If Tennessee's football team competes for a championship this fall, it will depend on several factors.

A field-goal attempt, a fourth-quarter pass or an open-field tackle could be the difference between a championship ring and an off-season of "what ifs".

Johnny Long is quick to say that the preparation begins months ahead of time. UT's head strength and conditioning coach has just overseen the completion of UT's winter workouts, almost four months of training designed to make UT's football players stronger, faster, and more durable this fall.

Long has worked at UT since 1994 but he's never seen an off-season quite like this. Injuries and expectations have made for a unique atmosphere.

Injuries affected 22 UT players during winter workouts. That forced UT's trainers to work closer than ever with UT's medical staff to shorten rehabilitation time.

"It's been challenging because you have so many different injuries we have to come up with all different programs for them to get them back," Long said. "It's not just one set program anymore. That's the toughest part, to keep everybody accountable. You can't let anyone slip through the cracks. This year is probably one of our biggest challenges."

Long said he has tailored his off-season program to limit injuries. Injury-prone workouts like the 40-yard dash and power lifts were cut from the off-season program.

"I can't afford to have injuries in the off-season," Long said.

Long also said his staff feels the pressure of a community brimming with championship expectations for 2005.

"At Tennessee, it's never really a typical off-season but this is not a typical off-season at all," he said. "This is kind of putting Tennessee back on the map."

Injuries and expectations are not the best mix for an off-season program. Still, Long said he was pleased with the off-season work and designated some of the top weight room performers during the recently convened spring semester.

Top Performers

• Rob Smith: Long said 90 percent simply isn't good enough for Smith. The junior offensive lineman sets his sights much higher.

"He's been about as consistent as anyone who's been through here," Long said. "Rob has a never-ending quest at being the very best that Rob can be. Rob doesn't give you anything halfway."

• Corey Anderson: Long said UT's junior fullback was close to garnering top honors. Long said Anderson's career-long consistency in the weight room should lead to a more physical 6-foot-3, 270-pound lead blocker.

"When Cory came to us, he couldn't bench press 200 pounds. Now, he's at 420 pounds," Long said. "He never could squat 300 pounds, now he's squatting 600."

• Cody Douglas: No Vol endured a tougher off-season than Douglas. After a serious foot injury that limited his effectiveness last season, Douglas' brother was killed in an accident while riding an all-terrain vehicle. The senior offensive lineman considered leaving UT and struggled through spring practice with a knee injury that limited his conditioning.

"He's fought back from injuries, losing his brother, and gaining a bunch of weight his will is unbelievable," Long said of the team captain.

Douglas has lost nearly 20 pounds since the conclusion of spring practice. He weighs 325 pounds, nearly his ideal playing weight.

Tough Guy Award:

• Marvin Mitchell: Mitchell had better be tough if he hopes to be a college football star. Injuries have hampered his play since signing with UT in 2002. The latest was a knee injury that cost him the 2004 season.

"He hasn't missed a day," Long said of Mitchell's off-season dedication. "He's been busting his butt every day to get back on the field. He's fought back from injuries. I think he used the weight room as his outlet."

Top Units:

• Linebackers: It's no surprise that John Chavis' group tops this list, considering how much the defensive coordinator demands from this unit during the season.

"Chief is very demanding but yet he's a very passionate coach," Long said. "You see that in his athletes."

In addition to Mitchell, Long said seniors Omar Gaither and Kevin Simon are the linebackers who stand out in the weight room.

• Offensive Line: Long said this group's accomplishments in the weight room rely on attitude.

"They have that mean, tough, get-after-their-butt attitude," Long said of the group that is led by Smith, Douglas, and junior Arron Sears.

Long said the sleeper of the group could be center David Ligon. Ligon hopes giving up track this spring and focusing on football will help him secure a starting position this fall.

Top Newcomer

• Demonte Bolden: Long doesn't hesitate when asked to name the top newcomer to UT's weight room.

"Demonte Bolden, by far," Long said of the high school Parade All-American from Chattanooga. "He's now understanding what off-season training is all about. He's stronger and faster. He's on his way to being one heck of a defensive lineman."