Quarterbacks Eric Ainge and Brent Schaeffer aren't the only University of Tennessee freshmen who know what to do with a football. Arian Foster of San Diego, proved that in Saturday's scrimmage at Neyland Stadium.

Foster, who wasn't ruled academically eligible until last week, ran seven times for 51 yards in his first scrimmage. He was running behind the second-team line against second- and third-team defenders.

"He's really good," running backs coach Trooper Taylor said. "He got dropped into the fire. He's only been here about two days.

"But the kid made some good reads, and he's patient. He knows what to do with the ball under his arm."

Foster also made a favorable first impression on his teammates, according to Taylor.

"The fellahs tease him and say he looks like an albino Eddie George," Taylor said. "He's a big kid and runs with those long strides."

Although the missed practice time left Foster behind, Taylor doesn't rule out his contributing as a freshman.

"It's going to be tough for him and (freshman) Ja'Kouri (Williams) both. They have to step it up. There's a lot of depth there. But they know they'll get a fair shot.

"If (Foster) keeps going like he's going, he'll run it. I wouldn't be afraid to play him. I don't want to save him for the next coach.

"His late start has really hurt him. If he had been here the whole time, I think he could push for (the starting) job."

UT has four experienced tailbacks in Gerald Riggs, Corey Larkins, Jabari Davis and Cedric Houston.