"Forever Connected"

That's the message emblazoned across Tennessee senior offensive lineman Cody Douglas' right arm. The off-season tattoo is there to remind him of a family member he could never forget.

Douglas' brother, Zack Julian, was killed in an ATV accident in January. Zack, 32, was 11 years older to the day than Douglas. Their birthdays are a part of the tattoo, along with a picture of Zack, the man that was more than a brother.

Zack also was a father figure, filling the void left by an absent biological father. He also was a confidant who helped guide Douglas through an injury-plagued 2004 season. Zack also persuaded Douglas to return to UT after a hasty notion had him considering entering the NFL draft after his junior season.

Douglas considered giving up football and staying with his mother shortly after Zack's passing. Thanks to Zack's upbringing, Douglas knew better.

"I knew that was something I had to do," Douglas said of his return to UT. "I knew that was what Zack would have wanted me to do. His number one thing above all else was that he wanted me to graduate."

Douglas was close to giving up football once again after his return to Knoxville. He still longed to be home in Texas with his ailing mother as he nursed a knee injury that limited his spring practice participation.

"In some ways, it was the tougher road but it was the better road certainly," UT head coach Phillip Fulmer said of Douglas' decision to stay at UT and rededicate himself to school and football. "To come back and be in college and be a part of a college team, those are all good manly, sound decisions."

Douglas said his Tennessee family was key in his recovery, including UT senior linebacker Kevin Simon, who also lost his brother suddenly at a young age.

Now, Douglas looks like a new man. He has lost 17 pounds. The limp from last season's foot injury is gone. There is a bounce in his step accompanied by a new approach to football, and life.

"I'm really going to enjoy this year and really enjoy life," the 328-pounder said. "When you think about it, there's nothing to be down about. Just to wake up everyday is a blessing for me. I'm happy to be here. Any second that could be taken away."

A healthy, reinvigorated Douglas will be a key member of UT's 2005 offensive line. Douglas is projected to play right guard, where he is a man-moving power blocker. If need be, Douglas could move to center where he worked during spring practice. Douglas also has played tackle during his career.

Douglas said his weight no longer will be an issue thanks to his new wife, Richae, whom he has dated since he was 16 years old. His high school sweetheart also is a part-time chef and nutritionist.

"I took the time over the off-season to educate myself about how to eat right and how to eat properly and I have my wife up here cooking for me," the senior captain said. "I really don't think that will be a problem this year."

Douglas has plenty of motivation this season. Sure, there are the dreams that he shares with his teammates, like championships and an NFL future. But, more than that, Douglas is on a mission to make Zack proud.

"He was great all around person," Douglas said. "He was the type of person that put other people before himself. He had just earned his masters degree a month before he passed away. He was getting ready to do some big things. That really hurt me because I felt like he got short-changed.

"He was a great person and really meant the world to me. I love to talk about him everyday. It keeps him alive in my mind."

Forever connected.