Their answer today might not be the same as their answer next week or the week after that.

Running backs coach Trooper Taylor insists he won't have a problem picking a starting tailback. The players will do it for him.

"I grade them every day," said UT's first-year assistant coach. "Whoever grades out the highest, he will be the starter. I don't care who it is.

"Right now, Gerald probably has the edge. He or Larkins."

Wouldn't that be something? Riggs and Larkins running ahead of veterans Houston and Davis.

Larkins is a fifth-year senior who has been tried at running back, wide receiver and the defensive secondary. He has spent as much time in the coaches' doghouse as on the field.

He was out of the doghouse and in the end zone Wednesday night at Neyland Stadium. He had two carries for 43 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown run.

"He has improved so much running the football," Taylor said. "We always say, 'slow to the hole and fast through it.' He's very patient and he's got great vision."

Riggs didn't do anything spectacular. But he did what he needed to do, according to his position coach.

From Taylor's sideline vantage point, he didn't think Riggs missed a single blocking assignment on pass protection. Such attention to detail could earn Riggs the starting position.

No one has ever questioned his running ability. But his shortcomings in other areas -- on and off the field -- coupled with injuries have kept him on the bench for most of his career.

You almost feel silly writing about Riggs' potential. Although he has starred in previous scrimmages, that production hasn't carried over to the playing field. But two things worth noting: He's healthy and has the confidence of his position coach.

"I feel quicker than I've ever been," said Riggs, who had five carries for 32 yards in the scrimmage. "Looking on the film, I looked quick at times. But I never felt that way."

Riggs' combination of quickness and strength gives him an edge on the other backs. Jabari Davis also looked sharp in the scrimmage, gaining 17 yards on a pass reception, wiping out cornerback Jason Allen on a block and running once for six yards. Houston, a second-team preseason All-SEC pick, had minus-1 yard on seven carries.

Based on the preseason depth chart, the numbers didn't add up.

John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews