Arian Foster is undergoing a makeover.

Running backs coach Trooper Taylor is determined to change Tennessee's starting tailback from what many perceive as a turnover-prone redshirt rookie into a big name SEC running back.

So far, Foster is adapting well.

"I don't want his perception to be fumbling Foster," Taylor said Wednesday. "I want it to be the athletic guy that you see making people miss. The first guy is not making the tackle. He's going to make the first man miss."

Foster didn't have a fumble last Saturday against Memphis. After the game, he shrugged off post-game questions about his improved ball security saying it was simply expected.

Still, Foster was seen carrying the ball away from his body at times. Taylor likens the habit to a golf swing.

"If you've been swinging a certain way, it's hard to get that out of you," he said. "He's been carrying the ball that way since he's was five. You can see that he is conscientious of it."

Taylor said he was pleased with the vast majority of Foster's ball carrying against Memphis. Taylor said the ball was usually high-and-tight, especially just before contact.

"It's something that we walk a thin line on because I don't want to put it in the back of his head," Taylor said. "I try to be positive with him."

There's been plenty of reason to be positive about Foster in his first three collegiate starts since taking over for senior Gerald Riggs Jr. who suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Alabama on Oct. 22.

Foster is the first UT freshman to rush for at least 100 yards in each of his first three starts since Chuck Webb did it in 1989.

UT is depending on Foster to close out the season. There is little depth behind him.

Taylor said junior David Yancey is still UT's backup but junior fullback Cory Anderson could also play tailback.

Taylor said freshman Ja'Kouri Williams has been slowed by a sore knee. He is expected to miss Saturday's game against Vanderbilt. Freshman LaMarcus Coker will only be used in an emergency situation as the Vols try to preserve his redshirt season.

Freshman Montario Hardesty had season-ending knee surgery.

Let's Get Physical: Cody Douglas and his fellow offensive lineman could well rely more on brawn than brains versus Vanderbilt.

"We'd like to put our hands on the ground and come off the ball like we did against Memphis," the senior said. "Vanderbilt is more of a conventional defense than what we've seen the last two weeks. That's kind of a plus for us."

Douglas said UT's pre-snap defensive reads against Vandy should be "100-percent" easier than the Vols last two disguise-minded opponents: Memphis and Notre Dame. Still, the Commodores present plenty of challenges.

"They bring a lot of movement and a lot of blitzes that we'll need to be aware of," Douglas said. "For the most part, if we come off the ball like we're capable of, we should be in pretty good condition in the run game."

Douglas didn't seem to think that UT's running game had reached its full potential in 2005. The Vols are ranked eighth in the SEC in rushing.

"This year we should have a physical advantage against everybody we've played against," Douglas said. "Maybe the game plan didn't dictate that or the course of the game didn't dictate that."

Special Sophomore: Ryan Karl has been one of UT's best special teams players this season. Karl, who is UT's leading special teams tackler with seven, plays all phases of the kicking game.

"I feel like we've been making mental errors," said Karl, who has two fumble recoveries this season. "We've been coached very well in special teams. Last week, we did a little better in special teams. Hopefully, we can carry that over to this week."

Karl, UT's second-string strongside linebacker, said Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler is probably the best quarterback UT will face this season and is likely a first-round NFL draft pick.

Karl said Cutler has the best arm of any quarterback the Vols have faced and is one of the best runners at his position. Karl pointed out that Cutler and Vandy's passing attack isn't the only concern.

"They have a big offensive line," Karl said. "They're smart and they do a good job, especially in pass blocking."

Karl could be a starter next week against Kentucky if UT's coaches decide to move Omar Gaither from strongside to weakside linebacker after Jason Mitchell undergoes season-ending knee surgery Monday. Karl is the second string strongside linebacker.

Marvin Mitchell is listed as UT's second-string weakside linebacker.

Injury Report: Senior defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona was limited during practice with a sore shoulder but is expected to play Saturday.

Gaither (knee) and junior defensive tackle Turk McBride (ankle) are both listed as questionable but expected to play.

Douglas (knee) is listed as probable. Sophomore defensive end Xavier Mitchell (shoulder) is listed as doubtful.