While several possibilities are being considered, Tennessee’s first-look offensive line will consist of Arron Sears at left tackle, David Ligon at left guard, Josh McNeil or Michael Frogg at center, Ramon Foster at right guard and Eric Young at right tackle.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer surprised many at his annual media golf tournament last month when he said the offensive line was not as significant a concern, despite the fact that the Vols are replacing three starters.

Much of Fulmer’s confidence begins with Young. Fulmer cited him as one of UT’s top three linemen despite only starting two games. Like Fulmer, Young doesn’t seem too worried.

"If we keep practicing and working hard," Young said, "we’re going to be OK."

UT’s starting lineup is far from set. Anthony Parker is expected to push for playing time at right guard. Redshirt freshman Chris Scott, who has lost 60 pounds since last season, is also one to watch.

"I was happy with what I’ve seen in his progression of his mobility," offensive line coach Greg Adkins said of Scott.

Ligon’s move to guard from center would give the Vols some flexibility and depth up front, given that the senior can play either position. It would also fortify UT’s front as it prepares for the season opener.

"I know why I’m at guard," Ligon said. "That’s obvious. California has an unbelievably great defensive tackle. We’re trying to match players with players."

Ligon was referring to Brandon Mebane, who is thought of as one of top tackles in the nation.

Musical Positions: Fulmer announced that three players will see time at a new position during fall practice. Former defensive lineman Vladimir Richard will move to the offensive line. Sophomore Austin Rogers will play defensive back as well as wide receiver. Ricardo Kemp will move from running back to the secondary, where he was originally slated to play.

Full Go, Part I: Tailback Montario Hardesty admitted that he had a tough time dealing with his season-ending right knee injury last fall.

"I wasn’t coming to the games," the redshirt freshman said. "I was in the room just mad. It was a real big mental challenge."

Hardesty said he has overcome the emotions of the injury, as well as a minor injury to his left knee suffered just before summer workouts.

As for the common contention that ACL injuries require more than one year to fully recover from, Hardesty isn’t buying it.

"I feel good now," he said.

Hardesty is worth watching. He surpassed Arian Foster last season as UT’s second-string tailback before the injury setback.

Full Go, Part II: Backup quarterback Jonathan Crompton confirmed that his throwing shoulder is "perfectly fine" after surgery last season. However, the often-humble redshirt freshman wasn’t ready to declare he was going to push starter Erik Ainge for his position.

"I just want to compete everyday," Crompton said. "That’s all you can do."

Weight Room Warrior: Freshman Jacques McClendon has turned plenty of heads in the weight room during summer workouts. McClendon said he bench pressed 525 pounds and squatted 600 pounds twice before trainers told him to stop.

With a full slate of eligibility left, McClendon is well within striking distance of several weight room records.

"I’d like to set some of those records," McClendon said. "That would be nice to leave a nice imprint on the program but I’m more worried about winning games."

Wading Through: A slimmer Jonathan Wade said he’s ready to be a shutdown cornerback. That hasn’t always been the case.

"I can say that now and mean it," the senior said. "I feel like I’ve worked myself to be in that position to say that. I feel like I can take someone out of the game."

Wade said he now understands the importance of practice.

"I used to just kind of go through practice," he said. "My attitude has changed. Every rep in practice means something."

Determined: Fulmer said former UT basketball player Stanley Asumnu has earned his respect as a hard worker this offseason. Fulmer told a story in which he showed up at the training facility on a Saturday morning and Asumnu was going through a private, voluntary workout.

"Stanley has some limitations because of experience," Fulmer said. "But he has, I think, helped our receiving corps with great effort."

Fulmer hinted Asumnu could be a contributor on special teams and running fade routes.

Special Teams: Fulmer said his staff spent extensive time over the offseason studying special teams schemes from college and NFL teams. UT has divied up special teams duties among all coaches after a sub par season last year when defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell headed up the effort.

Deep Water: Friday’s cloudburst left its mark at Neyland Stadium. The intense rain caused flooding at least 8 inches deep under the north end of the stadium, a UT spokesman said. The floor in the Vols’ locker room and meeting rooms took on water and at least one area of concrete buckled.

Rolling Stone: Janet Reitman, a contributing editor at Rolling Stone magazine, was among those reporting on UT’s media day. She will be gathering information on the Vols throughout the season. The magazine plans to run an article on the UT football program later this year.