He's a given. A sure thing. An All-American.

In fact, Tennessee punter Dustin Colquitt is so good, he's easily forgotten in the midst of so much uncertainty this preseason.

The Vols have yet to decide on its No. 1 quarterback or tailback. They have to replace seven starters on defense.

So they aren't wondering: "Is Colquitt still punting like an All-American?"

But he is.

The former Bearden High School standout has averaged 51.3 yards per kick in UT's Aug. 18 scrimmage. Colquitt has made majestic, booming kicks almost seem routine.

"Dustin's had a heckuva fall," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "He's an outstanding weapon for us."

Colquitt's only shortcoming this fall has been self-control. If his left leg would allow it, Colquitt would kick constantly. He tries to draw the line at 70-80 punts a day, but that number has crept toward 100 more than once this preseason.

That dedication to the craft can adversely affect his performance. Colquitt skipped Saturday's scrimmage because of soreness in his leg.

"He'll try to kick too much sometimes," Fulmer said. "He wants to be that good."

Kicking is a family affair for the Colquitts. Younger brother Britton has boomed a few Dustin-like punts this fall as a freshman. During UT scrimmages, Britton is averaging over 40 yards a punt and has hit a 40-yard field goal.

Dustin and Britton frequently work with their father, Craig, who punted seven years in the NFL after starring at UT.

"It's like Anthony Munoz teaching Michael," Fulmer said. "During the season, if (Dustin) needs to get back on track, then he can talk to a pro."

Craig has been more involved this fall in hopes of teaching Dustin the difference between a quality practice and a lengthy one.

"It's important for him to understand that he's vital to the team," Craig said. "The best way to contribute is to fine tune his accomplishments in the past and put them into this year. You can push yourself too far."

Craig said he learned from former Vol kicking coach George Cafego that a long practice isn't necessarily a good practice. Craig said Cafego would sometimes limit him to 15 punts.

Craig said one reason Dustin might have pushed himself so hard this fall is competition, brotherly or otherwise.

"He's so competitive that if he watches another punter punt, then he wants to do it," Craig said. "Dustin is also trying to be a leader for Britton."

Britton's newfound maturity has impressed his father. Britton had several off-field incidents that drew the ire of coaches and parents alike. So far, that seems to be in Britton's past.

"Britton has become a 25-year-old man," Craig said. "Now, dad isn't so stupid and the world is not a playground. You can have fun but there are limits. I love the new Britton Colquitt."

Life seems to fit the Colquitts just fine. Craig sees the once-missing maturity in one son and appreciates the relative anonymity of his other.

"The position (of punter) has its moments where you can put a lot of heat on yourself unintentionally that can lead to your demise," Craig said. "You'll last a lot longer if you keep your energy level low. No kick is any more important that any other kick.

"We like the backseat.'