Lee Smith is gone but not forgotten.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer was asked Friday to field questions about the recently dismissed Powell High star.

Fulmer said it’s possible that Smith, who was dismissed on Wednesday, could return to the Vols.

"I have discussed that briefly as a possible option if everything worked out," Fulmer said. "I haven’t closed the door completely on anything."

The former Powell High School tight end/defensive end was booted by Fulmer after being charged with driving under the influence by the University of Tennessee Police Department early Wednesday. Fulmer, however, said that wasn’t the only incident that led to Smith’s dismissal.

Smith’s potential return wouldn’t be unprecedented, although it would be extremely rare based on Fulmer’s tenure.

Offensive lineman Ell Ash was allowed to return as a walk-on during spring practice after being dismissed last fall for a cursing tirade directed at UT’s coaches. Ash later left UT following the spring semester.

Fulmer’s relationship with the Smith family could play a part in any pending decision. Fulmer coached Smith’s father, Daryle, when he played on the offensive line at UT and Fulmer was the offensive line coach.

Smith has several options but is severely limited by the National Letter of Intent he signed in February. He would have to sit out two years if he transfers unless he receives a release from Fulmer or is dismissed by the university.

In both of those cases, Smith would have to sit out one year if he transferred to a Division I-A school.

Smith’s best option may be to pay for his schooling at UT and enroll as a part-time student so his eligibility clock wouldn’t start. Then, he could either rejoin the Vols or transfer to another school with five years to play four seasons.

Fulmer didn’t seem particularly pleased to be answering questions about players who weren’t on the practice field as UT opened fall camp.

"We’re going to coach the ones that want to be here," he said, "and not worry about the ones that don’t want to be here."

No Go: Fulmer said junior college safety Justin Garrett from Pasadena City (Calif.) College did not pass a required class and will not report. The former Baton Rouge, La., star signed with UT in February.

Garrett’s absence accompanied with two other offseason dismissals, Smith and Raymond Henderson, allowed Fulmer to dole out scholarships to some walk-on athletes.

"I’m able to help some guys that have been great Volunteers for us," Fulmer said.

Fulmer said he has placed running back David Yancey, offensive lineman Michael Frogg, defensive lineman Matt McGlothlin and defensive back Ben Greene on scholarship immediately.

The four could help UT’s football program in the classroom. As scholarship athletes, their academic progress will affect UT’s APR ranking. Fulmer suggested such a strategy would be prudent at SEC media days last week.

Fulmer said he could be in position to offer some other walk-ons scholarships depending on upcoming decisions to be announced by the NCAA Clearinghouse. He said he has one scholarship available.

Standing By: UT is awaiting clearance from the NCAA Clearinghouse for two prospects: Stephaun Raines and Gerald Williams. Both are potential candidates for a stopover at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., if they are not deemed academically eligible.

Raines is a defensive back/wide receiver from Dalton, Ga. Williams is a linebacker/defensive end from Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.

Raines’ academic issues were a bit of a surprise. He said he fell short in one class taken during his final semester in high school. Williams enrolled at UT last summer and participated in fall camp before being forced home because he was not deemed academically eligible.

"It’s frustrating," Fulmer admitted, "in that it takes so long."

UT suffered two other academic casualties in its 2006 signing class. Both were expected. Running back/linebacker Dustin Lindsey from Alcoa will attend Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. Wide receiver Brent Vinson from Hampton, Va. will attend Hargrave.

Fulmer’s Review: Fulmer was hesitant to dole out any significant praise on any one particular player after UT’s first practice on Friday. He did, however, echo the positive comments made by UT’s head strength and conditioning coach Johnny Long earlier this week.

"We are in pretty darn good shape," Fulmer said. "That’s obvious."

Stormy Start: A strong thunderstorm forced UT to practice indoors instead of in Lindsey Nelson, where UT traditionally holds early fall practices.

Then, the storm apparently knocked out the power in UT’s indoor practice facility. Fulmer said he considered moving back to the baseball field but decided against it because of the excessive rain and the damage it might cause to the field.

Fortunately for the Vols, the lights came back on and practice resumed in the Neyland Thompson Complex.

Schedule: UT will hold media day today followed by an afternoon practice. The Vols will practice each day next week. UT will hold two practices a day on Aug. 15 and 17. The Vols have three official scrimmages scheduled. They will be held on Aug. 12, 19 and 22.