UT notebook: December 16

"We came out of it healthy,'' said UT coach Phillip Fulmer, who put the starters through about 20 plays. "We knocked the rust off and got some looks. We still need a lot more looks in the secondary.

"That was one of the best practices we've had in a long time.''

Receiver Robert Meachem highlighted the action, catching two touchdown passes from Rick Clausen.

"The offense looked pretty good,'' said tailback Cedric Houston, who had two carries.

By Houston's estimation, Meachem "probably had about 200 yards'' receiving.

Fulmer said part of the secondary's struggle against the offense had to do with the absence of safety Jason Allen. Allen is being held out of contact this week with an injured shoulder.

"Without Jason, it's a struggle,'' Fulmer said. "We have to keep trying to fix it.''

Fulmer said Clausen did real well, while Brent Schaeffer is starting to return to form.

"It was good to see Brent Schaeffer get back into it,'' Fulmer said. "He made some really nice plays in the process and, obviously, is knocking off the rust a little bit.''

Schaeffer last played Oct. 30 in the Vols' win at South Carolina. Schaeffer fractured his collarbone in the second half.

• New Plan: Fulmer said there will be more contact in the days leading up to the Cotton Bowl than in past year's of bowl preparation.

"This is still a very young football team,'' he said. "We're still working at a high tempo.''

The Vols will hold another closed scrimmage Saturday, during which they will put more of an emphasis on giving the starting offense and defense more looks at Texas A&M's schemes.

After arriving in Dallas on Christmas night, the team is scheduled for another scrimmage on Dec. 28 at Texas Stadium.

• Rising Stars: Freshman tailbacks Ja'Kouri Williams and Arian Foster, both of whom redshirted this season, enjoyed strong afternoons.

"They had a bunch of carries and did real well,'' Fulmer said. "We split Ja'Kouri out wide of the backfield and he made some plays.

"Foster caught a screen and made a really nice run.''

Houston said he sees great upside in both backs.

"Ja'Kouri looked good at receiver,'' Houston said. "He doesn't have flashy moves, but he has quick feet.''

Houston said Foster will bring some excitement to the team next year.

"Foster will be a great back -- you can tell by his running,'' Houston said. "He doesn't know how to put his head down and get the tough yards, but I'm sure he'll learn.''

• MIA: Tailback Gerald Riggs missed the scrimmage to finish a paper for a class, while defensive end Karlton Neal was sidelined with the flu.

Defensive back Ellix Wilson remained sidelined by a hamstring injury, while linebacker Daniel Brooks is out with a neck injury suffered against Auburn in the SEC championship game.

• Academic Woes: Fulmer said two players failed to pass the required six credit hours this fall: linebacker Marvin Mitchell and receiver Derrick Tinsley. Both players, however, are injured and wouldn't have played anyway.

Mitchell is recovering from a knee injury and is expected to be eligible to take part in spring drills. Tinsley, who suffered a fractured leg against Notre Dame, is trying to recover in time to partake in the NFL Combine.

• Future Linemen: Fulmer said it was good to see offensive line prospects Ramon Foster and Anthony Parker get some looks.

"We're trying to find out if we're going to use Ell Ash on offense or defense,'' he said.