Jacques McClendon doesn't blame former offensive coordinator Randy Sanders for Tennessee's offensive struggles.

The lineman from Baylor High School in Chattanooga is committed to play football for UT. He said Sanders didn't deserve the criticism he has received this season.

"That man sits there and works and does his job and he's getting ridiculed for busting his butt, for having a couple of breakdowns," the 6-foot-3, 320-pound McClendon said. "I don't think it all should be on his shoulders, truthfully."

McClendon said he was surprised to see Sanders announce his resignation on Oct. 31. He said the players were partly responsible for the team's offensive woes.

"You can't blame the offensive problems on one man," McClendon said. "There were just a lot of people not making plays."

McClendon said he expected more from UT this season because of the players' talent.

"On paper, they're one of the most talented teams in the nation," he said. "I'm sure it's just really disappointing for them to have a season like they're having. They've just got to finish out strong and I believe they will."

McClendon said a team's talent must gel together to be successful. He said UT's offense doesn't appear to be playing as a team.

"They don't seem to be one unit right now," he said. "I believe they have a tremendous amount of playmakers.

"They just haven't had any chemistry. I believe if they had some chemistry they'd be an undefeated team right now."

McClendon said he is still committed to UT. Still, he said he will keep an eye on possible changes to the Vols' coaching staff.

"There are rumors going around that there's going to be more coaching changes," he said. "I really just want to see what happens.

"There's no telling what could happen. If an extraordinary situation came true then I'd still have a place that I'd like to go."

McClendon has made official visits to Alabama and Notre Dame. McClendon said he still plans to visit UT, Auburn and Florida.