UT Notebook: August 30

When: Monday afternoon

Where: Haslam Field

Gear: Full Pads

Starters?: UT’s starting offensive unit for Monday’s rainy practice consisted of freshman Brent Schaeffer at quarterback and junior Gerald Riggs at tailback. Fulmer declined to name a starter at either position.

Fulmer said both freshman quarterbacks would play Sunday. Fulmer said he would discuss the quarterback situation at his weekly Tuesday luncheon press conference.

Toeaina Update: Fulmer said junior OT Albert Toeaina will miss at least a week with his injured right knee. Toeaina was on crutches wearing a brace Monday.

Fulmer said an MRI revealed the injury was a bruise as a result of being kicked at practice. The injury was first thought to be a structural issue dating back to Toeaina’s junior college career.

Brimming Burnett: Senior LB Kevin Burnett said he is doing his best not to peak too early this week in anticipation of Sunday’s game versus UNLV. Burnett said, as a freshman, he could have played two games a week. Now that he’s "older" he said he has to pace his enthusiasm.

Burnett said freshman quarterbacks Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer face a tough challenge in handling the emotions of their first collegiate game week.

"It’s hard," Burnett said. "Right now, I just think they have to go out there and play. The sad reality is one mistake can cost them the rest of the game.

"I just tell them, ‘Don’t be Superman.’ If worse comes to worse, throw the ball away and let us play defense.

"Look at Miami and what they did with Ken Dorsey. You put one average player around 21 other great players and they’re going to be great."

A Better Brown: UT WR Tony Brown said he has more explosion than any other time in his UT career. Brown said he spent the off-season working on squats for the first time in years.

UT’s training staff had limited Brown’s squat training because of a pre-existing back injury. Brown said he has added three inches to his vertical jump and improved his 40-yard dash time in preparation for his senior year and potential NFL future.

WR coach Pat Washington said Brown will work primarily at the slot position because he reads defenses so well. If UT’s wideouts are as explosive as many believe, Brown could be a frequent target underneath. The lack of a serious pass-receiving tight end could also help Brown’s production.

Brown’s knows his production will depend on two freshman quarterbacks. So far, Brown is impressed.

"Those guys are ahead of their time," Brown said. "They’ve still got a lot to learn but they’ve got more ability than anybody I’ve seen since I’ve been here."

Inside Skinny: Senior DE Karlton Neal said he believes he is the most likely defensive end to see action at defensive tackle. Neal said he hasn’t seen much practice time at tackle lately because he has a firm grasp of the position.

Neal, at 260 pounds, said he can be a light quick defensive tackle like former Vol Edward Kendrick. Kendrick played at 265 pounds. Neal said the other end that is most likely to slide to defensive tackle versus UNLV is sophomore Turk McBride.

Fulmer said McBride has had a "fantastic" camp to follow up his most-improved spring award. Fulmer said McBride could be considered a starter on the defensive line.

Sliding Secondary: Asked if he might play safety versus UNLV, Jason Allen said, "You’re guess is as good as mine."

The senior defensive back said he spent 25% of pre-season camp at safety with the rest of the time coming at cornerback, his preferred position.

Looking Ahead: The Vols have five practices scheduled this week in preparation for the Sunday evening UNLV kickoff. UT figures to take Monday and Friday off next week for the open date.