QUARTERBACKS (C)

Erik Ainge managed the team better than Jonathan Crompton or Bo Hardegree, but he made some bad decisions under pressure. Ainge showed his arm on a couple of plays with some lasers between defenders, but on other passes he didn't have enough velocity or threw short. Hardegree had the prettiest pass of the day — granted, against the third team defense — a 50-yard fade to Quintin Hancock into the face of an oncoming rush. Crompton appeared to be the best all-around, showing athleticism, a strong arm and confidence.

RUNNING BACKS (C+)

Arian Foster is bigger, stronger and faster, and showed some nice elusiveness between tackles. Foster, however, had a needless fumble fighting for an extra yard after picking up a first down. David Yancey showed good vision and acceleration, but he also had a fumble. LaMarcus Coker was electrifying on the perimeter, but didn't show much between the tackles and was late cutting up field on a couple of other carries. Ja'Kouri Williams was solid but not spectacular, as was walk-on Roy Olasimbo.

RECEIVERS (C-)

Jayson Swain outfought a cornerback for a ball in the end zone, but other than that highlight, the receivers didn't do much to differentiate themselves from last season. Robert Meachem was a surprising non-factor, and Bret Smith seemed to be intimidated after a couple of hits. Josh Briscoe had a couple of nice grabs, and so did Austin Rogers. The tight ends had a couple of drops and made me wonder why everyone wants them to be thrown passes.

OFFENSIVE LINE (C+)

The first-team unit showed more aggressiveness coming off the ball and appeared more mobile in its run blocking. Quality of depth is an obvious issue, but overall the unit showed good fight and decent cohesion considering only one starter is returning. Pass blocking wasn't as consistent as it needs to be, but on more than a few occasions the protection was very good.

DEFENSIVE LINE (B)

The tackles appear as solid as ever, and that's saying something considering the loss of All-American Jesse Mahelona. Justin Harrell brought pressure throughout and Demonte Bolden made some plays. The Vols have dropped off at end where Jason Hall and Parys Haralson once brought the heat. Containment was lost on more than a few occasions, and there was little pressure from the outside.

LINEBACKERS (B-)

Solid, but not near the playmaking UT fans have become accustomed to. Of course, there will be three new starters, but in the past John Chavis' unit has picked up where it left off. This crew is still a step behind the normal pace. Jerod Mayo was the most impressive of the bunch. Farragut's Nick Reveiz showed some nice pop with the reserves.

SECONDARY (A-)

The first team was rock solid, with Jonathan Wade showing off greatly improved confidence and skills and Jonathan Hefney making plays from safety. Both Wade and Hefney had an interception. Antwan Stewart and Inky Johnson were also sticky in coverage. The first team secondary didn't allow a touchdown nor any big plays.

SPECIAL TEAMS (B+)

A fake field goal on the opening drive — a pass from holder Casey Woods to James Wilhoit — was the highlight of the day and the most creative offering from the staff. Wilhoit was steady throughout on his field goal attempts and extra points, save a missed 27-yard chip shot. Demetrice Morley blocked consecutive field goals rushing from the outside — a combination of his quickness and poor blocking. Britton Colquitt's punting was good, as he averaged 43.3 yards per kick

OVERALL (C+)

The desire and discipline is there, but the Vols don't appear to have the wealth of talent at the skill positions. Ainge was disappointing, though it's the first scrimmage. To David Cutcliffe's credit, he called it like it was, saying the team failed in key areas. The defense, though solid, is not as intimidating as last season and missed some tackles.

PROGRESS REPORT

Consider this a note sent home from the professor.

Tennessee fans need to decide now what they would consider a "good'' season. If the aspirations are for a championship, Vols' followers might be disappointed. UT coach Phillip Fulmer appears to have the team headed in the right direction, gearing down the sophistication of the offense and beefing up the talent, emphasis and coaching on special teams, but UT appears to lack the offensive playmakers of the past. They most certainly did not show they measure up against the Auburn's, Florida's and LSU's at the skill positions.

Erik Ainge, while surely improved, did not do enough in the first scrimmage to make anyone believe he's ready for All-SEC promotion. Again, it's early, but Ainge's reaction under pressure was unacceptable. There's not a quarterback controversy — yet. Players and insiders agree Crompton is pushing harder than the coaching staff would like to reveal.

Tennessee appears on track for a 7-to-9 win season at this point, but a few breaks could send the record another game, either way. The Vols will improve as the season progresses, but the September/October portion of the schedule is brutal. Playing more talented teams like California and Florida at home will only help so much. Both of those schools have been on the upswing from a recruiting and coaching standpoint and possess explosive offenses that Tennessee's young front seven can only hope to contain.

The Outback Bowl is a realistic goal, but at this juncture the Vols do not appear to be a BCS team.