UT Notebook for December 29

"Brent did fine," Fulmer said of the Tuesday workout. "I was very encouraged yesterday getting him back out. He's obviously rusty as can be because he hasn't played in along time."

Rick Clausen will start Saturday's game against Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.

Fulmer said Schaeffer showed significant maturity battling through the flu-like symptoms and being available to practice.

Stewart Review: Defensive back Antwan Stewart continues to practice as he recovers from an ACL tear suffered in spring practice. Stewart has been cleared to play.

"That's a little bit of a stretch to expect him to do too much," Fulmer said. "In an emergency-type situation, he could go in and help. One day he does fine, the next day his knee's sore."

Fulmer said Stewart could play in a "pinch"; meaning an injury or ineffective play by a Vol starter would likely have to occur for Stewart to see significant playing time.

Fulmer said Stewart is not ready to play safety but can play cornerback and participate in UT's extra defensive back packages.

* Tough Times: Fulmer said Clausen's ascension from third-stringer to starter is one of the best stories in the coach's career.

"At the time it really caught me off guard," Clausen said. "I was shocked. (Fulmer) asked me 'How do you feel about it?' And I said, 'I'm a competitor, and I'm pissed.' "

* Recovering: Fulmer said UT senior defensive end Karlton Neal is still trying to travel to Dallas to be with his team on Saturday. Fulmer said the season-long starter would not be available to play after being hospitalized with the flu and double-pneumonia. Fulmer said Neal is out of the hospital and his condition is improving.

"We lose a leader with Karlton Neal," said UT junior defensive end Parys Haralson. "He plays so hard and practices so hard. You talk about toughness, 'K-Neal' is one of those guys."

Neal started 19 games in his UT career and played in 42.

* Bed Check: Fulmer said "not many" players have missed curfew this week. Players are checked at night by UT's support staff. Fulmer said he implemented the curfew to set a "business trip" tone to this year's bowl week.

"Our lack of bowl success the last couple of years has embarrassed our program," Fulmer said referring to the last two seasons when UT lost two straight Peach Bowls.

* Not Quite: Senior linebacker Kevin Burnett said Texas A&M quarterback Ryan McNeal reminds him of former LSU star Rohan Davey. Fulmer wasn't in agreement.

"He's so much faster than Rohan Davey, it's not even close," Fulmer said. "That's not a good comparison."

* Sleep In: Defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona said 10 family members will be in attendance for the Cotton Bowl. Mahelona's father is spending the week in Dallas. It's a good thing for the Mahelona's sleep schedule. The game will air at 5 a.m. in Hawaii.

Mahelona said he is still recovering from a cold he caught in Las Vegas during Christmas break.

* Chemistry: Haralson said the cohesion among UT's football team has grown over the years.

"When I first got here I don't think it was as tight as we are now," said Haralson. "We've grown. When the younger guys came in, we took them in with us."

* Colquitt Clarifies: Dustin Colquitt took exception to Fulmer's mid-December comment that UT's senior punter missed practice time because he was "cleaning up some academic issues". Colquitt said he was only taking a mandatory test as he completed the fall semester.

Colquitt said he is closing in on 100 percent physically, the best he's felt since the preseason before pulling his hamstring. The 2003 All-American also pulled a groin muscle this season. Colquitt averaged 41.3 yards per punt this season, the lowest average since his freshman year.

* Notebook: UT piped in crowd noise during its Wednesday practice at Texas Stadium. UT will face a hostile crowd against nearby Texas A&M. ... Burnett, who has been with UT since 2000, said the Vols spent more time preparing for Texas A&M last week than had been spent on any bowl opponent while still in Knoxville. UT also focuses on fundamentals before traveling to the bowl site. ... UT defensive back Jason Allen said Roshaun Fellows is running like he was at the beginning of the season and may be 100 percent. Fellows has been slowed by a foot sprain.