Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer wanted to set the tone with his players on the first day of hitting this fall.

When it came time to send out an offensive player in the time-honored Tennessee Drill, an exercise pitting two men in a head-to-head hitting battle, 6-foot-7, 350-pound Albert Toeaina was the offense's choice.

Before the defensive coaches could make a selection, junior Parys Haralson, at 6-2, 255, jumped in against Toeaina.

"Here he was, giving up 100 pounds, and he wanted in,'' UT defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said. "But that's Parys. He doesn't back down from anybody.''

Voted a team captain in the offseason, Haralson commands respect like few others on the team. That became more evident through a preseason poll of UT players conducted by the News Sentinel.

In addition to being selected as the Vols' leading vote-getter in the "Tough Guy'' category, Haralson was also named in the "Hitter'' and "Leader'' categories.

Haralson led the Vols with 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 10 quarterback hurries and 4.5 sacks last season. His 44 tackles was tops among Tennessee's defensive linemen.

"Parys has great intensity and great work ethic,'' Fulmer said. "He's a fantastic person and he's smart.''

No doubt, Haralson's decision to choose UT over Ole Miss three years ago after a vicious recruiting battle has proven to be a wise one.

Haralson leads the Vols with eight quarterback hurries through five games despite drawing a number of double teams.

"That recruiting got ugly,'' said Jennifer Rosell, Haralson's mother. "People that worked with me stopped talking to me. To that point, I didn't realize how big of a deal it was.''

Haralson knew. Three of his former high school teammates are starters for Ole Miss -- center Chris Spencer, flanker Mike Espy and left guard Doug Buckles.

"There was a lot of in-state pressure to stay in Mississippi,'' Haralson said. "It was tough, but I'm happy with my decision. I've been looking forward to this game to see my old friends and play in front of family members.''

Haralson is hoping to be in "Tough Guy'' form against the Rebels like he was at Georgia. Haralson played 40 snaps against the Bulldogs despite missing practice last week with a swollen and sprained knee.

Haralson led a resurgent UT defensive line in the 19-14 victory over Georgia. He had two quarterback hurries as the Vols sacked Georgia quarterback David Greene five times.

"I know Parys, so I knew he'd play,'' fellow UT defensive end Jason Hall said. "He's a hard worker and a fighter. If you're going to take a guy with you into a brawl, you'd definitely want Parys on your side.''

Interestingly enough, Haralson said he's never been in a serious altercation off the field.

Between the white lines, it's a different story. Caldwell, who recruited Haralson out of Flora, Miss., said Haralson's aggressive play was obvious from the outset.

"You could see the passion in his game,'' Caldwell said. "It was just the way he played . . . he doesn't stay blocked. You've got to block him twice every play.''

As for that Tennessee Drill with Toeaina, Haralson won the first round by speeding around the 350-pounder and getting the ball carrier. Haralson quickly accepted the challenge to battle Toeaina again, and fought to a draw, stepping in and hitting Toeaina head on with full force.

"I respect Parys a lot,'' UT offensive guard Rob Smith said. "You watch him on film and in the scrimmages, and he plays hard all the time. You have to respect that.''

Opponents would be wise to do the same.

Mike Griffith may be reached at knsgriff@aol.com.