The "O" in O-line doesn't stand for optimistic, as evident by Tennessee's coaches this spring. Tuesday, however, there seemed to be reason that things were looking better up front.

"We've got a good idea about the combinations we can use," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Tuesday referring to the starting lineups for Saturday's Orange and White Game.

The annual spring game will be more like a game than a scrimmage for the first time in years. UT's coaches will divide the team into two squads as opposed to the recent trend of offense versus defense.

Fulmer seemed pleased with redshirt freshman Josh McNeil, who has been working extensively at center.

"Josh McNeil is going to be a player," Fulmer said. "How soon? I can't tell you. Our schedule is so front end loaded, he's going to really have to make a lot of progress to be in the game the first part of the season."

Fulmer said he liked McNeil's aggressiveness and strength but technique problems were still an issue. McNeil's crash course at center means senior David Ligon has been moved to guard.

Ligon admitted he prefers center but is willing to play either position in order to have a successful season.

"I really enjoy center, having the weight on your shoulders and making the right calls, having to remain calm," Ligon said. "I really like that, the pressure part of it."

Ligon, who is known for his one-liners with the media, also liked the reputation that -- he claimed -- came with center.

"There's a stigma that a center is a smart guy," Ligon said with a smile. "That makes you feel good, too."

Ligon and his offensive teammates have struggled at times this fall, including last Saturday when they failed to sustain a long, scoring drive.

"It's frustrating but I wouldn't say frustration is growing," Ligon said.

Confidence may be the concern for new offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe's group after a sluggish spring.

"We think and know we can get it done," Ligon said. "Whether we can actually do that, we won't really know until Cal (opening game)."

For Kicks: Fulmer was hot and cold on his two starting kickers: senior place kicker James Wilhoit and sophomore punter Britton Colquitt. Colquitt surprised Fulmer by missing Saturday's practice.

"He had some lame excuse," Fulmer said. "He overslept. He was embarrassed to come late. You don't let one mistake cause another one. He's paying his dues."

Wilhoit filled in for Colquitt on Saturday.

"He punted really well," Fulmer said. "He's had an outstanding spring."

Fulmer seemed unsure if Colquitt would be able to overcome his sore hamstring and the punitive actions taken against him in time for the Orange and White Game.

"I'm hopeful he'll be back for the game, if he's finished running by then, or rolling since he can't run," Fulmer chided.

Dan, The New Man: Fulmer wasn't sure what to think when Dan Williams showed up on campus last year.

"Dan is one of those guys that was fat and had a completely unrealistic thought process of what it took to play at this level," Fulmer said. "We told him what he had to do and how he had to do it. I honestly didn't know if he could do it."

Evidently, he could. Williams is fighting for spot in the two-deep defensive tackle rotation after losing 50 pounds since last summer.

"He's changed his body and changed his psyche about being tough and taking coaching," Fulmer said. "I'm really impressed with all of that."

Said Williams with a smile, "I can move a little now."

Fulmer said UT's coaches were close to moving Williams to the offensive line after his lackluster arrival. That could have meant Williams was sliding out the door.

"The offensive line," Fulmer said, "is the last stop before the bus stop."

Special Players: Freshman Marsalous Johnson and sophomore Lucas Taylor each blocked a punt during Tuesday's practice. Fulmer commended defensive coordinator John Chavis for his work on UT's special teams.

Cutcliffe cited Taylor on Saturday as a player he expected to be a playmaker this fall. Taylor said he appreciated the compliment.

"I've been working hard," he said. "I'm just trying to get a spot on the first team. I feel pretty good about it."

Camp Warrior: Fulmer said linebacker Ryan Karl might have never been offered a scholarship if not for his demeanor in UT's junior day football camp in 2003. Now, the former Battle Ground Academy star is in line for a starting job.

UT is holding its 2006 junior camp Sunday.

Injury Report: Sophomore defensive tackle Demonte Bolden was back at practice after a scary incident during Saturday's scrimmage when he was carted off the practice field on a stretcher.

Sophomore defensive end Walter Fisher's sore shoulder could require surgery.

"He's done a good job," Fulmer said. "He's had a good spring. He may end up having surgery. We'll see."