C.J. Leak's move to safety seemed sudden. Not for the Leak family.

"We thought from day one that he could play safety," C.J.'s father, Curtis, said at Saturday's scrimmage. "We tried to move him in the spring but (UT) Coach (Randy) Sanders wanted him to stay on offense."

C.J. moved to safety this week after it was announced that he would be behind freshmen quarterbacks Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer on the depth chart. C.J. was the odds-on favorite to start the season at quarterback after spring practice when he showed significant progress.

"The silver lining is that the season hasn't begun," Curtis said. "He could contribute to the defense immediately."

Safety has been a concern for UT' s defense during preseason drills. Sophomore Corey Campbell appears set at free safety while junior Brandon Johnson has a tentative hold on strong safety.

At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Leak's frame is impressive. His speed ranks with UT's best at quarterback — a 4.5-second time in the 40-yard dash.

But Leak's experience was limited to special situations at safety because he was such a highly touted quarterback in high school. His attitude concerning his sudden position shift may outweigh the tangibles.

"I like (safety) a lot," C.J. said. "It's a lot of fun back there. I get to go back there and roam. I definitely bring a new look. We've got a lot of very good safeties. I'm just going to go out there and battle and play hard. For the first day out, I feel good."

Leak has made a good early impression.

"(C.J.)'s not afraid and he's trying," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "All those things you can see in a hurry. How much he can do and how much he can learn? I don't know but we're going to work with him and see. I like his attitude."

Leak said there are similarities between playing quarterback and safety, such as reading plays as they progress.

"He's very aggressive and he's still got those instincts," Curtis said. "He's got to work for it.

"There's an opportunity for him to start (at safety). I wish they'd had done it earlier. At his speed and size, the (NFL) combine will love him. It's a good move for him.

"This is his last year. He wants to win it all. If that means safety, then so be it."