Bolden, linebackers make grade

But coordinators Randy Sanders and John Chavis agreed it proved valuable.

"It certainly wasn't perfect, and we don't have the continuity,'' Sanders said of the offense. "We had a couple of busts that should have kept drives alive.

"But from where we started to where we finished, there was a lot of improvement.''

Chavis said that even with his defensive scheme being limited by order of head coach Phillip Fulmer, he was pleased with the end result.

"It was a good little scrimmage,'' Chavis said. "We had some kids make mistakes, but they'll learn from that.''

A couple of players, linebacker Jerod Mayo and defensive tackle Demonte Bolden, impressed Chavis.

"Mayo's got a good nose for the ball and he's smart,'' Chavis said. "Demonte didn't surprise me - we expect him to be a very good player.''

Here's a look at how the Vols graded out in the Orange and White game:

Quarterbacks (B) Erik Ainge and Rick Clausen took care of the ball, and that's a big step. Ainge showed no after-effects from the separated shoulder he suffered last season, and Clausen managed the team like a pro. Bo Hardegree wasn't as impressive as a year ago.

Running backs (B-) Gerald Riggs had a couple of nice runs but wasn't as dynamic as capable. Ja'Kouri Williams made the most of some big holes against the backup defense. Cory Anderson went down easier than expected. No fumbles and decent protection.

Receivers (C+) Robert Meachem was held to two catches for 16 yards, which shouldn't happen with his ability. Jayson Swain had just one catch for 2 yards. Freshman Josh Brisco had a nice debut with three catches for 61 yards, and Bill Grimes got open deep on a 55-yarder. Not a bad day for the group, but nothing sensational.

Offensive line (C) Pretty solid performance, considering Albert Toeaina was the only projected starter in the lineup. Most of the second-team linemen held their own. Disappointing push in short-yardage situations, and two bad snaps.

Defensive line (B) Bolden appears to be on his way to becoming the next great UT lineman. Jesse Mahelona and Justin Harrell were immovable on their 20 plays, but Bolden was a force throughout. The ends didn't seem to get as much done rushing the passer, but their run defense was solid.

Linebackers (A) Omar Gaither and Jason Mitchell were fast to the ball, and Jon Poe laid some nice licks from the middle. Daniel Brooks is coming on, and Mayo and Ryan Karl proved they're capable.

Secondary (C) First unit did well despite missing four of the top six DBs to injuries or track. Corey Campbell is back to being a hitting machine and Jonathan Hefney had a nice interception. But the strong safety appeared lost. Backup cornerbacks got scorched.

Special teams (B) "B'' is for punter Britton Colquitt, who appears ready to pick up where his big brother left off. Ryan Fusco had a tough day kicking, missing two extra points and banking in another. Nice return from Inky Johnson, but the coverage unit was clearly out-talented.

Overall (C+) It's hard not to say the spring didn't end with a plus, after everything the Vols have been through. No one got hurt, and young players stepped up in a game situation. UT didn't get everything it needed out of the spring - center and safety are concerns - but other key positions were developed.