Safeties Fellows, Hefney give Slade reason to smile

The results are good.

"Man, as far as the knowledge, they really surprised me in how well they learned the stuff," defensive back coach Larry Slade said. "I was pleasantly surprised in how they played."

Slade is referring to sophomore Roshaun Fellows and Jonathan Hefney, the first-team safeties during the first five sessions of spring practice. The two started a combined 20 games at cornerback last season before UT coaches decided to move them to safety as spring practice opened.

"We're trying to solve some problems at safety," Slade said. "Those guys did a good job. We're trying to make a decision whether or not to continue that. I think we will."

Fellows and Hefney surpassed juniors Jarod Parrish and Corey Campbell on the safety depth chart. Parrish started one game at safety last season. Campbell started five. Fellows and Hefney have continued to practice at cornerback but it is clear that safety is the top priority.

Slade said he doesn't expect Campbell or Parrish to play cornerback this fall. But Slade expects the experience at both positions to benefit all four defensive backs.

The common theme is success via versatility.

"Sometimes you say, 'I've got these safeties and these corners,' " Slade said. "We're going to rank these guys one through eight. We're going to put our best four on the field."

Fellows admitted he was a bit surprised by the move.

"I was kind of shocked at first," he said. "It's dawned on me that's where we need the most help so I'm willing to help there. It's a challenge that we're going to step up and take."

The two aren't from the typical UT safety mold. Fellows is 6-foot, 185 pounds. UT generously lists Hefney as 5-10, 175.

"I know I'm small but I don't really pay attention to it," Hefney said. "I play with my heart and try to throw my body into it if I get chance to.

"I don't think the quarterback can see me half the time. I can sneak up on the receiver and snag some picks."

Said Slade, "It's critical that they have great attitudes. Right now, it's great. The attitude throughout the secondary is outstanding. When you see Corey Campbell, for example, competing rather than being upset about being moved down; he's getting better as a result. We're excited about their attitude."

UT's players have next week off for spring break. After that, phase two of the secondary experiment begins March 29.