Michael Goggans sees a fresh start for Tennessee.

The tight end/defensive end from Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Ala., committed to play for UT in September. He said Randy Sanders' decision on Monday to resign as offensive coordinator might jumpstart the Vols' offense.

"At first I was kind of shocked with him just resigning in the middle of the season like that," the 6-foot-3, 247-pounder said, "but I also looked at it as a new beginning for the Tennessee program, too. Bringing in a new offensive coordinator might change some things up on the offensive side.

Goggans is being recruited by UT defensive coordinator John Chavis. He said Sanders leaving the program has no effect on his commitment.

Goggans said he hopes the new offensive coordinator will offer more opportunities for the tight end position.

"I think the new offensive coordinator they're going to bring in probably will use the tight end a little bit more than Coach Sanders did," he said. "I'm just hoping the guy comes in and gets some things changed in there."

Goggans said he has kept track of UT's season and has been disappointed to see the offense struggle.

"It disappointed me a whole lot because I watched the defense get out there and put their life on the line every game," he said. "I see the offense get in the red zone a lot and then fumble and they can't move the ball with the quarterback situation.

"Overall I think they have a pretty good offense. They just can't seem to move the ball real well."

Many UT players were outspoken in defending Sanders after his announcement to resign. To Goggans, he can see why the blame was pointed at Sanders.

"The first thing you're going to look at when you can't move the ball is the offensive coordinator," he said. "You can't blame the players.

"You can blame the players for him resigning, but I really think the players have to play on what they're coached. They've got to run what's called so you can't really blame the players for that."

Goggans can relate to the frustrations of UT's season. He said Benjamin Russell's season has mirrored that of the Vols.

"We really can't move the ball real well," he said. "Our head coach is really a defensive coach but he's trying to call the offense's plays.

"We've got a real strong defense. Our defense gets out there and holds the guys every week until we get tired because the offense really can't move the ball."

Goggans said the performance of UT's offense has not altered his preference to play offense over defense. Still, he said he's keeping his options open.

"I think they're recruiting me mainly for offense (at UT)," he said, "but if I have to change to defense then I'll go over there and play."