Daily Report for Aug. 27

• When: Friday afternoon.

• Where: Haslam Field.

Gear: Full pads.

• On the Mike: Middle linebacker Kevin Simon has recovered from one injury only to be slowed by another. Simon has recovered from a pulled abdominal muscle that he suffered early in pre-season practice. Now, he suffering through a sore right ankle that was kicked late last week. Pain has settled in his Achilles' tendon. Simon said the injury hasn't limited his practice schedule but pain has been a hindrance.

• Cottam Praise: Fulmer said tight end Brad Cottam is "better than anybody we've had here" when it comes to route-running tight ends. Fulmer said Cottam needs to continue to add strength in order to play more physical.

Cottam's opportunities to play should grow as long as senior tight end Victor McClure is suspended. Fulmer said Justin Reed is the current starter at tight end.

• WR MVP: WR coach Pat Washington said his most-improved player of fall practice is C.J. Fayton. Washington wouldn't speculate on who might start versus UNLV in the season opener.

Washington said his group has the usual minor injuries that come from pre-season camp. Washington said he doesn't think any are serious. Robert Meachem had his left upper leg wrapped. Bret Smith was held out of practice. Jason Swain missed practice because of a concussion. Fulmer said Swain should return next week.

• Toeaina Update: Junior offensive tackle Albert Toeaina missed practice with a knee injury that has kept him out most of this week. Fulmer said the injury dated back to junior college career.

Fulmer said the injury has allowed sophomore Arron Sears to gain an edge in the Sears-Toeaina right tackle battle.

• On Guard: Senior WR Tony Brown said all receivers have to be on their toes when freshman QB Erik Ainge lines up behind center. Brown said Ainge's vision allows him to find open receivers that aren't the usual first option.

Brown said Ainge is as likely to complete a pass to a receiver running a "clear out" route as he is to the first-option receiver.

• The Unknown: UNLV will have an intriguing task as they prepare for UT's offense. The Running Rebels will likely face two quarterbacks with much different styles and no collegiate game tape to study.

"They're probably looking at it as two inexperienced guys," said freshman quarterback Brent Schaeffer. "But Erik and I handle pressure well and we're just going to have to go out there and play.

"It (starting) is not a concern at all. Regardless of who comes on the field first, both of us are going to have to play and show what we have regardless of when we come in."

• Ainge Analysis: Fulmer's comparison of former Vol Peyton Manning's poise to that of this year's freshmen quarterbacks was flattering and motivating.

"I don't think he'd say it if he didn't mean it," said Ainge. "That's definitely a compliment to me and Brent. At the same time, we're not the best that (Fulmer's) had at this age. That made us both want to get better."

Fulmer said, during his tenure, Ainge and Schaeffer have exhibited more poise as freshmen than any other quarterback besides Manning.

• Looking Ahead: The Vols will hold a Saturday morning kicking scrimmage at Neyland Stadium. Fulmer said his coaching staff has yet to decide on a schedule for next week since the UNLV game is scheduled for Sunday.

hookerd@knews.com