UT Notebook: October 19

QB chat: Sanders said it is still beneficial to the team to play both Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer at quarterback.

"We’re not going to play anybody just to make them happy," Sanders said. "As long as Brent still gives us a chance to win, he’ll play.

"It’s time for the team to score a touchdown when he’s (Brent’s) in there. Some of the things that are happening are his fault. Some are not his fault. We need to be more productive when he’s in the game."

Sanders said the coaching staff has not discussed a change in position with Schaeffer. Sanders said Schaeffer is too valuable as a quarterback. Additionally, the request would likely fall on uninterested ears.

"He might be willing to do it on the short term but I think quarterback is obviously what he wants to do," Sanders said. "If anything happened to Erik, he’s got to be ready to play every play. He’s ahead of where most freshmen are but Erik’s just a little bit ahead of him."

Schaeffer has not led UT’s offense on a touchdown drive since the Louisiana Tech game on September 25.

Step up safety: Junior safety Jason Allen said he will need to elevate his play in the absence of fellow safety Brandon Johnson who was suspended Monday.

"I can always do more," Allen said. "It puts me in a position to make more plays. I’ve got to make more plays."

Allen said sophomores Corey Campbell and Jarod Parrish and senior Corey Larkins are the candidates vying for playing time in Johnson’s absence. Johnson is suspended indefinitely. He had two interceptions against Ole Miss on Saturday.

Almost there: Sophomore Antwan Stewart is recovering well from his ACL injury suffered in spring practice. Stewart said he is approximately 70-percent recovered.

Stewart said most of his quickness has returned. He is focusing on strengthening the knee. Stewart said UT’s secondary struggles have been tough to watch as the Vols await his return later this season.

"They’re going to be better but they’ve got to start picking up on what the coaches are saying," Stewart said. "(UT secondary) Coach (Larry) Slade’s not going to tell you anything wrong. He’ll put you in the right place and you’ll make plays."

Visitors: The Vols have plans for at least four official visitors for this weekend’s UT-Alabama game. Demetrice Morley (safety, Miami, Fla.), Dace Richardson (offensive lineman, Wheaton, Ill.), Anthony Moeaki (tight end, Wheaton, Ill.), and Ayanga Okpokowuruk (defensive lineman, Chattanooga) are scheduled to be in Knoxville.

Army man: Waynesville, N.C., quarterback Jonathan Crompton will be officially invited to the U.S. Army high school all-star game during a Thursday morning ceremony at his high school. The game, which is held in San Antonio, Tex., and televised on NBC, features the top players in the nation.

Motivation: Senior defensive end Karlton Neal said the 2003 UT-Alabama game was a motivating factor throughout off-season workouts.

"There were some workouts where I thought, ‘Skip this. I want to go home and lay down in front of the air conditioning,’ Neal said. "In games like that you know it’s going to be tough."

The Vols beat Alabama 51-43 in five overtimes last season in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Indoors: The Vols practiced indoors for Tuesday’s practice because of the drenched outdoor practice field.

Injuries: Junior offensive guard Cody Douglas (foot) was limited to sideline rehab work on Tuesday. Douglas said he believes there is a 60-percent chance he will play versus Alabama. Junior defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona (knee) did not practice. Freshman defensive end Jared Hostetter has returned to practice (knee). Senior wide receiver Derrick Tinsley and freshman Brad Cottam were the only non-quarterbacks wearing a green non-contact jersey.