Redshirt freshman Ell Ash has been dismissed from the Tennessee football team for a violation of team rules.

The 6-foot-5, 293-pound offensive guard from Willingboro, N.J., played in three games this season, but has not been on the field since a victory against Ole Miss on Oct. 1.

He was listed as a third-string guard behind Cody Douglas and Ramon Foster for last week's comeback victory against Memphis.

No specifics for the dismissal were provided Thursday.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer did not release a statement with the announcement.

Ash is the second player to be dismissed this season. Junior linebacker Daniel Brooks was let go last month after a series of off-the-field incidents, including a run in with UT basketball players Andre Patterson and Jemere Hendrix.

No Cutcliffe For Kansas State: Former Tennessee offensive coordinator and Ole Miss coach David Cutcliffe told the News Sentinel he's not interested in the vacant head coaching job at Kansas State.

Cutcliffe remains a leading candidate to replace Randy Sanders as UT's offensive coordinator.

Surgeries For Williams, Mayo: Freshman running back Ja'Kouri Williams underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Wednesday and freshman linebacker Jerod Mayo had open knee surgery Thursday.

UT trainer Keith Clements said Williams could return in time for a bowl game if UT becomes eligible.

Mayo, who played in six of UT's first seven games, will miss the rest of the season and spring practice.

Mayo spent Thursday night at UT Medical Center. Dr. Greg Mathien and the team surgeons from Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic handled both procedures.

Sophomore defensive end Xavier Mitchell, listed as doubtful earlier this week, is still nursing a shoulder injury and is not on the dress roster.

Other banged up players, Jason Mitchell, Omar Gaither, Jesse Mahelona, Jayson Swain, Turk McBride and Kevin Simon will play against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

"Those kids have really pushed through a lot to be able to come out here and play in their last home game," Fulmer said.

Who Starts?: David Ligon will get his second consecutive start at center and Richie Gandy will again be available.

At cornerback, Fulmer said Roshaun Fellows would probably start, but Jonathan Wade would get playing time as well.

In the return game, Jonathan Hefney will return punts and Lucas Taylor will be deep on kickoffs.

Book Signing: Former News Sentinel sports editor Marvin West will be at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame from 10-11 a.m. Saturday to sign copies of his new book, Legends of the Tennessee Vols.

The book has a forward by Fulmer and features stories on former Vol greats, from Herman Hickman, Beattie Feathers, and General Robert Neyland to more recent stars Peyton Manning, Al Wilson, and the late Reggie White.

Get Your Tickets: Tickets remain on sale for $38 to UT's final home game of the season.

Gift Of Sight: The Tennessee athletic department is asking UT fans to support the "Give the Gift of Sight" program on Saturday.

Fans are asked to donate used eyeglasses at the fan information booths set up around Neyland Stadium.

Special Spectators: Children from East Tennessee Children's Hospital and UT Medical Center will attend Saturday's game as part of the Vols' participation in the "Special Spectators" program.

Dave Hooker contributed to this report.