Q: I have felt like in the past few years UT has not had a fullback with the size nor the disposition to lead a tailback into the line and help open a running lane. There are two at UT with the size now, Cory Anderson and a freshman (I think his name is Holbert?). In your opinion do either (or both) of these guys have the "fullback mentality''?

If they do, will the tailback make a cut and run or simply run into the pile of linemen at the line of scrimmage and fall down (like they have done the last couple of years). I have great hope that coach Taylor will have a positive impact on the tailback position. I feel that a sound running game is more important than ever with the freshmen quarterbacks in there. They need time to learn and grow into the role. They don't need to get up off the ground and dust their pants off every couple of plays because they are faced with constant third-and-10 situations because the running game is getting nothing. Here's hoping!

ISEEUALL@peoplepc.com

GRIFF: I agree with your thoughts, part of what has been missing in the UT run game is a dominant fullback. Cory Anderson really has a chance to be special. His teammates say that despite his 270-pound frame, he runs like a 230-pounder. As for Anderson's disposition, ask linebacker Kevin Burnett: the two tangled during one scrimmage, and Burnett didn't exactly get the best of it.

Holbert is a tad smaller than Anderson (240), but he's only a true freshman. Holbert looks to be the complete package -- like a jumbo Shawn Bryson. It's early, but both fullbacks look extremely promising.

Q: How is the running backs from New Orleans doing? Ja'Kouri Williams. I have read that he some serious speed!

metter@BEAVERFISH.com

GRIFF: Williams has looked decent, and he does have excellent speed. He has not, however, adjusted to the speed of the college game yet, nor has he exhibited the ability to anticipate holes. I think he will develop into a productive running back -- perhaps even as good as Travis Stephens.

Q: I have a question. What is up with James Banks is he going to play this year or not? I know he got is some type of trouble but I never heard that he was suspended for the season. I would appreciate any information you can give me.

Leo.Ford@garobi.ang.af.mil

GRIFF: Banks was suspended for the first three games of the season after being cited for underage drinking and a noise ordinance. Most recently, Banks was suspended from a scrimmage after showing up late for a team meeting. These events follow his suspension from the majority of spring drills for an undisclosed violation of team rules, and his suspension from the first half of the Peach Bowl for another rules infraction.

It's all very troubling because Banks seems like a promising young man when you meet him. Banks comes from a very solid and successful family and Indianapolis which suggests he has a good foundation.

Banks is still allowed to practice with the team, and he's spending most of his time at safety. The receiving corps, as good as it has looked at times, clearly misses his presence and play-making abilities.

Q: Mr. Griffith, I hope you have some proof that Clemson scouted Tennessee's practices before last year's bowl game. Otherwise, all you are reporting is slander. Instead of worrying about why you lost to the Tigers last year, you should be more concerned with the Grand Jury summons your coach is going to get as soon as he steps foot into the state of Alabama. No one likes a snitch. Especially from a university that has about a 14 percent graduation rate for its football players. So much losers.

Scott.Pacult@dealix.com

GRIFF: Slander? No. I stand behind my sources on this one.

As far as Tennessee's loss to Clemson, I had nothing to do with it. I just sat in the press box and ate cookies between key strokes.

Your graduation information rate on Tennessee is incorrect, and by your erroneous interpretation, would constitute "slander,'' no?

Q: It sounds as if Phil Fulmer and UT can do no wrong.

He's a rat when it comes to the Alabama accusations, and he hasn't had his team ready to play in big games over the last few years. I know UT fans are becoming less and less enamored with him as the season(s) progress, but to come out and basically accuse Clemson of spying is ridiculous.

Clemson took the ball on the opening kick-off and shoved it right down UT's throat. Period. You would think with all the dodging and dancing that Phil has been doing in the media lately he might lose a few pounds, but that doesn't appear to be the case either.

colby.wood@fedex.com

GRIFF: Thanks for the info Colby. All of us in Knoxville have been trying to figure out exactly what coach Fulmer did in the offseason to lose weight (he has lost about 30 pounds). Turns out he lost it by "dodging and dancing'' in the media. Man, I hate it that I missed that party. I could have gotten a good story out of Fulmer doing the mamba or the jitterbug with all of his media friends.

As for Fulmer not having his team ready for the big games, I had wondered about that, too. Here, I thought the Vols were ready when they went to Miami and won 10-6 last season. Guess the Hurricanes are lucky UT wasn't prepared for that one!

Coach Bowden is lucky to have such informed fans following the Clemson program. I mean, you do know that Danny Ford is gone and Tommy Bowden is in charge, don't you?

In all seriousness, the Tigers did put it to Tennessee, physically and from a coaching standpoint.

Q: University of Tennessee men's athletic director Mike Hamilton and his wife Beth will host the first annual Mike and Beth Hamilton Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, Aug. 30 at Gettysvue Country Club. The golf tournament will pair one celebrity with each team for a golf scramble. All proceeds will benefit adoption services at Bethany Christian Services.

Director of Public Relations, Tiffany Carpenter, tcarpent@utk.edu

GRIFF: Wow! Celebrities here in Knoxville? I'm wondering if David Keith will be there ... or maybe Thomas Gallion?

Really, this tournament should be fun, and it's for a good cause. I'd suggest UT fans who like golf take a look at this one. It's a chance to see Hamilton with his hair down. He's a pretty nice guy, even if he did close practices to the local media.

Got a question for Ask Griff? Email Giff at knsgriff@aol.com. Mike Griffith is entering his 12th year covering SEC football, his seventh on the Tennessee Vols' beat. He can be heard on Monday mornings from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on WKVL-850 AM.