Tennessee's shaky situation at defensive end just got shakier.

Former junior college star Walter Fisher will undergo exploratory surgery to determine the extent of damage in his shoulder. The sophomore defensive end is expected to need further surgery to repair the joint that was injured last week.

The former Hillsboro High School star is expected to be out for five to six months. Fisher is likely to return sometime in September, although it's not out of the question that he could return for preseason practice.

UT's season opener against California is Sept. 3. The Vols play six consecutive weeks until their first open date on Oct. 14.

Juniors Antonio Reynolds, who drew frequent compliments from defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell this spring, and Xavier Mitchell are the only returning defensive ends who have played in 20 games or more.

Apology: Phillip Fulmer issued an apology to UT fans after Saturday's Orange and White game.

"I apologize to any fans that didn't get a chance to get their autographs done," UT's head coach said. "I'm sure a lot of people didn't get through the lines. The way they had it set up was not as good as it should have been."

UT's annual fan day was a bit discombobulated because of renovations at Neyland Stadium, the usual site for fan day. The team was forced to hold the autograph signing session at Thompson Boling Arena.

Fulmer said fans still could get memorabilia signed by sending it to UT's football office.

Real McCoy: Freshman Rico McCoy had seven tackles for the White team Saturday.. That's a far cry from the beginning of spring drills when McCoy was sidelined with a foot injury after surgery in 2005.

"I'm deeper into the playbook," said McCoy, who is working at weakside linebacker. "I'm out there making plays. I'm just enjoying playing football for UT right now."

McCoy said he and his defensive teammates were limited Saturday because they couldn't use many blitzes or line stunts. Still, the White limited the Orange to seven points.

"Base defense got it done today," McCoy said with a smile.

McCoy also drew strong praise from his coaches.

"McCoy's a heckuva football player," Fulmer said. "He would have played a lot for us last year had he not been injured. I don't want to say too much because that ends up biting you in the butt. I think he's got a chance to be a good player."