Last week, he was demoted. Last night, he was a star.

Roshaun Fellows registered two impressive defensive plays in Tuesday night's Tennessee football scrimmage.

The sophomore cornerback intercepted a pass by sophomore quarterback Erik Ainge early in the nearly three-hour practice. He followed that up by breaking up a pass intended for sophomore Robert Meachem, which would have gained 30 yards.

Fellows was the projected starter to begin fall camp but was demoted last week after a sub-par showing during an Aug. 13 scrimmage. Junior Jonathan Wade spent most of the time with the first team before suffering a hip flexor injury.

"Roshaun really reacted to the competition," defensive back coach Larry Slade said. "He was moved down. Jonathan moved ahead of him. It would have been interesting if Jonathan had stayed out there. Jonathan will be back but I really like the way Roshaun responded today. He's really gotten himself better."

Fellows, who started eight games as a freshman last season, didn't surprise Slade with his perseverance.

"I expected it," Slade said. "I told him that. I expected him to come back and respond in a positive manner. When Jonathan gets healthy, I expect him to take up where he left off."

Defensive coordinator John Chavis said he was pleased with his defensive backfield's improvement. Chavis said he felt comfortable with seven of his defensive backs in a game situation.

UT's starting four will likely be Fellows and senior Jason Allen at cornerbacks with sophomore Jonathan Hefney and junior Antwan Stewart at safeties.

Chavis said freshman Demetrice Morley would be the first substitute at either safety position and sophomores Antonio Gaines and Inky Johnson would be the immediate backups at cornerback.

Wade could push for a starting position once he returns to the field giving the Vols eight competent defensive backs.

"They're growing up," Chavis said. "We've got some real talent back there. The thing we're concerned about, and have been concerned about, is inexperience. We're talented enough to be good. They were in better position to make plays tonight."

Lined Up Linebackers: Chavis said freshman Jerod Mayo and junior Marvin Mitchell were pushing for playing time despite being behind three seemingly entrenched starting seniors.

Chavis said the depth at linebacker and defensive back, as well as his entire defense, may be unprecedented.

"We probably have more people that we can put in the game than maybe any time than I can think of," he said. "There's not a big drop-off."

By Committee: Offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said he has not decided on a backup tailback. Freshman Arian Foster received most of the carries Tuesday followed by junior David Yancey. Highly touted freshman tailback Montario Hardesty did not practice because of a bruised thigh.

"He needs the work and we need to find out exactly what he can do," Sanders said about Hardesty. "It's not like he's been around a year or two and proven so you know what to expect from him.

"We need to get him back out there but one of the most unfair things in the world you can do is put a running back out there that is not healthy."

Sanders said his immediate backup to Gerald Riggs Jr. could well depend on what play UT has called.

Injury Report: Freshman tailback Ja'Kouri Williams (knee), junior safety Jarod Parrish (knee), junior Matt McGlothlin (head), freshman offensive lineman Kurk Swearingen (ankle) and sophomore defensive end Jared Hostetter (knee) did not practice.

Senior center Richie Gandy did not practice but was without crutches and only had a protective sleeve on his injured right knee. He and fellow center, junior David Ligon (ankle), are expected to be out until mid-September.

Coach Phillip Fulmer said freshman linebacker Rico McCoy's foot will likely require surgery and force him to redshirt this season.

Still Waiting: Freshman defensive lineman Gerald Williams did not practice. He is waiting full clearance from the NCAA Clearinghouse.