For tailback Gerald Riggs and linebacker Daniel Brooks, the "two steps forward, one step back'' routine won't do.

Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer said it's time for the Vols to come together as they approach the close of spring football.

That means everyone on the same page with the same focus after next Saturday's Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium. Game time is 3 p.m.

Riggs and Brooks, both Parade High School All-Americans, have handled themselves on the field in exemplary fashion throughout the offseason and spring.

Off the field, however, both were involved in events requiring mild disciplinary action.

To the credit of Riggs and Brooks, both seemed to have learned their lessons. Albeit, the hard way.

Most recently, Riggs was suspended for a practice to focus on academics. A day cleaning out the Vols' steam room served as further punishment.

"Yeah, that was something I needed to do,'' Riggs said. "But it's not going to become a big thing.''

Riggs' crime was oversleeping and missing a morning run. The reason?

"I had three papers I was working on for class the night before,'' Riggs said. "I overslept. I can't do that.''

Brooks, meanwhile, has been associated with two off-campus incidents in the past five months involving fights at fraternity parties. Brooks was a mere bystander in last month's brawl, according to coaches and the player.

"People on the outside looking in don't know the situation,'' said Brooks, who was not charged in either incident. "Now, I have to work hard and earn trust back. I just stay in my apartment now, getting my rest.

Brooks could very well need that rest this fall.

In addition to playing on kickoff and punt teams, Brooks is making a run at the No. 4 linebacker position. That means if one of the starters gets injured, Brooks could be the next player dialed into action.

"I'm really pleased with the way Daniel has responded this spring,'' UT defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "He missed some time earlier this spring with that hand infection. He's made progress since he's been here and he was really starting to come on at the end of last season.''

Brooks, running second team behind starting weakside linebacker Jason Mitchell, had three impressive hits in coverage during Friday's kicking scrimmage.

Riggs, meanwhile, has the weight of Tennessee's running game on his shoulders. A returning 1,000-yard rusher, Riggs is a likely first team preseason All-SEC pick.

"He should set his goals to get 1,300 or 1,400 yards,'' said Fulmer, perhaps unaware Riggs has set 1,500 as his target. "I hope Gerald understands the accountability and responsibility he has to the team. I will say he's gotten better at managing himself.

"I'm not frustrated with Gerald ... I want him to be a complete man.''

Growing up is a part of college life. As far as Fulmer's concerned, it's also a part of being a part of a title team.

"The team is bigger than any of us,'' Fulmer said. "We'll do well with them or without them, and hopefully it's with them, because they can certainly help us in our quest for a championship.''