Tennessee running backs coach Trooper Taylor says freshman Arian Foster is just as talented as veterans Gerald Riggs and Cedric Houston. But don't expect to see Foster in the backfield this season.

"There's no doubt in my mind he's as talented as Riggs or Ced right now," Taylor said. "If it was just running the ball and people staying in the same defense every play, he could be playing right now.

"Maturity-wise, as far as handling all the nuances of the game and the speed of it, I just don't think he's ready. But he is as talented as any of those guys we've got right now."

The UT running game has become a two-back attack with Riggs and Houston sharing the workload. Senior Jabarai Davis has seen limited action, and senior Corey Larkins was moved to the secondary after the Auburn game.

Despite Larkins' move to defense, Taylor expects Foster to redshirt. "I wouldn't consider playing him unless absolute disaster struck," he said.

Taylor said Foster is frustrated about not playing but that he is working hard to improve every aspect of his game.

"His biggest frustration is he feels he's the caliber of the guys who are out there," Taylor said. "He really does. And I'm glad he does.

"His attitude hasn't changed. The thing that has impressed me is that he is so hungry to get better. He asks more questions than the guys that are playing. You'd think he was playing by the way he stays focused in the meetings and comes to work with (strength and conditioning coach) Johnny Long.

"He called last night about trying to get with the track coach about speed work. He's always trying to get better."

Foster, who rushed for 2,093 yards as a senior at Mission Bay High School in San Diego, didn't report to UT until the last week of preseason camp because of questions regarding his academic eligibility. Once he was cleared to join the Vols, he made a positive impression by rushing for 51 yards on seven carries in his only scrimmage.

"He's got the balance, the vision and he's strong enough to shed tacklers," Taylor said. "But he had seven days to learn what the other guys learned all spring and summer."