Tennessee junior offensive lineman Steven Jones won the Harvey Robinson award given to the most improved offensive player each spring. Senior cornerback Jonathan Wade and freshman defensive tackle Dan Williams split the Andy Spiva award for defensive improvement, as selected by UT's coaches.

Steven Jones was rarely mentioned before spring practice even though UT was trying to find three new starters on the offensive line.

No problem.

"I'm not really big on the fame and all that," Jones said Thursday. "I knew I had a lot of work to do. I didn't think I was overlooked. I had to show them what I could do."

Jones did just that. He has played both guard and tackle this spring but, at 6-foot-5 with long arms, seems destined to end up at tackle.

"I've still got a lot of steps to go," Jones said. "I think I can contribute to the team this season."

Wade is not only a contributor. He's a projected starter and won an award usually reserved for less proven players.

"I'm glad about it," Wade said. "Being an upperclassman, seeing I can still improve greatly enough to still be most improved."

Wade said his awareness and leadership have improved this fall. That's good news for UT fans after Wade admitted that he lacked confidence at times last year.

"We're not playing a mind game," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "He is one of the most consistent players. He should take that as a shot of confidence. He's one of those guys that can take a receiver out of a ball game."

For Williams, being one of UT's most improved players meant losing 55 pounds.

"I could go two plays real hard. The third play I was dead," Williams said, recalling preseason practice last year. "I know I (wasn't) in any shape to play college football, especially not in the SEC."

Williams' emergence at defensive tackle could help the Vols tremendously this fall. UT likes to play four or more tackles in a game. Right now, they have two players on the roster with significant experience. If not for Williams' weight loss, he would have likely ended up playing on UT's offensive line.

Williams credits his family for pushing him through the tough times, the same family that once served up his favorite dish. Williams recalls the cheesy, chicken casserole that his mother made with a smile. Those days are gone for now.

"I can't go get three double cheeseburgers," Williams said of his limited trips to fast food restaurants. "I just get one."

The "one cheeseburger" diet has allowed Williams to improve his quickness and suffer less soreness after practice, he said.

Scrimmage Report: UT held its last private scrimmage on Thursday. It was a 70-play affair, 35-plays each for the first and second team.

"They went after it pretty good," Fulmer said. "Offense had two or three drives going. Didn't finish them like you'd like for them to. We're stopping ourselves offensively but the spirit was there."

Fulmer said junior Roshaun Fellows and freshman Rico McCoy missed practice in order to catch up on some academic requirements.

"That left us a little short handed at a couple of spots," Fulmer said.

Game Time: Quarterback Erik Ainge said he is protecting the ball better and is more decisive with his throws thanks to spring drills.

"I'm not saying I'm perfect, he said, "but I'm a whole lot more consistent than I was before."

Ainge said his mindset has also improved after the struggles of 2005.

"I'm confident now," the junior said. "I think that's another thing that I've really gotten out of this spring."

Spring Review: Fulmer said he was pleased with UT's first 14 spring practices. The final session is Saturday's Orange and White Game.

"I hope we finish with the same spirit and the same energy that we've gone through the spring," Fulmer said.

Fulmer admitted that UT's offense would be pretty bland in order to not give UT's first opponent, California, extra video to study.

"It's got to be a little bit of a concern to them as to how we'll line up," Fulmer said. "That doesn't mean we shouldn't be productive."

Injury Report: Senior wide receiver Jayson Swain underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday to clean up some loose particles. It was the second procedure performed on the knee in less than a year.

Swain was extremely limited throughout spring practice as he dealt with soreness and swelling.

"It should relieve the pain," Fulmer said of the procedure.